Four Seasons, Four Bird Images..

[ShawnZ]

As spring approaches quickly I felt like reflecting a bit over the last year. Great spring 08 for shorebirds, like this Dunlin. Found a protective killdeer during summer 08. Spent quality time with Lapland Longspurs fall 08. The redpolls rocked the winter 08 and 09. All images taken with either a Minolta5d, or SonyA300, with a Tokina80-400mm lens. Thanks for viewing. Comments and critiques always welcome

Regards, Shawn Zierman.

[Birdsong]

Nice! I would take one of those calendars. My favorite in the Dunlin.

[dukhnt]

Very nice, I like them all!

[JayinMN]

Great collection Shawn, the Dunlin and Killdeer are way awesome!

[jonny_redhorse]

Beautiful captures Shawn!...I can hardly wait for the open water and spring arrivals!....melting fast up here near Hibbing but not fast enough! ......I did see my first hawk this last weekend but not sure what species it was...

[Steve Foss]

Nice work, Shawn.

Since you specifically asked for C&C (we don't critique photos on this and the bird watching board unless it's requested, which allows the poster to make the C&C choice), I'll say they all are nicely sharp and excellent exposures. The behavior of preening in the dunlin, the calling of the killdeer and the open bill of the longspur add value to those images, because while the birds are still clearly pictured they also are more attractive through that behavior. The feather detail in the dunlin is wonderful. In the redpoll image, I like how alert the bird is, the fact that it's angled toward the camera, and the simple perch slashing diagonally through the clean background adds a nice touch.

In the killdeer image, I found the OOF background dandelion positioned directly in the bird's open bill a distraction, but a very small distraction and one I think only nitpicky photographers would tend to notice.

I also appreciate that you are at or nearly at the same level as all these subjects, which makes for a more intimate feel.

Again, nice work, and good luck with this spring's shorebird migration!

[Dbl]

Nice work Shawn.

[MN Shutterbug]

Nice series. I especially like the red eye and open mouth of the killdeer, even if he is eating a dandelion. They are nice and sharp.

[Borealhunter]

Dunlin is not preening as commented on but its resting. Most shorebird species will turn its head and buried its bill under feathers while resting from spring migration.