Long-billed Curlew in grassy environment w/ repost

Original: Repost: Gear: Canon EOS 10D + EF 400mm f/5.6L, hand-held out vehicle window.

Shooting info: 1/400s, f/8.0, ISO 800, one-shot AF, Av priority, center-weighted metering.

Processing: Raw conversion, sharpness & detail reduction, color noise suppression, exposure correction incl. levels & curve, saturation & vibrance boost, pano crop (47% of full frame), rotation in RSP. Still noisy, so selective (non-edge) aggressive noise reduction + selective edge USM & high pass sharpening in PSE 3.

Long-billed Curlew is a species that has shown up in a lot of great photos here on NSN, with the usual environment being the beach. Sadly my portfolio lacks similar images. Today I thought I'd post a pano environmental shot showing a curlew in a grassy location more like where I commonly see the species.

This shot was taken in late April at the start of my road trip, at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City, Utah. This curlew is calling to a second one that I presume is its mate, just off camera. Before I could unlimber my big Sigma for a closer shot out the window, the birds headed off leaving me with a few somewhat distant "security shots" with the 400mm.

I've been to Bear River twice, and found it interesting both times. The refuge has a lot of history, and many birds abound. My photo ops there have been limited so far due to bad weather on both visits. I'd like to get back there with some good weather for a change.

According to the web site for the refuge, with assistance by NANPA they have recently established a couple of photo blinds which can be used by special permit. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has used them.

Thanks for looking, and any comments / critiques / smilies are appreciated!