Semipalmated Sandpiper + Important Info

[Daniel Cadieux]

This sweet juvenile was photographed this past week in early morning light while lying flat on the ground. I know many of us here like to lie prone on the ground for these types of birds, but be careful!

Some of you may have already seen this on my fb page or in the "Just For Fun" forum, but it is worth sharing here again IMO. Just a simple precaution can help you avoid what I wen through a couple of days ago - which can be read on my latest blog post here:

http://www.dancadphotography.com/for-the-belly-crawlers-please-read-this-important-post/

Canon 7DII + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC III, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/1250s., f/5.6, ISO 800, natural light, handheld, just about FF, darkened pupil, minor beach clean-up, darkened the blue area behind the tail.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Hi Daniel, lovely image. Low POV, wonderful light, your usual perfect techs.

Along with your important message there is something people living in Florida or traveling to Florida should know about, Vibro vulnificus. This bacteria found in saltwater kills people here every year. A local television station did a report on it (link at the bottom). Not publicized much because of tourism. People with certain conditions should stay out of saltwater.

http://wfla.com/2015/07/13/deaths-from-florida-salt-water-bacteria-on-the-rise/

[Jonathan Ashton]

Nice light and the bird is beautifully depicted against the background and foreground. Another couple of strides to the left and the feet would have been more visible - did you tell him to move over to the left - bet he ignored you!

[Isaac Grant]

Nice fresh juvenile you have here. Low the low angle and the sharpness. Also really like the color of the sand and the little bit of grass on the far left. A very nice peep image for sure.

So funny that you posted this as I basically had the same experience minus the infection. Have been crawling around quite a bit in wet and rocky sand and mud. Eventually got a big cut/blister on my fight elbow that turned into a big piece of skin coming off. I went to Amazon and ordered elbow pads that just came in the mail the other day. Our version of extreme photography I guess. :cheers:

[Lorant Voros]

Nice individual in a attractive setting, nice light and low angle shooting, nice catchlight.

Interesting story...what should be asked...was this shot worth the trouble???:)

I had a nice infection when I was taking the Least Tern images....didn't go to the doctor, just cured myself with tree tea and other stuff. Yes, it is a dangerous hobby/profession:). Thanks for sharing.

[dankearl]

Superb light and excellent story.

[Bill Dix]

Beautiful light, fabulous colors in the bg; and your signature low POV. Sorry to hear that it caused you such an ordeal. Thanks for sharing it, as a caution to the rest of us. I've gotten into the habit of (almost) always wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirt, but that doesn't always eliminate a few abrasions.

[gail bisson]

I love the light in this image.
Excellent IQ as well and nice clean BG,
Gail
How is the elbow? Your story reminds me that I lost my elbow pads in Florida this past April and I must order some new ones!

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks guys!

Joe, thank you for that article on salt water bacteria.

Gail, the prescription has kicked in as it should. The swelling is down and almost fully gone.