fluffin' dunlin

[Keith Carver]

This juvenile dunlin, molting to winter plumage, was at Weskeag Marsh, South Thomaston, Maine. It was busily fluffing and cleaning its feathers in this pose which shows scapulars, coverts and tertials. Focus was on the eye, so that the rear is a little oof; a slower shutter speed would have increased the dof, in hindsight. ;o)

1DM3, 500 1.4X, ISO 640, 1/2500, f/6.3.

C&C appreciated.

[Arthur Morris]

Well done. Like the BKGR and the ruffling action. Faace could use a bit more sharpening. Do you know about the Portland Seminar? It is not far from you. Have you ever been to Monhegan?

[Keith Carver]

Thanks, Artie. In the repost I selected the face, used USM 125 / 0.23 / 0 three times - hope this is a little sharper.

I do know about the Portland Seminar, would love to attend, but will be back at our winter home in western Mass. by then. And yes I have been to Monhegan - great birding spot for both warblers and various pelagic regulars and oddities. Local (Warren, ME) birder Don Reimer ( sherreal@hotmail.com ) is the go-to guy for Monhegan.

[Alfred Forns]

Sure does look better Keith !!! Glad you only went after the face Good PS work !!

[Arthur Morris]

Hey Keith, Thanks for all. I have e-mailed Don. What month were you on Monhegan?

[Keith Carver]

Artie, I was last on Monhegan mid-August '07. There's a huge northward warbler migration in May, southward in September. Don was there earlier this week leading an Elder Hostel group, but I haven't gotten his report yet. With storm Kyle that's blowing through today and tomorrow, I feel sure he's back home by now.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks. I am hoping that there will be a few warblers and lots of sparrows around first week of OCT this year And from what I hear there can be lots of migrant raptors in OCT...