September 10, 2021: More Shorebirds
Shorebird migration continues to be a highlight around our lagoon. The water level remains low, and the muddy edges provide a perfect feeding ground for our visitors. Spotted Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers have been joined by Lesser Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers.
The Lesser Yellowlegs is a graceful, slender, medium-sized shorebird recognized by its bright yellow legs and distinctive “tu tu” call. It is an active forager, often running in shallow water to catch invertebrates, especially snails, flies, beetles, and dragonflies of all life stages.
Described by The Cornell Lab as “natty,” the Solitary Sandpiper—with its olive-gray wings, black-and-white tail, and bold eye-ring–is a distinctive exception among the many lookalike sandpipers. Its helpful habits of bobbing the back half of its body or trembling its tail (and often feet) while foraging make it instantly recognizable. In flight, look for blackish underwings against a white belly, a pattern unique among North American shorebirds. As the name suggests, this species is normally seen singly. During migration, it turns up very widely, even in very small or temporary wetlands.
Happy Birding!!