While not in full swing yet, the shore bird migration has started. Today I waited until late afternoon, early evening to head out to Boundary Bay. The tied was out, but you can usually find something out in the sand or around the small tidal pools. It was looking pretty quiet at first, but then some movement caught my attention. It was a small group of Semipalmated Sandpipers. I continued past them on the dyke before making my way down to the beach and back tracking.
On approaching I noticed another bird in with the Semipalmated Sandpipers.
It was a Least Sandpiper taking a bath along with one of the Semipalmated. I made my way slowly to the edge of the tidal pool, set up and waited. Rather than chase them, I prefer to wait and let the birds come to me.
It was the Semipalmated Sandpipers that made their way towards me first.
I was set up as I would normally be for shooting shore birds.
Tripod collapsed low and down on my knees.
Being down at their level gives you a natural perspective and pleasing photo.
Finally the lone Least Sandpiper came my way.
I was beginning to wonder if it ever would.
I will usually try to get them foraging,
… along with the more classic portrait.
While photographing the sandpipers something else caught my eye.
Some Semipalmated Plovers had shown up and were scurrying around the beach.
This is the smallest Plover we would normally see around here.
This one has pulled some tasty little morsel out of the sand. It was a good afternoon and chance to practice technique before things really pick up around the bay area.
