April 2025 Photo Information

Animal and Camera Details

April

Species shown: black-tailed godwit (limosa limosa)

Like many species of birds, black-tailed godwits are keen to defend their territory. These two male birds were fighting for 1 hour and 40 minutes! The photo was taken on farmland that was irrigated to create local wet spots to make it easier for black-tailed godwits and other waders to find food.

Although this species is widespread and has a large global population, its numbers have declined rapidly in parts of its range owing to changes in agricultural practices. Overall, the global population is estimated to be declining at such a rate that the species qualifies as Near Threatened according to the IUCN. It is the national bird of the Netherlands and the subject of a large protection program.

The photo was taken with Cianon EOS 7D mk2 with Canon 100-400of mm at 371mm at f/5.6 , 1/400s ISO400