Another Black-bellied plover

[allanrube]

I got out to Plum Island yesterday morning. It was actually cold as the sun was coming up. I got an image of a young harbor seal (I guess) before dawn. I was on the beach and heard flapping. It was the seal working its way from the beach back to the water. It stopped to look at me for a few minutes. I shot it at 1/250 second at iso 1600 with +1 stop ec. Then in NX, I had to add another stop of exposure. I copied the seal and then used noise reduction on the background. All things considered the D300 and NX did a good job.

But this is a bird forum. The only shorebird of interest was a young black-bellied plover. I had to wade into the water and shoot back towards the beach. I guess it was worth it but my tripod has water inside the legs. I will have to get a set of those tripod condoms!

[Doug Brown]

Great light, eye contact, and sharpness. Just a nice photo Allan!

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light, angle and fresh plumage. I only wish for a bit more head turn toward you.

[Gus Cobos]

Great capture Allan,
I like the composition, and the exposure is great. You display razor sharp details and colors. The background compliments your subject very well...:cool:

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Wonderful image and composition. The lighting is gorgeous and the detail is excellent. I love this image Allan and the only thing I can see is what Axel already mentioned and that would be a slight more head turn. Many thanks for sharing.

[Maxis Gamez]

Gorgeous light and low angle. Looks a little over sharpened but that's about it for me. Head angle works for me as presented!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Nice all around. There is a dust spot above the back that needs correction.

[Ramon M. Casares]

There is a dust spot right over the bird's back, other than that little detail, I find teh image outstanding! Congratulations!

[allanrube]

Thanks for the comments. I like the head position as this is a perfect profile. The dust spot went by unnoticed. I took it out and changed by sharpening to only 2/3 of what I had.

[Linda Robbins]

A perfect image. Love the composition, plumage detail , composition and gorgeous light. The repost sharpening looks great.

[Linda Robbins]

I forgot to add that the head angle looks great to me.

[Maxis Gamez]

Much better Allan. Do you see the difference??

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Very nice and gorgeous lights. I like the colors as well.
Like the reporst a bit better. No head turn needed from my side. :D

Szimi

[allanrube]

Much better Allan. Do you see the difference??

If I see the 2 images side by side I do. However, when I scroll through this post and can only see one image at a time in my browser it is harder. What do you feel ius better in the second one - softer feathers?