Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Edwin Forsythe NWR Whimbrel

For this week's World Bird Wednesday I some shots I took of the Whimbrel I saw while visiting the Edwin Forsythe NWR. The Whimbrel is a shorebird that nests on the Artic Tundra. It winters on coastal marshes, tidal mudflats, sandy and rocky beaches. These sites also serve as a stopover during their migration.  Whimbrel usually forage on invertebrates by shallow probing or picking. The breeding adult has a stripe head and a long curved bill.







The Whimbrel was just one of the great birds I saw while birding the Edwin Forsythe wildlife refuge. If you are ever in the area this place definitely deserves a visit.


To see more great and wonderful birds please visit Springman's World Bird Wednesday.  Thanks to Springman for hosting and thanks for stopping by to see my World Bird post.

36 comments:

  1. they're so neat looking! you got some great shots to show off their curved bill and patterns.

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  2. Great photos! We have this birds on our fields to, but I have not get any photos of them...they are allways running away...:)

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  3. Such distinctive head markings. Thanks for showing these Eileen.

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  4. WoW! You got really nice photos of the whimbrel. I've ever heard of that bird before.

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  5. I need to check these out...

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  6. Wow---the Whimbrel is a beautiful bird... I have NEVER seen one... You are so lucky to see him... Great pictures.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  7. Great post Eileen. Looks like we've both been hanging out in the wetlands lately. I did not know of the whimbrel, it is an exceptional bird. This is a wonderful dscription in words and photos!

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  8. Eileen you have introduced me to a bird I have never heard of.
    It reminds me of a plover.
    Nice shots and thanks for the great info.
    Have a wonderful week!

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  9. Very interesting to see Whimbrels in your kind of habitat. Hundreds of whimbels come down here for our summer - your winter - but my books say they are a different sub-race from the ones you see. However, they look very similar indeed.

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  10. What a wonderful bird. You did a great job in capturing it. Thanks.

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  11. Wonderful post Eileen!I am anxiously awaiting the Whimbrel's return here to Maine.

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  12. Wow, check out that bill! I echo what Carletta said. I love learning about new (to me) birds!
    Great photos!

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  13. Interesting Bird!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River.

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  14. Hi Eileen, These are the first Wimbrel I havee ever seen. Very nice pictures. Have a fantastic day!

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  15. Oh what a great opt to see the Whimbrel!! Would love to see it.

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  16. Neat birds. love those long curved beaks.

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  17. Nice! My Alaska bird book shows that they can be seen here in spring and summer so perhaps I might see one.

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  18. What an awesome sighting with captures. I'll bet it was hard to walk away.

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  19. These are pretty birds and that lighthouse on your header is really cool! Wishing you a wonderful day (maybe still evening) smile...)

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  20. a bird I yet have to see. It migrates through sweden but they mostly go on the costal area and I live inland. :(

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  21. A pretty bird, I think you've described perfectly in word and photos! Nice post!

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  22. The Whimbrel is a pretty bird, and you captured some great pictures of them.

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  23. Great find! These are very cool shorebirds, and I enjoy seeing them along the Pacific coast as well.

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  24. Wow those are great--both the birds and your photographs. I love the coloration and pattern of them!
    It does look like an amazing place to visit!
    Hope you have been having a great week!
    How's your weather-are you staying warm yet?
    meggs.

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  25. These are lovely birds. Love their beak and spotty feathers.

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  26. It must have been a very interesting bird to observe Eileen. Enjoyed your photos and I'll add this place to my list whenever we get out that way. Thanks so much and have a great week.

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  27. What a gorgeous bird! So nice you get to bird that refuge ..It really is a great place to bird!

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  28. I've not seen these birds before, and they are so adorable looking. Very unique!

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  29. Whimbrels??? What an interesting name. I love the beach and the egret's reflection in the post below. You take great pictures!!! Mickie :)

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  30. Well, I've never seen one. I don't know how some of these birds walk around with those huge pointed beaks. They must stab each other by accident when in large groups.

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