Black-necked Stilt male – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Black-necked Stilts have returned from their wintering grounds to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and other locations in Utah. Black-necked Stilts are black and white shorebirds with long pink to reddish legs, thin black bills and lovely red eyes.
I photographed this male Stilt as he fed in front of me on April 16th in a marshy area on the auto tour route. Note the glossy black back with a slight iridescence.
Black-necked Stilt female – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm, natural light
Female Black-necked Stilts have browner backs than the males as shown in the image above.
Black-necked Stilts can live up to 19 years, their diet consists of small fish, frogs, clams, worms, flies, shrimp, tadpoles and snails. They breed around marshes, shallow ponds, lakes and man made water areas. Black-necked Stilts are social birds and they are often seen in flocks of 25 or more.
Currently their status is secure but increased use of pesticides and loss of wetlands could cause this species to decline.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-necked Stilt photos plus facts and information about this species.
Your images are truly remarkable and bring to mind the fact that, of recent, I have had the opportunity of observing these, for the first time, in the wild.
Matthew, thank you for your very kind words on these Black-necked Stilt images. I think they are very lovely and graceful shorebirds. I recall the first time I saw them and the wonder & amazement I felt looking at them. I’m glad that you have been able to see them for your first time in the wild.
Lovely!
Thank you Jim!
Beautiful photos Mia, you make Utah sound like such a wonderful place to explore and provide such great information on the species. I would never have been able to distinguish between the male and female without a lot of research.
Susan, thanks for your comment on these images. Utah is a fantastic location, this valley in particular is a birder’s paradise in my opinion.
Great job, Mia. These are one of my favorite shorebirds.
Thank you Scott!
Wonderful views, such unique legs they have. Those eyes are cool.
Thank you Debbie, their legs are unique and the eyes are very appealing to look at.
Sweet light and super detail here, Mia. I love these cute little birds with their pink legs.
Hi Julie, I love these shorebirds too, they are so elegant looking. Thanks for your comment.
Mia, absolutely exquiste images of these very elegant birds! It’s nice to see the male/female comparison. Love the little eye reflections you caught in each of the photographs as well as the water droplets. Truly outstanding work!
Julie, it can be a challenge to get catchlights and show the red in Black-necked Stilt’s eyes, I was very pleased with both of these frames because they did show that. Thank you!
I love these elegant birds, and I love your photos of them. Wonderful photos Mia!
Linda, I hope you are feeling better. Thank you for your very kind comment on these images.
These little guys look so intent on feeding. They are so ‘cute’ for lack of a better word. Love how focused they are. Just fantastic Mia. Carol
Carol, I think they are cute too. Thank you.
Wonderful shots Mia.
Thank you very much Stu and for sharing this post on Facebook too.
These are terrific comparison shots of the male and female birds, Mia. I like the water drops too. Beautiful birds and great photos!
Thank you Scott, these images do show the differences in the genders well.
These guys are so delicate and fragile looking. I like that you caught some eye highlights. Great photos, Mia.
Bob, thanks! I think they are delicate looking too until I see them get fiesty with each other!