Spotted Sandpiper

[ngannet]

Finally I get some shots of one of my favorite 'pipers! Though 'common' the Spotted Sandpiper has often eluded me with its skittish nature. This one flew right in, I had to run back to the truck to grab the camera and much to my surprise it was still there. I planted myself on the ground and he was unaware of my unmoving form. They are so cute and funny the way they constantly bob their tails.

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/84450900.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/84450914.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/84450932.jpg

[gt_junkie]

Love the last image!

Great capture! :)

James.

[Nighthound]

Very nice Bob. I just spent some time at your site and wow do you have some amazing shots. The low angle Skimmers and Oyster Catchers are really excellent and the Yellow Crown in the grass is just too cool. I've got to get out to the point of an island near here and see if I can't track some Skimmers down on the beach. My regular birding site is great for Skimmer flight shots but they never land there. Oh, and your Nightjars are very unique. I don't know how you find them with that camo.

NH

[canonloader]

Great shots Bob. Amazing he would drop in like that and then hang around for a photoshoot. :)

[ngannet]

Wow, thanks a lot guys! Steve, I appreciate your kind words on my site! Yeah, the skimmer colony was a real highlight and they haven't nested there since:( I was in the right place at the right time for the Nighthawk and never would have known about it had another birder not told me it was there. What a great bird. Mitch, I know, when I ran back for the camera all of the sudden numerous people went down near where he was. I thought sure he was flushed. Then he popped up again!

[EdV]

Hey, I was wondering where you got to!

Excellent shots. Very well done as usual, Bob. I don't have the Spotted yet myself.

Another couple of weeks and the summer beach goers will turn the keys to their towns back over to us. Can't wait!

Kind of reminds me of the opening verses of Jimmy Buffett's "When the Coast is Clear".

They're closin' down the hangout
The air is turnin' cool
They're shuttin' off the superslide"
The kids are back in school

The tourist traps are empty
Vacancy abounds
Almost like it used to be
Before the circus came to town

That's when it always happens
Same time every year
I come down to talk to me
When the coast is clear

[ngannet]

Hey, I was wondering where you got to!

Excellent shots. Very well done as usual, Bob. I don't have the Spotted yet myself.

Another couple of weeks and the summer beach goers will turn the keys to their towns back over to us. Can't wait!

Kind of reminds me of the opening verses of Jimmy Buffett's "When the Coast is Clear".

They're closin' down the hangout
The air is turnin' cool
They're shuttin' off the superslide"
The kids are back in school

The tourist traps are empty
Vacancy abounds
Almost like it used to be
Before the circus came to town

That's when it always happens
Same time every year
I come down to talk to me
When the coast is clear

Thanks Ed! Well, I've been shooting some stuff, not much and nothing up to par like the winter birds. I'm not out there as often either, was so nice early this week and now it's back in the upper 90s! WTF? And man, you said it...I am so looking forward to fall and winter...I can feel the chill and excitement now! That song lyric from Jimmy Buffett is perfect! BTW, the trip is booked, I'm off to CA. October 11th!!!!!!!

PS: Checked your gear, when did you get the 30d? I've been out of the loop for a while. I'm thinking of getting one myself.

[Gary Fairhead]

Nice set with the last image working especially nice!

[busbyea]

I like this series with the "Rock Dove Wannbe" being my favorite...;)