Hudsonian Godwit

[Steve_E]

These birds summer in northern Canada and Alaska and migrate to South America for the winter. They travel mainly through the central regions of North America to get there so I was both surprised and happy to come across one of them here on the Atlantic coast. As I made my crawl toward a group of Willet I quickly noticed the long thin bill on this bird and slowly worked to get closer. Wherever the Willet moved the Godwit stayed right with them. It was interesting to see a bird use a group of another species to try and blend in. After about 45 minutes of crawling in pursuit the birds finally realized I was no real threat and relaxed. The Godwit stayed very close to the Willet making it difficult to get an isolated shot but eventually it wandered far enough away from the others. I've included a shot with a Willet along side the Godwit to show the similarity and differences between the two. This was the only Hudsonian Godwit I saw all year and the first I've ever photographed. Unfortunately it's unlikely I'll ever see one in full breeding color. During that time the male's entire belly is the rust color you see a bit of in these shots.

Willet on right in first shot.

Canon 1D Mark II / 500L / Skimmer II Ground Pod

Steve

[Lumen Miner]

WoW! Great capture! Very lucky indeed. :) Shots are fantastic and the story behind them aswell. It is one thing to a veiw a shot with no info attached, but it really brings you to the moment knowing the significance of it.

Well done! Keep them coming!

[Steve_E]

Thanks very much Mitchell. It was one of the birding highlights of my year to come across such an unusual visitor. I kept going back but never saw that bird or any other Hudsonians all year.

[Liz]

Wonderful and graceful images Steve, and yes, we love the info behind them. Just a bonus to be rewarded with images of birds rarely seen :thumbsup:

[Lumen Miner]

That makes me :) , only due the the fact that I know that feeling we get seeing something then realising every click you make is going to have to last you a life time, whilst furiously skipping though settings hoping one of those doesn't burnout highlights etc.. I have only felt like that a few times (I don't get out much), but it's one hella experience when it's happening.

[troypiggo]

Beautiful shots. Sounds like you'll treasure these shots for some time, considering the rarity of the opportunity. Glad you were able to make the most of it.

[astroron]

Superb Steve! Thankyou for the very interesting post.

[Steve_E]

Thank you Liz, Troy and Ron. I really appreciate the kind comments.

Mitchell, I'm blessed with many species of birds here in SC but I know exactly what you mean. Every once in a while I'll be in the right place at the right time and the adrenalin kicks in. I have the same mental checklist that I go through when I know there will never be another op exactly like this one. I was relieved to see that I hadn't messed these up when I got home.

[telecasterguru]

Steve,

A great capture of a very special visitor.

Frank

[StephenM]

Great shots again Steve! Well done.

Cheers,
Stephen

[Steve_E]

Thanks much Frank and Stephen.