Lesser Yellowlegs fighting

Lesser Yellowlegs

Both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs can be extremely aggressive in defending their feeding territory. With so much rain this year, a local farm field has developed a very large but shallow puddle, attracting quite a few shorebirds. Though half the weight of the Greater Yellowlegs,  these Lesser Yellowlegs provided quite the show of aggression! They fought, almost to […]

Wilson’s Snipe

Wilson's Snipe

Wilson’s Snipe are short, stocky shorebirds that use their long, thick bills to probe for earthworms and other invertebrates in the mud. With the two feet of snow dumped on our area this week, the Wilson’s Snipe congregated in two small spring-fed open places in the field near my house as well as the ditch along the […]

Killdeer

Killdeer

Killdeer are shorebirds that have the ability to melt into the landscape when feeding in a mowed field, but when disturbed they show their colors! They have a bright rufous rump and tail, with white racing stripes along the open wing and the corners of the tail. They scream their own name when upset, “Killdeer, […]

Spotted Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

  The Spotted Sandpiper is the most abundant sandpiper in North America, found wherever there is fresh water, and sometimes also near the sea.  It is sparrow-sized (7-8 inches) with a wingspan of about 15 inches, and sports a spotted belly in breeding season, an orange bill and flesh colored legs.  It teeters constantly as […]