And my last one was THIS big.....

Canon 10D 600mm f4 is, x1.4, 1/1000s, f5.6.

One from a couple of days ago from the Isle of May. Yet another puffin, I know, especially when others have posted the same species recently. But I couldn't wait any longer and although they are over-photographed I'm sure they're still enjoyed. Interested to hear comments on this considering it was taken with an antique (1D2n getting new shutter mechanism). He's apparently showing off a sprat which is bigger than the usual sand eels.

LARGER VERSION

One without a ring from the Isle of May.. Now there's something different.. Superb detail on the bird and very well exposed.. So much guano in the shot and although very natural does compete for attention.. But this is exactly how you see them and you could do nothing, just an observation really to what is a splendid image in all other aspects. A touch more selective lighting to the head/eye area just to bring out a little more detail will add a little more to it I feel..

Brett

Great portrait Ian, with a superb pose. Great detail where it counts. Good to see them with food, as last year was a little worrying with the Sand Eels. Nice mottled/diffused BG complimenting the Puffin.

Please to see you have kept the 'guano', as I saw a recent image where the photographer removed it all, because she thought it spoilt the image!

TFS
Steve

Steve: The guano certainly doesn't spoil the image but it does compete.. No matter how you look at it! White areas on dark rock surface will always stick out so you just have to weigh up the pro's and con's of the rest of the image and in this case the pro's far outweigh the con's of the guano.. As I said, just an observation..!!

Brett is right about the guano competing, but having said that a photo of any seabird shot on a rock without it rings false. The spread wings here lift this shot above the usual puffin portrait.

David

Does ok for me.
Different too. Certainly difficult to know what to do about whitewash though. I had the same problem with the Little Owls towards the end.
JR

Lovely pose Ian,and great background.As a previous poster of a puffin,I don't think we can ever have too many.Particularly if they're as good as this one.

Phil.

Works for me Ian and agrees with Brett re trying to get a bit more details around the eye. Ideally a small fill-flash would top the icing on the cake but lovely as is. I'm with the 'guano-stays' camp.

Regards,

Des

Up to spec and standard as usual.I really like this.

lovely image agree with Brett about the guano but it has to stay would look false without it

That must be a big one. :)
Great shot of this puffin.

Great shot Ian, the 10d was a great bit of kit in its day " still is "

Dale

Fantastic shot Ian well captured, love the pose and detail yet again a stunner
Bronia

Nothing wrong with guano, its great for the garden. Top notch image.

Hi Ian.
Excellent image,keep the white stuff thats how it is!

Keith.

Beautiful image.