Dirt Bird #1

[Arthur Morris]

When I used to be a birder (1976-1983), I learned that a dirt bird is a species so common that it is not worth looking at. I never thought that I would get to photograph at a location where Long-billed Curlew was a dirt bird...

This Long-Billed Curlew was photographed at Morro Bay, CA in the last light of the day with the handheld Canon 400mm IS DO Lens and the EOS-50D. ISO 800. Evaluative metering at zero: 1/640 sec. at f/4. Added canvas front and cleaned up the bill. (Central sensor AI Servo AF.)

Don't be shy. All comments welcome. I am here to learn too.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

... and I was looking for dirty feet, have never heard this term before. :) Great light, pose and details, I only wish for a bit more bill/BG separation.

[Jim Fenton]

I wish I had this particular "dirtbird" up here in New England :)

I'd agree with Axel....the only thing is that the bill doesn't have much separartion from the substrate.....it's a rather minor concrn given the overall image.

The long light is spectacular.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Beautiful warm/soft light,angle and composition!!!

[Grace Scalzo]

Love the contrast of the dark bg and the warmly lit bird. I also like the long shadow of the bird's legs and the little bits of sparkle in the foreground. There are alot of subtleties in this image that make my eye linger on it.

[Stu Bowie]

Stunning light,and amazing colours throughout. I like the raized foot off the ground. Well captured.

[Aidan Briggs]

Yep, they are pretty common around here. In fact I was talking about Curlew's with the owners of the Lepp institute, whom I met this morning. Was this from one of Marc's outriggers?

[Charles Glatzer]

Artie,

This is a DREAM. Stunning image in all regards.

Best,

Chas

[Arthur Morris]

Yep, they are pretty common around here. In fact I was talking about Curlew's with the owners of the Lepp institute, whom I met this morning. Was this from one of Marc's outriggers?

Hey Aidan, No, this was on the beach north of the Rock. I was with Victoria on the outrigger canoes this morning. Did you talk to her or to Hal?

We only photographed until 9:15 am as the wind came up and I wanted to see the Giants win. Well, ..... :confused: :confused:

[Arthur Morris]

BTW, thanks Chas!

[Marion Ehrlich]

Oh, I love this image! Beautiful light, precious bird and stunning pose! Congratulations on that shot!
Greetings,
Marion

[Juan Aragonés]

Superb job here Artie, the lights could not be better and the low angle, pose anf¡d Bg are really good.

[Marc Mol]

[quote=Arthur Morris;196240]When I used to be a birder (1976-1983),quote]

What does this make you now Arthur??
Surely a title that never leaves one?? :D

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Artie,
Gorgeous bird, nice pose, excellent light and nice and clean BG. Beautiful shot!

[Arthur Morris]

First off, thanks all for the kind comments.

I gotta say that from here, with my monitor recently calibrated and the calibration strip at the bottom looking perfect, that the bill stands out plainly from the BKGR :) :)

[quote=Marc Molloy;196687]

When I used to be a birder (1976-1983),quote]

What does this make you now Arthur??
Surely a title that never leaves one?? :D

Marc, I consider myself a bird photographer and a naturalist who loves birds, but not a birder. Birders run from place to place just to add a check-mark to their lists. Most rarely stay with a bird for no longer than the time it takes to identify it. There are some birders who are naturalists but most are not. And most birders hate bird photographers... :) ;)

[Charles Glatzer]

... and I was looking for dirty feet, have never heard this term before. :) Great light, pose and details, I only wish for a bit more bill/BG separation.

Axel,

The bill looks fine from here, with good seperation.

Chas

[Paul Lagasi]

Great photo love the glow of the bird..don't agree with your assessment of birders though...but who am I only a lowly member and birder...Paul

p.s. wish I knew how to put one of those smiley faces after my name...

[Nagesh Mula]

I liked this picture very much, primarily due to two reason
1. Golden light on the bird.
2. Relatively Dark Background, I am a big fan of such BG.

[Simon Bennett]

Beautiful warm light and composition.