Early last April we discovered a pair of Mountain Plovers on Antelope Island. This was only the 10th confirmed sighting of the species in Utah so it created quite the stir when we reported it to UBIRD (I was driving, Mia reported it on her phone). They only stayed on the island for a couple of days before they continued their migration to their breeding grounds but it was fun while it lasted and spending time with this adorable pair was an experience I’ll long remember.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
References say that Mountain Plover sexes are “alike” but these two weren’t. I’d guess they were male and female but if they were I don’t know which was which. Their distinctive black loral stripe extending from black bill to black eye can make it appear that all three are one structure. This plover was slightly darker and more rufous…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
than the other of the pair.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
Both were good hunters. Grasshoppers are their favorite food item when they’re available but they’re opportunistic feeders and it was too early for grasshoppers so they were mostly eating larval insects of a variety of species. This is the lighter colored bird with a snack.
1/3200, f/8, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
But the darker plover also found plenty to eat.
This species is notoriously “tame”. When approached or threatened, they typically sit down and remain motionless rather than fly off. They’re often called “prairie ghosts” because they seem to disappear in the dried grasses when they squat to hide. I saw this happen many times when a raven or harrier flew overhead but they were absolutely comfortable in our presence and went about their normal activities. We spent an extended time period with them with no one else around and it was divine.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light
I wanted to include an intimate shot to try to show just how accepting these plovers were of us. This is what I would see through my viewfinder – a lovely bird with soft, subtle colors looking benignly back at me, seemingly with endless trust.
It was an experience I’ll likely never have again but I must admit that I’m starting to look for them on the island again.
After all, they’re early migrators…
Ron
I think you caught the male in his very subtle breeding plumage in photos 1 and 4.
I visited Antelope Island just yesterday (only my 2nd time there)….guess I should have been on the lookout for this beauty!
Some beautiful captures of what must have been a very special experience.
What an enchanting bird. And what a privilege to spend time with them. I do hope that you are lucky enough to see them again.
You manage to get the most amazing photos of birds in action! I, too, really like the 4th photo best. But I think they all show off the beauty and personality of these birds. Hope I’ll get to see one someday – maybe there is hope since I live on the Rocky Mountain flyway?
I hope you get to see more than one and soon, Susan. Good luck.
We had a photographer come to the Montana Audubon Festival here in Lewistown this year just to looking just for these guys in particular. We never saw any the day he was out with me & I don’t know if he got any or not, but I bet he would be jealous if he saw these pics Ron. They are very beautiful. Thank you!
Thanks, Deb. Next year that photographer just may be me… 🙂
Lovely birds, beautiful shots. I have never seen these, thank you for the info.
This was a first time for me too, Tana. Thanks.
Gorgeous photos!!!
Thanks, Jerry. I enjoyed shooting with you last week!
Wonderful photos Ron and so cool that you could get that close to this pair . The forth photo is my favorite.The motion and expression of the Plover eating is perfect.
Thank you, John. I like that fourth photo too – the insect is actually suspended in the air, but not by much.
These are incredible shots of beautiful birds. Thanks so much for sharing them Ron!
You’re welcome, Charlotte. Thank you.
I can tell these plump little cuties are “early migrators”…after all, “it’s the early bird that gets the worm”, right? Love their round, curvy little bodies, black bills and soft, subtle coloring…they have that “puppy appeal”…
“Puppy appeal” is a good way of putting it, Patty. I think they’re adorable.