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Thread: Willet

  1. #1
    Landscapes Moderator Andrew McLachlan's Avatar
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    Default Willet

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    I don't get over to this forum too often but a few weeks ago while exploring the shoreline of a small woodland lake near Parry Sound, Ontario I came across what I believe to be a juvenile Willet. Please correct me if I am wrong. The level of this lake is controlled by a beaver dam that every few years lets go and the lake level drops about 3-4 feet, creating many mudflats around the lake's perimeter. I have never encountered these birds around this lake before.

    As for the image...I cropped a small portion from the top and the right to place the bird more towards the upper right area of the comp. Also did a bunch of clean-up in the water and removed lots of bill shine. I have many photos of this bird but like this one best for the raised foot.

    Nikon D800
    Nikon 80-400VR lens @ 400mm (VR on)
    ISO 400
    f8 @ 1/2000sec
    Virtual Horizon activated
    For additional reach I selected the DX crop on the D800 which converted the 400mm to 600mm

    Look forward comments.

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Andrew:

    Sharp with nice detail, and you certainly were in the sweet spot f/stop wise for this particular lens. Once you decided to keep the reflection, I think the crop is just right.

    Might try a couple of degrees of CW rotation bill and ripples.

    You should visit Avian more often!

    Cheers

    Randy
    MY BPN ALBUMS

    "Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy" Sir Isaac Newton

  3. #3
    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I like your composition very much. I like the raised leg and IQ.
    I wish the light wasn't so harsh but still a lovely shot.
    Another vote for a bit of rotation,
    Gail

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    I like the image also. I agree with Gail that the light looks a bit harsh, but you have nice detail. You're right on the ID and age of the bird. To further narrow it down, it's a "Western" Willet which has a longer necked and longer billed look to it compared to the stockier looking "Eastern" Willet which rarely roam from the coast.

  5. #5
    Landscapes Moderator Andrew McLachlan's Avatar
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    Thanks very much Gail, Randy and Paul, much appreciated. Agree with all on the lighting...it was 2pm with barely a cloud in the sky. I will try the CW rotation as well.

    Paul thanks for confirming the species and the more accurate phase of Willet.

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