The Snowy Plover, on the west coast of Florida, is a very difficult bird to find (much less photograph) along our shores. Due to the encroachment of man and our destruction of their habitat, it has become common for only 2 or 3 chicks to survive into adulthood on any stretch of beach. Snowy Plover chicks are very fast and constantly on the move, feeding themselves within hours of hatching. These little birds are always my biggest challenge to photograph, but the countless hours crawling along the beaches has been some of the most rewarding times of my life.
Mating Snowy Plovers
The nest
An Hour Old
In the shadows
Chick in sand storm
Chick stretching wings
Parent and Youngster
Chicks running for safety
Setting sun, glowing bird
Higher ground
Keeping watch
What a face
Predator over head
Cuddle time
Big world, little bird
Taking a break
Bonding time
Out of focus
Growing up
Almost an adult
