Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Help Yourself!

Snipe, curlew, dowitcher...this is one of the sandpipers, but I am not expert enough to clarify.  I had fun watching him along the Pacific beach in Mexico.  He would probe with his long bill until several inches below the sand he would find something to eat.



I am not sure what he has here since it looks just like a fish scale or piece of crustacean shell, but he must think it is worth something  until...


...this paddle-tailed crackle comes along dressed smartly in his black tuxedo and snatches it right out of his mouth.  The sandpiper looks forlorn but does not seem willing to argue.  I think this kind of dance goes on for some time until the grackle feels well-feed and the sandpiper can fish for himself again!


12 comments:

  1. Darn bully of a grackle.

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  2. ha. i think they are really cool looking...the long bill...and long legs....hey and one mans treasure is anothers....crustcean shell? smiles.

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  3. If there was danger around, the grackle would probably sound an alarm.

    Maybe this is pay for protection.

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  4. I think that it is called the Whimbrel, but I might be wrong. Anyway, it is a wonderful picture.

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  5. Great pics....
    Hugs

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  6. Nice photos of the birds interacting -- barbara

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  7. Wonderful photos. I could watch these guys all day. The pelicans too.

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  8. We have sandpipers in our lane in the spring. They nest in the grass. The mama and papa take the babies right across the road into the woods. When they are foraging along the berm I worry the little ones will fly up under the car.

    As always, love your pictures.

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  9. Great series of photos. That pushy little Grackle.

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  10. Wonderful to sit and watch birds interact, even if it is not in a very friendly way. A nice group of photos.

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  11. These are WONDERFUL pictures!!

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  12. You really are a fabulous photographer. I have the worst time taking photos of birds. They never stay still for me. These are terrific!

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