Spoonbill snack

[Gerhard Weldhagen]

Got this Spoonbill late this afternoon while it was busy trying to eat a small turtle at Laratinga Wetlands, South Australia. The turtle was obviously too big for the rather enthusiastic bird and it finally got away after another spoonbill tried to intervene. Canon 1DIV, EF 600 f4 IS, 1.4TC III, 1/1250, f 8.0, ISO 800, -1/3 EC, Wimberley II on tripod at ground level. Standard workup in CS6 - critique welcome.

[Grace Scalzo]

This is an image with interest, made more so by your explanation. I wish that the bird's head was in the light and that he was turned more toward us.

[Andre Pretorius]

Stunning moment captured here, Gerhard!

Love the low angle, the HA with the light falling on the bill and turtle is very pleasing!

There are some hot spots on back and legs, hope you can pull back on whites to get some detail.
Rest of bird detail in whites excellent!

Would tone down on bright pinks in BG a bit, it takes away from subject.

Regards

Andre

[Greg Oakley]

Great timing Gerhard - agree with others that a slight head-turn would have lifted this further

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gerhard, great low perspective, and seeing the turtle in the bill is a bonus. Just wish he had showed it off to you with a better angle.