CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO SEE A LARGER, SHARPER VERSION
As I get ready for another season on the Barnegat Jetty I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorite Purple Sandpiper images that I have captured in the last few years. Purple Sandpipers have short orange/yellow legs and a medium thin dark bill with an orange/ yellow base. Their body is dark on the top with a slight “purplish sheen” and a mostly white under body at least in the winter they do. I have never seen one outside of the winter on the jetty. The breast is smeared with grey (you can really see this in the 3rd image). I usually see them on the lower rocks feeding in small groups moving frequently up and down the jetty. They do hold still and are quite easy to photograph if you stick with them. When photographing Purple Sandpipers and other shorebirds on the jetty a sturdy tripod and a minimum focal length of 400mm is recommended. I always like to get down to their level for a more intimate shot however getting too low will result in missing feet especially with the varied rocks on the jetty so be careful of that when getting low to photograph them. Try to position yourself on sun angle capturing the beautiful blue water behind the bird. The green algae on the rocks adds color and interest to your shots. To learn more about photographing at this great location check out the “Barnegat Jetty Site Guide” written by yours truly with Art Morris. It is available here for $22.00. Oh one other thing – have fun out there 
______________________________________________________________ denise ippolito
Don’t forget to enter ~ THE BIRDS AS ART 1st International Bird Photography Competition
Beautiful series Denise. I will get out there soon also. Maybe I’ll see you there. Well done on the images…
Hi Carl, thank you so much. I am always dressed in a black down jacket and a 500mm lens
denise
Denise -
The real problem with getting down that low is getting up again!
Great series!
Loren
Thanks Loren, that is too funny
denise
Great shots Denise. Every one is well composed and tack sharp.
Thank you so much Len, I appreciate it!
denise
Could not be better!! Having tried to photos these small fast moving birds with waves braking over the rocks one can really appreciate your talent and excellent hard work which becomes and inspiration. Thanks for all the information you freely offer…
Ed
Hi Ed, Thank you very much for the kind words and a big welcome to my blog
denise
This is a sweet set of images. Really like these. Wish I had a 400mm prime. I tend to use my 70-300L, and on my APS-C body I get a little over 400mm converted. It’s worked so far. Now, if I could just afford an f2!
I wish my 500mm was an f/2 too
denise
They are all lovely, Denise, but I especially love the background of the closeup portrait!
I might try to make it down one day now that you’ve shown me the ropes, and I have purchased shoes with vibrum soles! (Denise literally pulled me up from between the rocks after I slid on black ice setting up my tripod!).
Deb, You were such a trooper. I remember you wanted me to get your lens and camera first
denise
Beautiful images Denise…you made this modest shore bird into a movie star.
Richard, Thank you very much. It means a lot to have you comment on my blog.
denise
Stunning shots Denise. So sharp and the details are outstanding.
Edith, Thank you for your continued support on my blog and twitter!
denise
Fantastic photography Denise
Hey Andy, thanks so much!
denise
Nice captures, Denise. Why not do a post of your favorite harley shots too! See you on the jetty!
Hi Rob, I will start to put together my favorite Harley images. I always wear a black down jacket so if you see me say hi! I’m sure I’ll see you out there.
denise
Denise, all killer images! Too hard to pick a favorite. I look forward to the day when I finally get to visit this location.
Andrew, Thank you kindly
denise
Hi Denise,
A wonderful assortment of this cute shorebird. The exposures and background management are perfect, with just the right sun angle on each one. You rendered an inspiring glimpse into their precarious little world on the jetty; maybe more precarious for the photographer(!) Though all are great, my favorite is the second image. The sandpiper just pops from the surrounding rocks and water. I hope to get there one day…Well done.
Kind regards,
Dave
Dave, Let me know if you ever go, I’d love to show you around the jetty. Thank you for your continued support, it is much appreciated
denise
That would be so awesome, Denise!
denise
Love the light in the top shot – subtle, but effective.
Thank you so much
denise