NATURESCAPES.NET 2008 BIRDS GALLERY
HONORABLE MENTION

"Snowy Plovers"
Image copyright Jim Urbach

This image was captured the last weekend of April on Sanibel Island. I specifically went there knowing that the adults were on eggs and aware that chicks might hatch that weekend. I was rewarded to see newborn chicks at three different nests. This image was taken in early morning light using a Canon 1DMIIN , 600 IS f4, 1.4x, using natural light and a tripod barely above goround level while I was lying prone. One of the 6 chicks born did not survive the first 4 hours as they must forage on their own, never being fed by the parents. There was nothing special about taking this image other than being there at the right time and getting low to the ground.

About the Photographer

I am a retired orthopedic surgeon who has enjoyed photography for almost 39 years. Since my first trip to Alaska in 1992, I have been enamored with taking wildlife images. I love the challenge of rising and shooting in the golden light and capturing the glory of nature.