Mama's Watchful Eye

[Joe Senzatimore]

Another overcast morning but saw somethings I never saw before. First off in the 10 odd years I have been photographing PP and chicks I never saw more than 2 chicks with a parent. This pair hatched 3!!!!! Secondly 2 were under a parent for warmth and the 3rd was out and about feeding. All of a sudden the parent flies off the 2. I look to see were it went and it is fighting off a Blk. Back gull trying to eat the chick. The parent ran the gull off and the chick was saved.:lol: What a show of force by this tiny bird protecting it's young. It all happened in about 2 seconds so not enough time to shoot it , but still great to watch.
400 ISO f5.6 at 1/1000th
Auto fill

[Doug Brown]

Very cool story and very cute photo. Great eye contact from both birds and the pose of the chick is priceless. I also like the lone blade of grass poking up through the sand.

[Graham Smith.]

Very cute photo indeed! I like it a lot. I also like the lonely blade of grass, as I thnk it balance the image nicely. Did you add the catchlights?

[Dave Mills]

Hi Joe, Nice image...I would crop a bit off the top.

[Juan Aragonés]

Joe I like the composition in the way you posted (great story BTW). Love the nice light and the double eye contac (adult and chick) and the gree grass adds a touch of color to the image. The catchlight from the flash is a bit strong to my taste.

[Joe Senzatimore]

Very cute photo indeed! I like it a lot. I also like the lonely blade of grass, as I thnk it balance the image nicely. Did you add the catchlights?

catchlight is a result of the fill flash.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Very beautiful Image.. the grass blade really add well to the frame. the chicks pose is another plus to this.. congrats..

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great angle, details and moment captured, I also like the blade of grass. I agree that the catchlight of the flash is a bit strong. Thanks also for sharing the story, the really do have to be perceptive to get the little ones through.

[Grace Scalzo]

Nice Joe. The little one with his wings up is a great addition to your plover collection.

[Paul Kusmin]

what a cute little one : )
I agree about the catchlights being maybe too harsh but otherwise I like everything about it.
The single blade of grass just adds to the shot.