Stormy Roost

This group of Redshanks & Turnstones were sheltering in the lee of a rocky outcrop on the Ayrshire shore. With little cover I was amazed they hadn't moved further up the coast where there is a lot more shelter and less exposure to the stormy sea. More amazing was one of the Redshanks only had one shank (leg) it coped with every gust and burst of spray despite not having the most sheltered spot.

The images on this thread (including the main one above) were all hand held shots taken in a gale. With a 500mm lens things were tricky to say the least many, many rejects...here are a few shots that help to set the scene. I'm wishing I'd sorted out my brand new Stealth gear bean bag...it's ready now so just need the weather to settle a bit!

Pulling back a bit we get the Sea too...more contextual, less about the birds?