Ruddy Turnstone

My first keeper of 2023! Three of these came rocketing along the shoreline where I was laying on the ground, photographing dowitchers, but I popped up fast enough to capture the last of the trio as it winged passed me. I didn't realize the bird was carrying something -- a crab claw -- until I reviewed the image afterwards. The backgrounds is smooth enough to be sky, but it's smooth water on a windless day. Hoping this frame sets the tone for the rest of the year!

Fort de Soto, Pinellas County, Florida, 1/8/23
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/4000 at f/5.6, ISO 640