Greenshank with Stickle back

[John Robinson]

Greenshank with three spined Stickleback.
I,ve been wanting to increase my wader files for some time now but living in central England, its not that easy ! I spent 6 hours in a small cramped hide at a new site my mate and I have worked on and managed to get Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, and Greenshank- so things are looking up. The Greenshank was a real bonus as it did its usual thing and I got shots but then right in front of the hide it caught a Stickleback. We did'nt even know there were any in there as the water is a couple of inches over mud ! We have seen King fishers dealing with the spines by whacking the prey on a stick but this with the Greenshank was amazing.!
It took at least 5 minutes for it to finally swallow it ! So amusing ! It kept throwing it in the air- turning it around- trying to break the spines off etc,etc. It finally went down and the shots were a real bonus - to me anyway. I had a job to walk after the cramped hide but it was worth it.. Loads more of different Stickle back positions if any one interested.

Nikon D 7100
Sigma 50-500 mm on 500mm
ISO 640
50th sec @f8
60% of frame
Curves in Paint Shop Pro
Neat Image.Thanks for looking
Cheers
JohnR

[Jonathan Ashton]

Absolutely amazing well done! The position of the fish is just something else.
My only criticism would be to apply a little eye doctoring.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Remakable John. What a great name, "Stickleback" for this aptly named fish. The detail is wonderful on the perfectly positioned fish. Oh yes, the Greenshank is looking very satisfied with the catch.

Geoffrey

[John Robinson]

Thanks both
Jon will play later
JohnR

[Marina Scarr]

Talk about the fish in a perfect position, never mind the bird. Sharpening looks spot on in this one. I do agree the image would be improved with a tad of eye doc work if you are not opposed .

[John Robinson]

Heres a repost wwith eye doctored.
Cheers
JR

[David Cowling]

Wonderful shot John. The position of the fish couldn't be better. Glad that you got your reward for enduring the cramped hide!

[Graham Wilkes]

Patience paid off with this one John, the stickleback couldn't have been placed any better. Good control of the whites and the ripple ring balances the image.
The repost looks better to me with the eye brightened.

Graham

[John Robinson]

Thanks both- appreciated. We don't get that many wader types in this part of the world
John

[David Salem]

Great-looking framed John and I like the fact that it has a prey item. Great that we can see the stickleback of the fish and I like the green watercolor. Your repost adds more life to the image to. Well done

[John Robinson]

Cheers David Praise indeed.
John

[William Dickson]

Well done John. Thats a great looking frame. I love the natural feel about the image. A pleasure to view.

Will

[John Robinson]

Appreciated Will.
John