At the end of last month I spotted a small flock of American Avocets early in the morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. The morning light was nice, I had wonderful reflections of the birds on the water plus a few of the avocets were preening at the time.
Spring American Avocets – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These weren’t my first of the year American Avocets. I’d seen some when winter still had a firm grasp us here in the northern part of the state. As delicate as these avocets may appear to be they are actually quite hardy and I have seen them every month of the year in Utah. I’ve seen them in snow storms and when there was ice covering almost all of the marshes and wetlands surrounding the Great Salt Lake. I’ve also seen them when the temps are in the triple digit range.
But in spring they are in their finest breeding plumage and their heads are a lovely rusty apricot color. American avocets breed here and they number in the hundreds of thousands during the breeding season. I love listening to large flocks of avocets call.
These were the first American Avocets I photographed this year but I am certain they won’t be the last. I love having them in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Avocet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Extraordinary. The reflections are marvelous. What a shot! Thanks Mia.
These are such beautiful birds!
ToDo Today:
x Put Avocets and Reflections on Smooth Blue Background,
x Move to prevent overlap and until visually pleasing,
x Take photo,
x Add to blog.
Echoing April.
Beautiful image with the lovely reflection.
What beautiful colouring on these birds. Wow!