Springtime Grebe And Avocet Portraits

This morning I am sharing two springtime portraits that I took last week at Bear River MBR. The first is a Western Grebe, the second, an American Avocet.

Springtime Western Grebe portrait – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When I arrived at the location where the Western Grebe was resting, it appeared to be resting peacefully. After a few minutes, the bird lifted its head and seemed to be preparing to regurgitate a pellet or feather, but ultimately didn’t. However, it did open its bill as if it were about to do so.

Following that behavior, the black and white waterbird appeared to be observing other nearby grebes, providing me with an opportunity to capture some portraits of it. I liked how clean the water was in the background, the soft blue color, and the intensity of the grebe’s red eye.

Springtime American Avocet portrait – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1000, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Unlike Western Grebes, which I only see during their breeding season, I have seen American Avocets every month of the year in Utah. I’ve even seen flocks of them in December next to the causeway to Antelope Island State Park.

This male American Avocet was so close to where I sat in my Jeep that I wasn’t sure if my images of it would be sharp. Thankfully, it was just on the good side of the minimum focusing distance of my lens.

Right now, the American Avocets at the refuge are in their breeding colors. The warm tones of this avocet’s plumage provided a nice contrast to the cool blue hue of the water.

I enjoyed taking these springtime portraits of these two bird species and my visit to the refuge.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Western Grebe photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my American Avocet photos plus facts and information about this species.