Sanderling (Calidris alba) & Bairds Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii)

A message came that closeby a dutch bird rarity had been observed: the

bairds sandpiper. Together with a sanderling it walked along the floodline in

order to forage. Although I was thrilled to see this species, I also wanted to

practice my photographing skills. This is one of the shots I made. I wonder

what you think of this photo!

Irene,

please find attached a somewhat reworked image of your photo.

I've cropped the (in my opinion) non-essential parts & brightened up the birds so that their differences could better be seen - I had some difficulty in seeing that easily from the usual distance between my eyes & the monitor.

What do you think?

Cheers

Sam

I prefer the original composition over Sam's edit, as the format just seems more like a panorama, but a slight additional crop would be an improvement. I do like how Sam increase the exposure and contrast, as the original image is some what under exposed.

I've also done a minor re-edit which falls in between the two.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7985485920_1f2d5a6b9a_m.jpg

I've kept the aspect ratio the same while doing a small crop, increased the exposure, contrast, and saturation to bring out the details in the two birds. 

Joel

The shooting angle was the decisive factor for this picture! But, I agree with Sam Bal!

Best regards Irene!

PDE

Thank you all!

I agree that the colours could be more pronounced. I do have to say that the colours change a little when I uploaded this photo here, they became somewhat duller.

It's  always a thrill to catch a rare bird, and it must be doubly so to capture it in the same frame as a more common species that gives the shot more context. I have no strong feelings either way on the alternative crop suggestions, but I do like the extra boost for the colours.

I can relate to your excitement in capturing this somewhat rare sandpiper.

You have captured it well, however I do like Sam's colour adjustment..... it gives your capture a little touch of the "pop" factor. Your angle of capture is superb and I wish my ageing bones would allow me to get down there (smiles).

Well done, and thanks for sharing.........

Regards

Very nice capture Irene!  I totally concur with Pierre and Grayham that your getting to bird's eye level makes this a unique shot.  Very difficult to do, especially with your short telephoto.  Great dof to emphasize the birds.  Lighting could be a little better.  Congratulations on getting this rare viewing on camera!