Swimming Shorebirds

[kastern]

We spent this past long weekend at Tunkwa Lake. On Sunday we were canoeing across the lake when we saw a flock of approximately 25 to 30 birds. From their behavior, I thought they were some sort of Tern, however, when I looked at them through binoculars I found they were some sort of shorebird. The flock would actually land on the lake and swim, then take off and fly low over the water before landing again. They appeared to be quite small - sort of plover size - short tail and fairly long wing span. I managed one very distant picture. It was impossible to get close to them. Does anyone have any idea what they could possibly have been?


Kathy

[Dave]

Hi Kathy,

Your description fits well for Wilson's Phalaropes (or any kind of phalarope), however, I do not know where Tunkwa Lake is, so can not use location to narrow down the options. Phalaropes are regular swimmers and can be very entertaining doing donuts in the water trying to stir up food. The underside of a Wilson's Phalarope is very white and probably would have stood out. Also the bill is quite thin as well.

Here is a pic of a Wilson's Phalarope that I took last Thursday when Gord and I were in Vancouver. The Phalarope is the piper on the left.


Well, that is guess number 1....

Dave

[kastern]

Thanks Dave....after consulting my 'Shorebird Guide' I had figured some sort of Phalarope as well. I am familiar with the Wilson's although any I had seen before were at the edges of water. I sent the photo and a cropped version to a birder freind who specializes in Shorebirds and he said that they were 'Red Necked Phalarope' - if that is the case, then that would be a Lifer for me.

By the way, Tunkwa Lake Provincial Park is about 15 km north of the town of Logan Lake, if you have never been there, it is a great birding spot, especially for water fowl and this time of the year, Raptors. It is known as a fishing lake and is situated in the middle of open grasslands. It used to be much more scenic before the pine beetle invaded the area. Hundreds of trees have been taken out and most of the remaining ones are dead, but the area is now converting back to the grassland with Aspens. During migration you just never know what will stop by....as evidenced by these guys.

It is one of our favorite spots.

Kathy

[oldfulica]

Hi
I agree with the Red-necked Phalaropes. Last year at this time I photographed 6 on Kamloops Lake out of a kayak. There are quite a few around here at right now.

See you in the field
Len Jellicoe