spoonie in last light

[avkomp]

600f4 tc17 1000mm 1/200 iso400 f7.1
full frame image.

my fave from yesterday. after sitting at the waters edge for a couple of hours or so, the birds more or less forgot about me and came quite close 5m or so for the spoonies and metre and a half for the swamphens.
was wearing camo but not sure if it helped or not or was sitting still.

this was in golden late light but the bird was in shadow, I set a white point on the bird in post and this is how the shot came up.

here is another around the same time with the 70-200

d3 70-200 f2.8 @ 200mm 1/250 f5.6 iso 400 also full frame. they normally skittish spoonies were coming quite close.

[Alan]

WOW - how good are they? Patience paid off.

Amazing light, detail and exposure in that light on a white bird.

I keep coming back to the golden water sneaking up the bill, beautiful blacks and whites and sharpness in #1.

Cheers

[avkomp]

thanks for the kind words.
was sitting there for 3 and a bit hours waiting for light and birds.
I still cant figure out why you get that gold water at this spot but you very often do. well worth a numb bumb I reckon. hehehe

[Gordon]

Can only say I am very envious, of your patience and commitment.

Great images. You set a standard that is a challenge for everyone.

[Lost]

"after sitting at the waters edge for a couple of hours or so"

now that is the difference between a lucky grab photo and dedication to get the best possible photo.

Great images Stephen

[P Plates]

Both stunners but there is something about the total scene in #2 that really draws me in, beautiful colours, love the reflection, just an amazing photograph.