Sanderling by Richard Castell

 

 

Sanderling is such a photogenic wader, as evidenced by the species regularly featuring in Photo of the Week selections at all seasons, and spending time with these birds can be very rewarding indeed for bird photographers. The 'issue', if it can be called that, is that these birds have been so well photographed by so many photographers over the years that it takes something a little bit special to truly stand out, rather than be 'just another' great photo of a Sanderling.

Well, it's fair to say that Richard Castell's really does stand out. Sanderlings are social, hyperactive birds and this lovely capture of two individuals feeding head-to-head can't help but bring a smile to the face. Richard has composed this image brilliantly and the symmetry of the birds, both up-ended as they focus on extracting tasty morsels from the sand, makes for a instantly memorable capture. Richard has also used the light to great effect: side-lit images can often be rendered ineffective by dark shadows and burnt-out brighter areas, but it has combined effectively in this instance to add some lovely soft bluish-grey tones to the shadows and a rose-pink tint to the sunnier spots. All in all, this is a terrific and worthy winning image – congratulations to Richard.

 

Other notable images

 

Waxwing, Carlton Colville, Suffolk (Chris Darby).

Hen Harrier, Greylake RSPB, Somerset & Bristol (Carl Bovis).

Black Redstart, Northam Burrows CP, Devon (Steve Hatch).

Snow Buntings, Holkham, Norfolk (Allan Chard).

Common Starling, Orton Brimbles, Cambridgeshire (John Atkins).

Song Thrush, Llandudno, Conwy (Bob Garrett).

Redwing, Elan Valley, Powys (Kev Joynes).

Waxwing, Balgreen, Lothian (Lukasz Pulawski).

Waxwing, Scarborough, North Yorkshire (Terry Hobson).

Grey Phalarope, Isleham, Cambridgeshire (Garth Peacock).

Great Crested Grebe, Dishley Pool, Leicestershire and Rutland (Tony Davison).

Common Eider, Kirkcaldy, Fife (Harry Bell).

Northern Lapwings, Larne Lough, Antrim (Ian Dickey).