Shorebird or Waterfowl?

[Bill Dix]

This is a behavior I've never seen before, although I'm told it is not unheard of. This Greater Yellowlegs was wading in a pond the other day, and as the water became too deep to wade, he started swimming like a duck. He swam for maybe 8 or 10 seconds, until he got to shallower water again and resumed his wading.

D7000, 500f4 + 1.4, ISO 800, 1/2000s @ f/6.3 manual, tripod

[Marina Scarr]

Lovely water in this image, Bill, and I Like the swirls near the bird's chest. Great behavior probably not often seen. I would add a little saturation to only the bird.

[Melissa Groo]

What a cool and unusual capture, Bill, I love it! really like the comp, reflection, and the water colors.

[Jack Breakfast]

At last a different look at the same old yellowlegs! Very well done. And: lucky you!

[jack williamson]

An unusual and excellent image Bill! I love the texture and colors in the water.

Jack

[dankearl]

I have seen them swim before but not long, nice job getting this.
The bird does look like it needs a bit of color.

[Ofer Levy]

Sweet shot. I often see sandpipers swimming. I agree regarding boosting colours.

[christopher galeski]

nice image,like the water,agree on boosting the color in the bird.

[Shawn Zierman]

Awesome capture. Kind of looks like a phalarope when they do this. I've seen a number of long legged
shorebirds swim, but rarely capture anything this accomplished. Colors on the bird look pretty "normal"
to me....

[Bill Dix]

Thanks everyone.