The story behind the shot
Found this killdeer in Teaneck, New Jersey, on a nature walk. They blend into gravel and dry grass so well that you usually hear them before you see them — this one held still just long enough in the sunlight to catch that red eye-ring.
A killdeer stands in warm sunlight on a patch of gravel and dry grass, its two black breast bands, bright red eye-ring, and rust-edged brown feathers sharp against a softly blurred background.