On the ground — well, in the pond — dowitchers never stop moving. They are the polar opposite of herons and cranes, which stand stock-still for minutes or even tens of minutes at a time, making it easy to get a boring shot. By contrast, dowitchers feed incessantly, head bobbing up and down in a ceaseless sewing-machine motion as they walk.
Then, for no apparent reason, they spook and fly off in a gaggle. As they reach some stretch of water deemed safe (for no apparent reason), they brake suddenly, flare too fast for the naked eye, and set down and resume feeding without even a pause. Not that I’m, you know, complaining, but it makes them the very bugger to photograph. That’s a technical term.
So when I get anything, I am a happy camper.
And when, more by chance than by good management, I have the right settings for a bird in flight and there are no other distractions, I am an exceedingly happy camper.
Wow ! Spectacular shot !
Ralph – Thanks!
wow. That last photo is bewitching.
Barbara – Glad you like it. I think I have my project for next winter.
Certainly good reason to be “an exceedingly happy camper”
Barry – 🙂