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American Avocet
The American avocet’s stiltlike legs and long,
thin and slightly upturned bill give it a sense
of gracefulness. The crisp black-and-white
coloration of immature and nonbreeding adults
is accented by rich, rusty peach hues along
the head and neck of breeding birds. Mainly
a species of the West, they nest along open
bodies of water. While foraging, avocets swish
their bills back and forth in the water in
a technique known as scything.
Great Blue Heron
Spotting a great blue heron, a species that is
widespread but never overly abundant, always
feels like a treat. These regal birds fly with a
majestic fluidity and look stately as they stand
along the water’s edge. With a lightning-fast
strike, herons easily nab fish or frogs for a meal.
Perhaps the one part of the great blue heron
that’s not as beautiful is its call. The rough
squawk has a guttural, almost prehistoric
sound to it.