A Lifer! My face has melted!
This morning while looking for Long-billed Curlews on Antelope Island State Park I spotted a bird in the distance and put my lens on it. If I had been in a position to fall out of a chair I would have but the truck door kept me from doing so. I had found, identified, and pointed out a lifer!
Alert Mountain Plover male
What I saw through my lens was a Mountain Plover, a bird I have long dreamed of seeing. A rarity here in Utah. My jaw dropped and as I got closer I held my breath hoping it wouldn’t fly away.
It didn’t and as I got close enough to get images I spotted another plover. I had to remind myself to breathe.
Mountain Plover, female going into breeding plumage
After trying to call a friend to let him know about the bird and failing because my cell signal stank I was able to get an email sent to UBIRD (a bird list) telling everyone who follows the list about the Mountain Plovers.
Because of my keen eyesight and my bird identification skills, the person I was with also got a lifer.
I spent from 8:20 am to 10:01 am with those birds. I’m still smiling so hard it hurts, not only did I get to see them but I took hundreds of high quality images too.
I’m blown away by how beautiful Mountain Plovers are in person. Blown away. I have to pinch myself to believe that I photographed Mountain Plovers – A Dream Come True
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountain Plover photos plus facts and information about this species.
Stunning images, and a fantastic find. I’ve never gotten good looks at them in alternate plumage before, they look related to Horned Larks haha.
Thank you to everyone who commented on this Mountain Plover post. I feel incredibly lucky that I spotted these small plovers and was able to share them with other people in this area. Some (Shyloh) were positively glowing after they saw them! My face is slowly returning to normal, this sighting was absolutely splendiferous!!
You are so lucky!!! I recently read that these birds are threatened and it’s rather alarming. So happy for you!!! Lifers make everything better!
Great find and amazing birds!
Fabulous shots! Love the details on the bird and from you, this is what makes birding GREAT!!
Congratulations, Mia! What a great day you’ve had! The photos you posted are wonderful, showing the feather detail, subtle coloration – love the purple flowers for contrast, nice touch!
That’s an adrenalin rush that has no equal! Way to go for both you and Ron!
Wow-the clarity is stunning. Congrats on getting this gorgeous little bird, Mia.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. You have provoked a new interest in my life – birds of course.
Thank you.
Carroll
Oh my goodness Mia, this is awesome, congratulations. You sound so excited and joyous it is catching, I’m grinning too. Thanks for sharing the joy:)
Congratulations Mia!
Wow! Congrats and great capture”
I”M TEEMING WITH JEALOUSY!! I love the story too. Instances such as these only happen once in a blue moon. Glad to hear of your painful smile! I hope Shyloh was able to see it as well.
Great find! You might consider submitting a report to the Utah Bird Records Committee as well. They keep track of the rarest of the rare in Utah, and would love a chance to accept your find into the record. http://utahbirds.org/RecCom/index.html
It’s a cute little bird. Nothing beats a “lifer”. Congrats!
I’m so thrilled for you, Mia! And what a beautiful bird. Is it as dainty as it looks?
There is NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING like a life bird. And when it’s a rare bird on top of it… and such a gorgeous bird…with more than one! I think you’ve hit the jack pot! Congratulations!!!!!
What a great morning you had. And perfect shots!
Wow Mia! Really excellent images, and so cool so see them getting a bit of their breeding colors too.
Congratulations!
Brilliant lifer, I love it.
Bravo Mia
Quel plaisir de lire cette histoire…its like I am there too.
I always LOVE to look at your amazing work…but reading this added to it big time …a bird this Canadian can only keep in his dreams for sure.
Merci / Thanks
Alain Clavette —> @Acadian_Birder
very cute and well presented, almost 1st picture with a very good bokeh
see you soon mia
Mountain Plovers are such beautiful birds and your photographs are stunning, Mia! A Happy congratulations on your life birds!
Your excitement is not contained
Congrats!
Wonderful story .. beautiful birds. great shots. memorable moment ( ok thats enough adjective/noun pairs