Celebrating 40 Years in The Mud

[Arthur Morris]

White-rumped Sandpiper, moderately worn juvenile

This image was created at the East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY CA with the Induro GIT304L Grand Series 3 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1158041-REG/induro_git304l_3grnd_stealth_carbon.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/INL3GSSCFT4S/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xINL3GSSCFT4S)/Mongoose M3.6 (http://birdsasart-shop.com/mongoose-action-head/)-mounted Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/754508-REG/Canon_5125B002_EF_600mm_f_4L_IS.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA6004LIFEF2/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA6004LIFEF2), the Canon Extender EF 2X III (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732111-USA/Canon_4410B002_Extender_EF_2X_III.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CA2XEF3/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCA2XEF3), and my favorite shorebird photography camera, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274705-REG/canon_eos_5d_mark_iv.html/BI/6633/KBID/7226/kw/CAE5D4/DFF/d10-v2-t1-xCAE5D4) ISO 800. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1/800 sec. at f/10 in Manual mode. AWB.
Center AF point/AI Servo Expand/Shutter Button AF as originally framed was active at the moment of exposure. The selected AF point just caught the base of the lower mandible. Note the location of the four assist points in the AF Expand image below. Click on the image to see a larger version. FocusTune/LensAlign Micro Adjustment: zero.

As for the image, don't be shy; all comments are welcome. To see the full frame original, learn more about the fun time that I had with Isaac Hayes, and read the story of the image capture see the blog post here (http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2017/10/05/celebrating-40-years-in-the-mud-part-i-a-common-af-expand-theme-mission-accomplished-in-part-and-white-rumped-sandpiper-identification-tips/).

with love, artie

[John Whaley]

I think it is a wonderful image with great light and an unexpected water background. While there are 100s of Sandpipers posted standing on the seashore, breast deep in water is refreshing. Question - It looks like you had plenty of light wtih 1/800, f10, ISO 800 +1ev - Why f10?

[Arthur Morris]

I think it is a wonderful image with great light and an unexpected water background. While there are 100s of Sandpipers posted standing on the seashore, breast deep in water is refreshing. Question - It looks like you had plenty of light wtih 1/800, f10, ISO 800 +1ev - Why f10?

Thanks John. Shorebirds spend lots of time feeding belly deep in shallow water. The longer the legs and the bill, the deeper the water. Wide open at 1200mm is f/8 so f/10 is only stopped down two clicks, or 2/3 stop for a bit of extra depth of field.

with love, artie

[Isaac Grant]

I knew when we saw this on the back of the camera that it would be excellent. That light was just perfect and you hit the perfect pose and head angle with perfect exposure. Can't remember having more fun on that pond. Thanks again.

[Bill Dix]

Sweet light, great water swirls, and a pose that really shows the characteristics of the White-rumped (mandible, wing length, etc.) Sounds like a great outing.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Here is one case where not going ultra low was a good choice - it gave us a chance to see those neat water patterns. I love that raised tail.

Isaac Hayes?:S3:

[Arthur Morris]

Here is one case where not going ultra low was a good choice - it gave us a chance to see those neat water patterns. I love that raised tail.
Isaac Hayes?:S3:

Thanks Dan. I somehow managed to mix up our Isaac Grant with Johnny Cash's Ira Hayes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdNV9JX-Xi8) ...

[Lorant Voros]

Super light and nice details...interesting pose and for sure the shooting angle worked here. I love this species! Just a side note...the color of your highlight for the used equipment is not easy to read, especially on tablets. TFS...good kick start for the next 40 years.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Lorant. The type colors show up differently depending on the style you are using ... Hard to please all :)

with love, artie