Where is the color image?
To my eye, the two end birds sleeping add nothing to the image. They need to be upright and awake like the center bird. The symmetry works.   Posted: 06/14/2022 15:09:50

Karl, What a nice nature capture of these birds. I like to photograph of what I call shore birds, too. The poses are great as well as the reflection of them in the water. I don't know anything about what judges look for in these types of competitions so I cannot be of any assistance with that. You might try adjusting the contrast and sharpen a bit. I am curious to see what suggestions/comments are from our other group members.   Posted: 06/14/2022 16:30:00

Karl, I don't mind that the two birds on each end are sleeping - in my mind, there is a story there. Looks like you have captured some nice detail in the feathers and in the shallow area where they are standing. I also like the reflections but, to me, the waves in the water are a bit of a distraction (and, of course, slow shutter speed to soften the water would not work with the birds). I might try a panorama crop, taking off some of the bottom and the top of the image.   Posted: 06/15/2022 22:42:42

You have a well-focused image. I actually like that the two end birds are doing the same thing and the one in the middle is looking out. I think it makes a nice monochrome image but also wonder how it looked in color. The blue water and subtle color of the birds may give it more warmth. I find that in our club's nature competitions, the judges want to see the subjects doing something.   Posted: 06/16/2022 06:58:57