Debbie and I just spent a few days back home in Bandon this week. I had some free time one day and noticed it was a low tide. So I put on my snow-storm clothes (in the old days I would have worn a tee shirt) and braced to tackle the wind and sleet. Down to the jetty I go. When the weather is as bad as it was I figured I’d be all alone, the way I like it sometimes and I was right.
As soon as I arrive, I hear birds. I spotted something bright orange moving around in the puddles that are tide pools. Sure enough, a Black Oystercatcher. Time for a shot. That’s the bird in the first photo.
Next I see another one of my favorites, (they are all favorites for me). It’s a Marbled Godwit. Check out this picture, it’s a dandy.
I can’t hardly believe the luck I’m having. I hear a bird squak and turn towards the sound. A new bird for me (and by-the-way so was the Godwit) a Whimbrel is anouncing it’s presence and posing for me. Holy smokes! I raise the 100×400 and let him have it. Look at the bill on this bird.
Then, just when I’m having a time of my life, all the birds freak out and fly away. Man, I’ll tell you what. If you ever have the chance to hear the racket of a bunch of mixed shore birds taking off in a fright, don’t pass it up. There is nothing like it . I didn’t sneeze or anything so I new something was up.
And I was absolutely right. I look up and see a raptor streaking by about 50 yards away. No wonder the birds were scared off. This bird is a Northern Harrier.
