Spoonbill



That day I drive early in the morning to a larger village for the weekly shopping. The highway goes along meadows and a shallow little pool, where I have photographed a Great Egret last year. On an impulse I look aside while I drive along the pool. I almost step hard on my brakes. Three Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) walk in the shallow water, relaxed foraging. I hesitate. Shall I drive on or turn around to get my camera. Within a second I decide to drive on. For sure they would have been gone when I return with the camera.

On my way back I see that one bird is still foraging. I drive home quickly to drop the groceries, grab my camera out of the drawer and drive back. In the car I say a little prayer. It has helped, the Spoonbill is still there. Meanwhile, the sun is much higher in the sky and shines -to make things worse- from behind the bird. There is no way to approach him from another side to get better light conditions. I hesitate about the exposure. Shall I underexpose? I will loose color but save the white in the pictures or shall I save the colors and accept overexposure of the bird?  I take the first option and hope for a second and better chance on another day.












Today was my lucky day. The Spoonbill had returned in the pool. The light conditions were a little bit better, but still difficult. I wait again for another time.








The photos are enlarged even more beautiful. Click on the first picture.


Thanks to all my friends abroad for your spontaneous, nice comments and praising words on my last blog. I hope we keep in touch. Of course I will visit you on your own blog, although it may take sometimes a little longer.

Greetings, Joke

6 opmerkingen:

  1. WOW, how exciting.
    Super beautifully photographed!

    Greetings from Denmark,
    Dorthe

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  2. In my fantastic, it is Spoonbill are tremendous, love it very well.

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  3. How exciting Joke! I'm pleased for you that he stayed around long enough for you to take these wonderful photos.I have never seen a Spoonbill in the wild,...lucky you indeed:=)

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  4. Hi Joke ! Congratulations - excellent pictures of these rare bird (at least for me). Never seen it here.

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  5. Hello dear Joke!
    That is one fine bird I would love to photograph properly one day!
    You did well to stop and take these pictures, they are gorgeous!
    Congratulations for your quick reflexes and great shots!
    Keep well and enjoy your sunday!

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  6. A spectacular looking Spoonbill captured so beautifully.

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