Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Spotted Sandpipers


During my trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, I had the opportunity to photograph some Spotted Sandpipers, a first for me. They're rather shy, elusive little birds. I've seen them on a lake near my home, but have never been able to get close enough to take photos. What makes them fun to watch is they bob up and down almost constantly.









41 comments:

Linda said...

Unique little bird....you got some great shots....love the reflections in the water.

Stewart M said...

Great shots - really like the catch lights in their eyes, they bring the pictures to life.

Stewart M

Linda said...

Glad you managed to get these shots, Brian! They are marvelous closeups!

Roan said...

Simply amazing shots!

Kerri Farley said...

They are beautiful birds!!! Your captures are AMAZING!

Marc Heath said...

Great set of shots. The lighting is lovely on the 3rd shot.

NatureStop said...

Stunning shots as usual...I love the lighting and that last is beautiful.Have a great day!

Shantana

penny said...

Beautiful captures, Brian. I love the rippling color reflections in the last one.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Brian, the pictures are wonderful. The sunlight highlights the muted colors. You sure make the most of your opportunities. Thanks again ...

Andrea @ From The Sol

MTWaggin said...

Those shots rock and you got it, shy and fast little birds so you did a great job getting such clear photos.

TexWisGirl said...

i believe that first bird was flirting with you. so cute! great job with these!

Anonymous said...

You captured them well!

Gail Dixon said...

These are very difficult birds to photograph. Well done! They run so fast with those skinny little legs.

Pamela Gordon said...

Beautiful shots of these sweet birds. You take such great close up shots! I think I need a new camera. Enjoy the day!

Karen said...

Terrific shots! I think they were posing for you.

Springman said...

I agree with Stewart, eye reflection is everything. Perfect shots here Brian and I love the fact you put the close ups in context with your last shot. Excellent post as always.
Cheers Sir!

Unknown said...

Nice captures!! The shore birds are rare here and when you do find one they're illusive. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Another bird I have not seen before- Nice pics.

Deb said...

beautiful photos...love the colors...

HansHB said...

Awesomw photos, - a great post for WBW!

Debbie said...

these are just stunning brian. so crisp and clear, the feather detail is amazing!!

as much as i adore the close ups, my favorite picture is the last one. the tree, the soft colorful reflections, it's a real winner!!

Nancy said...

They have lovely markings. :)

CameraCruise said...

Stunning shots as always.
What a lovely bird.

mick said...

Great photos of the Sandpipers. They are beautiful birds.

barbara l. hale said...

I've never seen one. Nice bunch of pics of this beautiful little bird. I love that second to the last one especially but they are all good.

theconstantwalker said...

Fantastic images Brian, I feel I could reach out and touch them..

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful bird and your photos are lovely. Congrats on your sighting.

eileeninmd said...

It is a beautiful bird and your photos are lovely. Congrats on your sighting.

Carletta said...

Oh My!
Lovely shots Brian!
The reflection and the color of them in that last shot is gorgeous!

Coy Hill said...

Nice shots! I love watching these little birds bobbing along. You did well getting close-up shots. I find them somewhat difficult to approach from land while they will allow a much closer approach by boat.

Dina said...

Nice catch! It is fun watching them bob but hard to get a good clear shot because they are always moving.

Vores have said...

Great series you appear in wbw. Hanne Bente / hbt.finus.dk

Carole M. said...

Spotted sandpipers are beautiful; great shots Brian! That third one could well be a calendar or wall hanging; love it! Lovely setting in the finale pic.

Nature Rambles said...

Fantastic shots! These are beautiful birds and what a series of images!!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

What fun for you to have been able to see these Sandpipers, as well as get some wonderful images Brian.

Hilke Breder said...

Superb photos! So clear, such fine details! I am so envious, Brian

Anonymous said...

Amazing shots of the sandpipers! How fortunate you were to photograph them. Love the one you captured mid-step...just fantastic! :-)

Modesto Viegas said...

Great shots!!!

Adam Jones said...

Waht a stunning Sandpiper. I'd love to see one of them. Great shots.

Liz said...

Another beautiful set Brian! Your images of these lovely birds are so beautifully clear. I love your final shot of the setting. The reflections & textures are gorgeous. You should print some of these shots.

Carole said...

We have Killdeer on our property, and trying to get a photograph is extremely difficult because they skitter off at the first sign of movement. Sandpipers at the coast do the same. lol

Great shots.