Cleared for landing

This was taken earlier today. It's the second time I went out since a long time (the first time was yesterday). I was shocked by the much reduced bird population compared to last year - maybe down by 50 % across many species.

This Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) came down for a landing in a patch of water in the reeds. Barely had it landed, that another Canada Goose that had been standing on the side for probably an hour took off and chased this one away. Unfortunately, I do not have clear shots of the interaction.

This was one of the last shots of the evening: the bird turns its underside into the setting sun. I like the flight attitude of the bird. It is just about to rotate for touchdown: its wings are brought forward to cut speed and the feet are coming down. Both will apply rotational momentum.

All comments are much appreciated. Thanks for looking and thanks for all your comments on my other photos. Roger.

Canon 7D, Sigma 150-500 at 340 mm, f/6.3, ISO 640, 1/2000 sec, HH, natural light, PP in LR4 and trying out the NIK suite. Cut slice from the left of the capture and added it to the right to place the bird further to the left in the frame. Some crop after that.