Oystercatcher / Scholekster (Haematopus ostralegus)

Big surprise to find two of these at the central meadow in the park two days ago. It was early in the morning and after the rain we've been having there was no doubt a lot of food to be found there. I couldn't get very close to them and only brought my 300mm but luckily I also had a 2x extender with me so these were at 600mm, a combo I only use in emergencies. This was such an emergency. :)
So, not the best of shots, but Oystercatchers in the middle of the city, in a park?

Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

Taken on Tuesday June 4, 2013
Posted on Thursday June 6, 2013
1 052 visits
10 people like

Report this photo as inappropriate

9 comments

Levina de Ruijter said:

Thank you all for the very nice comments.

11 years ago

Levina de Ruijter replied to :

Oh, Betty Jo, I missed your question!!!
Using extenders comes with a price: loss of image quality. With a 1.4x extender it's minimal, with a 2.0x extender is more significant. The better the gear the better the results and I have the good stuff, but still there is a drop in IQ.
Plus with a 1.4x extender you loose one full stop of light. With a 2.0x extender you loose two full stops. So with a 2.0x extender my 300mm f/4 lens becomes a f/8 and a lens like the 400mm f/5.6 lens becomes a f/11. Also not something you want. So whilst a 1.4x extender is perfectly useable, a 2.0x extender has its disadvantages and that is why I only use the latter in case of an emergency. :)

11 years ago

Levina de Ruijter said:

Thank you, Betto Jo, Susie and Michel!

11 years ago