A superb shot of this exciting bird. I say it's exciting because it exhibits probably the most sought after characteristic in a bird - the hover. This allows the photographer a chance - albeit a fairly slim one as the word "hover" is probably a bit liberal - of getting the bird on the wing. And it's this chance that keeps you hoping to get that perfect shot - and after countless near misses and two (or was it three?) days of shooting these two come pretty darn close.
Support alternative 1 Background on the first is a little distracting, but the alternative makes the bird stand out, and I really like the position of the wings. Clegs (talk) 06:03, 18 January 2008 (UTC)
Support alt 1 Really great capture, I like the slight movement and the anatomical depiction of the species in flight is simply faultless. Niggles like slight oversharpening and the crop (I'd prefer a squarer one) really do pale in comparison. --mikaultalk10:17, 18 January 2008 (UTC)
Support alt 1, displays a particular characteristic of the species in a clear and informative way. Aesthetically pleasing as well. The background is also very pleasing and non-distracting. Sam Barsoom20:22, 19 January 2008 (UTC)
Support either—I think the first submission illustrates the body of the bird a lot better, whereas the alternative just looks cool...so cool...support either.—DMCer™02:14, 20 January 2008 (UTC)