Yesterday morning, after blowing, shoveling, and scraping about nine to ten inches of snow, I went looking for birds and found a Killdeer in a spring snowstorm.
Killdeer standing in water during a snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The light I had wasn’t the best because of the snow-laden clouds overhead. The weather conditions and those clouds created a silvery appearance to the water the Killdeer was standing in. Mounds of snow created a cloud-like background in my images.
Killdeer in a spring snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As the Killdeer moved around I was able to get photos of it that were different and that appealed my sense of taste. I liked the falling snow that many of my images had in them.
Killdeer standing in a puddle during a snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The temps were in the upper 20’s and I enjoyed taking photos of this shorebird on day two of a lengthy spring snowstorm. By yesterday I had lost count of how much snow I had blown and shoveled off of the sidewalk and driveway and scraped off of my trusty Jeep.
Killdeer portrait in a snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the Killdeer moved close enough to me in my Jeep I was delighted to take a few portraits of the striking shorebird. It looked as if I photographed the Killdeer in the clouds.
Adult Killdeer in a spring snow storm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My face and my camera were getting wet so I thanked the Killdeer and went looking for other birds. I felt grateful for being able to take these photos of the Killdeer in a snowstorm.
So, where was this Killdeer photographed in the snowstorm?
Killdeer in a snowstorm next to a parking space stripe – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Would you believe an urban parking lot? See that bit of yellow to the left of the Killdeer? That is a parking space stripe underneath the very sloshy, wet snow. The snow transformed a parking lot into a winter wonderland that I just happened to find this Killdeer in.
Killdeer in a snowstorm walking over a parking lot stripe – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Where ever I go, I look for birds. From marshes and forests, deserts and grassy plains, to waste management facilities and urban parking lots. I don’t need a perfect setting, weather, or even great light to take visually appealing and compelling photos of birds. Quite simply, I keep an eye out for my feathered friends then do my best to work with what I have.
This morning, on day three of this snowstorm, I can see that I will have to scrape snow off of my Jeep but the driveway, sidewalk, and roads look clear. You can’t see me, but know that because of that… I have a huge smile on my face.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great series of pics. The eye contact is wonderful and I love the subtle reflection of the yellow parking lot stripe on the chest of the Killdeer in the last 2 shots. Thanks Mia.
Her feet get cold!
A lovely series – and yes it did look as if you were photographing the clouds…
Love the narrative and the images. Made my morning thanks
Beautiful images, yes I believe where it was, roads and parking lots are the only surfaces that don’t have at least 10 inches of snow. This winter wildlife is hunkered down around houses, roads and tree bases where the snow is less deep. Hard year for our wild neighbors.
What a wonder surprise– here’s hoping the Killdeer makes it through this still snowy cold season to raise 3 healthy broods.
The Killdeer looks rather disgruntled at the snow! I haven’t seen any yet. Soon!