Heerman's at sunset

[Sidharth Kodikal]

I suppose photographing gulls is usually considered a waste of electrons :)
Believe it or not, I overlooked a very co-operative black bellied plover for this Heerman's Gull (a lifer for me).

Canon 1D4, 700mm
1/3200, f8, ISO 640
HH, Manual
San Diego, CA. Last December.

Thanks.

[Bradley James]

What a beautiful looking gull. I have to admit I've never heard for this gull before. I love the reflection in the sand? and the lighting is perfect. Well done...I personally would have made the same choice as you and left the plover for this guy.

[christopher galeski]

nice capture Sidharth,nice lighting and pose,the brown BG and FG show the bird off nice.

[Jonathan Ashton]

No wasted electrons here Sid, every one was put to good use. The light is sublime and the detail is super, the silky smooth background works very well. I did wonder at first if it was just a little too smooth but I do like it.

[Marina Scarr]

This is really a stunning portrait, Sid, but I would take some off of the bottom if it were mine. Terrific BG and the bird works so well against it.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Sid, this gull has posed nicely for you, and I do like the overall light and colours in this. Great seeing a hint of the water's reflection on the near wing. Looking at the base of the feet, I can see a touch of CW rotation needed.

[Rob Melone]

Simply beautiful capture Sidharth! Love the isolation of the gull and the color and contrast.

[Daniel Cadieux]

The white head pops beautifully against the golden BG. A very appealing gull image!

The Ring-billed Gulls have just returned up here, and boy are they gorgeous in their breeding colours...no waste of electrons!

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the light, pose, IQ and sweet BG. I would take a little off the bottom as well. Excellent image Sidharth!

[Miguel Palaviccini]

Hey Sid, I'd argue that this is too good of a shot to pass up for a BB Plover (although those sure are pretty in breeding plumage!). Nice to not only get a lifer, but to get a real nice frame of one!

[David Salem]

Hey Sid,
What a beautiful shot of one of my favorite gulls. I love them in flight also. Great job on the exposure and positioning yourself to get this un-shadowed shot. Nice detail and the golden water looks awesome.
I agree with removing some off the bottom. Well done

[Satish Ranadive]

Very very sweet image of beautiful bird. Very artistic FG and nice nice shades of golden brown and blues in between.
Silver line crop at bottom will not harm the beauty of the image.

Regards,
Satish.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

No way! there's no waste of electrons in this one!
I like the pose the bird gave you as well as the nice light.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Thank you all for the comments. Cropping from the bottom makes so much sense now that you mention it.