Are you stating that I should have been watching the water and waiting for a time when no surf was rolling in?
If I'm understanding you correctly (and I could be dead wrong), I'd have to disagree. I think the little surf edge added quite a bit to what would otherwise have been a very flat and typical background.
Very nice Jim! Wonderful pose and good exposure. For the record, I think the bubbles on the surf line add a lot of texture and interest. Perfect as posted.
I don't find the bubbles distracting and as always, Jim, you've produced a great image of a lovely shore bird. I'm looking forward to your future posts with the D300!!!!