Wildlife and the Art of Camouflage Part Two
Photographing the Yellow Wagtail…
I thought I would share with you another example of how brilliantly bird and wildlife blends into its natural surroundings. It is amazing that despite its bright colours the yellow wagtail manages to blend into the colours thrown up by the fading Lincolnshire light on an area of fields and scrubland which offer food and bathing facilities in a peaceful setting, undisturbed save for the occassional shutter release from my camera or a lone cyclist, this beautiful creature is seldom seen in these parts so I felt fortunate to spot him.
Yellow Wagtail
I could only ’snap’ him from my car, he had stopped for a bath in a puddle of water close to the roadside before heading off to the sanctuary of its nest. Yellow Wagtail’s can be seen in England from April to September or thereabouts. By November they have headed south to the rather sunnier climes of Africa’s Sahara so it’s best to make the most of them whilst they are here. They nest on the ground and like to feed on small bugs and insects in shallow water pools and rough ground. I think they are beautiful, they add a splash of colour and interest to a large and unassuming field…
Yellow Wagtail in Lincolnshire
You + new camera+wildlife=great post for the rest of us.
Annie
June 21, 2009 @ 12:27 am
Annie,
Many thanks, you’re very kind.
Miles
June 21, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Miles,
I agree with Annie — your wildlife photos are incredibly engaging. There’s something “energetic” about the way you shoot your pictures, even when the target is still. I love the way this bird’s legs, feet and feathers are so clearly defined — we get an “up close and personal” look at the subject. I also appreciate the information on the wildlife. I find it fascinating. Food and wildlife, both good subjects, Miles!
Melissa
June 21, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
Melissa,
Thanks for that, I know the food posts have been somewhat hit and miss of late but I am working a lot of hours at the moment and the wildlife photography is my fleeting escape. Sometimes I just need to think about anything but food.
Miles
June 21, 2009 @ 11:23 pm