When we got a break from the rain, we went down to check out the beach at the resort. It’s a really long beach. While we were walking along, I spotted this bird. I’m guessing it’s some kind of sandpiper, but I don’t know the exact species. Perhaps Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, or Wilson’s Plover. Regardless, in true sandpiper form, he was gone within a few seconds after realizing I was trying to photograph him…
UPDATE: Thanks to Jon for the identification. The bird is a ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres). I was kinda close…
Camera: Canon EOS 60D, Exposure Time: 1/1000, Aperture: f/5.6, ISO: 100, Focal Length: 400mm
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Good shot…I love the stories you weave around your pictures!
Thanks š
Great shot, Steve! Like the lighting, even though it’s a backlit shot, it is actually really good light. Depth of field is nice, too! From the feathers, it looks like a Ruddy Turnstone in winter plumage. Shortish black bill, reddish legs, and a nice white belly. Still a shorebird, like the others you listed, so your ID wasn’t far off. š
Quick tip: When you have the option, keep an eye on the head. Turned perpendicular to the focal plane, or better slightly towards the viewer, makes for a very engaging shot. Body angle in this shot looks pretty good already.
Thanks for the tips and the ID, Jon! It was a cloudy day so the natural softbox helped out with the lighting.