Sanderlings - one giant leap for...

[dancinec]

Taken at f8, iso 400, 1/2000 sec, 400 mm with the Canon 100-400 mm lens. Thought it was worth sharing.

[Blue Deuce]

Everything about this shot captivates me.

[Rubberhead]

Great shot.

One point - they are Western Sandpipers not Sanderlings.

[dancinec]

Great shot.

One point - they are Western Sandpipers not Sanderlings.What lead you to this conclusion? This is not a challenge, but I want to know. Since I don't have photos of Western Sandpipers, it would be exciting. I see that Sanderlings are a little larger, but their coloration is so similar. Is the wings, Sanderlings are suppose to have black leading edge with a broad stripe, and these do not. Thanks in advance.

[Gary Fairhead]

That is a beautiful image Dennis. Having three of these wonderful little birds in the shot is one thing but that 3rd one has to be the lead dancer in this avian ballet. Wonderful shot!

[Rubberhead]

Sanderlings don't have back toes.

It's actually a lot more, the narrow stripe on the wings, the scalloped scapulars, etc.

Shorebirds and sparrows are some of the most difficult groups of birds to identify. I've spent a lot of time looking at shorebirds, studying shorebirds, dreaming about shorebirds, and I'm still only scratching the surface.

[stevefossimages]

Wonderful composition of the three birds. In fact, I would say perfect composition. It sings to me. What strikes a sour note in such a fine sypmphony IMO is the distracting light off the waves in the background.

I also believe they are westerns, but am not positive. It's a tough call. Best bird guide on the market, bar none, IMO, is the Sibley Guide to Birds. Pick one up and you won't be sorry.

[cfcRebel]

Very nice capture, Dennis. The timing is just priceless. Good job.

[Stephen Stephen]

Lovely stop action shot here and great composition.

[Rubberhead]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0395602378.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIlitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,32,-59_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I've almost worn out my hardback copy of Shorebirds : An Identification Guide to the Waders of the World by Tony Prater, Peter Hayman, John Marchant.

Speaking of which, I may have to double check and make sure that the birds in the picture are not semipalmated sandpipers because the bills look more straight than it should be if they were westerns.

[RonnF]

What a beautiful shot, Dennis!! I wish I had taken it. I also think that your birds are Western Sandpipers. Thanks for sharing the shot and the parameters...

[dancinec]

Sanderlings don't have back toes.

It's actually a lot more, the narrow stripe on the wings, the scalloped scapulars, etc.

Shorebirds and sparrows are some of the most difficult groups of birds to identify. I've spent a lot of time looking at shorebirds, studying shorebirds, dreaming about shorebirds, and I'm still only scratching the surface.Thanks Rubberhead (hate calling you that), for the information. I can see that now. I have several photos of Sanderlings, now I will have to go back to check (rear toes and scalloped scapulars are a good key).

[dancinec]

That is a beautiful image Dennis. Having three of these wonderful little birds in the shot is one thing but that 3rd one has to be the lead dancer in this avian ballet. Wonderful shot!Thanks Gary, actually I didn't realize I had the shot until I was converting my raw.

[dancinec]

Wonderful composition of the three birds. In fact, I would say perfect composition. It sings to me. What strikes a sour note in such a fine sypmphony IMO is the distracting light off the waves in the background.

I also believe they are westerns, but am not positive. It's a tough call. Best bird guide on the market, bar none, IMO, is the Sibley Guide to Birds. Pick one up and you won't be sorry.Thanks Steve, I have the Sibley, but wasn't keyed in on what to look for.

[dancinec]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0395602378.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIlitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,32,-59_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I've almost worn out my hardback copy of Shorebirds : An Identification Guide to the Waders of the World by Tony Prater, Peter Hayman, John Marchant.

Speaking of which, I may have to double check and make sure that the birds in the picture are not semipalmated sandpipers because the bills look more straight than it should be if they were westerns.Thanks again, I will look for a copy.

[dancinec]

What a beautiful shot, Dennis!! I wish I had taken it. I also think that your birds are Western Sandpipers. Thanks for sharing the shot and the parameters...Thanks Ronn, I think that you are correct.

[clivingston]

Terrific shots the composition and exposure and right on!

[Mitcon]

Nice catch Dennis, I love the water still trailing off one of the birds feet. Really nice capture.

[mrclark321]

Wow, great capture :)

Dan

[Steve Merrick]

Beautiful image, I love it.
Cheers Steve

[Balliolman]

Great shot!

[dancinec]

Terrific shots the composition and exposure and right on!Thanks for the kind remarks.

[dancinec]

Nice catch Dennis, I love the water still trailing off one of the birds feet. Really nice capture.Thanks Wayne, blind luck...

[dancinec]

Wow, great capture :)

DanThanks Dan, for the comments.

[dancinec]

Beautiful image, I love it.
Cheers SteveThanks Steve from down under, for the kind remarks.

[dancinec]

Great shot!Thanks for taking time to comment.