Ruff at Marl Bed Flats, 5/3/2016

Ruff
Ruff
This morning I drove out to Marl Bed Flats. It rained last night, and I was hoping something interesting might show itself out on the flats.  I got my wish when I saw a couple Semipalmated Plovers in the muddy areas along the lake shore.  I also flushed a Wilson's Snipe--a common species in March, but pretty rare this time of year. I would have arrived at work happy just to see these.

Ruff
Ruff
However, down by the shore of Lake Jesup I came across a loose flock of yellowlegs and Black-necked Stilts. As I was taking photos of the yellowlegs, one turned its head and the bill was too short for a yellowlegs. Then I saw a profile view of the bird and a flight shot, and I was blown a way.  A Ruff, practically in my back yard! This bird is about 20 minutes from my home.  I still can hardly believe it.

Bobolinks
Bobolinks with 2 Least Sandpipers
Another highlight was about 150+ Bobolinks in the same area.  I got one pretty fun flight shot of them, mostly males with a few females sprinkled in.  It was fun to find a couple Least Sandpipers mixed in with the Bobolinks.

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