Saturday, August 21, 2010

Camera Critters #124

As I have mentioned before, the sewage ponds north of Redmond, Oregon are a good place to find a large variety of birds, dragonflies and other critters.

I have photographed rare birds there; first time dragonflies and have gotten better photos of previously imaged critters. 

This week, I’ve selected sandpipers as my subject.

I have gotten an image of a Western Sandpiper before, but it was a long way off and not that great.  However, on Aug. 5, I was able to get close enough to get a better photo.

CRW_0775 Western Sandpiper

At the same time, was able to get a photo of a new bird, the Least Sandpiper.  It isn’t a rare bird for this area, but has eluded me until I found one at the ponds.

CRW_0778 Least Sandpiper

Though the birds look similar at a quick glance, looking closely will show the Western Sandpiper with black legs and the Least Sandpiper with greenish legs.  There are other marks which tell someone the species, but those two are the most prominent.

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way to see creatures the world over.  To see more, go to the homepage here and check out more critters.  Then join the fun and add your own.

14 comments:

cat said...

They are lovely birds and you can clearly see the difference in the color of the legs.

Dubster said...

They seems rare today, good thing you were quick in taking this picture. Perhaps they are different with other birds that flyaway once they see people.

http://www.sheaky.com/2010/08/camera-critters-pigeons.html

Hootin Anni said...

...and they are so much fun to just sit and watch how they flit around near the surf.

Here's My entry.

Happy weekend wishes to you.

EG CameraGirl said...

Neat shots of the sandpipers! Last spring, we had a few stop over for a short while on their way north and they were so much fun to watch!

Snap said...

Sandpipers are so much fun ... in constant motion!

Joanne Olivieri said...

These are gorgeous birds. I've seen a couple up close though never had the chance to photograph them. These are wonderful photos.

Misty DawnS said...

Great shots! It's always great to get photos of a critter you've never 'shot' before!

Elizabeth said...

Very crisp photos, when I enlarged them, them difference in leg color was obvious. I find that taking picture of anything that flies is quite challenging!

DeniseinVA said...

I rarely see these birds in my neck of the woods, so your photos were very enjoyable. Thank you!
http://anenglishgirlrambles.blogspot.com/2010/08/camera-critters_20.html

teresa said...

Great captures!

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Great shots! I was wondering if the second was the same kind as the first, and you had other photos coming of the second kind, when I read your description of the differences between the birds.

How cool that you remember what you've gotten photos of before. I don't have such a good memory.

Sherrie said...

Hi!
Very pretty birds. They look identical. Have a great day!

Sherrie
Food for Thought

Maude Lynn said...

Nice shots!

Iowa Gardening Woman said...

Nice shots, always fun to see a new bird.