I was happy to find some Laughing Gulls at the beach, their sound always cracks me up (we had them in Corpus Christi when we lived there), such funny birds!
But I didn't know what this little guy was. I had to buy a Florida Birds book so I could figure some of my mysteries out. I think this is a Spotted Sandpiper.
He searched the beach for food. The sun kept going behind clouds, shadows, sun, ugh!
He amazed me that he just strutted right by, allowing me to snap some photos. I think he looks like a great crane, like a huge regal bird, but check this out. . .
I snapped this just to remember his size. He's not huge at all, he's smaller than the laughing gull! According to my book the gull is 16-17" tall with up to a 3.5' wingspan! Impressive!
Lisa, I'm pretty sure the bird is a Willet in winter plumage.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful photos, Lisa... I just love shore birds! :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI love the detail in the feathers in the first shot. And I LOVE the last shot, with the gull and sandpiper together. I got some good ones in MX of a gull hangin' with a crowd of pelicans and they just *tickle* me for some reason. Same with your shot above.
Have a great day!
Gulls scare me in their ferocity of attacking food such as the french fries I eat while chilling on the beach ;0)
ReplyDeleteLove the up-close shorebird photos. Birding is a spring-time passion after this long, Wisconsin winter. Can't wait to get out there with the binoculars. Thanks for the great pics!
ReplyDeleteThe birds ARE lovely, don't get me wrong, but I think my favourite part of the photos is the sand. I've had quite enough of winter thank you very much!
ReplyDeleteThe gulls are to me the fat old men of the beach and the sandpipers, the nervous little girls unsure of the waves. So I really love the family shot!
ReplyDeleteGreat captures, I especially like the first photo where he looks like he's stopping for the camera for a moment.
ReplyDeleteI love bird-watching on the beach ... your photos (as always) inspire me to get a better lens but I sense the difference is actually in YOU as the photographer. I have so much to learn ...
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
GREAT bird pictures! Now I have a need to hear a laughing gull!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Lisa. When I visit my daughter on the Connecticut shore, I love to spend time capturing shore birds.
ReplyDeleteI guess they're called laughing gulls because of the sound they make? Because he looks dead serious to me!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are so close up and natural - what is camera again?Mine broke so I'm shopping..Looks like you had a varied vacation though cool and were 2 hrs near me at all times I'm in mid southern part of atate sandy
ReplyDeleteI really love how you caught the willepiper whatever he is. Especially in the first shot. You really are one with the birds Lisa.
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