Shorebird
Shollenberger Park | Petaluma, CA | Sonoma County | Nature's Persona | Photography 2021
"And God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky'.” Genesis 1:20
This shorebird was so fun to watch. I always get a kick out of seeing shorebirds in the wetlands and on beaches. They are curious, adventurous, and so cute. I believe this shorebird is an American Avocet. Below are some general facts about shorebirds. Enjoy.
American Avocet
This wading bird can be seen in shallow water or on tidal mud; however unlike other long-legged wading birds, the avocet also swims, dabbling for food beneath the water. Feeds with lateral skimming of mud
"Shorebirds come in many shapes and sizes, but all of them share certain physical and behavioral traits. Nearly all shorebirds have a distinct preference for wet habitats and shorelines, both on coasts as well as along inland waterways, marshes, or general riparian habitats. Most shorebirds are carnivorous and eat a range of insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, larvae, tadpoles, and similar prey. Physically, these birds have round heads, generally longer legs, and very useful bills to probe for food in the sand, mud, gravel, and water. Many shorebirds are gregarious, and mixed flocks that include several different types of beach birds are common. During the breeding season, these birds are often shy and will engage in dramatic distraction displays to protect their ground-level nests and chicks. The term shorebird covers several related bird families that are part of this distinct group, and more than 180 species could be considered true shorebirds around the world."
Shollenberger Park is a 165-acre wetland park located in Petaluma, California. Together with the 80-acre Alman Marsh, and 260-acre Ellis Creek which opened to the public in July 2009, a total of 505 acres are accessible to the public. The entirety is referred to as the "Petaluma Wetlands".