Solitary Sandpiper in September

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Solitary Sandpiper in September

September 13, 2022 by Mike Powell

I often have trouble identifying shorebirds, because so many of them are similar in appearance. When I spotted this one last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I immediate thought it might be a Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria). This bird seemed to be perfectly content to be by itself, pursuing its goals at its own pace, marching to the beat of a different drummer. Was it an introverted shorebird of a different species or was it really a Solitary Sandpiper?

As I stood there at the edge of the pond, I realized that we were a lot alike, the bird and I. It was a moment for reflection. Most of the time I too would rather enjoy nature in solitude, separated from others.

I make a conscious effort to avoid contact with other people when I am out with my camera and avoid certain locations because they are too popular and crowded. I generally prefer to spend my time communing with wildlife.

Posted in Birds, Nature, Photography, Summer, wildlife | Tagged Canon 7D, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Tamron 18-400mm, Tringa solitaria, Woodbridge VA | 11 Comments

11 Responses

on September 13, 2022 at 7:32 am | Reply Dan Antion

This is a great photo, Mike. I love the muted reflection.
- on September 13, 2022 at 7:38 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Dan. The reflection is one of my favorite elements of the image. I have noticed that we both seem to enjoy reflections and shadows. 🙂
  - on September 13, 2022 at 7:45 am Dan Antion
    
    There’s something about a reflection in nature, Mike. In many cases, the reflection is clearer than the image. The water acts like a filter.
on September 13, 2022 at 8:14 am | Reply Ellen Jennings

Fabulous capture, Mike, and agree with Dan about the reflection. I enjoyed your musings on your solitary preferences with nature, which align with mine.
- on September 13, 2022 at 9:45 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Ellen. The word “Solitary” sent me off on a tangent and I never did talk much about the bird in the posting. You are very generous in describing my thoughts as “musing” rather than “rambling.” 🙂
  - on September 15, 2022 at 12:36 pm Ellen Jennings
    
    Tangents are good, and if you’re like me some days it is a struggle to come up with something to say about the birds. 🦆
  - on September 15, 2022 at 3:50 pm Mike Powell
    
    I am struck by the way that you and I are alike in our approaches–I sometimes will use my photos as an excuse to talk about whatever happens to be on my mind at the moment I am sitting down to write the post. 🙂
on September 13, 2022 at 9:39 am | Reply Wally Jones

Nicely done, Mike.

It is shorebird season! For me, identification is always a challenge, especially during migration as those darned birds all look alike!
on September 13, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Reply sv-anui.com

Beautiful, peaceful image, Mike. We share that appreciation of solitude and quiet places as you well know.
on September 13, 2022 at 6:42 pm | Reply Molly Lin Dutina

Superb!
- on September 14, 2022 at 5:56 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Molly.