ML65057081

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

This bird was reported found by Dennis McKenna this morning. It was seen standing for a long period of time and then began to forage in the shallow panne. The bird picked at what appeared to be flies and other insects on the surface of the mud and open shallow water. When standing, the bird nervously bobbed its head and neck. When foraging, it was graceful but moved in rapid motions and seemed to lean forward as it reached down to the surface with its bill. A few times I heard the bird give a shape 'kik' or 'keek' call note as it rapidly bobbed its head. A tall medium large shorebird with exceptionally long legs, The upper parts were dark, with the wings black and the back and scapulars seemingly tinged brown (tough to tell in the light). I noted that the tips of the primaries (outermost) were frayed and worn. The hindneck and head were black, with a prominent, large white spot over the eye and white crossing the forehead. The lower cheeks were white, and this white seemed to wrap toward the hindneck. Underparts were bright, unmarked white. The eye color was not noted (darkish though) and the legs were bright bubble-gum pink to reddish-pink. The bill was black and long and slender and perfectly straight. A very rare but regular visitor to Maine's coastal marshes. I have seen the species twice before in Maine at Scarborough Marsh. Given the brownish cast to the back and scapulars, I assume this is a 1-yr-old female. Black-necked Stilt, Weskeag from Louis Bevier on Vimeo.

Technical information

Dimensions

3024 pixels x 2160 pixels

Original file size

539.23 KB