Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Gallery: AvianPosted September 15, 2011135 views9 comments

Tryngites subruficollis

I was so excited to see this Buff-breasted Sandpiper I almost missed the shot. I have been trying to just get a look at this bird for several years, this is a lifer for me. I was photographing a group of pectoral and least sandpipers and this one walked in and started feeding right in front of me. I believe it is rather unusual to see this species feeding on a mud flat, they are usually in more grassy areas. I do wish it was sharper in the coverts, but I am really happy to have captured this species. This was the only shot I was able to get with a decent head turn.

7D, 500mm f4L IS + 1.4 tc, tripod
1/1250, f8.0, ISO 200
57.5% of full frame (10.3 of 18mp)

All comments and critique very appreciated.
Thank you.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on September 15, 2011 at 8:47 AM

Matt, to get a shot of a lifer and have it be a great shot like this is really wonderful. Congratulations!

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on September 15, 2011 at 11:52 AM

Terrific! That's a great story, and you handled the unexpected opportunity well.

In my NJ days we traveled inland to a few sod farms these birds favored in fall migration and were happy if we got a view of a few in our spotting scopes. I recall only once seeing one at a mudflat, and that was a surprise in the South Cape May Meadows.

There's good detail and sharpness in this, and the blue makes a nice background for the buff bird. The side-on view is good.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on September 15, 2011 at 6:04 PM

Congrats on getting a lifer in this kind of light and setting Matt!
Love the water colour around it. I do feel it could do with a slight boost in levels as it looks a bit underexposed (though I don't know the bird)

Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on September 15, 2011 at 7:14 PM

Cool shot Matt. I have never seen on of these birds and I would also be thrilled, first of all to find it, and second to get such a good shot.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on September 15, 2011 at 7:53 PM

Thanks for the comments so far everyone. Morkel, I agree it does look a bit dark. Here is a repost bumped up a bit.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on September 16, 2011 at 1:14 AM

The repost looks better to me Matt, an excellent shot of this rarity, congrats.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on September 16, 2011 at 9:15 AM

Crisp detail, excellent light & colors Matt.
Congratulations on finally getting this fine shot

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on September 16, 2011 at 5:37 PM

Nice one, Matt. Never have seen this species. Congats on a lifer. I would have had the same suggestion about exposure, but the brighter image answered it for me - much better.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Bryan Hix on September 18, 2011 at 12:10 AM

One of my favorite shorebirds. The re-post did the trick. Nice job and congrats on the lifer.

Registered on June 13, 2008, 117 Posts, 755 Comments