American Avocets

Gallery: AvianPosted July 2, 2013155 views10 comments

This photo was made on the last day of our Malheur NWR trip this May. Several small ponds were a consistent place to find a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl in the mornings. One particular pool usually held a few pairs of American Avocets. On this morning four pairs of avocets were chasing one another about the pond, seemingly staking out and protecting territories. During the action this amorous pair courted, copulated then danced just a few feet in front of us.

Canon MKIV, 600mm, 1/2000, f10, ISO 640, manual shutter and spot meter

All your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Ken Archer

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Roger Kirchen on July 2, 2013 at 9:19 PM

Nice image, Ken. It's fun to watch their amorous acrobatics and jumps. Great that you also got the reflection in smooth water. I think that the berm at the top does not add much to the scene. It it were cropped, the frame would be quit tight, but it would match the reflection and focus on the intimacy of the scene. Or it could be cloned out, but these are just my thought. Nice image as is.

Registered on March 6, 2011, 95 Posts, 847 Comments

Comment posted by Claude Dagenais on July 2, 2013 at 9:31 PM

Wow Ken, a lovely shot with the reflection to boot. You seem to have taken it in pretty harsh light but succeeded very well.

Registered on April 10, 2013, 56 Posts, 571 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 2, 2013 at 10:49 PM

Looks like a ballet, Ken. Gorgeous light and detail and I love the poses.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by John Sherman on July 3, 2013 at 11:38 AM

Awesome capture.

Water doesn't look level, but everything else looks spot on.

Registered on March 10, 2013, 31 Posts, 142 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on July 3, 2013 at 6:35 PM

Amazing action. Wonderful image.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Andrews on July 4, 2013 at 9:52 AM

There's nothing like that early morning light to add warmth to a scene. Great behavioural shot, well captured Ken!

Registered on December 31, 2011, 45 Posts, 222 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 4, 2013 at 11:36 AM

Love the interaction and the light here Ken, maybe a little cw rotation.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on July 4, 2013 at 12:24 PM

Very nice, Ken...I've seen them dance like this and it is soooo beautiful! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 25, 2013 at 5:48 PM

Very nice Ken!
Love the interaction I see with the 'crossed' dueling beaks as they 'spar'.
Great image as posted

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Verdon on August 5, 2013 at 11:55 PM

excellent work, you covered the same interaction between the birds like is on my last post, that's why I think your shot is outstanding

and also reflection and droplets, you are lot better

Registered on June 10, 2011, 147 Posts, 1444 Comments