Killdeer in a sheepherding contest

[Jim Poor]

I was shooting a sheep herding contest last week and I think this poor thing had a nest in the field.

She was doing the broken wing impression, but nobody was really paying any attention.

Camera Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Camera Model: NIKON D3
Image Date: 2009:06:25 16:01:36
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 400.0mm (35mm equivalent: 400mm)
Exposure Time: 0.0020 s (1/500)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv: 400
Exposure Bias: 0.50
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Spot
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
Comment: (C)JIM_POOR

[Axel Hildebrandt]

You must have been pretty close to the nest. Sharpness looks good. I think there is a slight magenta cast and I would tone down the highlights. I wish the grass would not partially cover the tail.

[Jim Poor]

I was pretty far a way, but the dogs and sheep were running all over the area.

I had a hard time making up my mind on the color for this one too.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Jim,

If I converted the time correctly, it was around 4:00. So the auto WB was fine. Maybe a slight crop on the bottom and agree with Axel on the tone down option.

I like the picture when combined with the narrative. Explaining the survival routine - interesting to actually see the event. Seems most pictures on the ground are busy, I enjoyed the action shot.

[Jim Poor]

Thanks Jeff. I'll have to see if she's back in the same field next time I go. Maybe I can get there early enough to set up just for her for a while.