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Scottes
10th of July 2005 (Sun), 19:01
CDS and I visited Allen's Pond today. After talking to an Audubon dude last week I kinda pushed to go out to the inlet where the ocean fills the pond. Though he sounded somewhat hesitant he agreed after I mentioned "terns diving" about a half dozen times.

It was well worth the long walk - there were LOTS of least terns, and we both got a couple of first birds, Piping Plovers and... hold on a sec... Make that one first bird, since the other looks like it's a Gray Catbird.

Catbird? Who cares? We got Piping Plovers. Definitely a First Bird for both of us and the first Endangered Species for us both. Alas, those are *tiny* birds and neither of us have a 1200mm.... We'll post some crops anyway.


Anyway, we walked out to the inlet where we spent some time getting dive-bombed by terns - they didn't seem to like CDS's 500mm at all. And then we started cursing ourselves because it was a long, hot walk back and neither of us were bright enough to bring any water... 3-1/2 hours in 87F heat without anything to drink, completely surrounded by water we could not drink. Harumph.

Along the walk I managed to grab some Willets in flight. They're quite striking in flight, and quite boring (in comparison) when walking along the surf. (These are all about 60-75% crops.)

http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Willet_58593.jpg

http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Willet_58616.jpg

http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Willet_58617.jpg

http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Willet_58618.jpg

And one walking along the shore. See what I mean about being boring in comparison?
http://www.itsanadventure.com/postimages/Willet_58790.jpg

HJMinard
10th of July 2005 (Sun), 19:04
Outstanding, Scott! Interesting bird, and beautiful in flight (wonderful wing coloration).

CyberDyneSystems
10th of July 2005 (Sun), 19:06
Wow.. really beautifull in flight indeed!!!

the third shots is so striking with the banded backgrund and in particular the wing position.

I need to download now..... ;)

LazyPhotographer
10th of July 2005 (Sun), 23:56
Outstanding! Sharp, bright, and just beautiful!

witchy
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 01:00
Very nice shots!

Mitcon
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 02:13
Wonderful bird and fantastic shots, I love the 3rd and 4th. Well done.

cfcRebel
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 10:39
Nice captures of a beautiful bird flying. I like the colors and spots/stripes on the feathers.

tupe
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 11:23
Great photos, Scott. If you'd asked me what a willet was, I might have said it was a kind of car. :)

#3 is awesome, but I actually like the last shot.

Reigh Higgins
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 12:16
Beautiful photos !

ssim
11th of July 2005 (Mon), 12:35
Great work as usual Scott. Love the flight shots.http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif