American Avocet

[Isaac Grant]

We have been having a great run of shorebirds on Staten Island. Yesterday I found the first American Avocet to be seen on the island in 63 years. I was very fortunate when it walked really close to me in perfect evening light. I like this shot as the bird really stands out well against the dark green background.

Canon 1DX and Cannon 500 f4 ii + 1.4x iii. ISO 400, F8, SS 1/2000. Processed with DPP 4.6.3 and PS.

[Bill Dix]

Congrats on finding this SI rarity. Lovely shot with the raised foot, and as you say, the nice dark green background that makes the bird pop nicely.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Quite nice, lovely image, Isaac. Composition, raised foot, background, all work well together. Thank you for sharing.

[gail bisson]

Congrats on spotting this rarity for your end of the world. I have only seen an avocet once and they are so beautiful.
This is a lovely frame. Nice to see the fading tan breeding colors on the chest and neck.
Love the green water and perfect HA.
Nice light and POV.
No nits from me,
Gail

[Jonathan Ashton]

That's a beauty Isaac love the colours of the plumage against that backdrop, the raised foot is so elegant. Details are excellent.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Congrats on the special find! I like the walking pose and low angle. Excellent dark BG. The oof brownish vertical line (tree trunk?) running behind the tail is unlucky, but all else is top-notch.

[Isaac Grant]

Thanks all. Dan it's funny, I chose this pic to post out of the several hundred I have of it because I like the varied background. I think the lines add interest to what would otherwise be a somewhat flat background. But I can see your point as well. You should come down to the city if you want upclose and personal chances at loads of shorebirds.