Bill Dix
10-26-2015, 10:28 AM
For some reason this species is referred to as Buff-bellied Pipit in the IOU taxonomy. After seeing reports of a flock of these guys visiting a manure pile 45 minutes from here over the last few days, and having a cooperative forecast on Saturday, we decided to give it a go. A lifer for me, even though it is relatively common in the west. We found the manure pile (actually several aromatic piles) in question, and a large flock of birders. But initially no pipits. Patience paid off, the birders departed, and a single pipit arrived, then left, then showed up again with a few friends. Over the course of the morning one or more would make a brief visit, leave and return. Mostly, they were on the more distant of the piles, and were camouflaged against the texture of the pile. During the 3-1/2 hours that we waited, only once did this fellow visit the nearest of the piles, and make his way to the top for a clean background. He likes to pump his tail, so only a few frames show him with his tail clear of the pile. I do have a few frames with a head turn more in my direction, but I prefer this one where the light is falling nicely on the side of his face.
D7200, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/6.3 manual.
D7200, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 800, 1/2500s @ f/6.3 manual.