ML150891351

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

A Ruff had been reported to the KsBirds listserv, tentatively on 4/17/04 and then more conclusively on 4/20/04. The Ruff had only been reported from Pool 1A where the management shorebird survey had estimated there to be 30,000 shorebirds present. Several hours were spent by five observers in separate parties on the search, with the search concentrating on Pool 1A. Finally the bird was found in the inlet canal by Lee and Jane Queal where close observation was possible, to include scope and digiscoped photo views. Distance to the bird was 100-150 feet. The following are my notes posted to the KsBirds listserv for that day: "About 2:00 Lee and Jane drove back to where Pete and I were still scoping the shorebird spectacle to inform us that the Ruff had been located at the Inlet Canal, toward the west end, where the water runs out. After a bit of a search that is where Pete found it, literally in the last pool before the water runs out. We had long extended looks and took a number of digiscoped photos. Using the vehicle as a blind, the bird seems to tolerate observers ok. There were several times when I would slowly move my truck from one side of the bird to the other to obtain a better light angle without disturbing it. What seemed to bother this bird and the other shorebirds in the canal much more was the general, typical road traffic that went by. A vehicle going by normally at 30 or 40 mph would often stir up the shorebirds and send them in flight up and down the canal. This bird is very distinctive. The head on this bird is entirely black to brownish-black. This continues onto the nape. Feathers on the back are dark, brilliantly fringed in white and pale colors. Feathers on the greater coverts and tertials are dark with a band of rusty orange and fringed in white. The effect, at close range, is brilliant and unique. As if you need any confirmation of the ID, the pattern of the white U-shape feathering surrounding a dark center on the uppertail coverts is easily observed while the bird is in flight. The body shape and profile is similarly unique. It is stocky, with a small head. The bill is relatively short and slightly drooped. There is a patch of white at the base of the bill. Its body size is the size of a dowitcher, but longer. The character of this shorebird is absolutely unique. I sure don't know the plumage patterns of this highly variable species, but I would have to agree that this is a male. I think that the black head feathering indicates so, as does the presence of some of the rusty coloration in the back feathers, but I will defer to those more knowledgeable. After our initial, lengthy viewing of the Ruff, Pete Janzen and I lost track of it. We could not relocate it. Pete left, I remained, and I started down the canal from east to west. The canal right now is wonderful for viewing shorebirds, and I took my time with Avocets, Phalaropes, Dowitchers, Godwits and Peeps. Scott Seltman had arrived then, and had the bird - again in one of the last pools of water at the west end. At least on this day it had fidelity to that site on at least four different occasions, even after being disturbed. Through the day, I observed this bird both in open mudflats and wading with dowitchers. When in mudflats its feeding style was to move and pick at the surface, much like a yellowegs. When in deeper water it was feeding by probing, much like a Dowitcher. Dowitchers seemed to be tolerant of its presence, but Pectoral, Baird's and Lesser Yellowlegs were often very aggressive toward it."

Technical information

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1200 pixels x 900 pixels

Original file size

186.28 KB