Greater Yellowlegs foraging in shallow water – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago I was at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge enjoying the grand views, the birds, the peace, the sounds of nature, and the solitude I find there. I needed to spend time there. Things have been hectic for me lately and a visit to the refuge helps to calm me in the midst of the craziness of life.
It wasn’t terrifically birdy yet because we are in between winter and the start of spring migration but that doesn’t mean I didn’t find some first of the year birds. I heard but didn’t see my first of the year Savannah Sparrows and even though I looked hard I couldn’t spot them. I adore the sweet calls of those sparrows.
I also heard but didn’t see my first of year Greater Yellowlegs and although their calls aren’t as melodic as those of Savannah Sparrows it was still music to my ears.
Listen to the calls of a Greater Yellowlegs here.
Greater Yellowlegs pass through Utah on their way to their breeding grounds, they breed from southwestern Canada northward into Alaska. They migrate through Utah earlier than some other shorebirds. I wish I could have seen and photographed the yellowlegs two mornings ago but hearing them was a delight.
I photographed this Greater Yellowlegs in August of 2018 at the refuge as it foraged in the shallow waters of the marsh. At that time I was also able to take some photos of it lifting off to avoid an avocet with an attitude that seemed dead set on chasing it away. After about 3 or four charges by the avocet the yellowlegs took off and flew far away into the marsh.
I hope that the next time I go to the refuge I will be able to hear and see some Greater Yellowlegs.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Greater Yellowlegs photos plus facts and information about this species.
Loving that reflection. Saw the mating pair of Canada Geese that hangs out by the animal shelter as I was leaving tonight. They made sure I drove slowly by taking their sweet time waddling in front of me. 😉
Very interesting because here in Portugal we have two: “Tringa totanus” (Redlegs) and “Tringa nebularia” (Greenlegs) but no “Tringa melanoleuca”
Hope the stress has gone by now.
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful image and enjoyed the sound link too. Your post reminds me of the song by the late Johnny Clegg “Cruel Crazy Beautiful World.” Nature, and especially wilderness, is the antidote to the crazy part of life. And spring will soon be here.
Thank you for including the sound link. I loved it – though it perturbed the cat sitting beside me.
I am glad that you have found the a solution for the stress in your life – and very glad that you share the beauty and the wonder. Thank you.