After missing 2 weeks shooting due to a broken tripod and a case of poison ivy, I went early Tuesday morning. The light was great at 5:30 but the shorebirds were skittish. I did not take a single shot till 6:45. I shot pp chicks in June here and here but had not seen any since mid June due to storms and high tides.
I was happy to shoot this juvenile - no idea of its age - could it be only 8 weeks old = part of the group of chicks I was shooting then?
D300 with 600 vr with 1.7tc. 1/800th at f/6.7 - used auto iso 220.
Cute little guy, and I like how it is standing on top of the little sand "dune". Your patience paid off! I wouldn't mind more room below just to give the bottom of said "dune" a little more clearance space, but still OK as is. You could remove the second catchlight if you wish, but even more so I would remove (or tone down) the highlights on the bill - especially the three brighter ones.
Nice low level image. Lovely "subject" as well.
Looks the focus is on the legs that is reason of the slightly soft face. Have you used selective AF sensor?
These guys are adorable aren't they. Very nice image and I love the blue reflections in the sand. I agree with removing the highlights from the bill. Congrats.
The ground / mud / perch is exquisite, the bluish reflections are lovely.
Very good colors and light, Maybe a bit soft on my monitor.
I agree with Daniel about the second catchlight in the eye and with removing the strong ones from the bill
Love the light and the little pedestal. Yes to a bit more room below and some bill cleanup. The plumage, esp. the tiny edged feathers on the head, is lovely except for the feathers around the bill that are wet and scruffy looking, probably from feeding. All in all loverly +.
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Thanks for the comments. I made the changes on this repost originally suggested by Daniel. Gyorgy, the focus point was on hte chest right under the eye. The dof is pretty narrow on the 600. I wonder if I should adjust so this combination back focuses a bit when I shoot shorebirds up close?
Juvenile piping plover
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