Mating Display

Discussion

16 replies

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 28, 2006 at 11:10 PM

Last weekend I had the first opportunity to visit a shorebird rookery @ High Island, TX. Incredible sight!! The Great Egrets were in overdrive building nests and trying to attract mates. I stayed long after sunset, just listening to the racket made by several thousand birds.

Here's one of my favorites. The orange background glow was the sunset reflection on the lake surrounding the rookery.

A few more can be found in this gallery:
http://pelzmann.smugmug.com/gallery/1314975

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 28, 2006 at 11:50 PM

Thanks, Darren. I think you are referring to the extra cloak of feathers that are grown and displayed to attract mates during breeding. During the 1800's these plumes were in high demand for ladies hats. The fashon trend nearly caused the extinction of the entire species.

This guy was doing his mating dance with feather display for several hours - never got lucky

Posted by Joseph Finn on March 29, 2006 at 12:03 AM

Bill, great shots, love the Spoonbills. What lens were you using for these, tele conv.?

Posted by Les Barstow on March 29, 2006 at 12:43 AM

Beautiful shots. I love the coloration that's visible on these birds, as well as the plumage.

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 29, 2006 at 1:39 AM

Joe,

All were shot with the Canon 500mm f/4 IS.
The flight shot was with only the 1.4x TC.
The others were stacked 1.4 & 2x.

Les,
Yes, the low angle evening light just amplifies the already gaudy colors.
Hard to believe until seen in person.

Posted by Dave Showalter` on March 29, 2006 at 10:16 AM

Great work Bill! All are just outstanding - love the spoonbills, but this egret stands out because of the behavior, perfect composition and the orange background that just draws me in.

Thanks for sharing these!

Dave Showalter

Posted by Jody Grigg on March 29, 2006 at 11:03 AM

Bill, Awesome work!

Posted by Rene Pirolt on March 29, 2006 at 11:22 AM

Bill - those are really fantastic images - kudos!

Posted by Stephen Vaughan on March 29, 2006 at 11:27 AM

Bill - Wonderful images. I am heading down there in a couple of weeks. I hope I do as well as you.

Posted by Todd Caudle on March 29, 2006 at 11:42 AM

Very striking image, Bill!

Posted by Dan Walters on March 29, 2006 at 6:12 PM

Nice image. Really like the colors.

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 29, 2006 at 6:25 PM

Thanks, guys! I'm beginning to appreciate why bird photographers are always looking for a longer lens

Steve, where are you heading on the Gulf Coast?
I think you'll find Brazos Bend State Park a good wildlife stop, if you are in the Houston area.

Posted by Richard Voninski on March 29, 2006 at 9:35 PM

Bill,

I love these. Your wildlife pics that i saw at the CNP shindig are one of the reasons I am adding a DSLR to my arsenal. Fantastic JOB!

RichieV

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 29, 2006 at 10:19 PM

WOW, Richie, that's quite a compliment!

But, these you could have shot with a 4x5. You'd just need to pick up a longer lens

Posted by Les Barstow on March 30, 2006 at 1:23 AM

The image of Richie hauling around a 12-inch reflector attached to a 4x5 has some humor appeal...

Posted by Scott Buckel on March 30, 2006 at 1:47 AM

Bill - nice images I'm assuming these were from the rookery in Smith Woods. I am thinking about visting there in early May.

These are really nice. I have seen this locale and it is not trival to simplify these as well as you did. This is motivating me to visit my parents . . then go to High Island

The Least Bitern will be migrating thru in early May in Anahauc. You may want to try to photograph them.

Thanks for postng these photos.

Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 30, 2006 at 10:40 AM

Yes, Scott. These were in the Smith Woods Audubon sanctuary (Clay Bottom Pond Rookery).

Thanks for the info on Anahauc. It's on my list of places to visit. I'm just getting into bird photography - since landscape opportunites are somewhat limited in the Houston area