Evening Sandpiper

Skipped evening college classes early one day last spring (October for us in Australia) to check out Mason Park, an apparently good wader habitat near the Homebush Olympic facilty. I was so surprised, I couldn’t believe that the waders were actually somewhat accepting of a sitting wally (me) on the shores of the pond. I had Red-necked Stints, Curlew Sandpipers, Short-tailed Sandpipers and Stilts, Herons, Gulls within camera range. I was really blown away. Anyway, I wanted to share this Curlew Sandpiper that I captured with a 30D, 300mm f/4L IS and 2x manually focused, ISO800, f/4, 1/800th, -2/3 exp, HH, 430EX and beamer,

Quick masked a rock in the top LHC, and a small stick in the rings of water under the bird.


All CC welcome please.

I like the mood on this noe, the crops works for me and the comp is lovely, great light and detail, I would ONLY try to lighten up the dark areas in the URC. Congratulations Akos!

You nailed the "golden" light and the composition is spot on as well.

Thanks fellows. :) I was wondering whether to leave or not the dark area.

This is very nice. Good use of flash. The composition works for me but I have to agree about the darker area.

Great light, composition and eye contact. I would sharpen the bird more and remove the dark patch in the upper right.

Beautiful light , the composition looks good-agree about dark spot. I love the water rings-Well done!

Thank you all for the constructive feedback. I shall return to my master file when I get home in a few hours and repost.

Wonderful light.

Stunning evening light to bring out those colours Akos. I like the low angle, and agree a bit of selective sharpening on the bird will work. Still, well captured.

OK, here is the QM and healed version. I only did it on the posted jpeg, but I am sure it looks way better. Any comments? :) Thanks for the tips again folks.

The repost is a BIG improvement, Akos.