Its a shame that the rain didn't show up as it would have set the bird in context as it looks a pretty wet and miserable individual, nice shot though with plenty of good detail
As Robert points out, the composition needs to be balanced a little better at the bottom. Pity the rain didn't show up as much as you'd hoped - I always find 'streaky' rain is best achieved when back-lighting is present and the background is dark (not that you could do anything about that on this occasion).
Looking at the techs, your shutter speed is perhaps a little too high to achieve the effect you're after - 1/125 is a good starting point. Lowering the ISO would have been an option to achieve a slower shutter speed here. Colours and exposure look good.
The plover looks miserable, which I think was the mood you were trying to capture. Shame more of the rain didn't come through. Bird is nice and sharp, and the background adds to the mood.
Discussion
8 repliesCamera Model Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/800
Av( Aperture Value ) 7.1
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Focal Length 700.0mm
As Robert points out, the composition needs to be balanced a little better at the bottom. Pity the rain didn't show up as much as you'd hoped - I always find 'streaky' rain is best achieved when back-lighting is present and the background is dark (not that you could do anything about that on this occasion).
Looking at the techs, your shutter speed is perhaps a little too high to achieve the effect you're after - 1/125 is a good starting point. Lowering the ISO would have been an option to achieve a slower shutter speed here. Colours and exposure look good.
Cheers,
Chris
Calum