Wilson’s Plover with an eye on the sky – D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 160, 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
There are times that I open an image on my computer screen and I can’t help but laugh. This is one of those images for me because of the tilt of the head of the Wilson’s Plover (Charadrius wilsonia). It isn’t what bird photographers would call an “ideal” bird image because it does not have eye contact and there isn’t a visible catchlight in the eye, but I find it to be a charming photo despite that. This Wilson’s Plover was scanning the sky for any sign of a predator, for instance, a Peregrine Falcon.
I love to photograph birds but I also like the knowledge about each species that I gain while I am seeing them through my viewfinder. I learn about their movements, which habitats they prefer, which food they look for and I become very familiar with thier shapes, plumage variation and more.
For me; there is something satisfying when I take a shot and know I didn’t miss the action because I “knew” what the bird might do next.
Mia
haha! I like this photo a lot, too! Love the unique perspective, and it also seems to draw the eye through the bill and across the body, draws your eye to the feather pattern!