Agitated Avo

[Scott Frye]

American Avocet at Higley Ponds (Gilbert, Arizona)

This avocet was trying to draw me away from a nest or young ones with high wing flapping and a lot of noise. She is looking over her shoulder to see if I am following. I believe it to be a female due to the upward curvature of the beak. I left immediately after taking the photo so as not to furthur agitate this parent.

1/3200 at f7.1 and ISO400 EC -1/3
Bigma at 226mm
Canon 40D

[Lance Peters]

Hi Scott - I like the raised wings and the head turn look back - I would also congratulate you on your responsible attitude in regards to recognising the behaviour and then leaving, so as not to cause any undue stress to the birds.

Think I would crop a little of the reflection from the bottom and a little more space up front for my personal tastes. Good detail in most of the blacks and your whites are in check. Would see if I could lighten and sharpen the eye just a tad.

Like it - congrats.

[Harold Davis]

cool pose, scott. i like the raised wing position and the look back. agree with lance on the crop off the bottom and the eye sharpening.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Hi Scott, glad to hear that you left too. The exposure looks good. The only thing I might try is a shadows and highlight in the front wing. Lovely shot.

[Alfred Forns]

Sweet image Scott !!! Just the little crop at the bottom just over the beak reflection.


Strong and appealing in every way. Hang on to the raw since it could do well in contest !!!! Big Congrats !!!

[Nonda Surratt]

Good for you on leaving! Love this image, the wing and head position are super.

[Arthur Morris]

This does not belong in Eager to Learn. It is way too good. Love the soft light and the look-back head angle. Could have used a teench more room in front of the bird (but that is pushing it). If you could have sat down and had a clear view of the nest the bird would very likely have gone back to the nest. Was the bird nesting near a regular walkway?

ps: Thanks a ton for your membership support.

[Scott Frye]

The bird was not nesting on a regular walkway. The ponds where I shot the picture are pretty empty of people.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Scott,
Excellent composition and capture...I too agree on just a small crop from the bottom...congratulations...well done...:cool:

[Arthur Morris]

The bird was not nesting on a regular walkway. The ponds where I shot the picture are pretty empty of people.

Thanks Scott. If you were willing to sit in the mud, it might have paid big dividends without stressing the bird(s).