Long-billed Curlew on a sandy beach – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
Two days ago I saw my first of the year Sage Thrasher and now I am hoping to see and hear my first of the year Long-billed Curlews as well. The temperatures have risen here and a record will probably be shattered today with a projected high of 76°F for today. The curlew migration can’t be too far behind the Sage Thrashers!
Long-billed Curlews are our largest shorebird in North America with sensitive bills that can probe deep into the soil. When I saw and photographed wintering Long-billed Curlews in Florida I never heard them call but they do call here in Utah and it is a sound that I adore.
The curlew in the image above is a young female that decided to stay in Florida during the nesting season in June of 2009, some young birds will stay on the wintering grounds their first summer. I don’t think many of them do that though.
Will today be the day I hear a curlew? I kind of hope so.
Life is good.
Mia
Such an improbable looking (but very beautiful) bird.
A beautifully composed shot of a sweet bird, one that always makes me sad to see ever since reading THE LAST OF THE CURLEWS…I should feel happy to see them, but I can’t forget that book…
It look like our Common Curlew, yours is fantastic, the first time. Congrats to you, beautiful photo.