Ruddy turnstone incoming with crab leg

[Grace Scalzo]

Shorebirds are my favorite, and since they are visiting Long Island now, in full breeding plumage, I spent the weekend photographing them. Have to go back to work tomorrow to rest up. This one was pure luck. I was photographing sanderlings when this fellow grabbed a leg from a crab that a seagull was devouring, and landed nice and close to me. Nothing like being low to the ground to get a shorebird in close.

Thanks, as always, for looking at my photographs and for your helpful suggestions.

1/1250, f7.1, ISO400
1Dmk2n, 500 + 1.4tc, ground pod, fob

[Doug Brown]

Another excellent image Grace. I love the leading shadow, the wing position, the sharpness, and of course the crab. I'd take this image any day!

[Steve Maxson]

A unique image, Grace. I like it a lot. The bird is beautiful, the pose is very nice, and the background is clean. I agree with Doug that the shadow is a plus and helps to balance the composition.

[Stephen Stephen]

Well captured Grace. I'm still hoping to create an image of this species someday.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I like it too, looks like its just floating in the air! Composition looks good with the shadow adding some interest.

[Arthur Morris]

Way cool for all the reasons mentioned above. Wing position OK. Had you caught this in the full downstroke you would have been famous!!!

[Robert Amoruso]

Very cool Grace. I too love the inclusion of the shadow.

[Dave Phillips]

wow, this is a rare catch....sharp and colorful.

excellent from the ground pod

[ashkan ojaghi]

You've captured a very nice pose and as mentioned above the shadow made this different from others and the low angle is a plus too!
But i think it could be a bit brighter and a little sharper and more contrasty because the color of the birds' wings are near to the BG's color .. what do you think about this one?
thank you!

[Freddy Franzella]

Nice capture Grace! i like the background, in flight is cool, and the crab leg is an added bonus! well done!