Willet and Redstem FilareeWillet and Redstem Filaree – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Two days ago I was able to photograph a Willet on Antelope Island calling from some rocks and foraging in the grasses and blooming Redstem Filaree. It was wonderful to have Willets in my viewfinder again after mentioning last week that our Willets have returned to Utah but that I wasn’t able to take images of them because they were too far away.

These Willets will mate, incubate and rear their young in the semiarid grasslands on Antelope Island where Pronghorn, Mule Deer and American Bison roam. Willet chicks begin foraging on their own within hours of hatching. I have seen tiny but well camouflaged Willet chicks on the island but they are usually well hidden in the grasses and then later in the season the juveniles are more visible as they grow taller and move to the shoreline of the island.

I suspect I will soon be sharing more images of Willets with you from Utah and hopefully from southern Montana too.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.