Nice photos!!
It is because the position of the bird and its reflection looks better in the first image
Great captures, Randy. First-rate as usual!
Yes, it is because of an activity of the bird in the first shot; the other one , may one say, is prosaic
The first one is my pick of the two. Like the movement of the water.
Both very good. #1 is more interesting, but if I were hanging it, say, I think #2 would work better.
Pretty sure you called it right as a pectoral sandpiper.
Dave