Strange but cute bird (ID?)

[cfcRebel]

I saw this bird walking across the creek while I was shooting a small waterfall. I didn't see it clearly but i took a few shots anyway. When i cropped the picture, it turned out to be an interesting looking bird that i have never seen. Anyone recognize the lovely bird?

[wolverinesr1]

i dont know what kind of bird it is,but it makes a great capture.especially the first one.

[tupe]

Neat capture, CFC!

I think it might be a spotted sandpiper - Actitis macularia

[cfcRebel]

Thanks Jeff, tupe!
Sandpiper eh. Then it indeed was my first encounter. Thanks tupe.

[Raj]

Interesting pictures cfc. I have no idea what bird it is .. I envy you for all the bird shooting you have been doing lately ;) Keep them coming.

[cfcRebel]

Thanks Raj. I'm beggining to get use to the lens. These two shots i forgot to stop down to get a tad clearer.
They were shot at ISO400, f5.6 1/800s. Stop down a bit might help. :)

[Raj]

Yes & also boosting the iso. I used iso400 the other day & actually pics are very much acceptable.
BTW, how heavy is your 100-300 ? Do you find it OK to use ~300 without IS or does it have a IS ?

[cfcRebel]

300D's noise level at ISO400 is still acceptable, but i dunno about 800 I hardly go that high. Both my 100-300 are non-IS, so i think it is not as heavy. It is kinda hard for me to compare since it is my only tele lens :oops: . I find it ok to carry for a 4-hour hike, and i'm not the workout type of person who lifts weight very often :lol: .
The 2nd hand price actually quite attractive now in the US, about US$180.

[robertwgross]

Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularia.

---Bob Gross---

[cfcRebel]

Thanks Bob.
I just googled it. According to the bird map, it should be rare in the south in this time of the year. I guess i'm lucky. ;)