Buff-breasted sandpiper displaying #2

This is the second image of the displaying sandpiper. He would lift his wings in an alternating fashion and would tuck the wing behind his head. All this while strutting about.
Would love to know which image/pose you prefer.
Canon 1DX
600mm and 1.4x
ISO 400 F 5.6 SS 1/1000
Crop from horizontal to vertical.
PP: NR to BG, levels, saturation +4, trimmed down a couple of grasses near the chest and added 1 % canvas to the bottom of the frame, DE to bird and USM to JPEG
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

Hi Gail, great low angle of capture, and love the show of the fully extended wing. Tack sharp, and I like the hint of foliage in the FG, together with the nice OOF BG.

This guy really gave you a show! I missed your earlier one but went back to see it...I do prefer the first for the reason(s) being the other wing gave a more even tonality to the overall image (I think the whites an come down on this one IMO) and also its pattern on the back is so intricate and beautiful...not saying I do not like this one, just preferring the other.

Beautiful. Tough call, but I'd have to go with #1. Although the upraised wing here also allows for a lovely comp, the amount of white in the underwing is not quite as pleasing as the beautiful patterned dorsal view of the other. And the slight head turn in the other allows just a bit more light on the front of the face. Great moment, and two great images, in any case.

Very nice image, but I also prefer the first one, Gail.
Reason: the top side of the wings always show better and it is the case with your images as well.

My nemesis species Gail and you did a great job. Wish both of yours were mine.

Gail this one certainly fits the bill for me, pin sharp and perfectly exposed don't think you could ask for more.


Keith.

Wonderful shot, Gail! I like this pose better than the earlier one. Excellent pose, light, POV and details! TFS

Magnificent image. Beautiful in other words very artistic. Lovely composition.

Regards,
Satish.

Love the behavior and the species. You captured the display at a decisive moment...if the light had been diffused, say bright overcast with little to no directional lighting, the resulting lack of shadow would have been killer here, and you would get nothing but praise from me for this fine photograph. I see many images of different shorebird species from up there...not so many of this species...you were blessed!...and it sounds like you have a great memory, which in my opinion, is worth as much if not more than anything you brought home on the card :)

Did anybody try audio on this species? Is there even audio for this species? Do they make any noise? I swear I've seen dozens of them and have never heard a "peep".... :)