Buzzard on a stick + repost

I keep looking at this wondering whether I'll ever get the same photo opportunity again - a common buzzard landing in what is reputed to be one of the oldest "triangles" of Chestnuts in Europe and right on the proposed route of the HS2 High Speed train in Stoneleigh Warwickshire..........

Poor lighting and wrong lens I know but the combination of timing and the circumstances persuaded me to share this in the end. All comments welcome.

Cliff

Nikon D3 with 70-200mm f/2.8
1/400s @ f/5 +1ev (ISO 200)
50% crop

That is a big stick seriously a nice shot that has meaning rather than just being a portait.

Well exposed agains a bright bland sky. Nice one!
Paul.

Different from the norm very well caught

Could easily have underexposed this but plenty of good detail and well caught in a good position in the frame.
I might have removed that branch that points upwards behind the bird's shoulder.

Phil.

Agree loose the stick out of the head, great potential though.

I can see where you're going with this and potentially very pleasing image but it looks washed out on my screen. Maybe do a few adjustments in levels or exposure to give it a little more punch. Nicely thought out..

Brett

I certainly like the image, but I agree with Brett, that it looks a bit washed out.

Your local paper could be interested in this one given the context. Agree with the comments above though, it does look slightly washed out but easily remedied. Nice composition and timing.

Thanks for your constructive comments. The removal of the branch was easy but I'm really struggling to get that punch into the picture as you can see from the repost. It almost begs to be a grayscale image with maybe the exception of the buzzard's legs/talons (the only real colour). Any ideas?

I like this one - would look great in b&w I reckon.

I love it and I think it would work as a B+W image really well,great pose captured

The first post works for me Cliff, agree with Craig re a B&W version of the shot.

Andy...