Boat-Tail Grackle feasting on eggs

[Joe Subolefsky]

Shooting some shorebirds and caught this Boat-tailed Grackle feasting on horseshoe crab eggs. Canon 7DII 500f4+ 1.4, ISO400,f6.3@2000sec. Thanks for looking and any input.

[Jim Crosswell]

Interesting behaviour image Joe! I like the eggs lined up on the tongue and low angle.

[Ian Wilson]

A little more DOF would have been handy but certainly not without interest. Regards, Ian

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Was it possible to try and get more side on to get the crab and bird as close to the same plane as possible? That would have really rocked I reckon. IS that shadow on the wing the plumage colour or a shadow? I don't know this species at all.
I can recognise the crab too as I am sure so can others, which is what makes the shot special. But I think the super strength would be a view where there is a bit more DOF and I think how I suggested may have achieved that.
Lovely light and the way the eggs line up really rocks mate!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Amazing behaviour, and those crystal-clear eggs in and around the bill make the image extra special. I like Akos' comment about dof and getting crab and bird closer to same plane of focus...at the same time I can also understand that in the heat of the unexpected action sometimes it is not possible. Very cool overall.

[Joe Subolefsky]

Thanks guys. I was in water up to my chest as it was another step or two to the right would have put me over my head most likely not a risk I'm taking for a Grackle :) Akos that is the natural wing color of the female.

[adrian dancy]

Excellent image. Good detail and subject matter.