First Post - American Avocets Post Mating Ritual


Posted by Bill Whala on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:07 pm

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Image
American Avocet Recurvirostra americana

It's only fitting that my first post here be of a pair of American Avocets. After all, my first post to a couple other forum sites were of avocets as well. :D

This was taken at Pawnee National Grasslands last June. Sheri and I found this pair to be very friendly and accomidating. They mated twice and this is from the first time.

EOS1V, 600mm is, 1.4X EFII, Gitzo, Wimberley, Provia 100F
Full Frame

All comments and critiques are welcome. Thanks for looking. :)

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Bill Whala
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by LHays on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:14 pm
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Bill
Glad to see you here and especially glad to see the Avocets. The series that you had was by far the best that I have ever seen. This is one that I have never seen before and it is just marvelous. What a great opportunity.....and you took full advantage of it.
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by E.J. Peiker on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:21 pm
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Avocet man glides to a landing at NS - I lovet it. the image is so intimate, it just gives you a good feeling and puts a smile on your face.
 

by Chris Fagyal on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:32 pm
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Bill,

No nits here. I especially like the wing spread of the Avocet on our left, and how their bills are connected together. It really makes the pair look content. I've never known Avocets to be accomodating, at least not here in MN where they aren't overly common. I also remember Pawnee National Grasslands to be dry as a bone when I was there the one time I was, of course it was late July :)
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by Greg Downing on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:34 pm
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Love! Even birds do it! This is a great shot and BTW welcome to our little corner of the internet!
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by NDCheryl on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:36 pm
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What a lovely couple! Great shot.
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by Cindy Marple on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:39 pm
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These mating rituals can be so elaborate! They look just like a couple walking hand in hand down the street. The colors are wonderful, and the action you caught is quite nice. Pawnee looks like another place to add to the "must see's".
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by Mike Wilson on Thu Aug 21, 2003 10:55 pm
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Excellent shot Bill. Great to see you here. Love the wing draped over the female. Wish this was mine for sure.
 

by Alan Murphy on Thu Aug 21, 2003 11:50 pm
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Hey Bill,

Glad to see you here. This is a beautiful photo. The wing dipping in the water just adds to the intensity and trance that the bird is in.

Alan
 

by Heather Forcier on Fri Aug 22, 2003 12:27 am
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Hi, Bill! :)

A lovely first post, fantastic interaction. I just posted an Avocet (before I saw that you had yours up) and commented what beautiful birds they are.
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by Jim Probst on Fri Aug 22, 2003 1:11 am
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Bill,

Wonderful action! Great shot!
 

by KK Hui on Fri Aug 22, 2003 4:02 am
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A wonderful moment you had captured here, Bill! :D
Got to love the wing over the female (smaller bird) ... so sweet as is :wink:

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by Juli Wilcox on Fri Aug 22, 2003 4:06 am
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Incredible shot! LOVE this image! Might look at the USM, but the image is priceless.
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by AlexC on Fri Aug 22, 2003 9:03 am
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Now that you seen my beak, can I show you my nest?
Marvelous romantic stroll in the beach !!!
Wonderful capture as well!!!, Congrats!!!
8) 8) 8)
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by Sandy Mossberg on Fri Aug 22, 2003 9:09 am
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One of the great series I've seen, Bill - along with Jim Neiger's Sandhill Crane family. I'll never tire of viewing these images.
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by John Fortner on Fri Aug 22, 2003 9:15 am
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Very nice Bill. Great interaction shot.
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by Alan Melle on Fri Aug 22, 2003 10:50 am
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Your Avocet mating series is great! Love this one too.
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by Tobias Bäckström on Fri Aug 22, 2003 10:51 am
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Beautiful shot of this interaction!
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by Richard on Fri Aug 22, 2003 12:41 pm
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Bill,

What a sweet image! Birds have all the fun. Gorgeous behavior image! :D
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by matt kuchta on Fri Aug 22, 2003 12:45 pm
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Very sensitive. The crossed bills and the outstretched wings really power this one.
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