Male Long-billed Curlews fighting on their breeding grounds – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1600, ISO 6400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 321mm, natural light
Spring birds I look forward to seeing and hearing include Long-billed Curlews which should be arriving in northern Utah any day now if they haven’t already shown up. Quite often I hear these large, long-billed, graceful shorebirds calling before I see them. I love listening to their calls.
These shorebirds breed in northern Utah where I find them frequently on Antelope Island State Park, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Farmington Bay WMA, and other areas of the state. I also see them in Idaho and Montana. Their preferred habitat during the breeding season includes shortgrass and mixed grass prairies, agricultural fields, marshes, and playas.
Spring adult male Long-billed Curlew – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This morning I can’t recall the earliest date I have seen or heard Long-billed Curlews but I know that they should be arriving soon.
In the very near future I will see the males sparring on their breeding grounds while the females watch from nearby. I’ll observe both sexes as they forage, preen, and rest.
Spring is a time when there are birds arriving that I haven’t seen throughout winter and that is pretty exciting for me.
It is drizzling rain here this morning but the clouds appear to be clearing. Who knows, perhaps I will see or hear my first Long-billed Curlew of the year today.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Long-billed Curlew photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great pics of a fascinating bird. Thanks Mia.
The top photo is so dramatic. Here’s hoping you see some soon.
I was watching for them along Forest road last trip! There call has a sad solemn tone to it for me, almost haunting. I still love the call. I wish I could get a few shots of the fighting over territory and mates.
Of course you look forward to seeing them. Thank you for including their call.
👍
Hearing them is a rite of spring for me, too. Loved this and the vulture post because I cannot wait.
Cool photos, Mia