Beach Bums

I think I need to spend more time on the beach. ;0) I love how his eye is closed here. It seems dreamy.

So, I think he's too big to be a Spotted Sandpiper but I'm not really sure what he is. Any ideas?

Have a closer look.

Slightly smaller than a gull, but not as small as a sandpiper.

I think he's cute no matter what he is.

Tiny Sandpiper.

Remarkable how similar their colors are and structure, almost look like a mom and a babe but I don't think they are.

Some sort of Tern?

Feathered Treasures

You know I love birds, right? I hope you do too, because I have tons of bird photos from our Florida trip! This Ring-billed Gull looks just like the gulls I see up in Wisconsin. But I couldn't resist him anyway.

Some sort of sandpiper - the pipers totally intrigued me. They are so small and active!

See, tiny! The gull looks like a giant compared to him! The Ring-billed stands 19" tall with a 4' wingspan.

La-ti-da-ti-da, I'm just walking along. . .

Looks like Mr Gull found a snail for a snack.

Laughing Gull was laughing, lol.

The pipers run toward the water, eating something deep in the sand and then run away from the incoming waves.  They were very fun to watch!

While I was caught up in birds, the guys were seeking treasures of a different kind.

I got temporarily distracted by things washed ashore.

But it wasn't long until the birds stole my attention once more.

The Laughing Gull and Me

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!