ML460573891

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Edited description: While a waiting for a crew mate to get back from a nest check out in the marsh, I started scanning the impoundment from the truck. I first spotted 5 black-necked stilts, which was quite exciting. As I continued my scan to the right I got my eyes on a GRYE which was adjacent and loosely associating with a mystery bird. In contrast with the GYRE, the mystery bird stuck out like a sore thumb with the first and most obvious field mark being a black breast. While watching for about a minute my first impression was that the bird was a Ruff, which was something I would never have fathomed even considering. The bird eventually took flight and landed near the stilts, again providing a good comparison with size. In flight two things were obvious; a white wing stripe along with a black edged tail. Here the bird was slightly closer and I decided to throw my waders on and try to get closer for better photos. Unfortunately as I was working, I did not have my scope and or camera. As I walked out and kept my distance the bird eventually took flight and disappeared. After failing to get any digibins and falling face first in waist deep mud, I headed back to the truck where scanning resumed. We then located the bird back where I had initially spotted it. Here we were able to get digibins (finally) of the bird. I also picked up on a orangey head, brown back, and white flanks. Finally the bird took flight again and went further than before. While it still landed in the impoundment, we were unable to relocate. This is when we had beautiful looks in flight where we were able to see the black extend from the breast down to the lower wing. Very obvious sharp wing tips as well. Overall the bird was hard to locate at times and a bit flighty. Coordinates are in description where the bird frequented the most.

Technical information

Dimensions

330 pixels x 440 pixels

Original file size

71.92 KB