Picture Of The Week 09-07-09

Where: Cape Charles, VA • Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge • Ramp Lane

Notes: Sometimes it is worth tolerating the mosquitoes buzzing around my ears and the biting flies to wait for a shot like this one. Around the shallows of the pond were exposed mud flats, left by the receding tide. A pair of Least Sandpipers was probing for food not far from the road. I crept in low to the edge of the marsh grasses and shrubs, where the high tide defines the pond's edge in hopes of a good photo opportunity. The "peeps" were slowly wandering away as they foraged that late afternoon. I had brief thoughts of lowering my elbows into the soft mud, to gain a lower perspective shot. But slowly, the pair changed their general direction and turned back towards my position. I knew if I moved it would spook them. I stayed as still and quiet as I could. In a little while, they were only six to eight feet away. The light direction was perfect. Finally, the closest sandpiper raised its beak out of the mud for a second or two, I held my breath and squeezed off a few of full frame shots. Soon the birds headed back away from me and I was able to retreat back to the road without disturbing their evening meal.