Turkey Vulture (aka, bird on a stick)

Another shot from the Everglades. Just a bird on a stick I'm afraid but I liked the incredible last rays of golden light bringing out the detail and colours on the feathers. Usually you see these birds from far away or soaring high above, so you don't get to appreciate the detail in them. I just think of them as being dark and dull feathered birds but this one, sitting in this light was showing off what I think is beautiful feather detail! I know some may not like how dark the front of the bird is due to the light not hitting full on but it doesn't bother me too much :)

For me the quality lighting that you have on the wing far out ways the dark chest area, It would have been a different story if you hadn’t got the feet/legs as well.

An excellent portrait, exceptionally well taken.

Good shot of a difficult species Richard but it really needs some shadow areas brought out a little. Even bringing up the gamma helps but it needs shadow lifting software or even some selective dodgeing. I hate to say it but a Raw file could be a godsend in a case like this. Just my personal view. If you are happy - fine.
Cheers
JohnR

Thanks guys

John, like I said I think some will think it needs more work but I like the dark areas for the same reason as Ray - in that it shows off those golden feathers more. I did do a version with lifted dark area's but, unusually, adding detail there lost a little something with the feel of the picture so I left it with just a hint of feather detail in the chest. Still, to each his own

I had 2 of these circuling my garden yesterday and there is a water tower about 10 miles away where about 100+ roost-ugly buggers but you have nice light here-as john says try to get abit more out of the dark areas

Dave

Think I'd also go for a bit more detail in the dark area, but just a hint would be enough. As you say the light on the wings is lovely and I like the composition too