Common Sandpiper

[Bibhav Behera]

Common Sandpiper | Chorao Island, Goa
This was one of my closest encounters with any bird. I was actually clicking an Osprey in the distance when suddenly I noticed this guy nearby.
I was shooting this near minimum focussing distance of my lens and the bird had no clue that I was around. I was on a slightly raised bund with the sun behind my back so I guess it couldn't spot me.

This is a full frame image.
Canon EOS 1000D, Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS + 1.4x Extender
SS 1/100 (-2/3 EC)
f/8
ISO 400

Comments and Critiques welcome.

PS: If you look closely, you can actually see me in its eye

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Nice closeup. The eye is in focus. Moving a bit to the left, if possible, to get the camera aligned to the head as well as hiding the out of focus area which is now behind the beak would have been great. However, at such close distances, one has to be careful. I would prefer a higher shutter speed, when the subject is at a close distance. Thanks for sharing. Looks like you had a productive trip. Look forward to more.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Mrudul Godbole]

Nice close-up. The eye is sharp. The details are nice. Nicely captured. Thanks for sharing.

[Amit Kalele]

wonderful closeup, love the sharpness.