Dawn light young Killdeer in a marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I drove up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge where the second bird that I photographed was a young Killdeer in the early light of dawn. The first bird was a Barn Swallow.
It takes me about 55 minutes to get to the refuge from home and I leave long before the sun rises. I like the drive up to the refuge because I crank up the radio and watch as the day slowly gets brighter and brighter.
I heard this hatch year Killdeer call before I saw it and then pulled over to take images of it.
Young Killdeer just after dawn – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/320, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few minutes later I pulled up a little closer when the young Killdeer moved towards the water in the marsh. The light was at a different angle yet I enjoyed the intimacy of this photo a lot.
I don’t often get to photograph young Killdeer at this stage of their lives and I appreciated seeing and being able to focus on it.
Young Killdeer in water – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After a bit the Killdeer moved out into deeper water where it took a few drinks and scratched its head a few times. As the sun rose higher into the sky I could hear other birds calling and the marsh drew me up the road.
I hadn’t been to the refuge in quite a while. My drive up there yesterday to reconnect with the wetlands, marshes and birds was peaceful, relaxing and very enjoyable.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Killdeer photos plus facts and information about this species.
The last shot is really special. I hope this young Killdeer has a long, healthy life with lots of its own youngsters in the future.
Very cool pics. Love the eye contact and reflections in the 3rd shot but the complexity of the 2nd shot is really intriguing. Thanks Mia.
How birdy was it? I have not been in months. I have not had birds to release since HPAI we are not taking water or shorebirds. The last time I went for photos there were hardly any birds.
How are the water levels there at Bear River ?? Last year I was at Antelope Island and couldn’t believe my eyes at how low the water was…..
Beautiful Mia and the settings show it so well!!
I am so glad that you could reconnect with the refuge – and its inhabitants.