I was working on some older posts when I came across a few Whimbrel photos I’d never written about before, including this one from Fort De Soto County Park.
Fort De Soto Whimbrel, Pinellas County, Florida – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
I saw my first Whimbrels in Florida at the park in April 2008. As soon as I spotted and recognized a Whimbrel, I dropped to the sand, camera in hand, and belly-crawled as close as I could to the sandpiper.
By that time in my life, bird photography was second nature to me—I knew my gear inside and out, and my approach to my subjects was instinctive. Some of my photos from back then are still in demand for use and licensing.
I’m more than happy to share some of my older photos, especially ones I haven’t written about before.
Whimbrel on floating seaweed at Honeymoon Island State Park, Pinellas County, Florida – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 330mm, natural light
Back to the Whimbrels…
I took this second photo at Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida in February 2009. A flock of about 25 Whimbrels was along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and I set out to find them—and I did.
I had a blast photographing the Whimbrels and drove home with a big smile, sand in my shoes, and a memory card full of photos of these sandpipers.
So yesterday, I checked eBird to see if there was any chance of spotting Whimbrels here in Arkansas or over at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It looks like my chances are better at the refuge, since they’ve been seen in April and May in Sequoyah County.
I haven’t seen one since 2009, so you know I’ll be keeping a lookout!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Whimbrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
such beautiful photos,Mia!
It’s always special seeing a whimbrel!