This morning, I wanted to share a photo of an adult American Avocet taken in the wetlands of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

American Avocet walking in shallow water in spring, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAmerican Avocet walking in shallow water in spring

Unlike their close relatives, the Black-necked Stilts, I have seen American Avocets in every month of the year in northern Utah. Typically, they do arrive in large numbers in the spring, sporting their breeding plumage, but it isn’t unusual to see them even in the coldest months of the year.

I adore the cinnamon color that these elegant shorebirds have during the early part of their breeding season. I hope to photograph this species more often this year.

Life is good.

Mia

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