Killdeer in the magic puddle

[Isaac Grant]

This Killdeer was photographed on 9/23/17 in my favorite bird photography puddle which is at Miller Field on Staten Island. Typically these birds are very shy and never allow me to get close but after about an hour of lying on my stomach in piles of goose and gull poop I was rewarded with a few passes from this Killdeer. This was my favorite shot from that evening. Taken on a cloudless evening shortly before sunset with just perfect light. Keep in mind the water is level but the water line behind is angled so the shot is leveled to the water the bird is walking in.

Canon 1DX and Canon 500 4 ii + 1.4x iii. ISO 800, F8, SS 1/3200. Processed with DPP 4.6 and PS.

[William Dickson]

You were rewarded real well. This is a very nice image. I like it all, great detail, colours, tones, and the raised foot. Nice reflection. If anything, I would have liked to see the birds head surrounded by that beautifully coloured BG, but for sure, I would be more than happy with this.

Good work.

Will

PS I would lose one of the catchlights.

[Jack Backs]

Very nice image. Really like the BG colors. I"d probably be inclined to crop a little off the top.
Jack

[Raybel Robles]

Lovely frame and colors! I do agree maybe taking a bit off the top but not too much, I wouldn't want to lose much of that orange, I really like double contrasty images like this.

[Noel Heustis]

Isaac, I love the colors of the BG in relation to the bird. The detail in the feathers and the eye are fantastic. The eye contact is great. It looks like the hour of patience in the muck came through for you. Overall, a beautiful image. Thanks for sharing.

Noel

[arash_hazeghi]

Agree re double catch light. sweet light and low angle Isaac

TFS