Bathing Curlew

[Rich Steel]

Hi

I have spent a long time over the last two years photographing curlew which are one of my favourite waders. The birds roost over high tide on a field near my home which conviently has a car park next to it. Most of the time they are either well out of arrange or aslepp but just occasionally they come in close and even more rarely while the sun is actually shining. Here is one taking a dip.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k217/squidfish_2006/crllbath7-2.jpg

Taken with 1Dmk2N and 500mm lens at 1.4 TC at ISO320 F7.1 at 1/1250s.

Shot taken from car with camera supported on beanbag.

Cheers

Rich

[Tony Whitehead]

Unusual image of a nice bird, Rich. I really like the sense of movement. You've done well with your DOF to keep the bill sharp. Maybe a touch more sharpening on the head and neck.

[Stephen Stephen]

Rich I would be very pleased with this image. I love the water droplets and the wings in mid motion.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the action, pose and angle. I'm wondering if it would look even better if the curlew were a bit further left in the frame as it is a bit centered now.