I wanted to share a few more images of the Mountain Plovers rarities that I took which are a lifer bird for me as well as being rare in Utah.
Female Mountain Plover in a field
The plovers gave me great views and the light was nice so I was able to take hundreds of photos. Other local birders and bird photographers were able to take joy in seeing these lovely shorebirds and that made me happy. A few of them even emailed to thank me for finding and identifying these rare birds.
This is a female in breeding plumage, it was lighter in color than the other bird.
Mountain Plover in habitat on Antelope Island
This image is of an adult male Mountain Plover and he certainly was stunning. The tiny purple flowers in these images are filaree, a type of wild geranium. They are very tiny.
Mountain Plover male standing on a sandy road
These Mountain Plovers were wonderful to watch as they walked around searching for prey. They have a walk, walk, walk, stop kind of movement.
Mountain Plover with prey
The plovers caught prey quite often, they seem to be very good hunters.
Even if I never see another Mountain Plover I was amazed and delighted to find, and point out these shorebirds and that feeling will be with me for a very long time.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountain Plover photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thanks to all who commented on these Mountain Plover images!
Carroll, the plovers won’t stay in this area to breed and nest, this area is outside of their range. It seems they have already moved on because no one reported seeing them yesterday or so far today.
Hi! What pretty birds and the coloring is beautiful! Soo Happy you got photo’s of these rare birds! Hope your weather clears up soon!
Wonderful Mia. Magnificent!!! You did it!! Congrats on this bird. I would have been doing a super happy dance!
Mia I really enjoyed these beautiful pictures from the Mountain Plovers. I would be ecstatic too if it’s a lifer. I was very ecstatic when today I saw a Merlin on a tree trunk having it’s dinner. Looked like a bird as prey as I saw some feathers waving in the wind. After that it was “dancing” on top of the trunk. This was also a lifer for me. I think it’s a female but know better when downloaded on the PC, the back was brown. Thanks again for sharing all your fantastic pictures!
Congrats on your lifer, Mia! Gorgeous images of this beautiful Plover!!
Brilliant Mia.
Absolutely stunning photographs, Mia!
So delighted you had such a wonderful day and that you chose to share it with so many. Will these the Mountain Plovers stay in your area for the season or move on swiftly?
The quality of your photographs and your unbridled joy at seeing this new bird are really terrific! Thank you so much for sharing both!
(From what I read about this species, they are supposed to be shy and wary. You guys must have kind faces!)
So happy for you Mia, I love the photos
Wonderful Mia.. Handsome guy this Plover