Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Edwin Forsythe NWR Whimbrel

For this week's World Bird Wednesday I some shots I took of the Whimbrel I saw while visiting the Edwin Forsythe NWR. The Whimbrel is a shorebird that nests on the Artic Tundra. It winters on coastal marshes, tidal mudflats, sandy and rocky beaches. These sites also serve as a stopover during their migration.  Whimbrel usually forage on invertebrates by shallow probing or picking. The breeding adult has a stripe head and a long curved bill.







The Whimbrel was just one of the great birds I saw while birding the Edwin Forsythe wildlife refuge. If you are ever in the area this place definitely deserves a visit.


To see more great and wonderful birds please visit Springman's World Bird Wednesday.  Thanks to Springman for hosting and thanks for stopping by to see my World Bird post.

36 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

they're so neat looking! you got some great shots to show off their curved bill and patterns.

Fjällripan said...

Great photos! We have this birds on our fields to, but I have not get any photos of them...they are allways running away...:)

theconstantwalker said...

Beautiful birds to see.

FAB said...

Such distinctive head markings. Thanks for showing these Eileen.

EG CameraGirl said...

WoW! You got really nice photos of the whimbrel. I've ever heard of that bird before.

Steve said...

I need to check these out...

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow---the Whimbrel is a beautiful bird... I have NEVER seen one... You are so lucky to see him... Great pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Springman said...

Great post Eileen. Looks like we've both been hanging out in the wetlands lately. I did not know of the whimbrel, it is an exceptional bird. This is a wonderful dscription in words and photos!

Carletta said...

Eileen you have introduced me to a bird I have never heard of.
It reminds me of a plover.
Nice shots and thanks for the great info.
Have a wonderful week!

mick said...

Very interesting to see Whimbrels in your kind of habitat. Hundreds of whimbels come down here for our summer - your winter - but my books say they are a different sub-race from the ones you see. However, they look very similar indeed.

Bill S. said...

What a wonderful bird. You did a great job in capturing it. Thanks.

BirdingMaine said...

Wonderful post Eileen!I am anxiously awaiting the Whimbrel's return here to Maine.

Anonymous said...

Wow, check out that bill! I echo what Carletta said. I love learning about new (to me) birds!
Great photos!

Unknown said...

Interesting Bird!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.

Amila Kanchana said...

Interesting bird!

Anonymous said...

Hi Eileen, These are the first Wimbrel I havee ever seen. Very nice pictures. Have a fantastic day!

Sondra said...

Oh what a great opt to see the Whimbrel!! Would love to see it.

joo said...

They are so lovely!

Crafty Green Poet said...

lovely birds, and great photos

Tammy said...

Neat birds. love those long curved beaks.

Maude Lynn said...

What a pretty bird!

Elaine said...

Nice! My Alaska bird book shows that they can be seen here in spring and summer so perhaps I might see one.

Debbie Miller @HooootOwl said...

What an awesome sighting with captures. I'll bet it was hard to walk away.

Kilauea Poetry said...

These are pretty birds and that lighthouse on your header is really cool! Wishing you a wonderful day (maybe still evening) smile...)

NatureFootstep said...

a bird I yet have to see. It migrates through sweden but they mostly go on the costal area and I live inland. :(

Anonymous said...

A pretty bird, I think you've described perfectly in word and photos! Nice post!

Anonymous said...

The Whimbrel is a pretty bird, and you captured some great pictures of them.

Pat Ulrich said...

Great find! These are very cool shorebirds, and I enjoy seeing them along the Pacific coast as well.

936000 said...

Wow those are great--both the birds and your photographs. I love the coloration and pattern of them!
It does look like an amazing place to visit!
Hope you have been having a great week!
How's your weather-are you staying warm yet?
meggs.

diane b said...

These are lovely birds. Love their beak and spotty feathers.

DeniseinVA said...

It must have been a very interesting bird to observe Eileen. Enjoyed your photos and I'll add this place to my list whenever we get out that way. Thanks so much and have a great week.

Dawn Fine said...

What a gorgeous bird! So nice you get to bird that refuge ..It really is a great place to bird!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

I've not seen these birds before, and they are so adorable looking. Very unique!

forgetmenot said...

Whimbrels??? What an interesting name. I love the beach and the egret's reflection in the post below. You take great pictures!!! Mickie :)

Bob Bushell said...

Nice photographs Eileen.

Mike B. @ slugyard.com said...

Well, I've never seen one. I don't know how some of these birds walk around with those huge pointed beaks. They must stab each other by accident when in large groups.

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