American Avocet in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D200, f8, 1/750, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I photographed this American Avocet in nonbreeding plumage as it foraged in Glover’s Pond at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in northern Utah a few years ago in the month of November.
American Avocet in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
This image of an American Avocet was taken in August of last year at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Montana. What a difference there is between the pale grayish head and neck of the nonbreeding Avocet to the apricot to cinnamon colored plumage that a breeding bird displays.
Personally I believe that American Avocets are stunning in any season of the year. (Okay, it isn’t just avocets I feel that way about, it is all birds)
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Avocet photos plus facts and information about this species.
These contrasts are amazing and colors are so vibrant!
Thanks Maria.
Avocets have always seemed to me to be such graceful birds… Can you fill in on a little detail about the way the mandible curves upward… what unique feeding habit it might enable? These two photos are great… I fun out of superlatives with your photography, that’s for sure.
Merrill, Avocets do swish their bills side to side to locate and capture prey. The female’s bill is slightly more curved than the males and the males bill is usually a little longer. Thanks for your comment.
These birds are so unique with their curved bill..love the difference in colors, and your photos are so bright and clear..you captured the whole enchilda..
Thank you Syl, they are wonderfully unique birds and so graceful looking too.
These are spectacular images! I love these birds!!
Thanks Beverly!