Curlew

Canon 1DX Mk2
f/4 400mm DO Mk2 @800mm
f/8
1/1250
ISO 640

I have never been able to get close to these birds, where I live they are one of the most difficult waders to get near to. On Sunday I went to the shore of my home town, and got my self set up in amongst the rocks, at low tide, covered in cam net. The conditions seemed perfect, all I needed was a Curlew. Other waders were coming quite close and they never noticed me, and I managed to get quite a few shots. Two curlews arrived, I left them to 'settle in' then got into position, as soon as I moved slightly they were off. Then another Curlew arrived, same thing, seen me, then flew off as soon as it landed. I stayed for a few hours, photographing other waders, then, this Curlew landed very near to me, too near, as I couldn't get the whole bird in the frame. But, I did manage a few head shots before he took off.

Will

A beautiful frame.
IQ is excellent and I like that single wayward feather on the breast.
I like how you have cropped this and the color of blue in the BG.
Excellent DOF and the beak is sharp all the way to the end.The grains of sand are nice to see and tell a story.
I bet you wish that nictitating membrane was not there but it is not as noticeable as other birds membranes,
Gail

Will what a cracker well done, you almost took the words out of my mouth when I first saw the image I said to my self, "that's close for a curlew"! Great details and true colours, I bet you were chuffed when you opened the raw file! Top notch!!

Thanks guys, appreciated...Hi Jon, you should try the cam net on the shore. I even had a seat, on my bag on a rock :S3:, keep an eye on the turning tide, and the waders come real close. I had two turnstone land 6 feet from me, so the cam net definitely works(apart from Curlews) :w3

Will

Very nice Portrait. Pleasing image with sharp bill

TFS

Got to be happy with this one Will, all fell int place nicely for your hard work in the field. Techs look spot on, only very minor nit is the membrane, maybe a little eye doctoring might be beneficial

Mike

This is an outstanding portrait!
Other than the eye, it is pretty much perfection.

Hey Will, This is one of your very best. I especially love the soft light. I have never seen one of the closer than 1/2 mile away. Beautifully framed and just enough d-o-f to cover the bill. Losing the nictitating membrane is a snap with a flopped Quick Mask. LMK if you need help.

In the same vein, do you have the frame before or after?

a

Well your effort surely paid off. Very nice frame of this curlew. Detail looks great. Killer background and in some nice light. Well done.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Arthur Morris

Hey Will, This is one of your very best. I especially love the soft light. I have never seen one of the closer than 1/2 mile away. Beautifully framed and just enough d-o-f to cover the bill. Losing the nictitating membrane is a snap with a flopped Quick Mask. LMK if you need help.

In the same vein, do you have the frame before or after?

a

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Hi Artie, thanks for that.....I managed three shots before he flew off, and all showing the membrane. I did some work on the eye, with the clone tool. also darkened the pupil slightly.

Attachment 183184

Deffo worth the eye work Will

Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike Poole

Deffo worth the eye work Will

Mike

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Cheers Mike