Spring Long-billed Curlew Photos

Long-billed Curlew male calling in spring grasses – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday I spotted this Long-billed Curlew foraging and calling in the grasses of the north end of Antelope Island State Park. Of all the curlews I saw and heard yesterday morning this was the only one that was close enough for me to photograph. The light was variable due to clouds over the Wasatch Mountains to the east. The image above was taken when some of those clouds partially blocked the sun.

I wanted to include this photo today because it shows this male curlew calling.

Alert male Long-billed Curlew in soft morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When the clouds moved and the sunshine fell on the curlew I had those nice warm tones that the rising sun can create in my photos. This curlew had stopped calling and alternated between foraging and looking around the grassy area. I could hear other curlews calling in the distance and I know that he could hear them too.

Adult male Long-billed Curlew in grasses on Antelope Island – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was wonderful to have a Long-billed Curlew in my viewfinder again. The photos I had taken of my first of year curlews last week were from a distance and those birds were flying away from me. Having this curlew close enough to take frame filling images of him was exciting.

I love seeing and hearing these Long-billed Curlews on their breeding grounds. I’m very happy that the curlews are back and that I can photograph them again.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Long-billed Curlew photos plus facts and information about this species.