Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch

Subject: Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
Place: McKellips Park, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Date: December 2002
Equipment: Nikon N90S, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8 & TC20E (= 600/5.6), tripod
Film: Fuji Sensia 100
Exposure: Aperture priority matrix metered
Scan: Minolta Dimage, 80% of frame

Commentary: Least Sandpipers are a common migrant in AZ, but finding suitable places to photograph them is a challenge. Locations are either barren, or don't allow for a close approach. This bird was one of a group of three that found a micro-habitat along the edge of an artificial lake in a local park. I was able to get this view by wearing kneepads and "knee-walking" along a narrow concrete path on the edge of the pond. All three birds flushed when another person came along behind me - an unfortunately common event in the life of a bird photographer.