Wilsons Plover vs Fiddler Crab

[Gavin Spooner]

Another from a great day at little estero Lagoon, on feb 14th.

I have a 31 frame sequence of this Wilsons Plover taking on a Fiddler crab (and winning) but this captures the stand off pretty well. I have another with the crab facing the Plover head on, but the body angle of the Plover is not as good.

Nikon D2H, 300f4 afs + 1.4 tc
1/1000s f 7/1 iso 200

http://www.pbase.com/wembley/image/92946371/original.jpg

[Arthur Morris]

Good job of capturing the peak of the action and great head anlge but lots of probelms. Bird is centered. Whites hot (caused by poor light angle). A bit of motion blur tot he head. Bill shine. Distracting BKGR. (Getting right down on the ground would have eliminated most of the distractions.)

later and love, artie

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great timing and moment captured. I find the light rather harsh, which makes it difficult. Photographing earlier or later in the day makes a major difference. Keep them coming!

[Alfred Forns]

Going lower is the key !!!! Bill can be worked over in PS Great action

btw please send full name so I can do an update !!! Thanks !!!

[Steve Maxson]

Great action here. I would suggest cloning out the white shell in the lower left. I would also try cropping top and left so the bird is less centered. The background, which isn't all that distracting, in my opinion, could be cleaned up in Photoshop.