American Avocets have always been a very difficult flight shot for me so I only have a couple of them in my files. I think one of the factors that makes them so challenging in the air is their tendency for erratic flight.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
This was a grab shot taken at Glover Pond in Farmington, Utah. I like the slightly open bill and the position of the wings.
This is a species that I too often ignore, whether the bird is in flight or wading. There’s just so many of them around here for much of the year that my tendency is to bypass them for more elusive subjects.
Another bad habit of mine…
Ron
Good morning. Stunning photo of the American Avocet in flight. I am taking an online drawing class, drawing and coloring birds in colored pencil and would like to use a couple of your images for “practice” … may I have your permission to do so. I will credit your photography and will not be using the drawings commercially. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Thank you, Carole. I’ll respond to your question by email.
Ron, this is the best image of an American Avocet in flight that I have ever seen. I love it.
That’s high praise Bob – thanks very much.
This is a great shot of a strange and interesting bird. Thanks for posting!
“Strange” is right Tana, I’ve always been intrigued by that recurved bill.
As I pour over many of these sites I find most interesting of them are the ones that bring characteristic human quality to the photos. Having spent 19 years in the art business in NYC I have de veloped a good eye for this . Ron’s work does this well ,and I hope he continues along this line.
As A contemporary painter using birds in my work ,one thing stands out . The photography of birds here is not sweet or sentimental. They are honest yet filled with potent attitude about individulism.
My job as a painter is to interpret these photos in a way that keeps the power of the photos alive.
I look forward to more of this great in the field work by Ron and others to continue.
Just ten years ago none of this collaboration would be possible.
After reading Eldridge Rawl’s comment I find myself trying to do a 180 degree flip. And seeing that it could work. That curved beak is fascinating and it is not a bird I had seen. Thankyou. Again.
Thanks Elephant’s Child. I guess some of our birds look as exotic to you as many of your Australian species seem to me.
great shot . The arched back makes it look like the breast is upside down .
Interesting observation Eldridge, I see what you mean.