Surrounded by Marbled Godwits

[Marina Scarr]

A friend and I took a boat out to photograph frigatebirds. Along the way, we stopped for a quick swim near a sandbar and decided to photograph a few marbled godwits. A few turned into about 50 of them which were literally surrounding us, and we couldn't tear ourselves away we were so mesmerized.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500L & 2.0 TC @ 1000mm
F10, 1/2000sec, ISO 640, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head

Your thoughtful comments and critiques are much appreciated.

[Michael Thompson]

I dont know what it is doing with that stream of water from its mouth, but it looks neat and really adds to the image. great color in the water, night light on the subject, and nice and sharp.

[Marina Scarr]

That's actually water and food, Mike, but it's not easy to detect from the image. If you look closely you can see the food item near the end of the birds beak.

[keith mitchell]

Never seen anything like this before with such a stream of water pleased that you pointed out the food item,must have been good to witness all these birds ,this one looks nice and sharp and detailed,water sets it all off nicely ,lovely image Marina.

Keith.

[JakubJay]

One of those split second (1/2000 to be precise ) moments that we cannot record with naked eye. They make most precious photographs. Love it!

[Loi Nguyen]

Now that you pointed out the food, I see a little its in the beak. So the bird scooped up a mouthful of water, kept the food, and spit the water stream out? Lovely light and colors. I feel the bird and water store a little big in the frame let an right, but too much space at the bottom and top. Have you considered a pano crop? Loi

[Mike Poole]

Thats a stunner Marina, a very well captured behaviour shot. The stream of water takes this up quite a few levels and the techs are spot on.

Crops are always subjective, but I like the water below and above, and the presented format works for me.

Mike

[Gabriela Plesea]

Wonderful image Marina, well presented and colours are to die for

Super techs and great IQ, indeed a behaviour shot and that sparkling stream of water just makes it extra special.

Lots of detail and sharpness is spot-on, a very appealing image I enjoyed viewing, thank you so much for sharing!

Warmest regards,

[annmpacheco]

Terrific capture Marina, and the siphoning technique works well. Beautiful colors and love your POV, good n sharp too. Swim with dolphins or swim with godwits: hmmmm, easy for me, godwits!

[Marina Scarr]

Now that you pointed out the food, I see a little its in the beak. So the bird scooped up a mouthful of water, kept the food, and spit the water stream out? Lovely light and colors. I feel the bird and water store a little big in the frame let an right, but too much space at the bottom and top. Have you considered a pano crop? Loi

Thanks for stopping by, Loi. I haven't considered a pano b/c I feel the virtual legs are important to this image which is why the space below.

[Graham Wilkes]

Great depth of field with the different shades of blue water a hazy blur, with the sharp bird in between.
Good exposure and I also love the jet of water and food item.
Beautiful image Marina.

Graham.

[Bill Dix]

Beautiful light and color, and a unique Godwit moment captured. A fine image. Hope you'll share more of the 50.

[dankearl]

That is really some nice light you had. Just beautiful....

[Derek Willcox]

Marina nice pic love the look and feel of this photo great colors the water stream eye contact and details there is nothing better than shooting pics of shorebirds

[arash_hazeghi]

you have taken low angle to a new level Marina, superb details and and lights

[Lorant Voros]

Top notch image, Marina. Colors and light are like a dream..the way the bird stands out of these beautiful blue water surroundings. Food item and the water from the beak is a bonus. Certainly one of the nicest photos I have seen of this species.

[David Salem]

Wow! not sure how I missed this one. The lighting is awssome in this and the pose with the water and food item looks great also. Love that graduated BG and the details look killer. Nice work Marina

[Joseph Przybyla]

Not sure how I missed this either, lovely image, wonderful low POV. Thank you for sharing, Marina.