The Long-billed Curlew ScoresThe Long-billed Curlew Scores – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This pose made me think “The Long-billed Curlew Scores” but he was really just exhibiting a territorial response to another curlew that was nearby when I photographed him. It was taken last April on Antelope Island State Park when the curlews were courting, displaying and mating.

Unlike the curlew I am not scoring. The road to the Greater Sage-Grouse lek is a muddy, snowy mess and it wouldn’t be prudent to try and go any higher than we did today because we might get stuck. Out in the middle of no where without a cell sign, that would not be good at all.

There are Sandhill Cranes nearby though and maybe, if I pray really hard to the bird photography gods, I’ll get some photos of them and this trip won’t have been a waste.

We will see.

It is still gorgeous country down here in Wayne County so I will certainly enjoy it.

Life is good.

Mia