Lesser Yellowlegs

[gail bisson]

Canon 1Dx
600MM and 1.4 X converter
ISO 800 F 7.1 SS 1/1600
PP: Crop to 70% FF
Usual LR sliders and in PS did NR to BG , levels and DE to bird only at 1%
Cloned out 2 specular highlights in the seaweed.
I was in my waders and had waded quite far out in the ocean to get close to this guy who was on a rocky outcrop. It took me forever to slowly advance towards this guy and I was able to set my lens just above the water.
Some people on the beach thought I was in trouble because all they could see was my head above the water.They kindly raced into the water while calling out "Do you need help?". I fired off a few frames and then yelled back that all was well and of course that made the bird fly off...! Nice to know that people still watch out for strangers!
Comments and critiques always appreciated and learned from with thanks,
Gail
PS I am torn between calling this guy a lesser yellowlegs with a slightly longer bill than normal vs a greater yellowlegs with a slightly short bill!

[Grace Scalzo]

What a super image. It's all about the habitat here and I like the slightly off sun angle. Alert pose also nice. I have been tempted to make a sign for my back when in similar situations "I am ok". LOL

[dankearl]

One of the finest shorebird photo I have seen. The little mound it is on is perfect and the light on the bird is terrific.
A big thumbs up from me.......

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Love the alert pose with the slightly raised foot. I like your super low shooting angle and the vegetation around the bird. Wading in for photos sounds like fun. I have to try it some day.

[Bill Dix]

Hi Gail. Well worth the effort. (Easy for me to say. ) Fabulous low POV and great habitat combine with lovely lighting and nice pose to make a striking image. A winner.

[Colin Driscoll]

Now that is commitment! And rewarded with a superb photograph.

[Derek Willcox]

Gail great photo nice details good BG nice & low and great shorebird on a rock pose well done capturing this

[christopher galeski]

very nice Gail,nice POV,the sea weed go well with the birds legs the color I mean,loverly light,nice IQ.well done.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Gail, excellent low angle, and exquisite light and IQ too. Nicely posed in the open, and I like the inclusion of the seaweed, and the snail at the foot. The rounded 'perch' reminds me of a Hippo's back.

Having met you, If your subject had flown away before you had the shots, Im sure " All is well " wouldnt have been the only words you would have shouted.

[Randy Stout]

Gail:

Excellent in all regards. Very strong sense of the environment without interfering with our view of the bird at all. The tonalities are such that the bird stands out from the more subdued environment. The side lighting gives a sense of form.

You are going to have to get the waders with a built in life jacket!

Cheers

Randy

[Shawn Zierman]

Fantastic story...enjoy getting some background story to go with the image as that makes it more interesting to me. It's a fabulous image of this (imo) lesser yellowlegs...really nice setting and the wet low profile rock perch is pretty dang deluxe. The right foot and toe being visible and the bit of leg seperation are great details. Tenative pose on this juvie....great frame!

[Daniel Cadieux]

This literally and figuratively rocks!! Fantastic habitat, those seaweeds are killer good. The snail is a neat touch. Looks good for Lesser IMO too.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image, Gail. Your description of how you captured the image brought a smile to my face visioning it. I would go with the Lesser, the bill appears to be one and a half times the width of the head. Thank you for sharing.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Absolutely breathtaking image, Gail. Most beautiful light and a striking pose is captured here. One can sense the ocean swelling over the rock perch, and almost see the kelp in motion as it twists around, moving slowly up and down on the surface. Love your accompanying story adding to the sensations of what went into capturing this phenomenal image.



Geoffrey

[Satish Ranadive]

Love the inquisitive and alert pose.
Great show, Gail.

Regards,
Satish.

[Andreas Liedmann]

Well Gail ..... this is just simply a stunning frame .
Great work , love the low POV and the included habitat .

TFS Andreas

[William Dickson]

As said above plus WOW

Will

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Gorgeous image Gail.
I love everything about it as presented.
Nice work to wade out and well done getting a few frames.
TFS!

[David Salem]

A very well balanced image with a nice sense of place and environment. The perky pose looks great and I really like the wet rock it's standing on. It looks like glass. The seaweed and the nice low perspective add to the image and make for a real beauty.
Well done Gail

[gail bisson]

Thank you all for your positive comments!Much appreciated.
Gail