Roseate Spoonbill

[Geoffrey Montagu]

We were itching to get going finding birds the afternoon we arrived in Florida last month. We were right next to J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, so off we ventured. Saw my first alligator in the wild, then we came upon another lifer for me, the remarkable looking Roseate Spoonbill. They were flying in to roost for the night on the mangrove branches. Our timing was right to get some images including their legs and feet. C&C welcome.

D4S, Nikon 500mm f4/G, 1/800s, f7.1, ISO 2500, FF, Gitzo tripod, Wimberley Gimbal head.


Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Alex Becker]

Nice shot -- I had trouble getting close to these guys at Ding Darling. Cool perch too. I'm finding the shot a bit dark and seeing a bit of blues coming through the whites on the neck and bill but see what others say there. Thanks for sharing and congrats on getting a lifer!

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Nice shot -- I had trouble getting close to these guys at Ding Darling. Cool perch too. I'm finding the shot a bit dark and seeing a bit of blues coming through the whites on the neck and bill but see what others say there. Thanks for sharing and congrats on getting a lifer!

Thanks Alex. It was pushing towards late afternoon, plus the shade of the mangroves. Thanks for pointing out the blues through the neck and bill. I had reduced the blues, but maybe needs a bit more removed.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Bill Dix]

Congratulations on your first of many Spoonbills - everyone always remembers their first time. The conditions were tough, late afternoon in dim light and shade. I like the perch and pose, and the way the bird stands out against the dark BG. Rather than too dark, the brights are actually too bright, and too blue. The whites in the neck are 207.232.252, and on the mantle 224.241.255. You might be able to adjust the highlights and color temperature in RAW capture.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks Alex and Bill.

Geoffrey




http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu