Red-Necked Phalarope

Although I never intentionally picked a bird out to focus on for a year, it seems that a particular bird does become the focal point of my photographs for the year. The first year it was the Great Blue Heron, probably because it was a large bird and willing to pose for long periods of time. One year, it was the elusive Belted Kingfisher, still a favorite, perhaps because I could never get the shot I was, and still am, looking for.

This year, though, I think it would have to be the Red-Necked Phalarope. Even though the female only has the red neck when in breeding colors, it is a striking bird any time of the year.

Red-Necked Phalarope

What really makes the bird stand out, though, is its movement, particularly the constant bobbing of the head as it floats by.

Since I find shots of birds moving much more compelling than shots of them standing still, I was fascinated by the behavior of several phalaropes at Ocean Shores

Red-Necked Phalarope

as they stealthily crept up on insects,

Red-Necked Phalarope

ran after them for shorts distances,

Red-Necked Phalarope

and finally bounded after them, barely taking off

Red-Necked Phalarope

before landing again,

Red-Necked Phalarope

to repeat the process.

Red-Necked Phalarope

Of course, this sequence of photos also reminded me that both my Canon cameras can take motion pictures, and a short movie would probably have done a better job of capturing the action then any number of still shots. I’m trying to ignore that fact.

One thought on “Red-Necked Phalarope”

  1. That’s a fine sequence of photos. I’ve got to say that I’ll always prefer your action stills to a short movie. I sure do like the way you use your cameras, Loren! I’ve learned so much about birds at your blog sanctuary.

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