Willet in a fogWillet in a fog – D200, handheld, kneeling in the water, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 320, 80-400mm VR at 400mm, +0.3 EV, natural light

The Willet is thought by many people to be a “plain brown bird” but I find their subtle coloring quite appealing whether they are in breeding or nonbreeding plumage.

I had arrived at the north beach of Fort De Soto before sunrise which was my normal routine when I lived in Florida and as I pulled into the parking lot I could tell there was an early morning fog over the water. I knew that the the odds were that the fog would burn off as the sun rose so I put on my backpack, got my gear together and walked over the footbridge to the beach.

I could see a Long-billed Curlew, some Marbled Godwits and a few Willets on the edge of the lagoon, I slipped my feet into the warm water and then slowly made my way towards the birds. As I drew nearer to them I dropped down onto my knees and inched my way towards the shorebirds while waiting for the sun to rise.

When there was some light I began taking photos while there was still some fog. This willet had been preening just before I took this shot.

The willet isn’t an especially colorful bird but it has a subtle beauty all of its own.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.