The first bird I photographed yesterday morning at Bear River MBR was this Killdeer in soft morning light. Truthfully, I am glad my first bird was a Killdeer.

Killdeer in soft morning light, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahKilldeer in soft morning light – Nikon D500, f11, 1/250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Killdeer and I go back a long way. I was a curious little girl when I saw my first broken wing display by this species at the edge of a parking lot. The alarm call of the adult caught my attention first; then, I saw the bird.

I remember being fascinated and also thinking that the Killdeer might need help. That was probably the first time I ever felt the rescue instinct. The gorgeous shorebird obviously didn’t need my help, and my mother told me about the broken wing display and what it meant. Mom knew a lot about birds and nature.

Seeing this Killdeer yesterday made me think of that bird from a long time ago, my mom, and how I learned to love birds and nature at a very early age. It is really no wonder at all that I chose to do what I do now. It also isn’t a wonder at all that I have spent my entire life learning about wildlife, plants, birds, and everything else that I find in nature.

I’ve always had an insatiable curiosity, and for the most part, that has served me well.

This Killdeer was very cooperative, and I took quite a few photos of it as it stood on the gravel with spring plants starting to poke above ground. At that point, I could see a car moving towards me, so I thanked the Killdeer and headed west on the auto tour loop.

By the way, on my way home while driving south on I-15, I saw my first of year Osprey! How wonderful was that after my post about Ospreys on the 15th?

Life is good.

Mia

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