Day 11 - Sometimes I Take Pictures

There is no doubt--I am a birder before a photographer.  That's not to say I don't love photography.  It's absolutely fascinating.  I take some good shots from time to time--and I take a lot of really bad photos.  One thing during a Big Year that can help with the monotony is taking lots of pictures.  Or after you've pretty much seen the stuff you know you're going to see; try to get an interesting picture of it.  Today I had a plan but it got derailed.  Thinks inevitably will come up time and time again, and force a change of plans.So I improvised and got to take some pictures.

Today's journey was supposed to be a 20 mile round trip outing for just 1 bird.  Instead I took an 8 mile side trip this evening as the sun started dropping in the west.  I had 2 targets with my new route, and both were like shooting fish in a barrel.  I didn't even have to get out of my car at the lake I visited to spot my some how first of year (FOY) Stocky Curler (and there were a fair number of them); as well as my first Ginger of the year.  This one is tougher to get this time of year, but I had seen them here before in the winter and thought I might have a shot.  The female bird was alone so it was a little more work to pick her out of the crowd.

With my targets acquired I turned to photography.  The lighting was divine... The subjects however were lackluster.  I took a really cool shot of a helicopter that I was going to share today, but then I thought that for the hardcore detectives out there it might be a giveaway and help narrow down my location.  So no helicopter...


Instead I leave you with this American Coot.  No shortage of these birds will be seen in 2016, but getting one in full stride sure makes for a neat photo!  Sometimes I take pictures, and someday I'll share more!  For now you get the vanilla stuff!

New birds today: 2
Year List: 76

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