Wilson’s Plover at sunrise – Nikon D200, handheld, f5.6, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
A few days ago when I posted an American Oystercatcher I mentioned that some shorebirds were year round residents at Fort De Soto and that others were migrants. Wilson’s Plovers are year round residents that I photographed every month of the year while I lived in Florida. Wilson’s Plovers nest at Fort De Soto and I have been fortunate to see and photograph their young (from a respectful distance of course).
Killdeer and Wilson’s Plovers look similar in appearance but Wilson’s Plovers have a single breast band and Killdeer have two. Killdeer are also larger.
The tide was out the morning I photographed this Wilson’s Plover just after the sun had come up. There are some photographers that would have passed on photographing this plover because they don’t care for the muddy setting but I love to photograph birds in their natural settings even if that includes mud. It is their habitat.
I was covered in mud after laying in the mudflat to photograph this Wilson’s Plover and I didn’t mind a bit.
Another shorebird to honor World Shorebirds’ Day.
Mia
I’m probably watching the sunrise in a the wilderness. Feel free to share!
Mia – the mudflats are fantastic – I totally agree with your stance on bird photography. Where they are – doing what they do. I would love to paint this Wilson’s plover in among those flats – it’s an amazing setting and a fab shot…
Love it. And am reminded of a poem my father recited to us (often).
Mud, mud, glorious mud,
There’s nothing quite like it for cooling the blood,
So follow me, follow
Down to the hollow
Where we will wallow
In mud, glorious mud!
Just had to look this up and found it was a song from 1960, which you can hear performed by the writers: http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=9851
Thank you so much. Memories came flooding back. And my quotes were’t too far out either…
Cute, cyrvy bird…love the mud, but bet you didn’t like it nearly as much….
I can hardly believe you were “covered in mud after laying in the mudflat to photograph this Wilson’s Plover” and didn’t mind a bit. The resulting image is outstanding Mia! Thank you.
Excellent Shot Mia. These types of shots are your best work I think overall..
I agree with photographing all animals in their natural habitat and that isn’t always “picture perfect” for some! Have you ever noticed how many shorebirds have lovely soft round eyes. I just really was struck by that in this photo. Yes I need to pay more attention! LOL
Great piece of photography Mia.