Benedict Farm

One of many young Barn Swallows out at Benedict Farm, 8/16/13.
Sweet looking Barn Swallow out at Benedict Farm, 8/16/13.

I met Karen Miller out at Benedict Farm today after work to do some birding. It was not overly “birdy” there tonight, but I was pleasantly surprised to find some pools of water near the entrance with about 25 shorebirds. Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpipers, and Least Sandpipers were all present. It was nice because the birds were not very far out, which allowed for some close-up observation and, of course, some photo opportunties. I didn’t do all that well, but here are a couple I thought were worth sharing:

I've seen this pose before by other bird photographers. Two Lesser Yellowlegs at Benedict Farm, 8/16/13.
I’ve seen this pose before by other bird photographers and always thought it looked sweet. Two Lesser Yellowlegs at Benedict Farm, 8/16/13.

 

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A Lesser Yellowlegs shakes it off. Benedict Farm 8/16/13.

We had another pleasant surprise when I started photographing a fawn in the bushes: _MG_8383Instead of fleeing like most fawns, this one decided to walk out onto the trail and come right up to me! It was like a pet dog, licking me and letting me pet it all over.  As Karen and I birded, the little fawn followed us around, right at our feet. It was an incredible and unique experience but it was also a bit concerning to me. This fawn seemed to be alone in the world and I wondered how it would make out. As we headed out, the little fawn followed us until we got a bit closer to our cars and it turned back.

This is when we first met - let the licking begin! Great photo by Karen Miller.
This is when we first met – let the licking begin! Great photo by Karen Miller.