I finally went birding today--first time in a long time. My project was trying to capture a Rhinoceros Aucket with fish (sand lace). Got a few good poses--but pretty tough shooting. Hard to get the light right. These guys are not easy to get close to--this was shot from the pier. I might try my kayak, but not sure if they will like me that close.
I'll try another day!
Canon 1D MKIV
500/4
1/1600s f/7.1 at 700.0mm iso500
The fish with the gaping mouth makes this one special. Not sure I agree about the highlights as they look like starbursts and I rather like them. Could just be your shooting angle, as I cannot say this for certainty, but I feel like a ccw rotation may be in order. Really a great image, thanks for sharing it.