American Avocet - "Heading West"

[Jay Ing]

Had a fun day out in Palo Alto again today. Another overcast, occasionally rain spitting day - but a few varieties were there to keep me company so no complaints. This fella was quite the poser. So much so that he gave me a few on this way "out' as well. This one was most pleasing to me. The wingtips looks very white, but C1P says they're not blown out, so ... Cheers -

D500+Sigma 500/4, 1/2000, ISO 640, F4.5, EC .7m, Manual, AFC, Single Point , HH, CS6 Slight crop/sharpen.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Excellent capture, Jay. Nice full wing stretch and fanned tail. Fine detail and either I'm seeing a faint catchlight or thinking it could be brighter. I like the BG and your chose of framing.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu (http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu)

[gail bisson]

I just love the soft diffuse light here and the BG is killer. Shows the habitat beautifully and the shoreline creates nice lines.
Good light pose as well. The only time I have seen avocets (in non breeding colors) was in March in Florida and the legs were much bluer. Is this a regional variation or do the blues need a bit of pumping up?
Gail

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the banking pose, setting and composition. A real beauty Jay.