Finally, a Dunlin
Finally I have the chance to get a clear photograph of a Dunlin. There’s one in a shallow pool and I can crawl towards it around the pool across the short grass and get a low angle if I’m lucky. The only problem is that I’m surrounded by cattle and they are curious. They want to know what I’m doing crawling through their field. I move around the pool and relax. The cattle are all on the other side now and haven’t followed me around.
I get a low angle and a shot I’m happy with. At least I’ll not be disturbed by cattle now and can relax into getting more beautiful shots.
Then a beef steer decides it’s going to paddle across the pool directly towards the Dunlin and it takes flight.
So do I.
More Dunlin
The River Exe – Dunlin Dunlin are one of the commonest shorebirds found around the UK's coastline. They form glorious flocks which twist this way… read more
Tied to the ribbon of the tideline It's rare for me to photograph Dunlin. They're normally too far away and I don't want to disturb them. It's… read more
What’s in a flock? I've been enjoying sitting on the grass watching a flock of Dunlin feeding. Occasionally they take off, especially when an… read more
Leave only footprints They say 'Take only photographs, leave only footprints'. The Dunlin wading in the mud in the pools at the north… read more
Dunlin Yesterday I wrote about my experience looking for Dunlin. I did see them, but my trip was hijacked by one… read more
Dull Dunlin day It's a dull day today. There's a sea haar which is muting every colour to an Orkney pallet and reducing… read more
Knots landing at the Peedie Sea I'm wandering the shore at Kirkwall Harbour for an hour before the ferry takes me to Westray. I'm loving the… read more
A Dunlin feast There's a huge tide of seaweed washed up in the bay at North Haven on Westray. We check for seals… read more