Dowitcher at Splashdown

[Mike Landwehr]

This short-billed dowitcher had just hit the water when this image was taken at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. It was a beautiful morning, with the sun angle and slight breeze matched up perfectly. All C & C appreciated.

1D Mark II N
500 mm f/4 + 1.4x on a tripod
ISO 500
1/2000 @ f/8.0
No flash

[Charles Scheffold]

Love the wing position, HA, and composition. I think the reflection in the water definitely adds something to this.

BTW I'm starting to really enjoy the shorebirds (thanks Artie!)

Charles

[Doug Brown]

Hi Mike. Good timing! A tough capture because these are fast fliers. Exposure looks good. It seems like you locked focus on the near wing; the head could stand some additional sharpening. I would think about adding a bit of canvas at the bottom of the frame.

[Sivaprasad]

Light, action and head angle are really nice. A bit more sharpening and canvas on the bottom showing the reflection would make this image even better.