Hudsonian Godwit

[Dorian Anderson]

Hudsonian Godwit is a very rare visitor to the West Coast, usually during fall migration. This bird, a first record for San Mateo County, obliged birders for a week
earlier this month. I caught up with it on a foggy day with constantly shifting lighting conditions. This frame was captured in cloud-filtered sun and through a bit
of sea spray (Lightroom 'dehaze' slider helped with that!). I usually want more contrast and color, but I kinda like the more muted feel to this frame. Would have
liked a touch more head turn, but it's clear he still knows I'm there.....

Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX2
1/3200 at f/5.6, ISO 640

Background is breaking surf.....

[Aditya Sridhar]

Congrats on getting a super shot of this species, Dorian. Love the mood of this image with the light blues and the breaking waves. The raised leg adds interest and conveys motion really well. I like the muted feel that you've mentioned.

IMO the bird's sitting a bit too high in the frame. I added some canvas in PS and removed some room off the bottom (sorry about the watermark), and also sharpened the head a touch. Let me know what you think of this comp.

PS: There's some weird posterization going on in the repost due to compression. It's only to demonstrate the crop and the sharpening.

[Tim Munsey]

Love this image super light and great feel, POV, I think the added room works well.

[Colin Driscoll]

What a terrific shot, great soft mood and the low angle accentuates the bird's leggy proportions. Nicely done.

[gail bisson]

Great low POV. Nice and sharp and exposure perfect.
I agree with Aditya re: less canvas below and a bit more in front.
I like the bits of kicked up sand from that rear leg.
A bit more of a head turn our way would have been awesome,
Gail

[Arthur Morris]

Rarer than rare on that side of the US. Good self-critique. I love both of them. All in all a lovely image this worn juvie.

with love, artie

[Dorian Anderson]

Congrats on getting a super shot of this species, Dorian. Love the mood of this image with the light blues and the breaking waves. The raised leg adds interest and conveys motion really well. I like the muted feel that you've mentioned.

IMO the bird's sitting a bit too high in the frame. I added some canvas in PS and removed some room off the bottom (sorry about the watermark), and also sharpened the head a touch. Let me know what you think of this comp.

PS: There's some weird posterization going on in the repost due to compression. It's only to demonstrate the crop and the sharpening.

Cropping and sharpening suggestions well-received, thanks!

[William Dickson]

Very nice....great POV and colours throughout. Nice pose, details and I love the BG.

Will