Red Necked Stint ( Non Breeding) Well at least I think it is1

[Tom Rambaut]

7d, 500mm + 1.4ext, 1/800 @ 6.3, 320 iso. EV + 2/3

Should I trim more off the bottom? Is this image a bit too dark?

I guess this is one of those days when a flash set up would have helped - I don't have it yet.

Thanks, Tom

[Randy Stout]

Tom:

The image could go a sliver brighter, but I do like it as presented and probably wouldn't change it if it were mine.

I would try a version cropped up from the bottom to just above where the reflection of the body starts.
If you do that, you will need to crop from the top to rebalance the image.

I don't think the lack of flash hurt you here at all.(and that is coming from someone who uses flash a lot)

Cheers

Randy

[Arthur Morris]

Lots of slivers here.... Possibly could use a sliver more of light--heck, it looks pretty good as is. And an option would be a sliver off the top and a sliver off the bottom.

This is a wonderful image in particular because it shows the feet so well, feet without any partial webbing (semi-palmations) between the toes.

Do you know if this is a winter adult or a first winter bird? I suspect the latter....

Way to go!

[Tom Rambaut]

Not sure on the winter, first winter bird business. Shore birds are new to me.

So it's slivers all round then.

I did not notice the web, or lack there of, issue. Taxonomicaly usefull image then.

Thanks all.

[Arthur Morris]

Yes it is quite a useful feature to note and a useful image as both Western and Semipalmated Sandpipers have partial webbing between the toes.

[James Salywoda]

Excellent stepping pose captured Tom.

[Mark Young]

Beautiful image Tom! I love the low pose and exposure and the amount of detail in these birds. It's these sort of wonderful images that remind me I need to get a 600mm lense!!