Long-billed dowitcher (?)

[P-A. Fortin]

Unsure about this one (both the ID and the image). I always prefer images where we can see the whole bird, yet I like the relax feeling of this one. I'm also unsure about the crop. I tried to include the complete head reflection (although it is definitely not a major component of this image) along with as much of the ripple as possible, which resulted in alot of empty space.

7D, 100-400 @ 400mm, f/5.6, ISO 400, 1/1600. Flash -2EV. Crop is about 75% of the original.

As for ID, not shown on this image, but it has yellow legs (though not as bright as yellowlegs'). I may post other images if ID is unclear. It was hanging with a bunch of lesser yellowlegs (and maybe a few greaters, unsure again). It was taken in Northeast Alberta, mid-october.

As usual, thanks for the feedback. Always appreciated.

[Diane Miller]

For me, it's a very pleasing image, with exposure and DOF just right. I can't help with the ID, but I don't mind the missing legs, just for a change. The interesting ripples ground the image well, and the reflection is very nice.

My only thought would be to lighten the darker area of ripples at the left edge.

[Svante Larsson]

Agree with Diane that is a nice image. Maybe it could take just a touch more sharpening.

[P-A. Fortin]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll play around the left ripples and with sharpening when I get back home to see how it turns out.

Hopefully someone will chime in to help on ID. This one is a tough call (well, to me at least).

[Ray Rozema]

Beautiful angle and composition. probably needs a little sharpening of the bird. would remove the brown area in the background over the birds back
Maybe crop a little from the rt side
thanks for sharing

[Sandy Witvoet]

Hi P-A.... Looks good for a LB Dowitcher to me! Possibly a HY Fall bird.... slim orange back feather edges without much internal marking.... Breast still appears "buffy enough" for the LBD. Fall birds and youngsters are always a challenge to ID!
OK... so, to your image...Love the angle and "serenity" ... at first I was unsure of the bill touching water... but actually, it works great. Maybe the bird could use a teensy bit more "punch"? Not sure. I wouldn't change anything about the water... it's nicely balanced right and left.

[P-A. Fortin]

Thanks Sandy. I made a post in the "Avian: All about birds" section and Declan came to the same conclusion, using pretty much the same clue (the feather edges). http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...115169-ID-help

Images in the other thread are not processed other than sharpening. Maybe I should have gone lighter on Nik Tonal Contrast and just used the "basic" contrast slider to give it more punch. I'll give it a try.

[Sandy Witvoet]

Cool! Thanks, P-A.... I'm still 2/3 birds (although not a "birder") and only about 1/3 photographer...looking to move that to about half-n-half... or so. Will look forward to your RP!

[Iain Barker]

Nice Image.
I noticed the dark patch in the background above the bird but don't find it too distracting. I wouldn't change anything apart from maybe a little sharpening as others have already mentioned.