[Steve_E]

Here's a few Wilson's Plover chick shots from last spring. They're fuzzy, cute, funny and very quick. These medium-sized shorebirds nest in sandy areas near the shore. Their nest is nothing more than a small indention in the sand, many times positioned near something as a marker like grass sprigs or other natural debris. The chicks are encouraged to leave the nest only a couple days after hatching to take cover from possible threats. In this part of the country these birds are classified as "threatened" which means they are struggling because of the ongoing loss of nesting grounds due to development and other environmental changes. In the spring and summer these birds will find me before I find them. They're very watchful of their breeding grounds and are curious about any outsiders. I'm extremely careful when moving around, watching every step and keep as low a profile as possible. If I lay down in a place that is suitable for photos, it isn't long before the males will come to visit.

If I am close to young birds like these below, the adults will change their posture and a sense of urgency comes over them. Like some of the other Plovers they use a wounded-wing decoy behavior to lure intruders away from their nest or young. I have photos of this behavior but when I see this I don't like to hang around long and stress the birds. I always put the birds first and if I detect extreme stress I back off, a photo pales in comparison to raising young and is completely insignificant to a species struggling to maintain its numbers. Once the chicks have taken cover in the marsh grass or surrounding dunes the broken wing behavior is much more infrequent. I patiently lie in wait and watch for the chicks to step out from cover trying to beckon food delivery. None of these photos would be possible if I were standing or kneeling and not just the angle. An imposing animal of any height would be enough to keep them under cover.

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

Steve