Mum and Dad to be

During my visit to Elmley on Saturday, I felt lucky enough to sit and watch the whole courtship process of this pair of redshanks. It, to me was really quite fascinating. The female seemed quite uninterested in him displaying, he then hovered over her for a few seconds,dropped down on her back, as in this image, and then 'the business' was all over in a few seconds. She then carried on prodding the ground for food as though nothing had happened. I did get images of the whole thing, but the light wasn't in my favour, in that the sun was just appearing behind them, as you can see by the almost blown wings. I decided to leave the piece of grass over her beak.

* Note to oneself... I must start saving for a larger piece of glass!

Image cropped (again)

40D, 300mm f4 +1.4 t/c, ISO 640, f9, 1/640

Fran

I like the lighting and composition here, Fran. As for the big bit of glass, what they don't tell you about is the weight!

David

I think she'd be entitled to go on as if nothing had happened if it was all over in a few seconds!

Interesting behavioural shot, shame the grass partially obscures the female.

There's plenty of nature to be photographed that doesn't require a long lens, you know!

Greg

A super behavioural image... patience, which you have, ... determination, which you have... plus a modicum of luck and planning are good substitutes for a bigger piece of glass... and David is right, think how many times I leave my large glass at home....

Hi Fran.
Bits of grass don't worry me ,good to see the start of the next generation.Nice capture.
Keith.

Thanks for the comments and kind advice chaps. I guess us gals are never satisfied, and always want more Would be handy in the car though

Nicely captured Fran, (great timing ) ,as has been said ....size isn't everything.

Lovely photo showing the private side to these birds, well captured/seen, nice photo, well done

I like this as it is size wise. Lovely soft light. Works really well for me.