Greater Yellowlegs at the wrack line – Nikon D200, handheld, f8, 1/350, ISO 160, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 400mm, natural light
Shorebirds are making their way back to Utah. This week I saw my first Long-billed Curlews and a large flock of American Avocets on the wing. Other shorebirds aren’t far behind them. Some will stay and nest here and raise their young in the marshes and grasslands while others will head further north to nest in the taiga and tundra of the far north.
This Greater Yellowlegs was photographed in Florida on its wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast. Soon thousands upon thousands of these yellow-legged shorebirds and other shorebird species will head through Utah on their way to their nesting grounds. I will see, hear, and photograph them in the marshes and wetlands that surround the Great Salt Lake.
I get excited when spring arrives in Utah and the shorebirds return because they were my spark birds. They are what got me into bird photography and I am so very glad that they did.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Greater Yellowlegs photos plus facts and information about this species.
That’s exciting to see that they are arriving. I too, like the expression “spark bird.”
I love the term ‘spark bird’, and am very happy (and grateful) you found yours.
That is a gorgeous shot of a striking bird….love everything about it! Never heard the yerm “wrack line” before…guess it must be where water and debris meet.