Bird Butts at Baskett Slough

On my way home from Salem a week ago, I stopped at The Narrows at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Waterfowl were thick and close to shore. But they seemed to be camera shy. Every time I clicked the shutter, they stuck their heads in the water. Like these Green-winged Teal...

And Cinnamon Teal...

 When a head came up, it was usually facing away from me.

I did get one head shot of a Cinnamon Teal before it disappeared.

The Northern Shovelers were worse. Bottoms up!

Even their companion American Coot was headless.

 But finally they came up for air when my camera was quick enough. Real bird photographers have enormous patience.

Some Cackling Geese were right next to the road and right outside my window. Surely I could get a photo of  them! Nope. My camera caught the goose with head buried in wing, preening.

Eventually the head reappeared and the goose shook its wings... and walked off. It was a good day anyway to see all those birds... and gain renewed respect for wildlife photographers who must shoot a zillion photos to get the one great one.