American Avocet at San Luis Rey River Mouth

The American Avocet is frequently described as graceful and stately. This shorebird does seem to have an elegantly dignified manner as it feeds along the shores of lagoons or alkaline desert lakes.

Its upright posture, long legs and neck, upturned bill, and cinnamon head in breeding plumage make it a favorite of mine to photograph. That, and it is not too difficult to find and photograph in its open shoreline habitat.

American Avocet. Oceanside, California. May 24, 2015. Greg Gillson.