Semipalmated Plover Portrait Gros Morn National Park

[Scott Grant]

This bird got too close for full images so i stopped down a shot a few portraits.

Taken Sept. 6th, 2009.
D300, 500VR, 1.7X converter (1275mm eq. focal lenght)
1/200th
f10
ISO400

about 70% of original frame. Tweaked in NX2. Due to the busy background i tried to smooth things out a little.

Hot object right under the birds breast should have been toned down.

Can anyone age the bird for me?

Thanks in advance!

[Joe Senzatimore]

Fine detail. Would like to see a lower angle.

[Fabs Forns]

Lots of detail and great EXP on that face. A lower angle, as mentioned, would have gotten rid of the distracting BG, provided it was not still busy with bushes.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I agree a lower angle may have helped smooth out the BG in a "natural" way. Nice to see a different type of setting with all those littered leaves. As for aging, I'm tempted to go with a young one with those nicely even scaled feathers. I could be wrong though!

P.S. Nice view of the "semipalm"...

[Scott Grant]

Thanks for the replies/critiques everyone. much appreciated!

The background isn't leaves or bushes. This bird was hanging out on 3 feet high storm piled seaweed. unfortunately the background was piled high behind it and i was already shooting at almost eye level. :)

Daniel, thanks for your guess at it's age.