Ruddy Turnstone Flock Taking Flight Around a Roseate Spoonbill

A dense flock of Ruddy Turnstones bursts from the muddy mangrove margin while a stationary Roseate Spoonbill stands behind them with brilliant pink wings raised at Tárcoles River in Costa Rica. The compact build, orange legs and bold black, white and rufous pattern identify this long-distance migratory shorebird of rocky and muddy coasts. The exposure of 1/2000 sec, f/5.6 and ISO 200 holds the flight posture and major feather groups sharply while leaving restrained motion in the quickest wing tips; the photograph was made in natural light without flash.