Breakfast on the Beach (Merlin)

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

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Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Nature can be brutal and this small bird made a fatal error by leaving the safety of cover. Warblers and winter finches were being blown across Whitefish Bay and a family group of merlins were waiting for them. I was only able to get within 75 yards for this shot. The crop was extensive and decided to do this because of a very bright OOF branch of driftwood that spanned the bottom of the frame.

Specific Feedback

How does this one look and hope the effects of the crop are minimal?

Technical Details

Z9 600mm f4 (1/1600sec at f5.6, ISO 1250.) DeNoise, Heavy crop for comp, Levels, Smart Sharpen, Shadows & Highlights, Brightness & Contrast.

Critique Template

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2

Looks darn good for long distance shot that’’s been heavily cropped, Jim. While the super fine feather detail isn’t there, it’s more than adequate and the action makes up for the slight lack of detail which wouldn’t be visible viewing the image from a reasonable distance in the first place.

3

Hi Jim, really fine behavioral catch showing the feeding action. Details looks good to me considering the crop. Merlins are rarely seen where I live so this is really nice. A fine image.

4

Jim

This is a great action shot with a lot of detail. Colors are wonderful. Good job on the background and the foreground. There certainly is a lot to look at in this image. Great job!

5

Thank you @Dennis_Plank , @Allen_Sparks , and @David_Schoen for your critiques. This was a first for me as we rarely get merlins down where I live. Its gruesome, but there’s no elegance when a hungry raptor eats breakfast…Jim