Black-necked Stilts, Gilbert AZ

The first time I saw these elegant waders at Veterans Oasis Park, I was entranced. Doubly so when I was able to identify them my own self, using a guide book.

In the years since then, I’ve often failed to resist the temptation to take shots of them from too far away, or in bad light. This year, I set out to do better at Gilbert Water Ranch. I chose a location where I could reliably find them. I got up at 6 AM and then chose a spot where they’d be lit up by the rising sun.

Then I waited for them to come close enough to shore for a photo with reasonable resolution. And facing the right way. And without other distracting elements in the frame.

It would be a lot like work, if it weren’t so much fun.

Black-necked stilt in early morning light

Two black-necked stilts reflected in water.

 

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4 Responses to Black-necked Stilts, Gilbert AZ

  1. Ralph Gibson says:

    🙂 Very nice.
    Trying to take nice photos affects the way you look at the world, that’s for sure.

    • Isabel Gibson says:

      Ralph – Indeed. I see all sorts of different things when I’m even thinking about photography.

  2. Laurna Tallman says:

    Your photos affect the way I look at the world. I thought the first of these was comical — the splendid clarity of the bird reflected wiggly by the water — until I saw the two with double the distortions and fun. Thanks for taking the time.

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