Snowy Plover on a late September morning – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
I photographed this Snowy Plover one September morning in Florida and it was actually cool that day… for Florida. Most of the smaller shorebirds were resting or standing on the sand gathering warmth from the rising sun so I was able to slowly sand crawl up to them with my camera firmly glued to my face. Okay, not glued but I didn’t move my viewfinder from my eye often.
Western Snowy Plover populations are in trouble and declining, eastern populations are more stable. Let’s face it though, the fact is both populations are in trouble because of habitat destruction and human impacts. Most birds are.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Snowy Plover photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shot, Mia! I hope to find some of these little guys this year at the Fort.
I love the image of you inching forward, viewfinder (almost) glued to your face. And am so very grateful for your effort.
Sadly I think birds (and a lot of other species too) will continue to be threatened while we assume that we have more right to resources (any resources) than other species.
Habitat loss. The issue? Expanding human population. How does one fix that issue? Difficult.
What a great photo. Sometimes I am so glad you are documenting some of these birds so well… The plight of the Snowy Plover is a case that makes us wonder if some day all we will have to remember them are photos…and I’m so glad yours are so life-like… and able to see the whole bird through them. Many thanks.
This last hurricane we had, Sandy, destroyed a great deal of Snowy Plover nesting areas. They are still trying to assess what is still viable back here in the east.
Such a cute little bird.. looks chilly.. great photo Mia. thanks
Very nice capture of the Snowy. They nest in the Pensacola area. I think everything went smoothly for them this year, but not the year before. Their nests in this area are vulnerable to strong storm surge and many nests were destroyed by the surge of a tropical storm in 2012.
Many people “are becoming more aware” of the plight and decline of so many species….but what is changing?…Ever greater population increases and mindless habitat destruction! Instead of greater conservation efforts, we seek alternative sources of extracting fuels, instead of reasonably limiting the number of children we produce, we’re seeking ways to overcome infertility…so where’s room for hope?
What a beautiful bird, cheers Mia.
I agree, most birds and a lot of other animals are getting further and further out of their natural surroundings and habitats. I wonder what’ll be left in a few “more” years?? Very nice photo.
What a great capture of this tiny, adorable plover!
What an adorable little bird Mia, your image has captured its beauty and vulnerability.
The setting really suits him. He does look a bit cool. Yes, a lot of birds are in trouble, including 20 of our parrot/cockatoo species in Australia according to ‘Australian birdlife’ magazine which arrived today. Your beautiful photos and notes do help to make people more aware of birds and their problems I’m sure.