American Avocet in nonbreeding plumageAmerican Avocet in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D200, f8, 1/750, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

I photographed this American Avocet in nonbreeding plumage as it foraged in Glover’s Pond at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area in northern Utah a few years ago in the month of November.

American avocet in breeding plumageAmerican Avocet in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

This image of an American Avocet was taken in August of last year at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Montana.  What a difference there is between the pale grayish head and neck of the nonbreeding Avocet to the apricot to cinnamon colored plumage that a breeding bird displays.

Personally I believe that American Avocets are stunning in any season of the year. (Okay, it isn’t just avocets I feel that way about, it is all birds)

Life is good.

Mia

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