Willet at sunset

[gail bisson]

The much maligned willet...often referred to as a dirt bird or just plain boring. But I have always favored the underdog in all things and am always happy to take pics if this bird, especially with wings up.
Canon 1DX
F 600mm and 2X III
1/640@F 9.0 ISO 800
70 % FF
Taken at Long Island at ~ 7:00PM on tripod, sitting in the water
Basic PP: crop, NR to BG, Selectively lightened with dodge tool the inner wing, USM to JPEG
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

Lots to engage the eye here, from the underwing detail to the tiny morsel. No such thing as a dirt bird and this proves it. Lovely.

[Lyle Gruby]

I agree with Grace. Really nice light, love the wet feathers in the bird's head, the water itself is very pretty. I might try warming this up just a tad.

[Shawn Zierman]

Light quality rocks, and the pose is the cat's meow for this species, especially regarding the underwing pattern. Food item adds interest. Commitment to the low angle payed dividends. I like the wetness of the neck area and how it relates to the bird just foraging under water. Knowing how long the legs of this species is...feels a little tight on the bottom for the virtual legs. Regardless, it's a sweet shorebird image.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gail, excellent low shooting angle, and a great angled pose from the willet - a perfect eye level perspective. The light looks soft, exposure and sharpness spot on, and I do like the calmness of the water. The food item is the cherry on the top. Well captured.

[Randy Stout]

Gail:

I have always liked willets, esp with the wings up. So, well captured from nice angle, good light, well exposed.

The temp. is warm enough for my tastes,but I could see trying a version as Lyle suggested.

Cheers

Randy

[hennieloots]

Hi Gail - I enjoyed the low angle and the position of the wings makes it even better. The smooth water surface looks great and as said, the morsel in the mouth adds the last bit needed to make it excellent.
Regards
Hennie

[Nick Palmieri]

Very nice low shooting angle. I love the reflection. Nice pose. The underside of these guys wings are just beautiful and your image shows that.

[Melissa Groo]

Warmth is fine to me. What a gorgeous image, Gail. I just love willets, their simple elegance when wings are down, and then that dazzling pattern when they're up. I never get tired of looking at pictures of them. And this is a really special one. I remember you and Emily talking about getting this shot, so wonderful to see it now and to know why you were so excited about it!

[Minh Insixiangmy]

I like this one Gail, clean background and span.

[jack williamson]

Wow Gail, you just keep piling on the awesome images! Very good dof, love the unfortunate prey and the water and bg are beautiful.

Jack

[David Salem]

I like Willets also even though my buddies dont give them a second look. With the wings open or in flight, they really shine. The shot looks great and I like the exposure, feather detail and the food item in the beak.
The eye looks like it would look clearer if the catchlight were cleaned up a bit. Nice looking shot Gail.

[arash_hazeghi]

sweet light the food item is a plus

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image in beautiful lights. Love the wing spread, colors,HA, nice details,superb low angle and of course beautiful composition.

Regards,
Satish.