The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) nests it wet areas across much of the western United States and parts of western Canada. The species on the coastal areas of the western and southern U.S. and much of Mexico. It is an elegant bird with its upturned bill and striking patterns. The group of resting avocets on the left was at Bowdoin N.W.R., Phillips Co., Montana, in June, 2007.

The next 10 images of American Avocets were taken at Medicine Lake N.W.R., Sheridan Co., Montana, in June, 2007. The images were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender. The top 5 shots show a single avocet foraging along the edge of Medicine Lake.

Although American Avocets are long-legged shoreirds, they can swim and often forage in deep water by "tipping up" much like a dabbling duck. The avocet on the left was having a good bit of success getting morsels in this fashion.