Mating Ritual American Avocet - May 2017

During May, I traveled to Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge to observe and photograph the mating behavior of the American Avocet. Located in north central Montana, Bowdoin is an isolated refuge consisting of 84,000 acres of prairie grasslands and wetlands. The refuge is a seasonal breeding ground for tens of thousands of American White Pelicans and thousands of ducks, geese, and shorebirds as well as songbirds and raptors. I spent a week at the refuge and found myself almost completely alone to enjoy the overwhelming silence.

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
Beautiful and elegant seasonal residents, American Avocets breed and nest in the wetlands of Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
american avocet recurvirostra americana bird mating bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana
Initiation - Mating Ritual American Avocets
During their breeding ritual, the female avocet lowers her head to the surface of the water to initiate mating. Her positioning is called a "copulation solicitation posture". When she lowers her head, the male pecks at and stirs the water as he wades in circles around the female.
american avocet recurvirostra americana bird mating bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana
Mounting - Mating Ritual American Avocets
Soon after the male pecks and stirs the water around the female, he stands on her back and flaps and stretches his wings.
american avocet recurvirostra americana bird mating bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana
Post Copulation Crossed Bills - Mating Ritual American Avocets
Following copulation, the male dismounts and joins the female in a gesture of crossing bills. This final aspect of their mating behavior is perhaps the most graceful aspect of the ritual.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Avocet/lifehistory
american avocet recurvirostra americana bird mating bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana
American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
A closeup of the handsome American Avocet at Lake Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
american avocet recurvirostra americana bird bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana
Sunset at Lake Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.
Lake Bowdoin is remote and the visitation is very low. I prefer to explore and photograph these wild and isolated gems; I experienced total solitude and a peace that one can rarely find these days.
sunset lake bowdoin national wildlife refuge montana

Powered by SmugMug