Piping Plover

[Isaac Grant]

There is always something special to me about going to the beach and laying down in the sand and being at eye level with the birds. It is one of my favorite things to do. This Piping Plover was photographed last month at Breezy Point in Queens, New York. With these birds my strategy is always the same. Lay down on the cleanest part of the beach and wait for the birds to come to you. There is just way too much habitat at this place and when you are too aggressive while you approach them they just fly away or run back into the dunes.

Canon 1DX and Canon 500 f4 ii + 1.4x iii. ISO 640, F8, SS 1/2500. Tripod mounted with legs fully extended

Processed with DPP 4.6 and PS.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

I know what you mean Isaac, about waiting for these guys to come to you. I've tried to advance for better angle, but inevitably they move at about the same or faster rate. Like the afternoon light, low POV, and the slightest angle towards you. Also like the tiny grains of sand on the beak and legs.

Geoffrey




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[John Mack]

Nice image with a nice bird and good light.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Shorebird photography is my favorite too, and this makes me look forward to fall migration! Great light, and I like the shadow cast behind the bird.

[David Salem]

Like I said, when the light is right, and the angles are right, most shots come out beautiful like this one. Look at the catchlight in the eye, almost dead center. I like the low angle and the nice details too. Well done Isaac

[Krishna Prasad kotti]

Beautiful Image. Nice Light. They are move so fast , staying low is a great idea.Your strategy is great to photograph them.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Isaac you got jackpot - well done I wouldn't change a thing.