Least Sandpiper [Archive] - BirdPhotographers.net

Robert Holguin

02-08-2013, 02:10 AM

Hello everyone. Back in early December as I drove next to semi dry canal. I spotted a group of these feeding. I had always wanted to get down to their level so I went for it. I got my gear ready opened the door of my car slowly and went down the side of the canal head first. I tought I would be able to go down slowly, but gravity does not work that way. I held my lense and camera with one hand and tried as hard as I could to slow my self down. By the time I got down there was dust cloud and I was spitting out dirt. Surely I knew that these little guys had flown away since they are very skittish. As I looked up to my surprise they were still there. They had moved back, but they were there. I crawled in the mud to where I needed to be and waited. Slowly they came closer and closer. They came in so close in could not focus anymore and I could here them slurpping the water. When I could no longer focus I just layed there and watched them feed. The best experience I have ever had with birds.
So here is the first shot from that afternoon.
C&C welcomed and encouraged.
Nikon 300s l Nikon 300 2.8 vr w/1.7 tc l ISO 400 l 1/1000 l F 7.1 l Multi Segment l Manual l HH.

Frank Schauf

02-08-2013, 02:11 AM

Great picture, nice deep shooting position and great eye contact.

Randy Stout

02-08-2013, 04:50 AM

Robert:

A fun story, one you won't soon forget!

Wonderful low angle, colors, nice angle in the frame.

The birds face looks like it could use a bit more sharpening.

Good that you can see part of the feet even from this low angle.

Your approach tech. would be standard for Daniel!

Cheers

Randy

Matthew Studebaker

02-08-2013, 09:19 AM

fun story. beautiful colors and eye contact here. wish for more DOF on the tail, but nice as-is too.

Karl Egressy

02-08-2013, 09:55 AM

It is always magical when you get close to them and feel accepted. The most cherished moments of my bird photography as well.
Beautiful shot Robert. Love the low angle, background colours and eye contact.

Stu Bowie

02-08-2013, 02:10 PM

Hi Robert, glad you recovered from your ordeal, and that you held onto your precious equipment. After the dust had settled, you certainly created a great perspective, and I do like the angled pose from the bird too. Love the mixture of colours in the overall image.

Marina Scarr

02-08-2013, 07:20 PM

Super low angle and lovely subject and BG. I would sharpen the bird a little more.

David Salem

02-11-2013, 02:27 AM

Nice job getting down and dirty. Bird looks exposed well and I like the background. Yes looks like it could use a little more sharpening but otherwise a beautiful image