Yesterday morning didn’t begin well. I was up at 4 AM to give me time to finish my daily blog post so I could leave for Antelope Island by 6 to take advantage of the early morning light on one of those relatively rare recent days where no morning clouds were forecast. After an hours drive to get there I discovered that most of the island was closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the Collegiate National Cycling Championships (unannounced on the Antelope Island State Park Facebook page). I made one pass of the north loop road and headed for home – an unhappy camper.
But we decided to pay Farmington Bay an impromptu visit on the way home and I’m glad we did. We were able to visit with a friend we hadn’t seen in many months who we found walking the refuge road (a regular routine that she enjoys) and I got some Killdeer images that may turn out to be some of my favorites of the species in some ways. This photo is an example.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Admittedly, it’s not a very dynamic shot – no interesting behavior and the pose is unremarkable (though perfectly acceptable). But I like the rock it chose to perch on, the light angle was good, it’s a very small crop so the detail is excellent (especially in a larger version) and I simply love the background.
So thank you Mr. or Ms Killdeer (and friend Carol) for improving my mood, which was considerably better from Farmington to home than it had been from the island to Farmington.
Ron
PS – The Classic Road Race, yet another cycling event, will be held on the island today. Unless you’re a fan or participant of the sport you might want to consider another way to enjoy your Saturday than visiting the island. They expect “heavy bicycle traffic around the main park loop, affecting the marina, visitor center, beach and intersections, as well as approximately two miles of the Ranch Road. Drivers should use caution.” (from the Antelope Island website).
I won’t be anywhere near the place…
You say nothing special but that eye just pops! Excellent detail.
I love killdeers because they don’t have a problem with humans, fly like a falcon, lay thier nests out in the open and play games with me…lol. I’ve been watching a nest in my mothers gravel driveway closely the last few days cuz the 22-27 days are almost up. Those darn chicks will only be visable til their feathers dry and then “bam”…off to the fields and not to be seen again til adulthood. The female has accepted me as landscape and hardly pays attention to me anymore. No more “broken wing” or “bull figther” stances…. I suspose she expects a card from me when the chicks are born..lol. The “kids” have only 1 ring around the chest and the adults 2…..I have yet to come arcoss a juvenile after the hatching…..they are excellent hiders, which is funny, cuz the nest is so easy to find.
Tim
Interesting comment, Tim. I can tell you’ve spent a lot of time watching your Killdeer and I enjoyed your observations of the experience.
I get a kick out of the species name for these birds – “vociferus”. So appropriate when they’re agitated or excited.
I just love looking at this beautiful picture, the rich coloring in the background and remarkable contrasts in the rock complement this perfectly poised Kildeer.
Thanks very much, Janice.
I love the way the background really makes the bird stand out. This is an exceptional photo.
I think the background is pretty neat too, Susan. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful portrait! Thanks Ron!
Glad you like it, Charlotte. Thank you.
Too bad, but, hey you got this image of the Killdeer. Very acceptable shot!!
I did the same here, got a shot of one on her nest, hand held.
There are yellow marker flags all around her nest area to keep people away from stressing her.
Some days are like that Ron, BUT I know you will make up for it after all those events are over and the wildlife can get back to normal!!
Thanks, Dick. Sounds like your nest is in a busy place. I hope the flags are effective in keeping folks off the nest.
This is beautiful and the background is so lovely. I have yet to photograph a Killdeer that did not have a very busy background.
That’s my favorite part of the image, Sharon – the clean but still interesting background.