Here is another Avocet capture. This pair had slightly different focal planes so I stopped down to F13 to help render them both in better focus. I also added canvas to the top to eliminate a blue water band, I probably should have shot from a slightly higher position in order to have removed the band.
D4 600mm
F13
ISO 640
1/1250 sec
Manuel exp.
Tripod
Love the relax mood to the image. Good job understanding the situation and adjusting your settings to get the most out of it. I'd probably get rid of the blues below too, and there are some seemingly repeating lines at top where you added canvas. Good job overall...
I really like this Glenn, it is almost like the right hand bird has just opened it's eye a fraction to check you out. The sort of image that really appeals to me. Wonderful.