From Audubon.org, “At marshy ponds from Mexico to Panama, this odd shorebird is common.” However, they are not common in the U.S., so when this one popped up just a couple of miles from our home in northwest Tucson, Arizona, it cause a bit of excitement for birders and photographers in the country.
I decided to try my luck at documenting our visitor. As an artist, I want to create something different than other photographers. Before heading over to the reported location, I browsed the internet for recent photos other photographers have posted. I was shocked at how similar the images were. Surely I could could produce something different.
Haha, no way! This Jacana selected a section of river that was lined with thick reeds on both banks. A wise choice on his part for protection from predators. The only place from which you could watch him walk on the water plants matted on the water’s surface, was from the single track bike path on the bridge crossing the river. The nose high barrier on the bridge didn’t help. I made thirty exposures. This was the best of the bunch.
For others wanting to document this event before he leaves, I would recommend shooting in the morning. I shot in the afternoon and the position of the sun caused most of his body and/or face to be in shadow.
More Northern Jacana info at audubon.org here.