This represents what is almost assuredly my last shot of this species for the next year as they're currently departing SF Bay to migrate to the Arctic. They spend
the winter here, but they're not in this breeding best plumage during most of that time, April being the best time to capture them.
I usually like a bit more direct stare, but the bird's body angle couple to the pensive look as he consumed his morsel made this a keeper for me. Started at
f/5.6 (as in the shot of the same individual I posted the other day), but dialed down to f/7.1 as he got closer. f/9 woulda been ideal here, but I like how the
focus effect draws attention right to his face as is.
Once all the shorebirds and ducks leave, this place is a photographic graveyard. It's going to be a rough summer for me, particularly as my June Colombia
tour and my August Brazil vacation aren't gonna happen. F'ing covid. At least friends and family are healthy.
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX2
1/4000 at f/7.1, ISO 1250
Processed in LR CC. No trickery.
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