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Black-necked Stilt
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Black-necked Stilt

by Harry Harris

Gallery: AvianPosted March 5, 201158 views3 comments
Yesterday started as an overcast day at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine, California, I had very few opportunities so when I was leaving I sat by one of the ponds. After a while the sun became a little brighter and the birds began coming closer. The Stilts began feeding closer and I got some good shots. This on jumped on a log which was placed in the pond for perching. I thought this was the best of my shots of it because of the action and the display of the log legs. Wish it was a bit closer. Just a sharpening and adjustments in levels in PS Elements. Crop shows 50% of original.
Comments are appreciated.
03-04-2011 9:30 a.m.
Canon 7D
300 2.8L w 1.4 ext.
420mm
f/7.1
1/250
ISO 640
Exposure Comp - 1/3
Tripod

Comments

3 comments
Comment posted by David Haynes on March 5, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Harry,
Nice capture. Looks very intent on something in the water. The hardest part about shooting these guys is the whites and you did really good on this one. You almost have to have an overcast day to shoot these or the whites will just blow out no matter how much compensation you build in for it. Good detail in the blacks as well. I thought you were going to Bolsa Chica today with Erick or is that this afternoon?? Great shot.
Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on March 5, 2011 at 3:41 PM
The whites and the shadow detail look OK. The log is a bit overpowering for the fairly delicate subject.
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 5, 2011 at 8:41 PM
When I work with these birds here in AZ I only take photos in the softest light of day - at dawn or late afternoon. That's the only way to deal with the high contrast of their black and white plumage. It looks like you tried to compensate for the harsh light with post processing, and that has resulted in a strong halo most visible around the bird's right wing. Something has also happened to the leg of this bird - the color is much deeper against the water than the log so I assume you've done some burning or dodging here as well.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments