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I returned yesterday afternoon from a five-day vacation at the Oregon coast with my family. It was our first time to get away since February 2020. In addition to spending time with my wife and daughters in that beautiful area, I was looking forward to photographing shorebirds. I spent one early morning laying on the shore of Tillamook Bay photographing dowitchers and sandpipers. When this Short-billed Dowitcher briefly fanned its wings, I was able to glimpse the intricate details of its underwing feathers.

When photographing shorebirds and waterfowl, I prefer to get as close to level with the waterline as possible. I’m not sure I can explain the awkward way I had to position my neck to be able to see through the viewfinder. My neck was sore for the next two days. Though the discomfort was worth it, I did end up ordering a right-angle viewfinder from B&H, which acts like a kind of upside-down periscope; the box was waiting for me at the house when we got home.

Location: Tillamook County, Oregon

Date: April 21, 2021

Exposure: 1/500 second, f/9, ISO 2500

Focal Length: 850 mml

Gear:

• Camera: Nikon D750

• Lens: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary with a 1.4x teleconverter