Avocets have two types of plumage: breeding and non-breeding. The non-breeding plumage is grey. Here is an Avocet from last December in Palo Alto, CA.
The breeding plumage has a brown head. Below is a picture taken in Utah.
I know I’m excited by his sexy brown head! This picture also has a dragonfly, oooh.
The brown is very distinctive. You can make out the Avocets from quite far away. The picture below was taken in Newport Bay, CA back in March.
The Avocets let me get closer than many other birds. They spend a lot of time starting at me, but not flying. And when they do fly, it’s quite a view.
I really like how they hang out with other birds. They’re a constant companion that make little whimpering noises in the background.
The Avocets will be leaving in a few weeks for migration. I’m really going to miss them.
I especially love the pic with the avocet flying with his/her beak fully open…maybe even shrieking, which makes me like it even more! Great pictures, I love seening the differences in breeding/non breeding plummage.
I’m all about the breeding/non-breeding plumage. I feel like it’s step two in my level of birding.
I love Avocets! Nice shots!
Thanks Kathie!