Eastern Curlew

[Ian Wilson]

This is the largest migratory wader in the Australasian region (much larger and bulkier than a Whimbrel). It breeds in E Russia and NE China and migrates to the Australian region for the austral summer (July-April). It is extremely wary and flies at the first sign of danger. Rare and endangered with a population less than 20,000. We were fortunate to encounter a flock of about 30 birds in the Hunter River estuary a few weeks ago. The lighting was not ideal but what the heck, it was great to have a chance to photograph these elusive birds.
Canon 5DIII + 600 mm f/4L II + 1.4x III extender, hand-held.
Manual, spot metering, 9-pt zone AF, f/7.1, 1/3200 sec, ISO 2000.
Processed with DPP4 and PS Elements with Neat Image NR.

Thanks for looking, critical feedback welcome and appreciated.
Regards,
Ian

[David Stephens]

I love this light, wing and head positions. I'd love a little more light on the head and eye, but the wing is apparently blocking that.

[Eric Dienesch]

A nice flight photo.. you had have difficult conditions, the iso 2000 says it to me.

For that, the picture is very good, its not easy to get them so close. and you got it in the right position, wings down, a look at you..

These Birds (the Numenius arquata) -the western or european curlew, it looks nearly similar to your eastern curlew- are common in the european nortsea area,
but are often shy and far away, so its not easy to get a flight picture like here.

[gail bisson]

Really nice flight shot. Perfect wing position. Nice and sharp.
Agree with you about the light but I would love to have this in my files!
Gail

[Jonathan Ashton]

Super pose good and sharp - well done it's a good feeling to get a shot let alone a good shot of a rarity.

[Raybel Robles]

Great downstroke wing position with good details. I little more light would had help but definetely not a deal breaker. I would maybe just crop a tad bit from top and bottom.

[David Salem]

What a perfect flight frame. One of your best flight shots for sure. Sure wish for some more light but man that's a good shot. Maybe boost saturation little bit more to bring out some more color? Well captured.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Wonderful flight shot Ian. Beautiful bird, I love everything about this image. Thank you for sharing.

[Ian Wilson]

Thanks everyone for your kind comments and helpful feedback. Regards, Ian