Went to bed last night and was just about asleep when the curlews started. For those who have not heard them calling out at night, it is a screaming type sound - a bit like a woman being attacked (well in the movies anyway.)
I lay there trying to go back to sleep but once the thought that I should try to get a pic for 365 had entered my head, it was a total waste of time.
So at 11 o'clock at night, I was out wandering around the streets in my PJs (plus hoody since it was bloody cold) stalking these two curlews. A couple of cars drove slowly past - I can just imagine what they were thinking.
It was so dark that the camera flash had a lot of trouble finding the subject and after about 10mins, I had only 1 pic. After all that trouble, there was no way I was not going to post it.
They are quite a large bird with a body length of about 500mm nose to tail. The legs would have to be about 400mm in length.
I know this was taken on the 16th but rule 27c, section II, sub-section 3 states "The next day starts as soon as a pic has been posted for a particular day - especially if you have gone to bed and have to get up again." So this is really a pic for 17 Jul.
Few points of interest here: 1) Never seen or heard these birds when in your state. 2) What's this "bloody cold" in Brisbane? We've just had our coldest day in 7 years!! (9 degrees- highest) 3) PJ's and camera at 11pm?? 4) Rule 27c, Section 2, sub-section 3 - I,m lovin' it!! 5)Love the one photo :) 6) I have cabin fever been confined to indoors!!
They are such a great bird, pretty funny to hear the trouble you went to. I have come across one and it just froze so I was able to take lots of photos but other times they have run off. They really do have a blood curdling cry. Great shot even though you had to freeze to get it :)
Stalking birds in the middle of the night, in pj's!!....as recommended in the small print under rule 27c, section II, sub-section 3. Great capture, by the way.
How do this skinny little legs support that body! Love your commentary and the comments that followed. Made my day! Sure hope you slept in a little the next morning. It is a really neat looking bird. Believe we've all changed for the better thanks to 365 (now those not into photography might question that, but ...)
I had to know what it was you heard in the night that inspired the crazy behavior getting out of bed after tucking yourself. Thanks to YouTube, I now have a bit of an idea what this gangly bird sounds like. Think I'd be wide awake in the dark too if they were outside my house wailing like that. If that's a mating call, it's a wonder they're not extinct. Great capture. He looks a bit worried about you, don't you think??
What was it that convinced you that they were not, in fact, a couple of women being attacked? I suspect that dressed in your PJs and hoodie (please, no photos of that!) you were ready to capture either.
LOL I stayed at a motel in Ayr and they kept me awake all night - I almost called the police as I didn't know what it was - but definitely sounded like murder!! Would love to have seen you skulking around getting the shot!
September 24th, 2014
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Thank you for you visit and nice comment. appreciate it very much
Amazing what we do for 365! :)
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