Black-necked Stilt

Gallery: AvianPosted December 28, 2011112 views9 comments

Nikon D5100 w/ 200-400VR + TC14E
ISO 200, F5.6, 1/640 sec
Location: Gilbert Water Ranch - Gilbert, AZ

I was in the Phoenix area over Christmas & decided to head out to the Water Ranch before leaving town. Unfortunately I slept in a little so the light isn't as good as I would have preferred. This location offers a variety of birds to photograph which are reasonably approachable. Comments & critiques welcome!

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 28, 2011 at 9:23 PM

You handled the exposure quite well here given the time pf day. A lower position would have eliminated the feeling of looking down on the stilt.

Next time you will be in Phoenix let me know and we can meet up at the Water Ranch.

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

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on December 28, 2011 at 9:42 PM

Thanks Richard, I would love that!

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 28, 2011 at 11:52 PM

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU SLEPT IN !!!!!

I never do that.

Seriously though, I like the pose and being able to see some of the back. I didn't know they had some green and iridescence, I don't see them often, and never around where I live. I agree with Richard on the angle.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 29, 2011 at 7:32 AM

I like the striding pose, sharpness and that you were able to show some iridescence. I think that the combination of shadow and reflection is interesting. Agree about the desirability of a lower angle.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by John Robinson on December 29, 2011 at 10:36 AM

Looks good to me .
Great stuff.
JR

Registered on March 2, 2008, 535 Posts, 2453 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on December 29, 2011 at 11:02 AM

I really like the detail you managed in the dark regions and even the sheen on the wings. I do find myself wishing to see either a lower angle or a bit more of the reflection, because looks like you had terrific water and conditions for one. This shot seems to be between those 2 things. Still a good shot either way.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on December 29, 2011 at 11:14 AM

Thanks everyone! Originally I had the higher angle for a good reflection, then the stilt moved in too close for me to capture that. I didn't want to adjust the tripod & potentially scare the bird off so I just kept shooting!

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on December 29, 2011 at 12:58 PM

Nice job on the exposure Tonia, I especially like the irridesence. Either a lower angle or the full reflection would have improved this imo.

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

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 2, 2012 at 1:54 AM

You did a nice job of handling the black and white color contrast which is not an easy thing to do. A lower angle would of helped but this still a very good stilt shot. The larger image has some good detail and interesting to see the iridesent shine which I did not know they had. Way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments