This bird and other shorebirds were feeding on a massive wave of midges that were attached to a long concrete pier that extended into Lake Michigan. Besides the Midge in this birds mouth there are two others clinging on to the left breast feathers of this bird.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Country United States
State Illinois
Location Montrose Point
Gender Unknown
Age Juvenile/Immature
Activity Feeding in the Wild, In or By Water
Rare (For the Location)? Yes
- Created Timestamp09/07/2022 17:43:36
- CameraILCE-9M2
- Aperture9
- Focal Length602
- Iso500
- Shutter Speed1/800
Great picture of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper! Thanks for pointing out the Midges on the bird – I might not have noticed them otherwise. Looks like you caught it just at sunset – great light!
Hi Mike,
Thanks for commenting. This photo was taken in the early morning on Fish Hook Pier. This bird never stopped moving and to get it on the edge of the pier with a blue background was no easy task. The midges were so plentiful the bird paid no attention to humans walking by. Since this is one of my favorite Sandpipers I spent most of my morning trying to get this shot.
Glad you waited for the shot! Looks back to traveling to Montrose – good for you. Your EXIF showed it taken in the afternoon.
Yes, I’ve got to adjust my camera clock. At least I’ve got the correct date dialed in.
Outstanding!