Fluidr / Dave_Lawrence's "Best birds of 2012" set sorted randomly

A Canon EOS 7D — 1/640s ƒ/5.6 ISO 400 at 500 mm

N 3 B 299 C 3 E Aug 7, 2012 F Aug 7, 2012

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The angle from the San Simeon Pier is suboptimal, but this species is always fun to watch and offers wonderful color when it opens its mouth or shows its legs and feet. It apparently nests on protected shelves or ledges beneath the pier; one site was seen inches below the walkway planks. San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Tags: birds 2012 August

Black Skimmer--Rynchops niger

A Canon EOS 7D — 1/2500s ƒ/8 ISO 500 at 400 mm

N 0 B 311 C 4 E Aug 3, 2012 F Aug 3, 2012

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Two are present with the mixed gull-tern flock at Pismo Beach lagoon. San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Tags: birds 2012 August

Snowy Plover--Charadrius alexandrinus

A Canon EOS 7D — 1/640s ƒ/5 ISO 500 at 500 mm

N 6 B 399 C 3 E Aug 18, 2012 F Aug 18, 2012

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San Simeon Creek mouth. Six birds stay hidden in the open in a small pebble field. San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Tags: birds 2012 August

Pectoral Sandpiper--Calidris melanotos

A Canon EOS 7D — 1/1000s ƒ/8 ISO 500 at 500 mm

N 0 B 246 C 1 E Sep 21, 2012 F Sep 21, 2012

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Sunset Friday evening, Pismo Creek mouth, San Luis Obispo County, CA.

Tags: birds 2012 Sept

Grasshoppeer Sparrow--Ammodramus savannarum

A Canon EOS 7D — 1/3200s ƒ/7.1 ISO 500 at 700 mm

N 0 B 252 C 2 E May 5, 2012 F May 5, 2012

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Certainly the same bird photographed by Bill Bouton yesterday along Turri Road. I'll trade for his images anytime, but these are the best (and only) photos I've ever taken of this species so here they are. I'd love softer light, a better down-light angle, a more interesting background, a much improved perch. But the ultimate downer of this series: from 20 feet away this bird was screaming at me and I couldn't hear a thing...

Tags: birds 2012 May