The long-billed curlew is a large wading bird, so it was odd to see one so far from a coastline (this photo was taken in the Badlands of South Dakota). But as it turns out, these birds range far into the interior of the country during breeding season. That impressively long bill comes in handy when foraging for earthworms, mollusks, and crabs. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 350mm) ISO 400, f/9 at 1/400th of a second.
It’s awesome that you photographed the l-b curlew in the Badlands. I had no idea they go so far inland. We see them here along the coast of Northern CA., usually posing with a tiny crab held firmly in their bill.
People get hung up on size during mating season, understandably, but from what i’ve heard it’s not about the length of the bill, it’s about the throttle of the wattle, Know what i’m sayin?
Thanks Donna, yeah, things keep changing on my web platform. Now I just need to figure out how to keep my posts from going into everyone’s spam folder.
This is a beautiful image! I love that the curlew is offset in the frame, with the background blurred, and late afternoon(?) warm lighting. It’s always a wonderful surprise to see creatures out of their normal habitat. I was shocked to see white pelicans in Yellowstone National Park, but it turns out they summer at Lake Yellowstone. Who knew!?
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The long-billed curlew is a large wading bird, so it was odd to see one so far from a coastline (this photo was taken in the Badlands of South Dakota). But as it turns out, these birds range far into the interior of the country during breeding season. That impressively long bill comes in handy when foraging for earthworms, mollusks, and crabs. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 350mm) ISO 400, f/9 at 1/400th of a second.
It’s awesome that you photographed the l-b curlew in the Badlands. I had no idea they go so far inland. We see them here along the coast of Northern CA., usually posing with a tiny crab held firmly in their bill.
Yes, I’m not sure what they forage on in the Badlands. Different bugs I suppose.
People get hung up on size during mating season, understandably, but from what i’ve heard it’s not about the length of the bill, it’s about the throttle of the wattle, Know what i’m sayin?
I like the purple weed under him. I am so happy I am able to once again zoom into your photos for a closer look.
Thanks Donna, yeah, things keep changing on my web platform. Now I just need to figure out how to keep my posts from going into everyone’s spam folder.
Beautiful shot !
Thanks Joannie.
Beautiful shot !
This is a beautiful image! I love that the curlew is offset in the frame, with the background blurred, and late afternoon(?) warm lighting. It’s always a wonderful surprise to see creatures out of their normal habitat. I was shocked to see white pelicans in Yellowstone National Park, but it turns out they summer at Lake Yellowstone. Who knew!?
Ah, yes, I’ve seen white pelicans in Yellowstone as well.