Four Willets and a Yellowlegs

[Richard Stern]

I know this breaks all the rules - some head angles not correct, some birds overlapping, etc., but to me this brings out the impression I got that at that moment, and that the yellow legs help the image. However, as has been pointed out before, I'm biased for my own images, so what do others think?

D300, 80-400, 1/1600, f/8, ISO640.

Richard

[Lance Peters]

Hi Richard - like the you have mostly not cut off any of the subjects on the edge of the frame (One little tail LHS) - The sole set of yellow legs in the otherwise nearly monochromatic feel to the image is appealing.
As you mentioned some birds overlapping - can live with most of them - the one in the back with its head obscured is a little distracting.
I have never had a lot of success with Multiple birds as in this - Unless they form a strong pattern and really have to fire away and hope you nailed it afterwards. OR try and go for a Blur.

Lets see what others have to say......

[Arthur Morris]

John Shaw: "The job of a nature photographer is to make order out of chaos..." Not the case here, but none-the-less and interesting image. The arrangement of the subjects is indeed chaotic. Sharpest focus seems to be is on the Willet in the back... Of interest is the fact that at least two of the Willets (and probably all four) are in fresh juvenal plumage; note the golden-buff fringes to all of the back, scapular, and covert feathers. The yellowlegs is an adult greater.