Recrrvirostra americana . . .

[RJSorensen]

Or American Avocet in full breeding colors . . . we get a lot of birds up here for the spring and summer. It is and has been fun to try and identify them, well as many as we can. Our new "Sibley Guide to Birds" has been a great help with the different coloration's and phases of juvenile to adult. If you need a bird book . . . look no further.

20D/100/400

[sparker1]

Those are very nice. You sure do get a lot of birds.

[Maz]

That is a nice photo. Nice colors.

Thanks,

Maz
http://www.homesteadsforsale.com

[Reigh Higgins]

Beautiful, as always! I have the book.

[robertwgross]

RJ, many of us use the Sibley -- Western North American edition. There is also an Eastern edition. I'm not aware of anything for Europe or elsewhere.

---Bob Gross---

[TammieO]

What cute little birdies! I saw some last Saturday and they were gone on Sunday.

[RJSorensen]

Tammie . . . they fly up to me. I thought you knew that, lol. You get them in the winter and I get them in the spring, or so I think.

My kind thanks to all of you whom are so kind. I would seem I have a plethora of birds to photograph and collect, and I fear you must suffer them all, lol.

[HJMinard]

What an odd bird ... do they spear fish with that proboscis?

Well done, RJ (as always) ... keep 'em coming!

[RJSorensen]

LOL, about the blue color . . . you guys are lucky! This is the first clear sky for a while. I get tired of the drab old grey . . . but I won't stop shooting because of it. You just have to frame different and or better. Can not always count on the blue sky to save you till summer.

Thanks to all, my kindest regards as always.

[robertwgross]

What an odd bird ... do they spear fish with that proboscis?

The bird sweeps its bill back and forth through shallow water of mudflats to grab up little insects and worms. They do not stand around much.

---Bob Gross---

[RJSorensen]

I do not have the nice blue sky for the reflection today but these were taken this morning using Raw mode for capture. I thought I would see what difference, if any there was in the photographs. ;)

[boomer1959]

Do you have a job RJ? :lol: When do you have time to get all these great shots? :D

[RJSorensen]

They are on my way to and from Dave. LOL, we have a lot of birds and critters, that is why I always pack my camera. When the spring work starts things will be a bit busy, but this is the lax season.

I shot the SH Crane's from tonight on the way to the movie . . . Miss Conginealty II. It was ok but the birds were great, got A great blue heron and a bunch of good pelican shots too.

[stoneylonesome]

WOW! once again you have raised the bar. both are great shots. Love your work. :)

[Maureen Souza]

I never get tired of your "plethora" of birds, RJ. Many of us do not get the exposure to the variety of them that you do so I, for one, appreciate your sharing. These are more great shots....

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

RJ, your shots are always amazing! Your very talented. Keep up the good work!

[Richard51]

R.J., I like the shot where the bird's beak is open. It sure looks "flimsy" for lack of a better word. Those were all great shots. You do good work.
Richard

[Sydor25]

Nice shots as always. I just took a shot of a bird that is similar, but not as colorful. Not as good as yours, but here it is:

http://sydor25.com/Pictures/Sunset_3_26_05-043.jpg


20D w/ 75-300mm IS Lens @300mm. 1/200 @ f/5.6 (3200 ISO)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Georgous! Wow,. RJ,. these are fine indeed! :)

[RJSorensen]

LOL, CDS you missed the pelicans in flight II . . . I am very close. I lost the 1.4 TC for now and am learning to focus . . . lol. At least some.

Your bird looks good Sydor25, they are fun to shoot.

Kind regards as always.

[Michaelmjc]

I always thoguht those guys have the weirdest beaks ever! Nicw shots.