Hiding in plain sight

I spent a lot of time with this piping plover family over the summer. The Mom became very trusting of me and on 2 occasions actually "pipped" her fledglings to me - once when a raptor flew by and once when an unleashed dog walked by. She left them by my feet so I could not turn around to photograph them as I was on my belly. Even if I had been able to move the chicks would have been too close to photograph with my 600mm. Some very cool moments.
Anyway, back to the image. A raptor flew by and this fledgling did the usual crouch and hide position.
Canon 1 DX 600mm II and 1.4X
ISO 1000 SS 1/2500 F 6.3
Cropped to 65% FF and I cloned a rock out from LHS just below the tail that was intersecting with the edge and cloned out an extra catchlight.
Usual LR sliders, levels in Photoshopp CC and NR to BG. USM to JPEG
Comments and critiques always learned from an appreciated with thanks,
Gail
PS Can mods fix the word plain in title! Thanks

Thanks for posting this image of a moderately worn juvenile. The funny thing is that the bird looks completely relaxed ...

with love, artie

I like the behavior you capture here Gail. I like the exposure, IQ, detail and the clarity in that eye is great. Very well done as always!
It must have been very rewarding that you became a trusted protector of the chicks.

Very neat pose on the bird. The light looks very nice. The composition works well.

Ah, too sweet. Good low angle, nice light. I love it when shorebirds come deep inside MFD, when all I can do is watch and smile :-)

Beautiful Shot. I really like the post and behavior Info provided.

Thanks for sharing.

Brilliant low angle image Gail! This is a great and very unique shot! The Juvi back pattern is really interesting here.

This is amazing Gail. What a great pose... Good POV, nice details and HA. Well spotted and captured.

Will

This is off the charts good Gail :cheers: I love and by love I mean LOVE this image. Could not be better. Beautiful light, beautiful fine feather details and your field craft earned you this shot. This is what wildlife photography is about. Earn the animals trust and have them being comfortable with your presence. That makes the best and most intimate shots. Hats off!

Gorgeous, terrific field work Gail... love the subtle colors throughout this plover, and the "hide crouch" position. I like that the bill is separate from the water! wonderful