Last week I photographed a Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) bathing at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in Davis County, Utah. I was in a mobile blind (vehicle) and the shorebird was quite comfortable in my presence. I used my Nikon D300, resting on my Noodle, f6.3, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, 0.0 EV and my shutter speed ranged from 1/1600 to 1/2000.
The images are posted in sequential order.
Killdeer in a puddle
The Killdeer was bathing when I first focused on the bird and it stopped momentarily.
Splish Splash Killdeer takin’ a bath
It soon began bathing again, vigorously. I like the flying water droplets and how the water is running off of the birds back.
Killdeer being showered with water
The Killdeer would press its body into the water and then rise back up.
Killdeer taking a bath in a puddle
Then it would spread out its wings a bit.
Killdeer twisting its head while bathing
Sometimes the Killdeer would dip its head into the water, twist it and fling water over its back. While I wish that some of the water wasn’t in front of the eye blocking the catch light I am happy that the bird had its eye open in this frame. I love the action shown here.
Killdeer bathing
The Killdeer also bobbed its body up and down without immersing its whole body.
Killdeer splashing in a puddle
I liked this image because I caught the bill open.
Killdeer cleaning up in a puddle
I like the great eye contact in this frame.
Killdeer shaking off water
And the fluffed up feathers in this frame.
Killdeer fluffing up after a bath
Even 1/1600 wasn’t fast enough to stop the motion blur of the feathers but it did freeze most of the water droplets.
Killdeer calling while bathing
Then the Killdeer stood up and called.
Killdeer after bathing
Turned its back and gave us an over the shoulder look…
Killdeer tidying up its feathers
And it began to preen.
Killdeer in a funny pose after bathing
I thought this was a funny pose.
Killdeer post-bathing
And this one too!
Killdeer after bathing
The bird moved away from the water and gave itself a final fluff before it flew away.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.
You had me at Picture #5. No, seriously, from Picture #1. But I sure love #5.
Thanks Ingrid, #5 makes me giggle!
Excellent series!!!
Thank you Beverly!
Love this action series! As always, your photos capture such great detail.
Thank you Tammy, you are very kind. I appreciate your comments.
Great series Mia! Can’t wait until I feel well enough to make some trips out to the coast here!
Elijah, I hope you feel well enough very soon to make a trip to the coast, be well my friend. Thanks for your comment on these Killdeer images.
Great shots Mia. The eyering is so vivid.
Stu, that red eye ring really adds a splash of color, doesn’t it? Thanks for commenting.
Terrific sequence, Mia. Excellent shots. Gotta love those ‘mobile blinds’ 🙂 BTW, I really liked your Noodle idea for a soft resting spot for the lens on the window. I didn’t have a Noodle, but I did have a length of tube pipe insulation for 1/2″ copper pipe ,which works great because it is already split, so you can just cut off a length and you’re ready to go. Thanks for the great idea!
Thanks Scott, I do love mobile blinds especially since some of these birds would fly off in a second if I approached them on foot. Let me know how my Noodle idea works out for you if you create one!
I’m shopping for a Noodle this week. I can’t believe how great an idea it is.
Ingrid, be sure to let me know what you think of the Noodle after using it, it sure makes shooting from a vehicle easier for me and I don’t worry about scratching up the window or my lens.
The tube pipe insulation works great, Mia. It is only 2 inches in diameter so it takes up less room than a Noodle would. I always keep a length in the car now. I’ve been using it ever since I ran across your Noodle suggestion.
That is good to know Scott. I just made a new Noodle the other day to replace the one that has lasted since last fall.
Outstanding photos of the beautiful bird,perfectly frozen moments! The bird looks very much like a Red-wattled lapwing we have in Sri Lanka.
Amila, thank you for your very kind comment on these Killdeer images. Sri Lanka must be awesome for bird photography.
Great series Mia!
Thank you Steve.