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Dozing Avocets WC585

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted May 23, 2013470 views12 comments

American Avocets are a rarity here, passing through in the spring and perhaps in the fall though I've never seen them then.

These were all sleeping when I first met them. They became more watchful as I approached, opening their eyes one after the other. Here one performs sentinal duty. Eventually they all hopped away on one foot.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by jack jaeger jr on May 23, 2013 at 5:51 PM

Good capture Buck its ashamed that the little mounds of sand are exposed to take away from the perfect reflections.

Registered on April 2, 2012, 26 Posts, 355 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on May 23, 2013 at 6:23 PM

Great reflections Buck, nice to have them all in focus.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on May 23, 2013 at 8:33 PM

I really like the elegant lines of these birds with their long legs and the slightly curved beak. The lighting is wonderful and makes for nice clear colors and a good reflection. Interesting how you captured them in various stages of sleeping to fully awake. Beautiful shot of these birds, Buck.

Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Marella on May 24, 2013 at 10:37 AM

This is a beautiful photo, Buck. No matter if they are awake or sleeping.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 142 Posts, 862 Comments

Comment posted by RL Potts on May 24, 2013 at 12:56 PM

With their black and white contrast, Avocets always make striking subjects. Their are several things about this image that are compelling to make the viewer look closer. Yes, all are on a single leg. They are in various stages of wakefulness. You have all of the gradations on the head. and thanks for the verbal image of all of these guys hopping on one leg. The reflection is perfect. Doesn't compete and gives depth.

Registered on November 24, 2003, 188 Posts, 985 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Lockhart on May 25, 2013 at 7:52 PM

Been to the Ding Darling Refuge (Feb) but, of course, didn't see any. Beautiful birds, and the composition is well lit and nicely composed and balanced.

Registered on February 19, 2013, 91 Posts, 500 Comments

Comment posted by Buck Ward on May 25, 2013 at 8:55 PM

Jim, this was at Estero Lagoon on fort Myers Beach in March. I frequent Ding darling - I've heard tell of avocets there, but never have seen them there myself.
FYI, Ding Darling is closed to cars for the next four months. They're repaving Wildlife Drive.

Registered on December 8, 2003, 96 Posts, 1917 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on May 29, 2013 at 6:37 PM

Well Done Buck,
Beautiful Image, Congratulations on the WP . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on May 29, 2013 at 11:23 PM

Cool shot Buck, congrats on the WP.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on May 30, 2013 at 3:49 AM

What a terrific capture, Buck! Colorful and graceful, even asleep they're pretty. A calming, restful scene. Congrats on the Pick for this!