Killdeer Mating

Gallery: AvianPosted February 28, 2010178 views17 comments

It must be getting close to spring time out here in the Pacific Northwest. I caught these two in the act at one of my local spots here a few days ago. This was photographed with my lens resting on my Prius window sill. It's cropped to about 55% of FF.

MkIII 500F4 1.4X 1/1000 F8, iso 500, evaluative metering -0.3

Comments

17 comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on February 28, 2010 at 12:35 AM

A very interesting behavioral shot. I've never seen birds "doing it" before and I 'm not sure I understand what is going on here. Are they actually having sex here or is this just some courtship behavior. I assume that is the male on top but I don't understand the technique in practice. Looks like one is giving a piggy back ride to the other. I learned about the birds and the bees but I guess I never learned about the birds and the birds.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by István Molnár on February 28, 2010 at 1:01 AM

Wonderful moment,nice work!
Congrats:lstván

Registered on January 7, 2010, 114 Posts, 704 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 28, 2010 at 1:06 AM

'Tis the season!

Excellent catch, Nate!
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on February 28, 2010 at 1:43 AM

Well they don't look terribly thrilled.. where's the enjoyment in life?

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on February 28, 2010 at 3:24 AM

WOW, Nate!! Magic moment and wonderful image!

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Mauro Pasquero on February 28, 2010 at 5:16 AM

Great shot, perfect timing!!!
Mauro

Registered on January 21, 2010, 650 Posts, 2500 Comments

Comment posted by Roy Bailey on February 28, 2010 at 6:08 AM

No doudt about his intentions, but he does look like he's taking a break.Great focus across both birds and I like the matching highlights.The angle of light is excellent no shadow cast across female.Good habitat with little to distract from subjects.

Registered on November 16, 2008, 24 Posts, 486 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 28, 2010 at 7:02 AM

Nice one Nate - good of them to line up like that for you. Like the setting also.

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on February 28, 2010 at 7:56 AM

Love is in the air!

Great shot Nate!

Sharp and great subject matter.

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 28, 2010 at 8:32 AM

well captured, Nate! Not exactly "doing it" right here, but that is certainly the intent. Come on, Spring! nice details and setting--I like the pebbles on the ground--and of course a great "pose."

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on February 28, 2010 at 10:20 AM

Nate:
Unique shot with very nice light. I like the DOF providing a clear impression of the habitat.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Balke on February 28, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Very interesting and very well captured, Nate. With those glassy eyed stares they don't seem to be paying much attention to you!

Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments

Comment posted by Giorgio Gregori on February 28, 2010 at 4:04 PM

This is great Nate.
Besides excellent technique and detail, a wonderful behavioural shot.
The two red rings are fabolous.
Giorgio.

Registered on November 16, 2007, 87 Posts, 793 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on February 28, 2010 at 4:53 PM

Marvelous separation of the birds from the background Nate, your choice of dof was excellent. Great olors, setting, details and sharpness.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on February 28, 2010 at 6:08 PM

Almost looks like the Male Killdeer is just playing leapfrog. Great behavior shot and they certainly were not disturbed by your presence.

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Saunders on March 2, 2010 at 9:51 AM

What a catch Nate !

Excellent behavioral shot

Registered on February 6, 2008, 321 Posts, 3035 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on March 2, 2010 at 4:47 PM

A little late commenting on this one Nate. Great capture. And hopefully a nice sign that spring is just around the corner. Excellent detail and I really like that you have them both looking in the same direction.

Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments