Black-Hawk w/REPOST

Canon 7D, 500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC, Gitzo monopod w/ RRS head

1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 800. Evaluative metering w/ EC +1 1/3 stops.

Crop to 59% (10.6 of 18MP)

This is a shot that I had been after. About a month ago, I got a decent flight shot of a Common Black-Hawk, but not this good and I wanted to do better. Common Black-Hawks are strictly riparian birds, and although they will sometimes soar high above the riparian canopy, I wasn't after a soaring shot, but wanted something more dynamic.

So I went back a week ago, and got nothing. The only Black-Hawk I saw, I was working a big circle around to get the light right, and he took off before I made it. My window was closing. The cottonwoods had already leafed out, and the sycamores wouldn't be far behind. The more leafs on the trees, the less likely I'd find an unobstructed shot.

So I went back two days ago. Tough light, with a bright overcast and a dark bird, but he took a clear perch and I was able to dial in the exposure just right. Then I stood squinting through the viewfinder for 20 minutes til he finally took off. Given the difficulties of getting the exposure right, I'm quite happy with this--did not need any exposure adjustment in ACR. I don't have any more room in front, but could easily add some [now have--see below], which might [does] help.

Comments and critiques appreciated. Please view larger version if possible.