Pic of the Day

American Avocet, Recurvirostra americana:  Bear River Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Utah 

    This group of American avocets was loafing near the west side of the autoloop at the Bear River Bird Sanctuary, preening feathers and stretching.  The sun was low on the horizon bathing the birds in a beautiful warm light intensifying the avocet’s rusty colored head and neck.

     I shot numerous images of the birds, but they were constantly moving.  When seven of the birds had their heads up, one would have its head tucked under a wing.  Shot after shot, at least one of the bird’s head was hidden, or turned away from the camera.  Finally, after what seemed forever, the image came together as the birds formed a pleasing composition with a mixture of birds facing right and left.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500 f4,  1/640^th second @ f13