The one that got away

[Colin Driscoll]

The rare and elusive Beach Stone Curlew. I was up at first light on holiday on Lady Elliot Island and spotted this bird a few hundred meters in front of me. There was open bush beside the beach and I was about to head into that to try and get within reasonable shooting distance when an early morning walker came around the corner from behind the bird and flushed it. I snapped this shot as it flew off. And that annoying fellow turned out to be my brother-in-law; had a bit of a strained laugh at the rotten timing.
1DXII 70-200mm f/2.8L II & 2xIII 400mm 1/2500 f5.6 iso800 massive crop

[arash_hazeghi]

This image doesn't wok Collin the IQ is really poor (looks as if it was shot with a cell phone camera) add to that the back light and it's just a non starter, a good record shot of this specie though . better luck next time :)

[Colin Driscoll]

Well of course it doesn't work. That was the point of the post . Lost opportunity story.

[William Dickson]

Well spotted Colin. Good snap shot of a rare bird. Well done.

Will

[arash_hazeghi]

I think this kind of shots are more appropriate for the ID forum or the story telling forum to share the experience and the story behind the image. Avain is best for critique

best

[Colin Driscoll]

Good point Arash, and I have been having second thoughts about appropriateness. Thanks for the guidance.
And PS, happy for the post to be moved or deleted if best.