I haven’t heard a Long-billed Curlew calling for several weeks here in northern Utah and I already miss hearing their calls. I photographed this calling male the second week of May out on a grassy flat on Antelope Island State Park.

Long-billed Curlew male callingLong-billed Curlew male calling – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Long-billed Curlews are generally silent away from the breeding grounds, I never heard one make a sound when I would see them in Florida during the nonbreeding season.

Long-billed Curlews are also known as “sicklebirds” and “candlestick birds”. Candlestick Point in San Francisco was named after them.

Last year at about this time I was still seeing Long-billed Curlews and their young on Antelope Island State Park but it had been a long, cold and wet spring so breeding may have been delayed. This year they either nested on time or perhaps a bit earlier which may be why I am not seeing their young right now.

Still, seeing them anytime of the year is a joy for me.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Long-billed Curlew photos plus facts and information about this species.