Migrating Greater Yellowlegs and its reflection – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Fall migration for shorebirds starts before the human calendar says it is fall. By this time of the year many shorebirds are already far south of where they nested. Some shorebirds are still making their way through northern Utah. Greater Yellowlegs migrate starting in the summer until late in the fall and return early in the spring. I will be seeing them until about December here in Utah.
Greater Yellowlegs in a ditch at Farmington Bay WMA – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday I had the good fortune to see, hear, and photograph Greater Yellowlegs at Farmington Bay WMA in several settings but I liked the ones I am sharing here today the best where I found them in a ditch next to the road. The light angle worked well.
Wary Greater Yellowlegs at the edge of a ditch – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Plus there wasn’t much vegetation between myself in the shorebirds which made for nice, clear views of two Greater Yellowlegs and some nice reflections to boot.
Greater Yellowlegs after missing prey – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Both Greater Yellowlegs were actively foraging in the shallow water of the ditch as they moved north and south then back towards the north.
Greater Yellowlegs on fall migration – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I took loads of photos of both yellowlegs and quickly edited a few to share here today. With their bright yellow legs it is easy to see where they got the last part of their common name.
Greater Yellowlegs with a droplet of water on its bill – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was wonderful to have both of the Greater Yellowlegs in my viewfinder and they were one of the highlights of my morning.
In another location of the WMA I saw approximately 70 to 75 Greater Yellowlegs but they were too far away and in poor light. I wish I could have photographed that “incontinence” of yellowlegs.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Greater Yellowlegs photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a great series of pics! I love the mirror-like clarity of the reflections and the eye contact, detail, colors and textures you captured are simply wonderful. Thanks Mia.
Very nice light and colors.
Love those stylish leggings and am blown away by the reflections.
Love their snazzy yellow legs and this wonderful series of reflections photos.
I love the reflections of the Greater Yellowlegs. I am seeing them as well in migration.