Oystercatcher

[Jonathan Ashton]

Camera Model Canon EOS-1D X
Shooting Mode Manual Exposure
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/2000
Av(Aperture Value) 9.0
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 1250
Auto ISO Speed ON
Lens EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +2x III
Focal Length 1000.0mm
All C&C welcome.

[Satish Ranadive]

Magnificent image, Jonathan.
Spectacular action captured. beautiful color harmony.
Nice composition.

Regards,
Satish.

[Isaac Grant]

You have captured the essence of how these birds make a living well. Anyone who has watched these birds knows that they spend lots of their time doing exactly this. Details look good and I like the eye captured while actively feeding.

Looks like you were shooting at almost 90 degrees from the sun so you have a bit more shadow than would be ideal. Image seems a little dark and flat to me and if mine I would add some contrast or saturation and brighten a bit. Also, and I understand that it is not always possible, but I always prefer a lower shooting angle with shorebirds. Gives a better perspective.

[gail bisson]

Hi Jonathan,
Great HA and I like the foraging pose.
I am not fond of all the greys and blacks in the image and would crop this a lot tighter to get rid of the expanse of sand.
Gail