American Avocet aren’t the only birds in these images, but I haven’t seen one in awhile so thought I’d give them top billing. And I really like them with their snazzy color scheme.
American Avocet, American White Pelican, Great Egret
I sure was hoping they would fly closer to my side of the pond.
American Avocet taking off, American White Pelican, Great Egret
Instead they disappeared on the other side of the marsh.
American Avocet taking off, American White Pelican, Great Egret
The sun was up but had ducked behind a cloud that was low on the horizon, creating a milky light. The water was shallow and this American Avocet was among the birds taking advantage of the easy feeding.
I watched a group of American Avocets milling around in a shallow pond, some wading and some flying in small hops following whatever they were feeding on.
American Avocets
Two did fly by fairly close to me and I hoped they would land for a close up shot, but they kept right on going to the other side of the pond.
American Avocets in Flight
Another group landed a bit closer, then waded out of view.
On a recent visit to Bear Island Wildlife Management area a few small flocks of American Avocets were feeding in some of the shallow impoundments. The one on the left below with the pretty brown head is displaying breeding colors while the white one on the right is non-breeding.
American Avocets
Several Bald Eagles are nesting in the area and one had just had an unsuccessful dive at the other end of this impoundment. When the Eagle soared over the Avocets took off in a panic.
American Avocets
Once in the air they tried to group together.
American Avocets in flight
The Eagle didn’t pursue them but they didn’t wait around to find out.