Long-billed Dowitcher

Gallery: AvianPosted May 22, 2013154 views10 comments

Canon 1D-X, 300mm x 2.0 TC, laying on ground
f5.6, 1/500, ISO320

The very late spring here has presented a challenge for the recently-arrived Dowitchers: the mud is frozen below about half an inch. They are sucking pond scum instead of probing the mud in their usual "sewing machine" behavior. It makes the photos a bit easier, but may be tough on the birds.

Full frame. Early evening light. Usual sharpening drill.

C & C, please. Thanks for looking.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Tjie Poo on May 22, 2013 at 1:25 AM

Excellent habitat shot Jim. Great details. I like the low angle and the reflection too.

Registered on December 4, 2012, 51 Posts, 511 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on May 22, 2013 at 3:35 AM

Nice photo Jim. I love the colours and the melting ice contrasts well with the blue water.
It may be my monitor but the photo seems to lack a wee bit of sharpness. I notice most just behind the eye, on the neck. Also looks a tiny bit over shaprpened or over saturated.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 22, 2013 at 8:05 AM

This bird needs that spring thaw to get on with it, these conditions make it tough on the bird without a doubt.
Love the crisp clear reflection, it makes the shot Jim.
And the large amount if ice up top helps tell the story nicely

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on May 22, 2013 at 11:08 AM

I particularly like the reflection displayed in this shot ! Nice colors as well. Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on May 22, 2013 at 6:06 PM

Great reflection Jim . The natural habitat makes the shot also.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on May 22, 2013 at 11:03 PM

Nice, Jim. The ice in the bg is a bit of a nuisance, but it's not too obtrusive.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on May 23, 2013 at 1:33 AM

Nice pose and reflection of this beauty Jim

I like the snowy background.

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on May 23, 2013 at 2:16 AM

Nice colors and reflection. The ice works for me. It's part of the habitat and there is enough structure in it. so that it is not overwhelming.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 23, 2013 at 11:42 AM

Jim great pose and the reflection really adds to this ,very nice indeed.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on May 24, 2013 at 9:18 AM

Nice habitat shot and reflection. Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments