A short-billed dowitcher in breeding plumage feeding in the sands of Pillar Point Harbor. While these shots are pretty similar, the slight tilt to the head gives it a different feeling to me. In the top shot, the bird makes good eye contact with the viewer, and that can pull me in a bit. But in the second shot, I like that the dowitcher seems much more focused on the task at hand. And if you've ever watched dowitchers feed, they are quite intense as they rapid probe the sand in sewing-machine fashion.
As I was photographing the feeding dowitchers a group of western sandpipers came running through the frame, so I refocused and snapped of a few shots with the dowitchers in the background.
More of these lovely shorebirds with extra long bills in my Dowitchers Gallery.
Great capture! The light is excellent!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Pat.......love them all.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures!
ReplyDeleteSo very beutiful photos! Perfect light!
ReplyDeleteOh, dear! How clear and professional shots! And fantastic shore birds! I had pleasur to see some of the pictures in your lovely blog and I appreciate so much that I'll follow you!
ReplyDeleteYour shorebirds shots continue to be stunning Pat. The low angle really adds something. I guess I need to find ways to get my 6'4" frame prone more often because I love shots like these.
ReplyDeleteGreat color and light Pat. And, as always, nice bokeh on the FG and BG.
ReplyDeleteHi there - what great shots - we really dont get too many waders in breeding plumage - shame really - and (as far as I know) we dont very groups of dowitchers either!!
ReplyDeleteCheers Stewart M - Australia
Stunning shots of these shore birds. The best place in the world to be -- on a quiet beach full of birds. Love these pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! The colors are amazing.
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely stunning images, Pat! You have a way with photographing shorebirds like no other. Terrfic detail and color. The low angle of the shots really pulls the viewer in. Fantastic, as always!
ReplyDeleteLast one is such a cutie! When i get to see shorebird i always think of your images and i am inspired by them!
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