Thursday, April 1, 2010

Shadow Shot Sunday 54 - Zihuatanejo















This week's shadow shots were all taken on the beach at Zihuatanejo - the resort I wrote more about earlier this week. Early in the morning the beach is teeming with birdlife - willets, whimbrels, cormorants, pelicans, frigates, terns and boobies......




















Do you know the difference between the willet and the whimbrel?? The willet above is very slender with a straight beak, whereas the whimbrel is a little chunkier with a distintively hooked beak...

















Early morning the beach is also teeming with the human species - tai-chiing, power-walking, jogging, and getting ready for the working day....













Or simply chilling out and contemplating more important things down under...










For more fun with shadows check out Shadow Shot Sunday by clicking here....

31 comments:

Ralph said...

The umbrellas leave shade that refreshes on a hot day. The long-billed birds leave modest shadows on the wet sand. It takes a keen eye to spit the differences in the species. They are elegant looking on their long spindly legs. Lovely beach captures!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

building sandcastles
watching tides was them away—
still it was worth it


Stony Shadows

Anonymous said...

A lovely mix of photos

bobbie said...

All great! But I really do love the bird shadows!

Sarah said...

This looks like such a lovely place! I am quite jealous of those kids lying in the sand exploring. I love your birds and their names are great! Let alone knowing the difference I had not even heard of Whimbrels and willets!

Sylvia K said...

What terrific shadow shots, as always, Catherine! I love the beach, the colors and the birds that all leave such wonderful shadows! It does look like a fun day! Hope your weekend is filled with even more!!

Sylvia

Fly Girl said...

That shot of the children playing on the sand is adorable.

A Wild Thing said...

I'll have a Corona and an order of fish tacos please!!!

Johnny Nutcase said...

i love little bird shadows, therefore! I love these pictures. Great ones :)

MyMaracas said...

I'm feeling relaxed already, just from seeing your post. I LOVE that last shot of the two kids.

EG CameraGirl said...

I would love to be on a warm beach today photographing shadows! If you hadn't pointed out the different shapes of the birds' beaks, I probably would not have noticed. Thanks for making me pay attention. :)

Over Front Door

Tom Hilton said...

The bird shadows are my favorites. Very nice.

Gerald (SK14) said...

I'd heard of whimbrels before today but never knew anything about willets.

Beverley Baird said...

What a beautiful spot!
Great shadows.
Love the birds and their shadows!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Great range of beach shadows! Especially love the geometric shadow from the beach umbrellas!

Maude Lynn said...

Great shadows!

Diane AZ said...

Looks nice and sunny there, perfect for finding shadows and the birds are fascinating too!

Martha Z said...

It looks like a great place to spend Spring Break. Lots of sun and lots of shadows.

Cassie said...

I have heard that Zihuatanejo is a fabulous place to visit. Love the Shadow SHots!

Hey Harriet said...

Love all those birds! I'd never heard of any of those varieties before. I chuckled at your description " early in the morning on the beach is teeming with birdlife...and boobies..." hehe. I'm guessing 'boobies' are a type of bird? Or not. All types of 'boobies' can often be found on the beach ;D

Carletta said...

Can't get away from the cola! :)
Lovely shadows of the birds.
I'd sure like being in the sand and contemplating.

Thanks for your visit. :)

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

I'm so impressed that you know all the names of those birds and the difference between two that look very similar!
The umbrella shot reminds me how much better Coca Cola tastes made in Mexico (the old formula). Although I topped drinking soft drinks decades ago.

Jonny Hamachi said...

Good Stuff.

Beverley Baird said...

Hi again Catherine - thanks for stopping by.
Just thought I'd answer you - I do have more Mexican shadows - but thought since I captured the recent shadows I would use those.
I love your Mexican photos!

Maia T said...

What a great series of shadow shots. I like these big birds on the beach and the children playing in the sand.

wanderlust said...

Wonderful! Love the umbrellas.

Dianne said...

their tiny little legs look so delicate

great series of shots

Patti said...

Those captures of the different birds are wonderful!

Cool shadows of the umbrellas. And the photo of the kids playing is so natural.

great shots!

Catherine said...

Thanks for stopping by everyone and leaving such wonderful comments - much appreciated as always and yes tracy boobies are sea birds - no topless sunbathing here in Mexico!!

Hot Fudge said...

I feel so relaxed after looking at your wonderful images. And now I know the difference between the willet and the whimbrel!

Eden said...

Wow, beautiful set of shadows. Love the bird shadows the most. Great photography. Thanks for sharing