Belly-crawling towards Black-Bellied Plover

Spotted this guy among the gulls late this afternoon at Petrie Island, near the beach area. Took a few shots from a crouching position but then decided to try belly-crawling through the grass to get closer and with a lower angle. I think it worked .

1- 1/640, f8, ISO400, 400mm, -1/3 EC. When I got close enough the plover slouched down low in the grass and froze there, presumably to hide from me. It stayed like this for a while.

2- 1/640, f8, ISO400, 400mm, -1/3 EC. After getting used to me it slowly got up and restarted to walk and feed. It was now actually coming TOWARDS me.

3- 1/320, f8, ISO200, 380mm, -1/3 EC. It is now close enough to frame-fill at slightly less then 400mms, and here offers a nice wing stretch.

4- 1/320, f8, ISO200, 380mm, -1/3 EC. From the same stand point, it now stretches its wings upwards, revealing the black under-wing feathers thus confirming the fact that it is an adult, winter-plumaged Black-Bellied Plover. In a few moments it is about to get chased away by a Ring-Billed Gull and flies across the river...

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

...

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Wonderful series Dan! Congratulations.

Very nice series Dan Nice angles, detail and bokeh and great action in the 3rd and 4th images.

I was at Petrie on Saturday in the same area and took quite a few shots of what I think is the same bird. Marc was going to get back to me on what he thought it was but I think he has been pretty busy with the GHO. I will send you the same message....tell me what you think.

Great shots. If I had to choose one it would be #2 for me. love that pose and that alert look to the side.

awesome images Dan , nice stretch wing ,,, sorry I missed Petrie tonight ,,,, Man I hate working late,,, I mean I hate working

Stunning Dan!

Superb series Daniel, especially like number 2 the background really enhances the bird.

brian r

Wow, these are some of the best plover shots i've seen. Love the blur fore/background. The subject really stands out beautifully. Great timing on #3 and 4.
You're the plover master, Dan!

I like these low level shots and getting down to the birds level is a tip I received a couple months back here in this forum and have tried ever since with certain shots, but not down to belly crawling yet.
The shots have good quality with sharp focus and nice detail on the bird, good blur to the background with nice colours, well done.

Very nice Dan. Love the low angle shot and the colors in these. Nice approach, paid off real well.

Marc

Stunning captures Dan. Love to LOW Angle capture.
Wonderful detail and background.
#2 my favorite; BUT all are excellent....You have a contribution to "Wingstretch.com"

Great job with all!

Zip

Wow...stunning shots Daniel. Love the low angle. Excellent work.

Really, really, really like these, Daniel!

Clearly photographs taken by someone who understands and loves birds.