In a return to last year's spring migration, I took an afternoon one day and trawled along the mudflats and beaches of Bolivar Peninsula — just across the channel from Galveston Island — searching for shorebirds, terns and gulls. The weather was nice and a strong southerly wind was blowing in from the gulf, so most of the migrating birds were high above, taking full advantage of the wind currents. However, I did happen on a small group of avocets taking a break from their long journey to hunt for food in the Texas surf.
American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana)
males
femaleThis is actually the only time I've found these beautiful shorebirds in the area, and it was an exciting addition to my life list.
As always, you can click on any image to see a larger version. Also, check out
Bird Photography Weekly #123 for more great bird photos from around the world.
10 comments:
Those birds are awesome and so are the photos.
Isn't it great to catch birds for the first time. And lucky you, you git great photos to go along with it :)
Wow, Kyle, I'll just bet you were excited!! Beautiful captures to document the day. ~karen
Cool birds! Haven't seen those- they look so delicate, but I'll bet they can defend themselves just fine.
wow, now I got a surprise. I never seen an avocet with a red head. The european avocet are less black and with don´t have the red head. These are true beauties. If I am very, very lucky I have a little chance of seeing one next month. I´m going to Costa Rica.
Wow Kyle! Congrats on the lifer and the gorgeous photos! The American Avocets are really pretty birds and you have captured them beautifully.
What a strange, abstract looking bird especially standing on one leg. Part of my interest in birding is figuring out why these strange beauties are put together the way they are. Amazing bird, beautifully photographed!
Great photos of an attractive bird. Boom & Gary of The Vermilon River, Canada.
Beautiful birds...well captured.
Excellent shots of this very elegant species.
I just love these birds! This has to be one of my favorite shorebirds. You captured it in such wonderful light! Love that up-curved bill!
Post a Comment