I have several birding books and an equal number of birding apps, but my go-to book is Bob Morse’s BIRDS of the Puget Sound. It’s a small handbook (about the size of a hand) and contains short, but helpful, descriptions of the birds, where they are most apt to be found, and habits. My experience with Black-Bellied Plovers at Ft. Flagler seemed an experience right out of a textbook.
His book states that they can be found in â€?”mudflats,â€
short grass,
and beaches.
Under Diet and Behavior, the book states â€?”Birds spread out to feed but roost in groups, often flocking with other shorebirds, especially Dunlin.
I’ll have to admit that I didn’t really see the Plovers mixed in with the Dunlin until I brought the shots up on screen. It’s a great place to get lost in a crowd.
Your post reminded me of rock climbing guides I used to use. The same challenge, in a a way. To succinctly describe something physical in such a way that the reader will easily recognise it. I was always amused by the way writers of such guides traditionally used the word ‘interesting’ to mean ‘terrifying’.
I’m surprised that anyone who is a rock climber even knows the word “terrifying.” I, on the other hand, would more often than not use that word when engaged in climbing up a rock wall.
The pictures are beautiful, not just the birds but the backgrounds! I really like the one where the bird is on the sand just ahead of the foam.