I was at my happy place -- Chincoteague, VA. But it was an extremely windy day. It was almost pointless trying to shoot. The wind speeds were around 25mph with gusts up to 43.
The day before I had noticed a roped off area on the beach, which usually meant something was nesting. I didn't go out then, but before I left, I had to go see what was there. I was hoping for a plover. But what I found was this very dedicated oyster catcher. It was being continuously pelted by stinging, blowing sand. And it just stayed there on the nest.
This photo doesn't do it justice. I tried longer exposures, shorter exposures, I really wanted to show the misery this poor bird must have been feeling.
I was so nervous bringing my camera and good glass out in these conditions, and I tried very hard to keep it pointed away from the wind.
Here's one with a break in the wind, and a couple more wind photos.
That is true dedication!
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Place: 1 out of 26 Avg (all users): 7.0000 Avg (participants): 6.6316 Avg (non-participants): 7.5385 Views since voting: 246 Views during voting: 86 Votes: 32 Comments: 9 Favorites: 0
A powerful image of persistence in a harsh world. The blowing sand makes the moment feel fragile, but the bird’s determination gives it quiet strength. Congrats on the blue, vawendy
Congratulations, This is a perfect catch for this challenge. It almost looks like it was taken on a beach in Alaska. Incredible, but then again all your images are unbelievable. Super photography!
this is incredible .. and more than perfect for the challenge .
i havent seen your competition yet but this is looking blue to me .. :)
not voting atm ..:)
Nesting in the Blowing Sand
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