stridin' stilt

stilt sandpiper, that is. At Weskeag salt marsh (South Thomaston, Maine) mid-morning today, harsh light. This appears to be a non-breeding adult, but not sure.

1DM3, 500mm 1.4X TC, ISO640, f/9, 1/2000. USM 125/0.24/0 applied to bird's body twice.

Comments appreciated.

I like the way the reflection is in calm water here. As you said, light looks a little harsh. Eye contact could be better too. Thanks for posting!

Thanks, Doug. I backed off the contrast in the repost, think it looks better.

The repost looks better. Too bad the light was rather harsh, I wish there were a catchlight.

Thanks, Axel and Doug, I added a catchlight in the re-repost. It definitely helps the image. Adding a natural-looking catchlight is a little tricky. Best way I've found is to borrow one from another bird image in the same series.