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Thread: Black-tailed Godwit

  1. #1
    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Default Black-tailed Godwit

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    One of a number of target birds for our Iceland trip. We got distant looks in a number of locations as we scoured the countryside, but never a decent shot. Geoffrey said "We'll get one on Flatey" (our final destination), but by then I had pretty much given up hope. I was sitting on the edge of a rocky cove photographing Snow Buntings when this guy flew in out of nowhere and landed right in front of me. He kept his back to me the whole time, but I'll take this head turn. I didn't notice it at the time, but when I looked on the computer I was struck by the way the richly colored bird stood out in an almost monochromatic setting.

    D500, 500 f/5.6E PF with 1.4 TC, ISO 2500, 1/2500s @ f/8

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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Well Bill:

    You captured his "bill" beautifully, open, with a pop of color. Yes, the colors work well together, his grays with the grays of the background. DOF worked well, even with the pose.

    Good shooting angle.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    Well I was hoping, and just about the moment I saw him fly in I saw you train your camera on him. This is a very fine capture and I agree the monochromatic grey of the rocks with nice softness in the background makes his colors pop.

    Geoffrey




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    Wonderful Bill, love the shot, raised foot, open bill and great view of his back... Colors look rich against the neutral grays, and really pop. Happy for ya!

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    BPN Member dankearl's Avatar
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    I saw these in Iceland in almost the exact same environs... Look back is nice enough for me.
    Dan Kearl

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    Sounds like a wonderful trip and it was well worth waiting for the serendipitous moment. Love the pose and the BG to set this beauty off. TFS

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    The bird does stand out nicely against all those rocks. Glad you got a oppurtunity on this one.

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    BPN Member William Dickson's Avatar
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    Looking real good Bill. What a great coloured BG to show off the beautiful colours on the bird. Nice POV.

    Will

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    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    I love this. Great BG that acts as a lovely foil to this gorgeous bird.
    If this was mine I would paint in some light grey on the dark rocks behind the head to lessen their impact.
    Love the raised foot.
    Gail

  10. #10
    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Thanks Gail. Good suggestion. I'll do it.

  11. #11
    BPN Member Bill Dix's Avatar
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    Here's repost with just a light grey wash on the rocks. Also just a touch more sharpening on the bird.

  12. #12
    Lifetime Member gail bisson's Avatar
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    Subtle but makes a difference! I like it!

  13. #13
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    Thanks Bill. What a beauty. The repost is better! I struck out on my trip on my #1 target bird :(

    with love, artie
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