Black-Necked Stilt

Gallery: AvianPosted February 17, 201165 views6 comments

Black-Necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

I just returned from a trip to Cuba (Playa Costa Verde, Holguin). To reach the beach it was necessary to cross a long footbridge over a swamp. The swamp was designated an "Ecological Preserve" and contained many bird species. Needless to say, I spent most of my time in the swamp instead of the beach…..along with invisible (I discovered later…when the bites showed) mosquitoes.

Seeing the many species was easy. As usual, obtaining good photos was more difficult. It was all great fun though.

Here is an image of one of my favorite species that I saw there: the Black-Necked Stilt. These birds are common in Cuba and, like most of the species there, are also found in the U.S.A.

All comments most welcome.

1D Mark IV, EF400 mm f/5.6L +1.4xTC: ISO 400, 1/1250 s, f/10, -1/3 EV, 8.5 MP after cropping, NR, exposure adjustment, sharpening.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on February 17, 2011 at 3:35 PM

Steve,
I love the head turn, the bent leg, the exposure, the colors, the reflection and the comp too. Beautiful image very well executed.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 17, 2011 at 5:05 PM

Good habitat, capture and reflection. The dark shadow on the left margin is a bit distracting, but a minor nit.

The bug bites: been there, done that, got the souvenirs. But they are likely "sand fleas" - actually gnats - that got you. Tiny dot blackish-red with a red, circular welt around it. Enough can make you sick. DEET works some.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Moore on February 17, 2011 at 7:42 PM

It has a simple elegance! Love it.

Dan

Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments

Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on February 18, 2011 at 1:40 AM

They are coming back !
Very nice shot, Steve. I like very much the POV, the DOF, the perfect exposure not to mention the well balanced composition with a very interesting BG. Well done !
Mauro

Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 18, 2011 at 6:01 PM

nice pose, habitat, and comp, Steve. your whites look good too.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on February 19, 2011 at 10:22 AM

Steve, I like your composition with the reflection and the fact that you got a hint of color in the eye. Whites look good and I always enjoy the leg color of this species.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments