Solitary Sandpiper (w/ fix)

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Update w/ bg distractions removed -

Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit
Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit2500×1563 1.94 MB

Original -

Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit.jpg
Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit.jpg2500×1563 1.93 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

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

Description

Wednesday was the warmest day this past week and with relatively low winds, so I went out in the kayak to my favorite place to paddle. Despite the larger reservoir looking as though the water level hadn’t changed, when I got into the river proper, I discovered it was quite low - a couple of feet at least. As annoying as it was to not be able to get into all the side overflows like I usually do, it provides ample hunting grounds for these little wading birds. Also annoying was that the Hen of the Woods my friend and I harvested last year did not fruit (either that or something else ate it).

So after passing by this biggish sandbar (where I thought I’d have to portage, but didn’t) and noticing 3 of these beauties, I decided to see if I could stealth park the boat on my way back. They were harshly backlit, but another angle might work. They are quite vocal, but oddly trusting and let me slide the boat up onto the shore for quite a time while they poked in the sand to find tasty morsels. They are slightly smaller than an American Robin and very cute as they dash around and send contact calls to each other. I found them in twos and threes, but I think sandpipers in general congregate more in larger flocks so that’s maybe where they get their name.

Specific Feedback

Even though I was braced and there wasn’t much wind, the bird is a tad softer than I expected it would be judging by what I thought was accurate focus. Plus I’m out of practice. So…too soft?

Technical Details

Handheld in the kayak lodged on sand and braced on knees.

Screenshot 2025-08-30 at 11.06.38 AM
Screenshot 2025-08-30 at 11.06.38 AM594×322 66.3 KB

ON1 No Noise to smooth and sharpen, then LR for some basic global edits as well as some making to accentuate the bird. Removed some distractions in the bg, cropped and gave it a horizontal flip.

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2

The sandpiper looks sharp enough to me, Kris. The bright brown/orange twig or whatever in front of the bird and the specular highlights above the far end of it draw my eye quite a bit. I’ve attached a copy of your image with the culprits marked. Other than those, I really like this image.

Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit copy
Kristen_SmithAugust 27, 2025_1012218-Edit copy2500×1563 826 KB

3

Nice catch Kris. Looks sharp enough to me too. Nice details in the shadows. Agree with Dennis suggestions and I would also look at the highlights above the tail. Nice pose with an intent stare.

4

Kris

Real pleasing image with excellent detail on the sandpiper. I like the environment.
Looks like a pretty large sandpiper to me. I guess I’m used to seeing smaller ones around my neck of the woods. Agree with Dennis on the distracting items. Keep up the good work.

5

Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @Allen_Sparks & @David_Schoen - I’ve done more clean up and reposted. Thanks for pointing those out.

6

Nice job on the repost, Kris.

7

The version with the highlights removed looks pretty good. The image is approaching ideal sharpness. I believe that the harsh lighting has reduced some contrast in the feathers. A few years back, I tried to get some shots of black necked stilts and had a lot of trouble with heat shimmer which reduced overall image sharpness as well. I bet there was some heat shimmer too. Comp looks good and these birds are tough to find, but you captured one with pretty good results…Jim

8

I missed this earlier but glad I found it now – a very handsome bird!! The environment is nice, especially the cleaned-up version, and the sharpness looks fine. I was also wondering if you might have had heat shimmer – it is not just in true heat but due more to temperature variations causing rising air, and seems to be worse around water. I’ve often wondered if suspended fine water droplets make it worse. It is an awful problem close to the Pacific where the air can be heavy with moisture.