Spotted Sandpiper with prey

[Isaac Grant]

Daniels beautiful yellowlegs image prompted me to post a shorebird since it is peak shorebird migration in New York right now. I photographed this crisp young Spotted Sandpiper in my favorite shorebird photography spot on Staten Island. The plumage was so fresh that the top of the head looked frosted. That is not from over sharpening, trust me. I am not sure I had ever seen one that looks so crisp before. I was fortunate when it caught this dragonfly nymph right in front of me. Who knows what is lurking in that water! Taken at my favorite time of the day for photography which is a few minutes before sundown.

Canon 1dx mark ii and Canon 600 f4 ii + 1.4x iii. ISO 2000, f7.1, SS 1/1250

[Dorian Anderson]

Very nice! The prey really makes the image. Good to see the old man can still get low!

[Walker Noe]

Fantastic. Gorgeous light, exposure, detail, and colors.

[Colin Driscoll]

Lovely light and pose, fabulous blended background.

[gail bisson]

This is excellent Isaac.
I love the perfect feathers on this youngster and that great body position and HA.
A great looking bird!!
Love the prey as well.
Super POV and light!
This one ticks all the boxes for me!
Gail
Is it me or could this use a hint of CW rotation??

[annmpacheco]

Terrific in every way Isaac, such a young SPSA with that "brand new" plumage. POV and prey, with that HA, who could go wrong, it's all right!!!

[Bill Dix]

Nicely done, Isaac. Great plumage, pose and prey. And POV.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great light, nice low angle, and lots of good fine details to look at. I like the raised bottom, typical of this species' continuous bobbing motion. Neat prey item. My only wish is for at least a bit of space between the touching legs.

[Arthur Morris]

Sweet with an amazing prey item!

with love, artie