Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Small Shorebirds

This post is for World Bird Wednesday.

When I walked out to Mullens the other day the bigger shorebirds were all at the far side of the roost. Since I had walked out instead of kayaking there was no way I could get closer to them. However the smaller shorebirds were in their preferred roost site at the southern end of the roost and all I had to do was wade through some shallow water. They were standing in shallow water in among the saltmarsh plants. Red-capped Plovers and Red-necked Stints were roosting together. Both of these birds are only 15cm (6 inches) beak to tail. Red-capped Plovers are an Australian shorebird and stay here all year. Quite a few were showing their beautiful red caps. Red-necked Stints are the smallest of all the shorebirds that migrate from the arctic to spend the summer here. They only show their red necks just before they migrate north - that is in March and April.
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21 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlDecember 21, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    cute little birds. love the red-capped plovers!

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  2. Brian KingDecember 21, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Beautiful birds, Mick! I love the scenery in your shots. Nice job!

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  3. theconstantwalkerDecember 21, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Wonderful images Mick..

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  4. eileeninmdDecember 21, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    I just love the cute Plovers, great shots.

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  5. Carole M.December 21, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    beautiful photographs your plovers.

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  6. UnknownDecember 21, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    OK, envious once again :D They are so beautiful and I love the close-up!

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  7. RohrerbotDecember 21, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Really nice shots! I love the background and the birds together in your work. You really capture these things nicely.

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  8. Stewart MDecember 21, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Hi there - nice pictures - I'll be banding lots of the stints between Christmas and the New Year. We target other waders, but you can’t avoid these little chaps!

    Hope you have a good weekend!!

    Stewart M - Melbourne

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  9. Nature RamblesDecember 21, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    truly beautiful shots!

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  10. ArijaDecember 21, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Great shots of these tinies Mick.

    Have a very Happy Christmas!

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  11. holdingmomentsDecember 21, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Those Red-capped Plovers are beauties Mick.

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  12. LizDecember 22, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Great birds Mick! I haven't seen these before.

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  13. ReenaDecember 22, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    Always love seeing your birds. In the evenings, the sanderlings and plovers entertain us at sunset.
    Hope you are having a great week, Mick!

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  14. Rambling WoodsDecember 22, 2011 at 4:44 AM

    A stint..I have never heard of that..lovely photos...

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  15. Adam TiltDecember 22, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Great photos Mick. I've not seen those waders before.

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  16. AnonymousDecember 22, 2011 at 6:19 AM

    Lovely captures!

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  17. Hilke BrederDecember 22, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Two great images, Mick, of the Red-capped Plover! I am not familiar with this bird, but your photos would allow me to id them.

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  18. SpringmanDecember 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    Arctic to Australia, that is some migration! Thanks for sharing your remarkable plovers Mick.
    Cheers to you this holiday!

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  19. SnailDecember 24, 2011 at 10:51 PM

    They are sweet little birds. not quite Santa red, though. Merry Christmas!

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  20. icedgurlDecember 25, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    trekking your superb blog! keep blogging and inspiring people! happy holidays!

    cheers!
    ...TREK...

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  21. LarryDecember 27, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    Super shots of the Red-capped Plovers and the Red-necked Stints! Lucky you get to see the Red-capped Plovers all year.They're a real treat!

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