This Greater Yellowlegs was working a shallow pond.
He was quick.
And successful!
His selection might have been a bit too big.
Rearrange it, then swallow.
Let’s look for more.
I’m going with the Merlin Bird ID suggestion that this is the Greater Yellowlegs, not the Lesser Yellowlegs. The distinction is in a comparison of their beak size to their head size: the Greater YL’s beak is 1.5 times the size of his head, with the Lesser YL’s beak being much shorter.
April 25, 2019
Wonderful shots, Ellen. The few times that I have photographed these birds, I have struggled with the Greater/Lesser question. It’s nice to be able to use the head/beak ration for deciding–too often experts simply tell your that one is smaller than the other, which doesn’t help much when a single species is present.
Thanks, Mike. Same struggle here, and this is the first time I’ve been able to see it so distinctly.
Ellen, did you use the Canon 100-400 lens for these photos? I was out this weekend with my FZ200 (24x) zoom camera and stumbled upon an Osprey nest sitting atop a ballpark light standard. It was just too far away, and the smaller sensor was not able to capture any detail. This morning, I went out with the Canon, but my longest lens (250) was only slightly better. I’m sitting here gnashing my teeth, thinking about ordering the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM … but $9,000? Ron Dudley produces awesome images with that lens.
David, I did use the 100-400mm, with the Canon 1.4 X Extender. Generally I haven’t been that happy with the extender but in this scenario with good light and little interruption in the background it worked pretty well. I understand your angst–always looking for a little more 😆.
Have you succumbed to the prime lens? Other than the price tag I don’t think I’d like missing closer images. I’ve been pretty happy with the 100-400, in fact this is my second one. I had a used original version (IS I) that I replaced last year with a new IS II. I’ve tried a 150-500 MM and 150-600 and I just can’t hold them steady.
I’m not familiar with Ron Dudley but will look him up.
Ron’s photos are jaw dropping thanks to that incredible lens I mentioned. His blog is Feathered Photography.
I was able to capture some decent video of the nest, but the photos are so noisy I’m not sure they are worth sharing. I really am having a fit over this — the nest is so close yet so far away without the right lens.
Awesome reflections!
It was picture perfect that day, thanks!
Beautiful shots, Ellen!
Thanks, Greta!