Ruddy turnstone incoming with crab leg

Shorebirds are my favorite, and since they are visiting Long Island now, in full breeding plumage, I spent the weekend photographing them. Have to go back to work tomorrow to rest up. This one was pure luck. I was photographing sanderlings when this fellow grabbed a leg from a crab that a seagull was devouring, and landed nice and close to me. Nothing like being low to the ground to get a shorebird in close.

Thanks, as always, for looking at my photographs and for your helpful suggestions.

1/1250, f7.1, ISO400
1Dmk2n, 500 + 1.4tc, ground pod, fob

Another excellent image Grace. I love the leading shadow, the wing position, the sharpness, and of course the crab. I'd take this image any day!

A unique image, Grace. I like it a lot. The bird is beautiful, the pose is very nice, and the background is clean. I agree with Doug that the shadow is a plus and helps to balance the composition.

Well captured Grace. I'm still hoping to create an image of this species someday.

I like it too, looks like its just floating in the air! Composition looks good with the shadow adding some interest.

Way cool for all the reasons mentioned above. Wing position OK. Had you caught this in the full downstroke you would have been famous!!!

Very cool Grace. I too love the inclusion of the shadow.

wow, this is a rare catch....sharp and colorful.

excellent from the ground pod

You've captured a very nice pose and as mentioned above the shadow made this different from others and the low angle is a plus too!
But i think it could be a bit brighter and a little sharper and more contrasty because the color of the birds' wings are near to the BG's color .. what do you think about this one?
thank you!

Nice capture Grace! i like the background, in flight is cool, and the crab leg is an added bonus! well done!