August 10, 2023

I am known as a Black-necked Stilt

According to Cornell, I'm smaller than a Willet

Cornell also says I'm larger than a Lesser Yellowlegs

But you can only tell if you see me standing with it.

(Note: This kind of comparison has always driven me a little crazy. If I don't know how big a Black-necked Stilt is, there is a good chance I won't know how big a Willet or Lesser Yellowlegs is either. In general, I think it would be much better to compare bird size to non bird objects such as, a can of beer, a six-pack, a case of beer or a keg of beer.)

Location: T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Broadmoor unit

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-necked_Stilt/id

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 18, 2022

I am known as a Black-necked Stilt

If I'm nesting, you best stay away

I'm territorial and if you get too close, 

You'll witness my Popcorn* Display!

* To quote the linked article: "Predators, and humans, that happen near nesting stilts soon learn that they are not welcome: any birds that are not incubating often fly around or even form a ring around the predator, calling loudly as they leap up and down, flapping their wings (called a “Popcorn Display” by researchers)."

Location: Lakeside STA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-necked_Stilt/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 26, 2020

I am known as a Black-necked Stilt,
I'm the same family as the Avocet
Although it's rare, we can hybridize,
And an Avo-stilt is what we get.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Everglades Agricultural Area, Palm Beach County

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-necked_Stilt/overview

Photo  © 2020 David Simpson , text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 9, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Broadmoor section, Fellsmere

I am known as Black-necked Stilt,
I look for invertebrates to eat
I have long pink legs and at the end
3 long toes on my big pink feet.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Black-necked Stilt

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson