What my shorebird photos would look like if Canon would be kind enough to loan me an 800mm lens, thank you.

Western Sandpipers and a Willet bringing up the 'rear'.

Gotta get those butt jokes in more often...

Dear Canon,

I have been a very good person and a passable birder and I have tried to not be a menace to society. Please send one 800mm telephoto lens as soon as possible for my inspection and approval.

Thank you,

Dave Lewis

PS- You can contact me through this blog, or ask the CIA, I think they have my current address.

I liked this Buff-breasted Sandpiper...even though he's one of those right wingers...I think he's a CIA plant...

I'm sure even with a bigger lens, I would STILL end up with more than my share of butt shots.

I'm sure this is a Stilt Sandpiper, even though you can't see the stilts in this shot.

You can tell this is a Solitary Sandpiper because it's the only one in this photo.

And because I said so.

See Spot stare. Stare Spot, stare!

I Spotted this Sandpiper.

Trust me again,it's a Semipalmated Plover.

You can tell by the single band around his neck and the way he runs 'pigeon-toed' away from me.

Piping Plover. If you look closely, you'll see the bits of pipe on his leg, hence the name.

I wouldn't make this stuff up, really.

Getting so many butt shots is only the "Least" of my problems. Ha. Get it?

Least Sandpiper...do I have to explain everything?

So, after posting such crappy peep pics, I thought I would show you a few that I've shot over the past couple years of Sandpipers that have come close enough to get in focus shots! Wow, and some of them are actually in sand too! Go figure...

When the lens arrives, I'll let you know...

PS- A special thank you and hello to Kimmay and all of our buddies at Black Swamp Bird Observatory!

A pretty bird...for a change...

Getting the 'crazy eye' times two!

Yes, I have been cranky of late...crazy politicians...a lack of birds, at least ones close enough to shoot, I apologize. Back to the birds at hand! They're worth two in a bush you know.

I just got home from my hour drive from work (cranky?, yes.) and looked out the dining room window to spy this female Rose-breasted Grosbeak on our feeder! We haven't seen her since spring time, I guess she was too busy to say hello this summer. No matter, she's back and she's been in and out all evening. Love them sunflower seeds!

I cranked up the ISO on the camera to 1600 and aimed through the smudgy glass (don't tell the Doodles I said that!) and took a shot. What do you know, it actually came out. Rosy and the House Sparrow saw me ogling them through the window pane and both gave me the crazy eye!
I am in a much better mood now. Thank you Rosy!

Here's a gorgeous male from a previous outing.

I wonder where they came up with the name for this species...

I also realized I haven't been posting enough bird booty for you, so here's a little Rose-breasted Grosbutt.