Sandpiper in the Rain

[Mark Itol]

We were on our way home from a sortie marred by overcast skies when we saw these sandpipers on the ponds beside the roads. I kinda like the mud in the background though as it adds dimensionality.

Thanks for looking.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Candaba, Pampanga, Philippines
http://markrgli.smugmug.com/Philippine-Birds/Birds-of-the-Philippines/IMG1951s2-2/1166474459_zbJkZ-XL.jpg
40D, 400mm, ISO 320, f/5.6, 1/640 sec, manual exposure

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Mark, I like the subject placement and the rain. Good angle and pose. Exposure looks good but pushing it by 1/6th stop might be better. Although I dont mind the mud in the BG much, the mud in the foreground is an issue.

Critical focus seems to be on the wings. Its always hard to maintian the central sensor on the face when they walk fast. I usually stop down a bit to cover for that error. In this situation, I'd have worked with iso 640, f/6.3 and got that extra SS to freeze the leg. something to try next time :-)

[Arthur Morris]

Love the bird, the pose, and the soft light. I am OK with the distant mud but the mess by the feet was bad luck..... Good point on the focus by KD.

[gail bisson]

I wonder what this would look like in black and white but keep the feet yellow? I would sharpen the head a bit more,
gail

[Mark Itol]

Thanks for the feedbacks, everyone. Much appreciated. :S3: