A Brief Stop by a Willet
Published: August 12, 2017
Tags: General Observations, seaway slip, willet
I made a stop at the Seaway Slip at the Buffalo Outer Harbor this morning, as is my habit. It had rained the night before and there were puddles all over the parking area. Near one puddle, a large, rather plain shorebird stood - a Willet!
We don't get to see these birds very often at all and I was quite excited to be getting some fantastic looks. I took several photos as the large shorebird poked around in the grass looking for some insects or invertebrates to eat.
When I looked up, I nearly groaned out loud (maybe I actually did) as I saw a woman and her two unleashed dogs approaching. Sure enough, they scared off the Willet and he flew off, not to return. How very sad for the other local birders who would have loved to enjoy this bird. I sure wish there was some protection of this wonderful field that could be put in place. It's a tundra-like open area that attracts migrating shorebirds to come and rest during their long, arduous migratory flights. Unfortunately, it's overrun with dogs, joggers, and hobbyists flying their little model airplanes and drones. Ugh!
Anyway - sorry to rant - enjoy the few photos I got of the Willet before it was scared off!