Black-bellied Plover on a tidal mudflat – Nikon D200, handheld, f8, 1/250, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
I love the light and the mudflat setting I photographed this Black-bellied Plover in on a warm April morning in Florida several years ago. There are probably some photographers who might disagree with me about the aesthetics of the muddy setting but I think this image shows the plover in its natural habitat and that is what I strive for with my bird photography.
Mud isn’t ugly but perhaps it is only our perception of it that is.
Mia
What a great photo. I always love a sharp look at a shorebird.
Mia, I love the soft light and the soft, natural colors! I think you are right on target!
Adorable shot of the cute Plover, Mia! Happy weekend to you!
Anyone who disagrees with you about shooting a shorebird on a mudflat is likely to only photograph birds in a studio setting – by appointment.
Another beautiful image of a beautiful bird, Mia! Don’t you just love there subtle plumage?
I agree the lighting is perfect and the natural habitat always desirable.
It is great lighting and I also like to photograph birds where they live and behaving naturally.
‘Mud, mud, glorious mud. There is nothing quite like it for cooling the blood’.
Beauty is where you find it – and you certainly captured it here. Thank you.
correction: To a plover or a mudpiper, I suppose mud is just lovely.
Your mention of mud reminds me of something I came across a few years ago. I was drawing a sandpiper for a friend of mine’s haiku… and settled on the Least Sandpiper… which I came to find out sometimes was called a “Mudpiper”… In any event the little fellow was as lovely as any other Sandpiper (if a bit small)… and I had a great time with the feathering.
To a plover or a mudpiper, I doubt mud is just lovely.
Great Lighting I agree.. has a very ‘personal’ feel.
Beautiful.