As is my habit, I walked along the beach of southern Lake Erie this morning. I just love the quiet solitude in the mornings and I find it a beautiful time to commune with my Heavenly Father and to get some much needed exercise all at the same time.
This morning brought a big surprise though - and one that completely disrupted those lofty, heavenly reflections. Walking along by the water, I nearly stepped on a pretty, little shorebird. Its identity escaped me at first but I quickly determined it was a phalarope of some kind. I knew it wasn't a Wilson's and I needed to narrow it down to either a Red-necked or Red Phalarope. I had left my glasses in the car and was helpless to figure it out using my phone app. I took a bunch of photos of the obviously weary bird and sent them to some birding friends to help me with the ID. Our leader, Alec H, quickly sent back verification that it was a Red-necked Phalarope. Wow! Although it was in non-breeding plumage, the mask around its eyes, the thin, needle-like bill, and the patterned back all helped to nail down the bird's identity.
I quickly sent word out to the birding community and many people came and enjoyed the bird this morning, although it didn't stay for more than a couple of hours. It was pretty tired by the looks of it and I suspect it flew off to find a quieter place to rest. Sometimes it's a conflict as to whether or not to share a bird; migrants need their rest but so many people would love to see it. It's always a tough decision...
The Red-necked Phalarope breeds on the Arctic tundra and is usually found on the ocean during migration and in winter. How nice this gorgeous, little bird decided to stop along one of the Great Lakes on its southward migratory travels. I was grateful to have seen it!