As I learn more about birds, and see new species, I find I have a special affinity and pull towards shorebirds. Gulls and peeps alike are fun to watch. One of my favorite times in fall when the peeps are hungry and not so shy, allowing one to be surrounded and closely approached by these cute little birds. I am often amazed at how small these birds really are, when you get close to them.
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| My wife took this as I inched up in the muddy sand to get closer to the peeps - From October2011 |
Another fun and sometimes frustrating part with shorebirds is the plumage. Many plumages on many similar looking birds, can make the identity tough to sort out sometimes. When watching a group of the same species this can be very helpful as there is often a variety or spectrum of plumages. In October, you expect the fall plumage, but some are early or late molters and we see some with full dull plumage and others with still quite a bit of color from the breeding or juvenile plumages.
These back shots give a good look at the differences in coloration.
Beautiful photos of the Dunlin Dan. I have the same strap you use with your camera :) really helps doesn't it.
ReplyDeleteI find shorebirds particularly difficult to properly identify. I'm always trying to learn. Thanks for the great photos and information.
ReplyDeleteThose photos made me feel like I was there in person. Nice job Dan!
ReplyDeletelove the shot of the one foot in front! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shots,Dan! I share your attraction to shorebirds. Advantages: uncluttered environment, fairly easy to approach, and never boring - always a challenge to identify.
ReplyDeleteNice photos!
ReplyDeleteDan, very nicely done! I love the sketch and the way you showed the variations in plumage! This bird always gets me with its very droopy beak! I am just getting to know this species since moving here to the east coast and I am really starting to like it!
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