American Oystercatcher Portrait

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Captured this portrait a few days ago at Sandy Hook. It was early morning and we experienced all sorts of behavior from these beautiful creatures. From skirmishes on the edge and in large tide pools, to group flybys, and this one walking slowly towards us and finally squatting down next to the shell of a Horseshoe Crab. C&C welcome.

D500, Nikon 500mm f4/G + 1.4 TC, 1/2500s, f 8, ISO 1000, Gitzo, Wimberley Gimbal head.

Geoffrey




http://http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[John Whaley]

Wonderful, The lighting, IQ, ha, feather detail and bg all working together here. You might clone out the yellow patch half way up the beak. Not a big deal.

[John Mack]

Nice portrait of this bird, good light, nice detail as well.

[Bill Dix]

A very handsome portrait, with good light, exposure. Good choice of aperture for dof at close range.

[Michael Thompson]

Nice closeup with good detail. I might have been tempted to remove the dark blotch on the eye.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Nice closeup with good detail. I might have been tempted to remove the dark blotch on the eye.

Thanks Michael. I've wondered what that "blotch" on the eye of some Oystercatchers is, and after a bit of research have come to find they are known as Eye Flecks.

Geoffrey




http://http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu

[Daniel Cadieux]

Yes, that blotch on the eye is naturally occurring in OCs so I would definitely leave it there. I would, however, use the spot healing tool on the few dark specks on the bill. Good close up. One of the few times I stop down for bird photography (light permitting) is for tight close-ups like this. A bit tight above, if cropped I'd add back some up there, and at right to retain the ratio.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Thanks everyone.

Geoffrey




http://http://500px.com/geoffreymontagu