Bar-tailed Godwit

This Eurasian species is a rare but regular vagrant in California; we might get 2-3 each fall. They're usually discovered in restricted access areas which aren't conducive for intimate photography, and interest from birders suggests it a bad idea to push up on a reported bird and scare it away. There's no faster way to get crucified on message boards than being the selfish/dumbass photographer who scares a rare bird away while birders are viewing it! This individual appeared on a public beach, and I judged it relaxed enough to approach after observing it for two days. My plan worked perfectly, and I was able to photograph it from close range while birders watched from behind me. This frame was taken in gently muted sunlight. I really like the soft pastel blue that natural filter generated.

San Mateo County, California, 10/17/19
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS 1DX Mark II
1/1600 at f/5.6, ISO 1250