Killdeer Flight and Call

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

20250502_063613_Z811517.jpg
20250502_063613_Z811517.jpg2048×1516 526 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)

The Killdeer have returned to our local wetlands for mating and breeding. It’s so funny that they announce themselves wherever they are. I was lucky to be in position to catch this one with a background other than blue or gray sky…

Specific Feedback

I like the position of the wings and that he’s calling. There’s a shadow from the right wing across the body, but I don’t think it’s too bad. What do you think?

I’m really pleased with the background and that my camera held focus on the bird.

Technical Details

Nikon Z8, 800mm, 1/2500 sec @ f/6.3, ISO 1100

Preprocessing in DXO PhotoLab, final processing in Capture One.

Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

  • Vision and Purpose:
  • Conceptual:
  • Emotional Impact and Mood:
  • Composition:
  • Balance and Visual Weight:
  • Depth and Dimension:
  • Color:
  • Lighting:
  • Processing:
  • Technical:
2 Likes
2

Excellent, David. They’re always running around in their normal panic here, but I never seem to get them in the air. Interestingly, their favorite place in our neighborhood is the people with the board flat lawn that’s always closely mown. It must have the best bugs and worms.

3

Thanks, Dennis. Yes, they are kind of clueless birds. Down here they often nest right next to or even on the walking paths. Then the areas need to be roped off to avoid disturbing them.

4

Very nice capture! The bird is sharp with excellent tonal detail – I don’t mind the wing shadow at all. The BG is lovely but I wonder about bringing up the darks a bit to reduce contrast a little. Just an idle thought for a lovely image!

The few I see are very shy and always fly away from me.

5

Very tough to catch these lightning-fast, erratic fliers in flight - so this is an excellent catch. The eye and the open beak make this shot.
Well-done!

6

I like the pose and the overall sharpness of the subject. BG is nice and its darkness provides enough contrast to show off the subject…Jim

7

@Diane_Miller, @Sandy_Richards-Brown, and @Jim_Zablotny thank you for the kind comments. Much appreciated.