Female Wilson's Phalarope, photographed at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, CA. I've seen these birds only infrequently in this reserve (and Upper Newport Bay). Most of the year they're decidedly nondescript, but in the spring and summer they develop a lovely rustic plummage. They are extremely active feeders. This one was spinning like a top while I tried to capture an image of her that was roughly parallel to the sensor -- not sure I succeeded. I wish I had a lower perspective, but the bank of this pond is a bit high off the water.
I cleaned up a few spots in the water and also had to work a bit on the reflection of the head.
Canon 7D and the Canon 500mm f/4 lens + 1.4X Extender. Manual, f/8 at 1/1250sec. ISO 400. Tripod-mounted.
Thanks for looking -- all C&C welcome,
John
05-16-2011, 09:19 PM
arash_hazeghi
nice reflections and light, a bit too centered for me
05-17-2011, 12:05 AM
Steve Wasson
Beautiful capture, John! Well exposed, nice color & detail.
05-17-2011, 01:18 AM
Dumay de Boulle
Lovely detail, light and exp...I would maybe crop a touch off the top and bottom...Nice one John:S3:
05-17-2011, 03:28 AM
thijs broekkamp
I love the clean water and reflection! Very nice! Would preferred a bit more room on the right though
05-17-2011, 11:43 AM
Stu Bowie
John, this perspective may have been the best, as any lower and you wouldnt have captured the reflection. The pose looks good, and I like the soft blue of the water. Comp wise, I agree with Dumay to take off from the top and bottom, and add to take off from the LHS too. As is, the subject is too centered, as mentioned by Arash.
05-17-2011, 02:28 PM
John Guastella
1 Attachment(s)
Thanks, everyone. Here is an repost -- not a dramatic difference from the original, but it takes into account comments about the crop.
John
05-17-2011, 02:32 PM
Steve Wasson
Even nicer!
05-17-2011, 02:40 PM
Stu Bowie
Yep, this works so much better. Well done.
05-17-2011, 07:21 PM
Tom Rambaut
Second post is far nicer - this is a great looking bird and they have been known to turn up here in Aus. There have been no recent recordings though. Nice reflection. TFS
05-18-2011, 10:53 AM
Hendri Venter
The repost rocks. Lovely reflection and tack sharp detail.
05-18-2011, 12:03 PM
John Guastella
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I hope these beautiful little birds hang around for a while - I'd love to get some more shots of them.