Two days ago I heard and saw my first of the season Long-billed Curlews while looking for birds to photograph in northern Utah and I could barely contain my excitement.
Male Long-billed Curlew foraging in grasses close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love hearing the calls and songs of Long-billed Curlews because much like the calls of Common Loons, Sandhills Cranes and Tundra Swans their calls touch a deep part of me, the part of me that is as wild as they are. The part of me that knows I am as much a part of nature as they are.
I wasn’t able to take photographs of the two Long-billed Curlews I spotted two days ago because they flew by too fast but I truly wanted to.
Over the years that I have photographed Long-billed Curlews here in Utah I have had the best opportunities with this species on Antelope Island State Park because they seem to be a bit less skittish there than anywhere else I have found them in the state. I don’t know why but on the island they do seem to be more approachable.
Male Long-billed Curlew foraging in mixed grasses – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But… since Governor Herbert made a new announcement directing the citizens of Utah to “Stay Safe, Stay Home” because of the Coronavirus crisis only residents of Davis County can go to Antelope Island State Park.
Since I live in Salt Lake County I will not be able to get to the island to photograph the Long-billed Curlews that I know are there.
I will miss being able to photograph the curlews on Antelope Island but I understand why we have the restrictions that we do. We all need to stay safe and healthy.
I felt so much joy when I heard the Long-billed Curlews calling over the grasslands two days ago. I hope to hear them again sometime soon.
Mia
These Long-billed Curlew photos were taken last April on Antelope Island State Park.
Click here to see more of my Long-billed Curlew photos plus facts and information about this species.
I am so sorry to read that you can no longer go to Antelope Island. You must be feeling bereft.
Thank you for the photograph of this truly elegant bird.
And hugs. Of the totally non-infectious kind.
I saw them the other day too. They were in couples and I was hoping to see courtship display, but they were too focused on just eating. They must have just arrived they seemed starving. They did not even move for the calves playing and frisking about.
A curfew of curlews! I love it! Thanks for including information with your birds. nice pictures of them.
That must be devastating not to get to one of your favourite parks. I am happy you heard the curlews. I heard, not as exciting, but I did get excited, my first gull of the season.
Mia, Thanks for putting the Xeno Canto link in this story! I hope you have good birding spots to explore while stay home/stay safe is in effect. Mother Nature is being cruel to us right now. Let’s hope for a return to good times.
Great photos, appreciate the link to the calls!
Cool photos,
Mia