I received a message just after lunch to tell me that there was a Lesser Yellowlegs close to Exeter Quay on the start of the flood relief chanel at Trews Weir. Its been quite a week for birds what with Red backed Shrike on Sunday, White rumped Sandpiper on Tuesday followed by the star of the show today.
I immediately asked Jenny to drop me off and as I made my way there I was very excited at the prspect of seeing a bird that I had last photographed in South Florida.
Lesser Yellowlegs are related to Redshank and Wood Sandpiper and to my eyes are very similar to that species but sporting beautiful bright yellow legs. Is this perhaps the most unimaginatve name given to any bird?
They are a bird of Northern Canada and at this time of year on the start of their migration to South America....... this one is off course and who knows where it will ed up.
The bird was feeding in the shallow water of the flood relief and was giving great views to the collection of birders who all had their scopes focused on it.
In between feeding it would rest on one leg before then looking for more food. I dont think it was particularly successful because the relief channel is made of concrete and I doubt if it supports much life.
At one point it decided to bathe which was interesting to watch.
With the wings stetched it was interesting to see the tail and underwing.
I always like to photograph birds in fligh so it was good to get the opportunity as it leapt around trying to dry its wings.
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