Northern Harrier

Gallery: AvianPosted January 29, 2011160 views31 comments

Sorry for all the harriers, but like I have stated in the past, you take what you can get when you can get them. In Utah, it was the harriers against awesome BGs. This shot is FF. No crop. Yes it is a bit tight at the wing tip on top. If I ever do anything with this image that demands more room up there I will consider adding some canvas, but for right now I am inclined to keep it "pristine." We had very little good light on this day, this bird just happened to come by during a 5 minute break in the clouds. Please view the larger version for max details. Thanks so much.

Canon 1DM4
500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC
ISO 800
f/5.6
1/1600s
Manual exp.
Hand held
100% of FF

Comments

31 comments

Comment posted by Marc Dubuc on January 29, 2011 at 5:31 PM

Excellent flight shot. Nice details from head to tail. Perfect BG. I would not add canvas, I like it as it is!

Registered on January 4, 2011, 59 Posts, 229 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on January 29, 2011 at 5:35 PM

No need to apologize for these harrier shots, Ron. I hope that you keep them coming! The detail in this one is outstanding: including under the wing and even some detail in the "now infamous" white rump spot! Capturing this nice composition full frame is a real accomplishment too, of course. Beautiful work.

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on January 29, 2011 at 6:24 PM

Excellent detail in the bird and a very pleasing background Ron.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on January 29, 2011 at 6:35 PM

Charlie, no I do not use any type of support. Just me hand holding. Doing so really provides the maximum in freedom when shooting. I hope I am able to do it this way for a long time. We will see how the body holds up.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on January 29, 2011 at 7:41 PM

Excellent work Ron, and full frame as well

No nits from me, you're da man

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 29, 2011 at 8:15 PM

First rate in every aspect. Exceptional sharpness; great image quality overall.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Marquart on January 29, 2011 at 9:35 PM

Excellent shot, you cut it close at the top as you pointed out, but you got it. This is another incredible shot, especially for full frame and what's also amazing is this seems to be getting routine for you!

Registered on October 24, 2009, 126 Posts, 799 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on January 29, 2011 at 9:53 PM

wow, Ron.... what a beauty, and amazing that it is full frame. looking at the thumbnail I thought it was way too tight on top but looking at the actual image I don't feel as strongly about that. A little more on top would be ideal, but the bird's overall placement in the frame is excellent. Great job just keeping her in the frame, and great light on the eye.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by richard remington on January 29, 2011 at 10:21 PM

Ron,

This is absolutely awesome for a handheld shot. Wway to take full advantage of a great opportunity.

Rick

Registered on March 12, 2010, 105 Posts, 368 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Twaddell on January 29, 2011 at 11:55 PM

Over the top!

Registered on August 16, 2007, 199 Posts, 2132 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on January 30, 2011 at 12:42 AM

Fantastic photo Ron, just one major flaw...I didn't take it.

The composition is fine in my opinion, well more than fine actually! So nice when you don't have to crop at all.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 30, 2011 at 2:43 AM

Another Beauty Ron!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on January 30, 2011 at 6:10 AM

You're getting good at this ! perfect wing position, great eye contact and that wonderful background.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Alex Mody on January 30, 2011 at 6:21 AM

Perfect, full frame harrier shot. I'd add the canvas... this is GREAT!

Registered on December 25, 2007, 163 Posts, 1896 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on January 30, 2011 at 7:03 AM

Ron,

Comp is fine with me! Beautiful view of the eye, flight pose and background. Love how we can see the plumage pattern under the front wing and the top of the rear wing. Lovely details & sharpness too!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on January 30, 2011 at 9:39 AM

Beautiful, in both light, detail and eye contact. How'd you get him to come so close :)?

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on January 30, 2011 at 9:49 AM

I do not think that they can get much better than this. Sweet.

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on January 30, 2011 at 11:31 AM

I have really enjoyed your Harrier shots Ron, and this one is no exception, it maybe a little tight for some, but this is a superb study of this gorgeous bird and works for me as presented.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on January 30, 2011 at 1:10 PM

Another excellent shot of these beutiful birds, Ron. Awesome.
Mauro

Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on January 30, 2011 at 2:08 PM

It's a cracker Ron, don't apologise for uploading shots like this, it's fantastic.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on January 30, 2011 at 5:14 PM

This is a superb picture, Ron- No matter it is a bit tight on top, details, colours and head are awesome- you've a terrific skill- bravo, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 30, 2011 at 5:46 PM

Bird and background are simply wonderful Ron (at least phrags are good for something!). The sharpness really comes through on this FF shot. I especially like the light on the right wing in this excellent position to show off the interesting patterns there. The white rump patch doesn't get any better exposed than this. Exceptional harrier image!

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Walters on January 30, 2011 at 6:48 PM

Nice action! Like the colors in the background. Nice eye contact as well.

Registered on October 30, 2005, 405 Posts, 3693 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Loomis on January 30, 2011 at 10:18 PM

Wow, this is fantastic! As you said, awesome BG. It really lets the subject stand out. Amazing that this is FF. What a great close encounter. Love it.

Registered on January 26, 2010, 68 Posts, 719 Comments

Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on January 30, 2011 at 10:30 PM

Stunning shot, beautiful detail!

Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on January 31, 2011 at 12:09 PM

Ron,
perfect in every aspect. I like as posted. Bravo!

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 31, 2011 at 12:27 PM

I do not think I would of noticed how tight it was on top if you had not mentioned it in your comments because my eye went right for the harrier's head and eye contact on the larger version. Sharp detail, FF and a flight shot, way to go, very well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on January 31, 2011 at 12:47 PM

I have to admit that I did notice the tightness at the top at first glance. However, I think I am with you in keeping this one "pristine". Well done.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Rohn B. McKee on January 31, 2011 at 6:14 PM

Ron,
Understanding how difficult it is to capture a photo like this, I acknowledge all the work and patients to capture one as excellent as this one is. Great processing as well.

Registered on November 18, 2008, 109 Posts, 415 Comments

Comment posted by Geoffrey Baker on February 1, 2011 at 5:57 PM

An excellent capture Ron

Well done.

Geoff.

Registered on August 20, 2010, 192 Posts, 980 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on February 2, 2011 at 1:55 AM

Excellent - especially the forequarter pose, eye contact, crisp presentation and background.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments