Upland Sandpiper, Canon 7D with Canon EF 28-300mm @ 300mm, f/8, 1/400s, ISO 400

My friend and I were out for a Canada Day drive when we lucked upon a great photographic surprise... a cooperative Upland Sandpiper. This species is known for perching on fence posts and this individual lived up to the billing. It stayed on its perch while we slowly approached in my car. Normally, I would have my 500mm lens with me while out driving, but on this day I packed lighter and opted for my 28-300mm instead. Not to worry though. 300mm was more than enough to capture nearly full-frame images. The lighting was perfect and things got even better when we noticed that there were more Upland Sandpipers in the area. We noticed a second adult, and then a third, and then some young ones, and then some more young ones... it was crazy! What a great Canada Day present!

Upland Sandpiper, Canon 7D with Canon EF 28-300mm @ 300mm, f/8, 1/1000s, ISO 400

Upland Sandpiper, Canon 7D with Canon EF 28-300mm @ 300mm, f/8, 1/500s, ISO 400

There were several opportunities to capture an image with the wings open, but this was the best I could manage. It's not quite as sharp as I'd like it to be.

Kyle Blaney

Kyle Blaney

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Kyle Blaney

Upland Sandpipers Galore!