Spoonbill in Little Estero

[Bob Blanchard]

Came up on a small flock of Spoonies in Little Estero. Tide was in so I waded out into waist deep water (and about 6 inches of mud) to get uplight of this fellow. I was very close. He was actually trying to sleep, but I'd just make a subtle movement in the water that would get him to drop the foot a bit, and open his eyes and turn his head. This went on for awhile. The ones where the head angle was a bit more away crowded the plant a bit too much for my taste. I settled on this one, but would have preferred a bit of space between the bill and the neck. I think I may need just a touch of CW rotation on this too. Other than that, I liked the pose.

Canon 1DsMII, 600mm f/4, f/8, ISO 400, 1/1250, +1/3 EV, Early morning, tripod, waist deep in water and mud, Little Estero Lagoon in Fort Myers Beach.

[Ramon M. Casares]

I like it.
The plant is a nice plus. Light is very nicem detail, colors, BG, exposure, and sharpness are great IMO.
I wish for a tad better HA, not so much towards you.
Congratulations!

[Fabs Forns]

Wiat till you are trying to take a nap. Spoonie is going to sneak on you and make you miserable :)

Beautiful colors and the plant is a big plus. I think it's a bit tight on top as presented.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Beautiful image, loved the colourful bird, Th pose looks good and the angle works well. I would cut out a bit at the bottom and balance it off on the top. Nevertheless beautiful image.. Congrats..

[Dave Barnes]

I think that your efforts have proven to be well worth while.
I like the eye contact and colours. The plant balances the comp.
I would have liked a bit more space above the bird.

[Bob Blanchard]

Wiat till you are trying to take a nap. Spoonie is going to sneak on you and make you miserable :)

Beautiful colors and the plant is a big plus. I think it's a bit tight on top as presented.

LOL - That would be justice, wouldn't it! It was amazing how close I was able to get, and how much he tolerated before he lazily wandered off to another area of the lagoon. Definitely adds to the mistique of Little Estero, as the birds almost seem tame there...even the Spoonies when they come in. The bird in this image was about the nicest in the bunch, as most were quite immature. FYI - "Pinky" was there too on Sunday. First time I'd seen him in awhile.

I agree with the space to the top, good point. Thanks!

[Ilija Dukovski]

Nice colors, Great bird, HA is OK to me. The mangrove is adding I think to the composition.

[Gyorgy Szimuly]

Awesome image Bob. Lovely colors, sharpness and a part of the surroundings.
Some CW rotation is needed :)

Szimi

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Agree with Kiran re: crop from below. Awesome colors. I like the plant too as it balances the image nicely. Thanks for sharing.

[Morkel Erasmus]

I agree needs a little more space up top. love the plant and the head angle showing the beak shape nicely. also sweetly exposed. you didn't get wet and dirty for nothing!