willet – A Thousand Acres of Silphiums

willet-scolopacidae-tringa-semipalmata-520a3343 — Willet – Scolopacidae – Tringa semipalmata – Anahuac NWR, TX.

It is always interesting to find a bird species you are pretty familiar with in a new location or season. Such was the case and pleasant surprise that Steve and I found when stumbling upon the Willet in coastal Texas in May, 2016. This giant puppy dog of a sandpiper is typically a relatively low-key, almost dull bird when spotted in Missouri during its migration. The individuals we observed in Texas, however, were quite conspicuous as they combined long vocalizations with slow flights that really showed off the contrasting black and white wings. They were a pleasure to watch and photograph.

willet-scolopacidae-tringa-semipalmata-520a3251 — Willet – Scolopacidae – Tringa semipalmata – Anahuac NWR, TX.

willet-scolopacidae-tringa-semipalmata-520a3284 — Willet – Scolopacidae – Tringa semipalmata – Anahuac NWR, TX.

-OZB

Tonight I am sharing a few miscellaneous shorebirds. First up to bat is a shorebird that isn’t much of a shorebird at all – the Upland Sandpiper. So named due to its preference for higher and drier habitat, the Upland Sandpiper can be found in fields and meadows. Look for it on a typically elevated perch and find it by its haunting song.

With a ratio of what must have been close to 1000:1, the Wilson’s Phalarope greatly outnumbers any other Phalarope. However, Steve and I were still able to find and ID a couple of Red-necked Phalarope in winter plumage, as pictured above.

A true wetland favorite, the Black-necked Stilt is as pleasing to watch for its behavior as it is a piece of natural art.

As stout and cute as a Bulldog puppy, Willets are always a site for sore eyes.

On our last evening and during our very few hours of decent, golden hour light Steve and watched a number of Willets and Avocets feeding in the shallows near the road.

-OZB

Tag: willet

Birds of the Texas Gulf Coast – Willet

Birds of Quivira – Some Assorted Shorebirds