American Woodcock

[R Bond]

My wife Teri found these while out mushroom hunting today. These birds sat still while she called me to bring the camera. It took me about 10 minutes to get to them. The longest lens that I have is a 105mm Sigma Macro, that is what these were shot with. I think these shots illustrate how well these birds are camouflaged. BTW, no mushrooms.

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[dmwphoto]

The first lloks like a young one. These are fabulous birds! sit tight (as you know) and well concealed. I use to train my bird dogs on these for those very reasons.
Dave

 

[Baxter]

Great job capturing those. Not something you see every day - for obvious reasons. It's a treat seeing them - thanks for posting.

 

[Bob Coutant]

Thanks for showing these.
My wife and I used to go out just before dusk and watch the males doing their mating "dance", and we've spotted hatchlings, but I've never gotten a photograph. [With this year's weather, it seems a little early for morels.]

 

[R Bond]

Thanks Bob and Hunter. A few morels are being found, hopefully there will more later in the week. We are looking forward to fried mushrooms and fish.

Hello Dave. My lead in was a little brief I guess. The fledgeling was about 2 feet away from the mom. The mother was setting so tight that I was worried she was hurt, she really trusts her camo.

 

[jryoung1947]

Wow thanks for sharing. I'd have missed these for sure.

 

[R Bond]

Thanks for looking John. The do blend in. It makes me wonder how many I've walked past over the years.

 

[woundedmallard]

Fantastic! I only get to see'em when I flush'em, and I haven't got the reflexes to catch it!! (Does anyone? Ha!)

 

[cajun angel]

WOW, what beauties they are! So glad you were able to capture them - that's a birdie I don't think I've seen before!

 

[Gale]

Thats neat. Good pics and great find
Very similar to the Snipe

 

[R Bond]

Fantastic! I only get to see'em when I flush'em, and I haven't got the reflexes to catch it!! (Does anyone? Ha!)

Hey Thomas

Thanks for looking. This one must have just sat still because of the young'un in tow.

 

[R Bond]

WOW, what beauties they are! So glad you were able to capture them - that's a birdie I don't think I've seen before!

Thanks Dianne

My wife has a good eye. That eye also helps her find Morels.

 

[R Bond]

Thats neat. Good pics and great find
Very similar to the Snipe

Thanks Gale

Sure could have used the 80-400. Now I'm gonna have to look up Snipe.
BTW, the Woodcock is related to the Sandpiper, ah hem, we learned that while trying to identify the thing.

 

[Gale]

Here ya are RB
A Snipe:>)))

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[R Bond]

Here ya are RB
A Snipe:>)))

Well, I be, they are a lot alike,,,,and according to Wikipedia are related. Very nice shot.

Thanks Gale