Killdeer in a snow storm – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 1250, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I often write about the raptors, wading birds, ducks, geese, owls, sparrows and other birds that are tough enough to withstand Utah’s harsh winters and less about the shorebirds that are sturdy enough to cope with the blowing snows, and icy temps.
I took this photo of a Killdeer in March of this year during a snow storm at a pond close to home. Winter was nearing its end for the season but here in northern Utah you can go from a nice 50 degree day to a snowstorm the next at that time of the year. It might seem strange to see a shorebird in the snow but it isn’t all that unusual where I live.
I have seen Killdeer in every month of the year here in the Salt Lake Valley, at the pond close to home, the marshes that surround the Great Salt Lake and by the scores along the causeway to Antelope Island in freezing temps.
Other shorebirds I see in the snow are Wilson’s Snipe and sometimes Greater Yellowlegs because they stay late here in the fall and arrive early in the spring. It is also possible to see American Avocets and Long-billed Curlews in the snow although I haven’t gotten any photos of them during a snowstorm, yet.
Birds that we might think are too delicate to survive the freezing temps, howling winds and driving snow can and do surprise us with their strength and tenacity.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful photo. Quiet and surreal. Thanks Mia.
It looks so little and vulnerable…gkad they are tougher than they look…
Birds are often tougher than we realise. They need to be.
Poor little guy all hunkered down. Really attractive photograph, Mia. Thank you.
Good pic and interesting. Commentary Mia