Bird of the Week – Long-billed Dowitcher
With AKM’s permission, Wickersham’s Conscience will post a Bird of the Week very nearly every week here at the Mudflats. This week, it’s a Long-billed Dowitcher on the frozen Tanana Lakes south of Fairbanks.
Long-billed Dowitcher on Ice
WC’s eye was caught by the contrast between a long-billed shorebird and the solid ice, as well as the warm colors of the bird against the steely color. Besides, he was singing to WC. Technical stuff: Canon 1D-X, 300mm lens with a 2.0 teleconverter, tripod; f5.6, 1/500, ISO400. This is about a 50% crop, so there is some loss of detail.
What a beauty! I’d never heard of this particular bird before. Thanks, WC.
Poor beautiful birdie! His tootsies must be cold.
Could this be the Dowitcher Duchess Mag the Mick used to write about? I pret’near believe it could be. Only Mag and the “Shadow” know for sure.
Odd. My former mum-in-law always believed in reincarnation, owing perhaps to her childhood in India during the Raj. She quite doted on George Harrison, you know, and they would discuss the possibility for hours. I believe she would have wanted to come back as one of her own cats, though. I don’t know what she’d make of finding herself incarnated as a common waterfowl.
Notice the way this bird walks on its heels and its toes are curled up? This bird received too much corn too fast and is permanently foundered. No chance of fattening this one up for market. Best bet is to beef it for personal consumption. Signed-long time cattle feeder.
what in the world does it eat whilst waiting for ice to turn to water?
“These birds forage by probing in shallow water or on wet mud. They mainly eat insects, mollusks, crustaceans and marine worms, but also eat some plant material.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-billed_Dowitcher
Another day has gone by,I guess it is just you and me left in the world. Fair enough,means more asparagus for you.
Yay! Asparagus!
I do miss the Pups but more asparagus is almost as good 🙂
I need a hobby. Gonna take some time away. Keep fighting the good fight.
you too mikey!
don’t do something silly like start collecting lawn ornaments or the like though, ok?