Although all three images are outstanding, I feel that the Gull is more photogenic in flight than sitting and you have captured that very well.
I agree that that is a very, very good image of the bird in flight. A difficult challenge in terms of exposure has been managed very well and you seem to have it pin-sharp. Good work.
For some reason, birds which are looking straight at the camera never seem to look as good as side shots. Good feather detail in the close up.
Hello Donald, thank you for your comment and critique. Florida is blessed with almost every town along the coast having a fishing pier. Every pier has gulls and pelicans. That provides a wonderful oppurtunity to practice technique. Although about an hour drive from where we live in central Florida, my wife and I go there often because we love the ocean and gulf. Thanks again for taking the time to view and comment.
Hello Geoff, thanks for taking the time to view and comment. I agree with your comment about a bird facing head on rather than in profile. I shoot so many in profile that it seems like a nice break to have a different viewpoint. As for the feather detail, after 10,000 images I am finally mastering the technique. I saw the detail that Steve gets in his hummingbirds and worked to try to achieve the same in other birds.