American Woodcock

Gallery: AvianPosted May 20, 201396 views13 comments

This was, by far, the best opportunity I've ever had to photograph a woodcock without a bunch of limbs in the way. I laid down on the ground to get an eye to eye perspective. It didn't seem to mind my presence in the least. I love how they just blend into their environment.

5D Mark III, 500f4 IS w/ 2x tele, ISO1600, f9, 1/800sec, fill flash @ -2 1/3 stops

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on May 20, 2013 at 11:47 PM

Wow, considering the species, this is outstanding. You really got a cooperative bird and you made the most of it. The low perspective really adds to the power of this one. Nicely composed and exposed. You certainly got good eye contact and a catch light as well. Definitely a keeper.

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Martin Dunn on May 21, 2013 at 4:42 AM

Great shot Kirk, the large image is super. Lovely warm light on the woodcock makes it stand out well from the leaves. Nice and crisp, right down to the grains of dirt/sand on the bill.

Registered on February 20, 2013, 198 Posts, 1011 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 21, 2013 at 6:13 AM

Oh, very sweet! The larger image is awesome. Super detail. Love the light and habitat as well. Great techs. I would love to have taken this.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on May 21, 2013 at 6:31 AM

Great of you to have approached this day sleeper Kirk. A very nice shot was the reward.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on May 21, 2013 at 8:41 AM

Amazing shot. The bird seems entirely relaxed despite your presence. Excellent low level POV. Well worth the effort and time in sneaking up on the bird!

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on May 21, 2013 at 11:52 AM

Among the very best American Woodcock photos I've seen, Kirk. Superb detail, lovely warm light and a lovely setting. Just excellent.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on May 21, 2013 at 12:20 PM

This is one of those images where you have to view the larger image to appreciate. Wonderful detail and setting with the low perspective. They certainly can blend in to their environment. Excellent shot Kirk.

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

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on May 21, 2013 at 12:53 PM

Awesome shot, Kirk. This is such a difficult to photograph species here in the UK so huge congrats on what is a superb shot.

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on May 21, 2013 at 4:02 PM

Super cool bird in sweet light Kirk. I really your low perspective.

Sweet One!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on May 21, 2013 at 4:07 PM

Wonderful image Kirk, and - indeed - the low perspective works very well and makes all the difference in a shot. Great moment with a notorious hard-to-frame bird ! Hats of !

, hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on May 21, 2013 at 4:22 PM

Kirk this really is a lovely shot ,superb warm feather detail it's a stunner.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on May 21, 2013 at 11:59 PM

Great eye and eye contact..... absolutely gorgeous record of the plumage detail and coloration. I feel this is really over the top, but then I'm very partial to the colors on snipes and woodcocks! Very well done Kirk!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on May 23, 2013 at 4:15 PM

Beautiful light, gorgeous bird. You have captured it just how I imagine seeing it! Very, very well done! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments