Long-billed Curlew calling in flightLong-billed Curlew calling in flight – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I spent a few hours on Antelope Island State Park yesterday morning and Long-billed Curlews were the birds of the day for me. There were more of them on the island or flying overhead than there were last week at this time and there are still more of them migrating to Utah or through it. Long-billed Curlews are the largest shorebirds in North America and they are birds that delight me visually and audibly because of their elegant shape and their haunting calls.

It was this curlew’s flight call that drew my attention away from the black-billed Magpie in my viewfinder and when I spotted it I aimed my lens at the curlew as it flew past then hoped I had locked onto the bird and fired. This is a shot I have been hoping to get of a Long-billed Curlew calling in flight showing the cinnamon colored plumage under the wing. The complimentary colored background is Buffalo Point in the distance softened by the bokeh of my lens.

Long-billed Curlews will nest on the island in the grasses soon but before then I look forward to watching their courtship displays both on the ground and in the air.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Long-billed Curlew photos plus facts and information about this species.