Hey folks. Did a fun photoshoot with a very cooperative Long Billed Curlew at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (SJWS) yesterday. I snuck down to the water line to lay in the mud. Shhhh. Don't tell the birding people. This behavior will usually get me henpecked by the birders for disturbing "ecologically sensitive habitat." They were kind enough to post signs everywhere to remind me. Where were they when I saw this dog walker, who let loose her dog to go swimming in the pond. It swam around and "disturbed" the ducks for a good 30 minutes. Oh did I mention that she was skipping rocks in the pond too! Ok enough with the yapping.

1)

Real nice set Hung! As much as I like the golden lit curlew's the last shoveler steals the show for me, what a fantastic shot!

Tim

#4

But I would rather see a shot of you lying in the mud, maybe with a sign on your back saying, "No grovelling allowed".

Tony

Hung you got some beauties here, great "feather work" on these! and it was nice to see you out there.
Bruce

Hung, in agreeance with Tim, that last shoveler is spectacular sir


Karl

The golden hour light, reflections, and BG's make this spot just magical.
Nice series Hung... and I'll put my vote in for #4 being the standout here.

Kirk

Very nice set Hung and the light in the first 3 is very nice.
My favourites are number too, just a pity about the wing tip but a great pic anyway and the last one of course, a beautiful capture!
Martin

Very nice indeed Hung, number 2 is my favourite.

Rob

These have Zm Glw written all over them, Hung

Sweet light and sweet poses on the curlew and well done on the Shovel-it duck like burd, too

I'm beginning to wonder if there aren't double standards with regards to use of the ponds. Seems like if you have a camera you are the enemy. What would birders do without the hard work of photographers who fill their bird books with high quality images for them to enjoy and use to help ID their little friends?

Ken

Mr Zoom wrote:
What would birders do without the hard work of photographers who fill their bird books with high quality images for them to enjoy and use to help ID their little friends?

Ken

Birders regard photographic birdguides with disdain, almost as much as they do the "wassacks" with long lenses whose only interest is in "getting the shot" and don't give a damn about the birds.

Top-end birdguides are illustrated with paintings, not photographs.

Colin

Thanks Tim, Tony, Bruce, Karl, Kirk, Martin, Rob, Ken and Colin.

Tony - Hahaha. I like to refer to the act of laying flat on the mud to get the low angle shots, "mud humping."

Martin - I had slowly inched my way closer to the bathing Curlew so that I could get a full frame shot. It then opened up its wings to splash around and so it was too big for my frame. I didn't realize how long their wings are.

Ken - Glad you liked the Shovel-it duck like burd. Hehe

Colin - No birds were disturbed for the process of getting these shots I promise. The Curlew was still bathing after I had gotten up and walked away. All joking aside, I have a deep respect for wildlife and would never push the boundaries of their safety or stress levels just for the sake of "getting the shot." Thanks for your input.

best regards all,

- Hung

Hung - beautiful golden colors on the Curlew.

Yep, I have seen some walking their dogs at SJWS as well. Wish I have one of those cameras with video!

These are truly sensational Hung! #4 get the standing ovation though
Beautiful job
Larry

Beautiful light and colors, Hung. Great pose in # 2, great capture the last one.
Socrate

Very Nice Well Done. Ed

Beautiful shots Hung. Last one is really nice.
dan

Really a beautiful set Hung, well done

Dick.