How Greater Yellowlegs Keep Warm

Greater Yellowlegs in the wind at Niqually National Wildlife Refuge
iso 100, 500mm plus 1.7 telextender, 160th sec, f6.7

I can see why they call it a Greater Yellowlegs!

The reflection of his leg makes them look even longer. My only nit for this shot is not being able to make out the beak. Other than that, it's pretty cool!

Not seeing the beak is fine by me. It's part of the behavior of the bird to tuck that beak in the way you see it. It's a fine shot, David - great detail.

Bill me Erik!, anyhow, this is for Erik who wanted to see the bill.

thanks,
I like it! The normal uninformed bird person like me had no idea that was it's natural state.

Pretty cool David. This seems a lot better lit than some of the duck picture you posted a while back. Was this from a different trip or did it get lighter as you walked around the refuge?

I like the eye better in the second one you posted here.

-- Sean

This is from a different trip. I am fortunate to live about 15 minutes from the refuge and go there often. Oh, yeah! The sun does shine here at least once per year.

A very nice pose. If you could use photoshop and remove/blur those fallen leaves, especially those just behind the legs - this would make a cool shot.

I like them both David. The nit for me in the first one is the brown leaves/organic matter right under it's tail ... just wish there was a little separation from the bird.

I understand your POV on the vegetation. I try to place my critters in natural habitat and I know it may not be the perfect image with sharp animal contrasting bokeh etc. But sometimes you just can't change your camera station to get that shot. Too much PS IMHO may distort reality.

Oh, I agree 100% with you David.