Back from Alaska
The Koleas (Pacific Golden Plovers) are back from their summer breeding grounds in Alaska. This particular bird, of course, may have been born in Alaska, in which case he’s not back, he’s here for the first time. Being an early bird, one of the first arrivals, he had his choice of worm-hunting territory. If he inadvertently staked out an area belong to another bird, he’ll have to defend his claim or move on.
In April, I took some photos of a Kolea just before he left for Alaska. Same area, perhaps the same bird. In April, the Koleas had their formal black and white plumage, and were bulking up for the flight. In August, they’re wearing their casual feathers and are considerably thinner after the long flight. If you think airline food is bad, try migrating under your own power.
See: Kolea for the April photos.
August 27th, 2008 at 5:37 am
I saw my first of the season on Aeia Heights last Thursday. It had black blotches on the breast, while two more at Pearl Ridge Elementary yesterday were at the extremes: one appeared to be fully into winter plumage while the second was still fully in breeding plumage.
Nice pics!
August 27th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
1. The birds with full or partial breeding plumage are presumably returnees.
2. I got the pix by using a tripod and full digital zoom. I used to disparage digital zoom, but the reduction to blog post size removes the pixelation from the digital zoom.
3. What I really need is a combination monopod / hiking stick. The birds move around, so I end up rocking the tripod on one leg anyway
August 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
>>. What I really need is a combination monopod / hiking stick. <>The birds move around, so I end up rocking the tripod on one leg anyway<<
Audubon had a simple solution to birds moving around: shoot them. Then take them home to make the pics, and enjoy plover pie for dinner. Or shama pie, or whatever suits your artistic interest of the day.