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 AvocetsTwo 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 FlightAnother group landed a bit closer, then waded out of view.
American Avocets in FlightTaken 2/25/2019
An Avocet pair stood out in this creek that was crowded with recently arrived shore birds. Their larger size and striking colors set them apart from the others.
A Marbled Godwit joined the Avocets making an even prettier trio hanging out in the shallow water.
I last saw an Avocet in April and was rather surprised to see a small flock this week. They were feeding in a shallow pond.
They worked back and forth and at one point the sun lit them up.
A couple of them ventured closer to shore as they were preening, taking a break behind two napping Roseate Spoonbills.
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.
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.
Once in the air they tried to group together.
The Eagle didn’t pursue them but they didn’t wait around to find out.
Click on any photo for larger view.
We arrived at Bear Island Wildlife Management area just before the sun came up this morning. A few American Avocets were sitting in the shallow water and reflected the sun’s first glow.
As we progressed around the impoundments throughout the morning there were several other areas with feeding Avocets. There were a few groups but they mostly fed on their own.
This pair in flight shows off the Avocet’s gorgeous colors and their upturned beak.
Click on any photo for larger view.
A flock of American Avocets flew above us at the edge of a marsh. Their long upturned bill provides an easy identification.
They seemed undecided about choosing a landing spot or just moving on.
They started to drop down into an open area in the marsh…
…then changed their minds.
One more turn around and then they headed out of sight.
Click on any photo for larger view.
The colors and upturned bill makes the American Avocet an easy ID.
Getting a good photograph across the mud flats of this impoundment at Bear Island Wildlife Management area was another story.
This single one ventured closer to the edge, co-mingling with Plovers, Sanderlings, Willets and the other shore birds working the shallow water.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC, 4/26/2017.
