It has been HOT but these stilts showed up almost on my doorstep--in a rice field across the road from my driveway. I am using them as guinea pigs to practice some new exposure techniques-evaluative metering as opposed to spot, which is what I learned initially. The black and white contrasty colors really are a challenge. I guess that is why post processing skills are so valuable. In the process I am getting a good bunch of shots depicting behavior. On a recent drive through Dahomey Refuge this barred owl provided some quality looks and good pic chances--wish I were quicker with the camera functions. Fight the heat guys and send some more pics--love to see your work. The snake is awesome. They are another one of my favorite critters. LP ________________________________ From: Frank Hensley <dr_frank_hensley@xxxxxxxxx> To: missbirdphotos@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 4:48 PM Subject: [missbirdphotos] Re: Stilt and chick Great observation, Larry! Thanks for sharing! How about the rest of us? Is the summer heat keeping everyone from shooting pictures? I've been out a few times, but birds have not been cooperative or my attention was on other critters. I cleaned out my bluebird box today and discovered that after two successful broods the pair abandoned a pair of eggs when they quit. I thought that was strange... ________________________________ From: Larry Pace <larrypace64@xxxxxxxxx> To: "missbirdphotos@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <missbirdphotos@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 12:27 PM Subject: [missbirdphotos] Stilt and chick After presuming that the pair of stilts that I was observing were not a "mated" pair,I was greatly surprised by the appearance of one and then three chicks. This was the only time I could catch a chick with its momma. They seem to wander on their own, at least during the day, seldom touching base with a parent. In the days following this photo another pair has shown up in the field much to the displeasure of the original pair. Lots of chasing and constant chatter from all four birds. LP
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