Pied Avocet

[Ryan Lambert]

A Pied Avocet coming into land, sometimes you get those early mornings when the conditions at the hide are just perfect, the sun has just popped over the horizon and the water is as smooth as glass - photographed at the Marievale Bird Sanctuary.

Camera Model Canon 40D
Lens EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/1600
Av( Aperture Value ) 7.0
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 400mm

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

nice details on the whites...beautiful pose/bg!!!

[Ramon M. Casares]

I wish the rear wing didn't merge with the head, but other than that and some hot whites in the belly that could be easily recovered, I love the pose, BG, light, and detail.
Congratulations.

[Juan Aragonés]

Hey Ryan, after reading your description ofthe shooting conditions in that hide I think that I would love to spend some time there :-D

Light couldn´t be better, really sweet, and the BG is very good. I agree with Ramón about the overlapping of the head/wing but, otherwise, the pose of the avocet is really good. The details in the dark areas ofthe plumage are just outstanding and the eye contact, killer. Love the hanging legs . A very good job!

[Stu Bowie]

Hey Ryan, I checked the whites, and they look fine to me. A few pixels about, but nothing to worry over. I like the landing pose, and sharp where it counts. The two tone BG works well.

[David Fletcher]

Wonderful shot Ryan. Whites look fine: (max i found was 242). Good work. This is a delightful shot!

[Dave Barnes]

As you say Ryan, great light giving you fantastic detail and colours.
When was this captured?

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great light and BG, I also like the sharpness, dangling feet and eye contact and only wish the far wing were a bit higher up.

[Lorant Voros]

Apart from the already mentioned wing-head alignment is is a stunning image. Sweet light, beautiful BG with it's colors, nice exposure. Well done.

[Kiran Poonacha]

Lovely timing and loved the sharpness.. the on the head distracts a Bit... but I loved the Image..

[Chris Kotze]

Super angle and a lovely pose and sweet light. Beautiful BG colours as well.

[Ryan Lambert]

Thank you all for the comments and crits, they are always appreciated. Ditto the wing not being higher, Dave this was taken in November last year.

[Daniel Stenberg]

The left wing is mentioned above, beside that this is absolutely fab. Light position and the hanging legs...perfect!

// Daniel

[Ryan Lambert]

Thanks Daniel, much appreciated