ML314717891

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing flock. When I first arrived I got out of my car and heard a shorebird call I was unfamiliar with (sort of sounded like the single-noted “jriiip” call BNST make sometimes, also reminiscent of a FOTE). I looked up to see a flock of MOPL fly directly overhead. They circled around the field west of HWY45 at (38.9118293, -121.8461811), eventually landing in the distance. This flock had at least 45 individuals as counted in a photo of the flock. I left to inform some other birders of the group, only to have them tell me they too were looking at MOPL. These were much closer, in the field east of the road at (38.9069660, -121.8391759). We watched these birds as they ran around the field. There were at least 17 birds in this flock. After the other birders left I gradually moved closer to the birds (over the course of 45 minutes, being extremely careful not to disturb them, to the point where the birds ignored me and even walked closer to me). I was able to get quite close, and get some nice photos. After enjoying them and watching them for a while I slowly backed away to ensure they were not disturbed, and left them be. Very pretty birds coming into breeding plumage. Photos to be posted soon.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF400mm f/5.6L USM

ISO

100

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/1000 sec

Dimensions

1434 pixels x 1024 pixels

Original file size

922.28 KB