Reflections Of An American Avocet On the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Reflections of an American Avocet from the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

When it comes to bird photography few birds peak my interest like the american avocet. I am fortunate to have these unique yet quirky shorebirds reside so close to me each summer on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky to come across a scene with an american avocet on the refuge auto tour route I always hope for but rarely see, at least in camera range that is. It is comprised of a resting avocet in perfectly still water, giving an almost perfect reflection of this most beautiful bird perched on one leg.

american avocet on the bear river migratory bird refuge — An american avocet on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge throwing an almost perfect reflection in the calm, still water.

I sat in my truck for nearly 20 minutes watching and photographing as the avocet stood quietly in the glass-like water. On the other side of the pond a resting drake cinnamon teal was giving an almost exact replica of this same scene which I was also able to photograph on this same day.

The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is an important part of the american avocets survival. The refuge lists the avocet first on its priority list which means part of this nearly 80,000 acre federally protected wetland is managed specifically for the american avocet in mind.

resting american avocet on the bear river migratory bird refuge — With its head turned backwards, an american avocet keeps an eye on me as I photograph it on the refuge.

As I sat and enjoyed this most serene of settings I wondered what this world would be like without birds. I find it a sort of self-rejuvenation to be able to sit and relax in nature like this, getting away from the modern world we live in for a short while and leave behind all the stress and anxiety which comes with deadlines, traffic jams and all the other frustrations of our modern society.

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Don’t get me wrong, I do like many of the amenities our modern world offers us but I also like to be able to put them all aside for a while and enjoy the natural world as it was meant to be. Quiet, serene and peaceful. Bird watching is just that, an opportunity to tune out the hectic world we live in for a short while and see the world in its natural beauty as it was meant to be.

american avocets on the bear river refuge — Close up of a resting avocet.

I come to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge often to break away for a short while and watch birds such as the american avocet. The refuge offers sanctuary off and on for hundreds of species of birds throughout the year so no matter what season it is I can always find a great diversion away from the hustle and bustle of our hectic world and just enjoy the peace and serenity of nature.

What would this world be like without birds? I hope we never have to find out because I would surely miss being able to enjoy scenes like this in person.

the bear river migratory bird refuge is managed for the american avocet — The american avocet is listed first on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge priority list, meaning part of the refuge is managed specifically for the avocet.

american avocet breeds on the bear river migratory bird refuge — A summer resident on the refuge, the avocet comes to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge to breed and rest for the summer.

photographing the american avocet on the bear river migratory bird refuge — Giving me a great pose, the american avocet is one of my favorite birds to photograph and watch.

american avocet preening its feathers on the bear river migratory bird refuge. — Showing its summer plumage, the american avocet preens its feathers on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

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Reflections of an American Avocet from the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

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