...continued from the Snowy Egret post.
This little Willet completely captured my heart. He was sleeping hard in the early afternoon sun. All the other Willets in his flock were winking and blinking, looking around, repositioning, preening, etc., but this little guy kept on sleeping. The sun was warm, which was welcome, because a mean wind had been whipping across the sand for days. I had to buy a windbreaker to keep from freezing, so the intense heat coming from the sun that afternoon must have felt like a slice of heaven to the birds--especially this one! I inched my way toward the flock and sank into the sand. The wind-breaker fabric was slick and the sand slid right off it (plus bonus, it was black and was intensifying the heat, so I felt a little bit like winking, blinking and nodding too...). I focused my lens on the sleeping bird and clicked. He immediately opened both eyes and looked at me. I guess he decided I was just another one of those birder types and meant him no harm, because he just as quickly closed his eyes and went back to sleep--doing a perfect Tree posture, naturally.
This little Willet completely captured my heart. He was sleeping hard in the early afternoon sun. All the other Willets in his flock were winking and blinking, looking around, repositioning, preening, etc., but this little guy kept on sleeping. The sun was warm, which was welcome, because a mean wind had been whipping across the sand for days. I had to buy a windbreaker to keep from freezing, so the intense heat coming from the sun that afternoon must have felt like a slice of heaven to the birds--especially this one! I inched my way toward the flock and sank into the sand. The wind-breaker fabric was slick and the sand slid right off it (plus bonus, it was black and was intensifying the heat, so I felt a little bit like winking, blinking and nodding too...). I focused my lens on the sleeping bird and clicked. He immediately opened both eyes and looked at me. I guess he decided I was just another one of those birder types and meant him no harm, because he just as quickly closed his eyes and went back to sleep--doing a perfect Tree posture, naturally.
I love those Florida birds...
These photos were from 3-16-2010
Sand sledding....nice technique Kelly...FABulous images.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of pictures Kelly. I love the low angle and the white sand there!!! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Kelly. We get Willets up here in the salt marshes in the Summer. They're shy, though.
ReplyDeleteExcellent pictures of this gentle dreamer! I love holding in that position with one leg. It may not be the case, but these species usually fly at night during their migrations and must sleep during the day. Greetings!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelley....wonderful photos....but I had to laugh at the second one..those eyes got me!!
ReplyDeleteLove your bird images Kelly. Just fantastic. Especially this post. But all your images are beautiful. Carol
ReplyDeleteBrilliant shots Kelly, such detail.
ReplyDeletejust found your blog, what incredible photos, wonderful posts, I can't wait to go through them all
ReplyDeleteWhat a cutie, Kelly.... I love that little Willet... Love the one when he opened his sleepy eyes to see you...
ReplyDeleteDo they stand on one leg for awhile --and then switch????? I know so very little about shore birds....
Wonder why he doesn't just lie down and rest both legs.... Maybe he feels safer standing on one leg...
WELL---since I asked the question, I will look it up...
Great post, Kelly.
Hugs,
Betsy
Oh what great shots Kelly - keep 'em coming!!
ReplyDeleteYou worked hard for that image.I hope this area stays clean with the terrible spill.
ReplyDeleteKelly, WOW. Wonderful shots and great capture.
ReplyDeleteSo, so cute! I guess his nose was cold too!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely shots - especially that 'I spy you' moment! I also love to see the feathers so close up!
ReplyDeleteSuperb shots Kelly. Love the low angle too.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed at that posture and balance! I do love the look he threw at the camera.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT is balance! How cute that he just went back to sleep. :c)
ReplyDeleteOf course I love your wonderful Willet photos, but I also love your creative title..."Wynken, Blynken, and Nod..."
ReplyDelete♥...Wanda
PS...Do you ever see the 'Eagle' fly over? Sometimes I think I do, but I'm not sure, it happens so quickly!
What a little darling! I also love the cute post title and the charming story you wove around the pictures.
ReplyDeleteKelly--I love these photos, especially of the one with his eyes open, looking at you.
ReplyDeleteI saw my first willets in Florida in February. A pair were slowly walking along.
Really funny how it stands on one leg and takes a nap! I wish I could do that! *lol* Fantastic shots! Love how the bird kinda seems to look at you and think "should I care about her taking pictures or not..."
ReplyDelete:)
Very cute. I love the shot of him peering at you. You obviously did not look like a threat.
ReplyDelete:) I love the one where he opens his eyes just enough to determine your intentions. Very nice series!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet-the post and series of pictures. I love their little knees.
ReplyDeleteWhat precious photos! Great perspective, I love up close shots!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Such a cute pose and such clear photos!
ReplyDelete