Purple Sandpiper

From Barnegat jetty last week. It's amazing to watch these little guys feeding on the rocks. They like to feed low down where each wave brings in fresh morsels, always keeping one eye (or ear?) on the next wave. At the last second, they'll dart back up to a higher position just in time to keep from being swept away. Sort of like Sanderlings on a beach, except vertical. 96% of FF; had to stretch the canvas slightly on the left to give some room for his tail.

D7000, 700mm, ISO 1000, 1/1250s @ f/7.1 manual

I like the pose, water drops, perch, algae and gripping foot position. Nice image Bill.

The soft defused light has created a striking image, Bill. Like the grabbing stance on algae covered rock, detail, and ocean spray drops on back. Reflection and catch light in eye wonderful.






Geoffrey

Great image bill. I like the water drops and the texture of the rock.

Good stuff Bill. One of my bogey birds !
Yes the water drops are good.
Cheers
JohnR

Nice image Bill, beautiful little bird I had not seen. Thanks for sharing.

Nice close shot of this Piper and one I have yet to see. Like the detail and the beads of water on it's back. The mossy rock adds a neat element to this one. Well done Bill

Droplets, sharpness and mossy rock are wonderful. Quite a precarious perch which adds immensely to the image. Not an easy bird to photograph with their constant moving, and your image here is superb.

Hi this is great that rock looks slippery! Like the drops of water too!

Spectacular image, Bill Sir.
Very nice pose, nice details and composition. Love the water droplets on the him.

Regards,
Satish.

Nice pose and IQ Bill and I like how you caught the sandpiper as it is preparing to leap to another rock. Fine job!

Thanks everyone. Yes, Ashleigh -- if you've ever been out on the jetty you'll know that the algae-covered rocks can be very slippery.

For all of the reasons above, I would not change a pixel.

Thanks Artie.