Help ID and feedback on Background Please

[PatandRich]

I have resently relocated from the left to the right coast and am still exploring places to shoot.
I found these guys at Milford Point CT. I think they are Sanderlings but not sure.
It's strange working with a Sibley's that is not water stained and all marked up. Well now I have a goal make my Eastern look as worn as my Western:rofl
The coast line is very different on the Long Island Sound with many rocky beaches. Do you think the background distracks from the birds? Should I try for a shallower DOF?
I kind of like them in something other then sand it adds a different perspective. What do you think?

http://patandrich.smugmug.com/photos/36981847-L.jpg


http://patandrich.smugmug.com/photos/36981788-L.jpg

http://patandrich.smugmug.com/photos/36981884-L.jpg

Thanks
Rich

[Aussie_bluey]

Nice group of shots, I do think the background impacts a bit on the birds.
Tim

[jwear]

One and three are distration but only as they cover up your subject shot 2 is good and when you shoot your animal in the environment where it's lives --that is a good shot not a distraction :thumb nice work

[Harryb]

Hi Rich,

Nice shots. I can't help on the ID. On these shots the background gives a context for the birds and it works for me. On extreme closeups I like the background blurred but on shots like these I think its more effective for the background to be not blurred.

[bfjr]

#1 works for me, the foreground leads you to your subject (bird)

[PatandRich]

One and three are distration but only as they cover up your subject shot 2 is good and when you shoot your animal in the environment where it's lives --that is a good shot not a distraction :thumb nice work
Thanks for the feedback Jwear. I like 2 the best also. I can see what you mean especially with 3 the bird just becomes a part of the picture not the focal point. When I look again it becomes "Rocks With Bird" rather then "Bird on Rocks"

Rich

[PatandRich]

Hi Rich,

Nice shots. I can't help on the ID. On these shots the background gives a context for the birds and it works for me. On extreme closeups I like the background blurred but on shots like these I think its more effective for the background to be not blurred.
Harry,
Thanks. I did most of my bird shoting on the west coast and they were either in a tree, sand beach, mud flat or when very lucky sky. The enviorment was in most cases nondiscript. These rocky beaches have a life and tecture all their own. I like getting it in especially when gives further definition to the bird like against a shell to show size. I will need to practice to make sure the bird stays dominant in the shot

Rich

[Rohirrim]

Nice shots Rich. Sorry I can't help on the ID either. I think I would try to decrease the DOF and compare shots. The shots look good how they are though.

[hichuz]

most definitely a Sanderling. Nice shots, love the rocks. I shot a series of the very same birds today, on the beach here in Oregon... not even close to what you have there. I'm a transplant from Connecticut, spent most of my life on the Sound. Anyway, try and get yourself out to the Norwalk Islands... the bird life there is incredible! Good luck, keep up the good work!

[Steve Cavigliano]

Very nice shots Rich :thumb :thumb


Looks like a sanderling to me too :dunno

Sanderling pic from the World Bird Guide (http://mangoverde.com/birdsound/index.html)

http://mangoverde.com/birdsound/images/00000013275.jpg
Steve