American Oystercatcher

This Oystercatcher appears to be checking out a sea urchin in the surf at Estero this morning. All C & C welcome!

1D Mark II N
500 mm
1.4x
ISO 200
1/1250 @ f/5.6

Great light, exposure control, details and moment captured. I might increase saturation a few points.

Mike:

Excellent overall job, with good camera angle, exposure and composition. I think the sloping angle really captures the feel of being at the beach. The cropping is just on the verge of being tight for me, but the diagonal of the bird makes it work well for me.

Cheers

By the by, I am originally from Tipton, Iowa.

Randy

PS: Did you do anything to the pupil, as its a bit elongated and irregular?

Mike lovely details, composition and exposure in this image.

Although the slant is natural (I assume) my mind is being tricked into thinking it needs rotation. For that reason I would have preferred if you would have seen the same scene on a "flat" surface. I like the behaviour, and all the techs look good.

Randy, here is an intersting thread about Oystercatcher eyes:

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=15001

One of the things that makes this OC picture unique is the setting...the sea urchin, the slant in the beach and the foam of the lagoon. All these things add interest to the picture. You also have great details and light in this capture. Great job!

IMHO the pose of the bird goes very well with the un-even ground, I like the light, the exposure, the narural moment cpatures and the detail, congratulations!

I like everything about your image. Wouldn't change a thing. :)

Stunning light and exposure, and I like the colours in this. Great image Mike.

Wow, great comp., food item to add interest, sweet light, and exposure. Nicely done!!

Thanks to all for your feedback! It's really appreciated. Love your images, Randy. Good to hear that you're a former Iowan. Not a great place for bird photography, but a very nice place to grow up.