Fluffed up Prairie Willet close up – Nikon D810, f14, 1/400, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC, natural light
There was a very cooperative Prairie Willet on Antelope Island yesterday that was close to a road and perched in sweet light and I couldn’t resist taking portraits of this lovely shorebird.
If I had been on foot the Prairie Willet surely would have flown away but by using a vehicle as a mobile blind it stayed put.
Prairie Willet Portrait on Antelope Island – Nikon D810, f14, 1/160, ISO 200, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love getting portraits because I can see the finer details of the plumage, the eyes and the bill.
Portrait of a Prairie Willet – Nikon D810, f14, 1/160, ISO 200, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC, natural light
Whenever I get the chance to take portraits of a wild bird I am delighted and who knows, it might be another 5 years before it happens again. When I left the Prairie Willet after this session it was still perched on top of the Greasewood relaxing in the morning light.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Prairie Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Update: Willets were split into two species in October 2026. Eastern willets are now Saltmarsh Willets, Tringa semipalmata. Western willets are now Prairie Willets, Tringa inornata. This post has been updated to reflect those changes.
I really like the sweet pose of the last image. Thanks for posting.
I love the portraits, too…for the same reasons…the detail is perfection! The camera, in your hands, captures these details, and freezes them for study…in a way that could never happen any other way….
You love getting portrait shots – and I love seeing them. Thank you.