I can thank Elephant’s Child for the inspiration for today’s post.
I’ve posted this photo once before, just about seven years ago on January 7, 2012, so it was long enough ago that not many current blog followers have seen it and since I had few readers back then it didn’t get many comments. But one of those comments was from long-time blog follower Elephant’s Child who said of the image “it looks like an avocet sandwich”. I happened to stumble on that original post last night and reading EC’s comment again reminded me of how much I’d wished back then I’d thought to use her line in my title.
Today I succumbed to the temptation.
1/1250, f/10, ISO 400, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I’d been photographing four males fighting over a single female (sexes are fairly easily identifiable because the female has a shorter and more strongly recurved bill than the male) when this male lifted off and attacked two other males just out of frame to the right. I just happened to catch the male in a good position over the female with reflections I like. One of the things that made the shot work is that I had enough light to use f/10 to increase my depth of field and still have sufficient shutter speed (just barely) to get both birds sharp enough.
The image obviously has some issues including the cluttered and unattractive background and the bright specular highlights on the leg reflection at bottom but I still like it for its uniqueness. My timing was just about perfect to get the “sandwich” effect, the calm water provided nice reflections and the birds and their reflections were well separated from each other.
And I think the calm, coy pose from the female in all the excitement of the fighting males says a lot about “the games we play” during courtship, no matter the species.
So thanks again, EC – you do have a way with words.
Ron
EC is very clever. Her name for this photo is so appropriate. I enjoyed looking at it over and over again. Glad you found it in your archives, Ron, and shared it with all of us.
Hopefully your luck with photos will improve. The weather around here is mysterious and not good for birds, apparently.
Thank you, Ron
I hope so, Alice. Birds have been very slow and the weather most of the time hasn’t helped in the least.
Very nice!
Thanks, Jean.
On this icy, rainy, gloomy day I needed a breath of sunshine and fresh air! Just what you brought to view today! This is a beautiful shot Ron, and when the testosterone is running hot and heavy, doesn’t matter what species one is looking at it will be a show to watch!
My major introduction to Avocets was in ND during nesting. What a sight, a delightful memory.
Thanks, Dick. When they’re in breeding plumage I think they’re among the classiest-looking birds on the water.
Fabulous shot, Ron! Perfect timing. And yay for EC’s title. 🙂 Sorry you got skunked yesterday; hopefully, today will be better. We got an unexpected bird sighting yesterday — a snowy egret hanging out on the shoulder of the freeway. Hope he’s OK.
That skunky varmint wasn’t from yesterday, Marty – it was from this morning. I’ve never seen it so dead out there.
Fingers crossed for your egret!
Thanks Ron.
And how delightful to start my morning with a delightful calorie and gluten free sandwich.
Love that spray of water. And reflection shots are so often a joy.
You deserve a large part of the credit for the post, EC. Keep’em coming…
It is a lovely photo for many reasons, the calm demeanor of the bird in the middle of the sandwich, the pose of the bird in flight, the reflection on the perfectly still water, how that happened during a chase is amazing in itself, the water droplet trail and the sharpness of both birds. It all adds up to a very unique photo.
I think Australians have an interesting twist on English. My Australian friend, Heather, comes up with the most unique one or two word descriptive title that about sums up the entire situation! I am always asking questions about the why too’s and how comes and it annoys her, so she usually has me laughing at her made up answer and new vocab words.
I hope you are off on an adventure this beautiful morning. I am so jealous, the one nice day and I have a slew of appointments keeping me home.
If EC’s any example I think you’re right (as you know she lives in Oz). She often comes up with a new word twist that catches my interest.
Phooey on adventures this morning. It was beautiful out there but no birds. I didn’t fire my shutter. Not even once!
The catchy title and interesting image are a perfect combination. Thanks Ron for reposting, and thanks EC for your imagination.
Thank you, Utahbooklover.
Avocets are very aggressive and territorial. I once watched one attack two snowy egrets, coming down on them from above, feet out, intending to grab neck and wing feathers and do damage. The snowy’s departed in haste.
They sure are.
Elephants Child’s way with words is matched very well with yours. I enjoy reading your prose and all the comments. The picture is very pleasing to me as well. I imagine there is a great sense of accomplishment when you view your work. I admire your skill.
I appreciate your kind words about my writing, Betty. Thank you.
Really great image Ron…and I agree with Judy about identifying the male from the female…together ok..apart..mmm, not so sure….and thanks to EC for the name, which prompted you to post it again…
Steve, Telling sex with this species, even with individual birds, really does become easier with a little practice. There’s always a few birds that are more difficult than others though…
When I saw the title, I wondered what I was about to see. What a great shot! And for all the reasons mentioned above. We have lots of avocets and lots of excellent photographers here in Coloradooo, so I’ve seen lots of wonderful avocet photos. This one outdoes them!
Thanks, Nancy. This one is different anyway….
NICE! The photo is wonderful – I love reflections – and the title is perfect! Thx Elephant’s Child! 🙂 The droplet trail behind the male (and reflection) tells the tale of his movement and I’m glad you pointed out the male/female difference – easy to see here – not so sure if they were apart! 😉 They are beautifully colored almost looking “painted”………
I’m glad you mentioned that droplet trail, Judy. It’s one of the main things I like about the image, party because it’s evident in the reflection too.
And you’re right, the sex distinction isn’t as obvious when you’re only looking at one bird but with a little practice it becomes much easier.
Sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
That is a fun and unique post Ron, and thanks to Elaphant’s Child for naming it. I love duck and water fowl reflection photos, and this one is special. The background is indeed cluttered and unattractive as so often happens with low water lake photos, but it really does not detract the viewer from the great photo itself. Thanks for positing it.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
If you add “messy” I think fun and unique describes it well. Thanks, Everett.