A Lesser Yellowlegs is a rather common migrant here in the Pacific Northwest and I’ve gotten pictures of them several times in the past, but never as close as this pair of Yellowlegs I saw at Belfair Sunday.
In fact, when I first saw this one, I assumed it was a duck because it seemed to be swimming in the midst of a group of mallards, but a quick glance at its beak convinced me it was no mallard, though I’d never seen a yellowlegs in this deep of water.
As soon as it emerged from the water and started wading along the shore, foraging as it went I knew it was a yellowlegs.
They seemed remarkably bold, or very hungry, because they ignored me as I walked along the edge of the pond snapping shot after shot, fascinated by the way they searched among, and under branches.
It’s a special treat when I get to observe any bird this long, this closely. I couldn’t resist looking up the birds’ feeding habits as soon as I got home.
It was certainly the “best bird of the day,” and that’s all it ever takes to make a day of birding a success.
You’re not going to tell us his feeding habits??? LOL
Beautiful photos, as always.
hi loren – yeah, what’s he finding under those drowned branches and roots that’s so tasty?! steven
whatever they eat, sure makes them beautiful. kjm
Very aptly named Loren and no mistaking it once it got out of the water. Lovely shots as usual.
Those are nice photos. I just noticed the new design with the Japanese Haiku, also. Nice.
I would guess they eat fish, with that kind of beak.