American Avocet Mating Dance (Lori Hibbett's Photo)

When I visited this spot with +Lori Hibbett we had no idea when we approached this marsh that it was nesting grounds for American Avocets.  I know that the area is critical habitat for shy and endangered sage grouse (technically listed as "threatened", being considered for "endangered" species listing).  In fact, roads in the area get closed off to protect sage grouse later in the year, but this is a walk-in spot so photographers would likely miss the signs anyway.  So we encourage people not to divulge the spot, and we haven't been there in years ourselves.

By the time we noticed this couple getting amorous, they were already a little focused at the time, and we had long lenses so we could stay away and not bother them.  It was cool to witness this little slice of Nature's beauty.  I hope that many generations of avocets and sage grouse will be able to return here.

There are three types of locations I which rarely disclose:
1. Critical habitat where wildlife would be negatively impacted by increased photographer traffic.  Populations of the California desert tortoise for example have crashed 70%, so I rarely disclose the locations of the sand dune complexes they like to live in (a few are already well known and heavily used).
2. Locations where the photographic value of the site itself would be negatively impacted by increased traffic.  Places with easily damaged textures on the ground for example.
3. Ancient cultural and archaeological sites, due to theft and the rampant vandalism I've seen.
The Case Against Promoting Ancient Sites Online
http://www.jeffsullivanphotography.com/blog/2012/11/19/the-case-against-promoting-ancient-sites-online/

Reshared post from +Lori Hibbett

This lovely pair of Avocet's just finished mating.  I loved how they took a moment afterwards to acknowledge each other….Joy.

This lovely pair of Avocet’s just finished mating.  I loved how they took a moment afterwards to acknowledge each other….Joy.

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