"Sitting Duck"

[Marina Scarr]

It never ceases to amaze me how tiny and vulnerable these Least Terns are. Even this image doesn't property convey their vulnerability and size. When crows or laughing gulls (and a few others that don't show up as often) approach the colony, all of the adults flush and leave the chicks crouching in the sand like "sitting ducks" ready to be plucked by predators. I am happy to report that I have never personally witnessed a "plucking." It's amazing how well the chicks are camouflaged in the sand.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500 & 2.0
F11, 1/640sec, ISO 400, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head

C & C always welcomed and much appreciated.

[Karl Egressy]

Nice behavior image with excellent low shooting angle and nice surrounding.
To my understanding you would like to express how vulnerable they have been and how small and lonely the can be, exposed to predation.
I like the composition, it tells the story very well.

[gail bisson]

I knew when I saw the thumbnail that I was going to like this image. But I was wrong- when I opened the thumbnail I LOVED this shot.
I think the composition is awesome and tells the story of vulnerability instantly.
IQ is terrific and the graduated bands of blue really adds color.
I think this is my favorite image of yours to date. I would buy this!
If I was printing this I would clone out the second smaller catchlight in the eye. Otherwisw, perfect.
A big congrats Marina on this one.
Gail

[Diane Miller]

This is wonderful!! Perfect composition to tell the story! And I'm going to spend the rest of the day worried about these little creatures.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Dear Marina,

I really like your thinking when it came to the crop. The use of space and the positioning of the subject shows this little Tern as a defenseless little creature at peril. I guess from a distance these little guys are invisible to the eye, yet your image tells a story that is heart-melting. Very impressive, I like your photography and follow your posts with great interest

Warmest regards,

[vishaljadhav]

SImply outstanding, this is one superb image, great composition

[Sanjeev Aurangabadkar]

Stunning and beautiful image Marina. Congrats.

[Don Lacy]

Marina, Wonderful image with excellent detail and a perfect comp.

[dankearl]

I will add my kudo's.
Terrific comp, it really does tell the story.
I just want to reach in and protect the little guy!
Very well done.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool Marina, this comp works because it conveys the tiny size of the chick

[Mike Veltri]

Great comp Marina, love it.

[robinlee]

Stunning shot Marina

[Cheryl Arena Molennor]

They sure are little cuties when they are about a day old, I just wanna hold one. I too am amazed how well they blend in. I like this comp as well as it does portray the size very well and that beautiful blue bg adds to the image

[jack williamson]

I can't help but love this one! Such a small vulnerable creature in a big world. I think this one is a contest entry.

Jack

[Girish Prahalad]

beautiful! love the comp & BG colors.