Long-billed Curlew.

[Karl Egressy]

I assume, based on my own experience, that this species is hard to come by.
Since the bird was more ore less stationary, I was watching the changing background to capture the right moment. The high wind and choppy water gave me lot of opportunities.
This is one the shots I like.
I hope you like it too.
Taken at Fort de Soto North Beach Florida, a couple of weeks ago.



EOS-1D Mark III
Shooting Date/Time 1/24/2010 12:02:00 PM
Manual Exposure
Tv 1/1600
Av 7.1
Spot Metering
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM +1.4x

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Karl: Glad to see that you found the LBC. He has been gracing us with his presence off and on since last spring. I love his pose and how you can really see the outline of his bill so well. The waves give the capture a nice environmental feel and helps tell the story for the viewers.

[Nick Palmieri]

The composition and bird are beautiful. I will let the moderators comment on the exposure but it looks pretty good to me and the BG seems to work...

[Lana Hays]

Karl
I'm so glad that you found this guy. I don't always see him when I'm there each year and I missed him last year. He is a beautiful bird and can certainly keep you entertained. Very nice colors and pose.....and I like the surf in the BG.

[Don Lacy]

Very nice looking image i like the separation of the bill against the water and the exposure looks good. The only problem is now I am going to have to drive across the state to get An image of this guy:)

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Very striking image of this elusive bird. I really like the composition and the breaking waves in the BG. Excellent detail and pose and very nice soft contrasting colors. Congratulations and many thanks for sharing.

[Arthur Morris]

Love the basic COMP. EXP good. Wish that the bird has washed its bill....Love the fact that the bird's head is centered in the breaking wave. Might have preferred a bit better light angle.

[Karl Egressy]

Love the basic COMP. EXP good. Wish that the bird has washed its bill....Love the fact that the bird's head is centered in the breaking wave. Might have preferred a bit better light angle.

Thank you Artie, thank you all.
I went out very early several mornings after this shot was taken, when the light direction would have been perfect, but for some reason all the shorebirds disappeared to a location only they know.