Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Dunlin

Dunlin (Caladris alpina)

Last weekend my husband was home from the hospital on an overnight. The weather was perfect so we decided to visit a favourite birding spot (a pond) where he could see birds from his wheelchair.  He stayed up on the path while I wandered closer to the pond.  This was the first time we'd been birding since March 11, so it was a GREAT day out.

Foraging for nibbles

At first it looked like all we were going to see would be Canada geese and mallard ducks.  But as I moved in closer, I spotted this dunlin close to the water's edge looking for food.

A dunlin is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the far north of North America and Eurasia.  Last weekend this one was on it's way to Hudson's Bay to breed.

Dunlin's back side

In the top shot you can see it's moderately long drooping bill and black legs. You can also see its breeding plumage:  black belly and  black legs. In the bottom photo you can see its rufous cap and back.

I am connecting to Stewart M's Wild Bird Wednesday HERE

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48 comments:

  1. Carole M.June 3, 2014 at 5:40 AM

    Dunlin shots are fabulous...I'm sure your hubby enjoyed this break from hospital..best wishes

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  2. Buttons ThoughtsJune 3, 2014 at 5:46 AM

    Oh I am so happy your husband is coming home for weekends and you are out birding that is so good for both of you. Hug,
    Oh the Dunlin is beautiful I don't think I have ever seen one before. Incredible shots. Hug B

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  3. The CrankyJune 3, 2014 at 5:59 AM

    Beautiful Dunlin shots, but even more beautiful news. If you heard that great big HURRAH, it was me!

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  4. LeoraJune 3, 2014 at 6:09 AM

    What a handsome bird. I'm glad your husband was able to join you on an overnight. May he be 100% well. Take care.

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  5. RevrunnerJune 3, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    Great find and even better news!

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  6. AnvilcloudJune 3, 2014 at 6:57 AM

    It must ave been such a treat for him to get out like that, even if his mobility was limited.

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  7. Sue (this n that)June 3, 2014 at 7:02 AM

    How lovely for you both to enjoy seeing that beautiful bird together. It must have been such a treat. Good and happy wishes :D)

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  8. LowellJune 3, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    So glad you and your husband were able to get out and about. What a glorious day you must have had. Love the little bird, too. How do they know where to go and how do they do it so unerringly?

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  9. Margaret Birding For PleasureJune 3, 2014 at 7:41 AM

    Hi EG I am so pleased that you had your hubby home for a short time and even better that you got out birding. I am sure the day really helped him. these are all fantastic close up shots of this lovely wader.

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  10. William KendallJune 3, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    Good for you and your husband.

    Excellent shots!

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  11. JudyJune 3, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    He is a beautiful guy!! I love seeing the moving water in that first photo, too!!
    And glad your husband is doing better!!!

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  12. magnoliasnteaJune 3, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Wonderful bird shots! I've never seen a dunlin so I enjoyed this very much. Wishing you and your husband many more birding days ahead.

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  13. Amy BurzeseJune 3, 2014 at 8:25 AM

    Wonderful shots. And I'm so glad that you had a great birding day with your husband.

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  14. Judy June 3, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    Yay for you both, him being home, you having him home and you both getting out enjoying the day together.

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  15. The Furry GnomeJune 3, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    Glad to hear hubby got out with you for a bit.

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  16. DarlaJune 3, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    So happy that your husband got to go home even if for just an overnight. Never heard or a Dunlin. Always learn something here.

    Darla

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  17. MichelleJune 3, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Not familiar with the Dunlin, but you have some great shots here. Nice to hear that you had your husband for an overnight visit. I am sure was glad to get out and about.

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  18. TexWisGirlJune 3, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    very striking feather detail! SO glad to hear you two were able to get out together AND he was home overnight! i hope lots more of both to come!

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  19. Linda W.June 3, 2014 at 10:35 AM

    Fantastic shots! Such great details. Nice job!

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  20. John @ Beans and I on the LooseJune 3, 2014 at 10:42 AM

    These are wonderful images of a stunning bird. Don't think I have ever seen one before. Getting to come home for a bit is the best medicine for your husband.

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  21. HalcyonJune 3, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    Love those markings. It's amazing that feathers can make those patterns. :)

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  22. Small City ScenesJune 3, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    Oh I am so glad you guys are getting out and even birding.
    I love the Dunlin. I love to watch them in flight. We usually have them in the valley very early Spring closest to salt water. MB

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  23. LoisJune 3, 2014 at 11:35 AM

    A beautiful bird and one that is definitely new to me!

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  24. KarenJune 3, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    What a treat for you and your Hubs to see! Wonderful shots EG. Good to hear that he is well enough for home visits.

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  25. ShammickiteJune 3, 2014 at 11:42 AM

    Lovely shots of this bird. I haven't heard this dunlin before. Hudson's Bay seems a long way to go to find a wife!!!!
    Good to know that your hubby is out and about and able to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. I wish him many more excursions like this and eventually being able to come home on a more permanent basis.

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  26. RoseJune 3, 2014 at 11:48 AM

    Such a pretty, unique little bird. Or they are to me...I don't ever remember seeing anything like this when I was young...only in the past few years.

    I bet your hubby enjoyed getting out!

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  27. RedPatJune 3, 2014 at 2:06 PM

    Fabulous news that your husband was home for the night and that you two actually got out for some birding!! I don't think I've heard of a Dunlin unless you have shown one before!

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  28. cieldequimperJune 3, 2014 at 2:24 PM

    I'm so glad that you could spend a day outside together doing your favourite thing! And I'm also very happy that you saw this little beauty!

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  29. AnonymousJune 3, 2014 at 2:32 PM

    Glad to hear your husband got to come home for a bit. It's always nice and healing to spend time in nature. You have some great pictures here. I've never seen or heard of this bird before.

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  30. JennyJune 3, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    A special treat for you both to see the dunlin. Nothing like getting out in nature to boost one's spirits. Great that your husband is improving. The dunlin's markings remind me of wood inlay - very attractive in a subdued way.

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  31. JennyJune 3, 2014 at 2:54 PM

    A special treat for you both to see the dunlin. Nothing like getting out in nature to boost one's spirits. Great that your husband is improving. The dunlin's markings remind me of wood inlay - very attractive in a subdued way.

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  32. Lisa GordonJune 3, 2014 at 3:21 PM

    I am so glad that your husband was able to come home for the night!

    These photographs are beautiful. His feathers are amazing.

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  33. Gail DixonJune 3, 2014 at 3:34 PM

    How wonderful that you and your husband were able to bird together. The dunlin is a beautiful bird and you captured his feathering and actions so well.

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  34. mickJune 3, 2014 at 6:31 PM

    Great photos - especially good seeing the breeding plumage. It's a bird I'd love to see but it doesn't come down this way.

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  35. Brian KingJune 3, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    Wow, what gorgeous shots! That's a beautiful bird!

    Glad your husband got to come home for a bit!

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  36. RandyJune 3, 2014 at 9:38 PM

    Beautiful feathers.

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  37. StephanieJune 3, 2014 at 9:42 PM

    That's a gorgeous bird with beautiful colors.

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  38. orchid0324June 3, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    I'm so happy for you two having time together birding(^_^ｖ)~*
    What fantastic pictures of "dunlin"; LOVE the chic color he has ♡♡♡　

    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  39. Grandma Barb's This and ThatJune 3, 2014 at 9:50 PM

    So glad your husband was able to come home for the night and that you were both able to get out for some birding!

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  40. Ruth HiebertJune 3, 2014 at 10:24 PM

    That is a special bird to see,at least for me.I am glad you were able to do some birding with your husband.

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  41. eileeninmdJune 4, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    I am happy to hear your hubby was able to go birding with you1 Love the cute Dunlin..

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  42. Nette CeciliaJune 4, 2014 at 6:44 AM

    Lovley photos ,Nette

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  43. UnknownJune 4, 2014 at 9:29 AM

    Great shots!! Nice to see you out and around!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary.

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  44. UnknownJune 4, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Fabulous shots! I'm so glad you had a wonderful weekend.

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  45. thewovenspokeJune 4, 2014 at 6:55 PM

    Stunning shots of the Dunlin. I'm glad you got out and about to do a bit of birding.

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  46. JackJune 4, 2014 at 9:16 PM

    Your dunlin shots are all good. But, more important, YAY! I am glad that your husband has progressed to the point that he could do a home visit. Baby steps . . .

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  47. UnknownJune 5, 2014 at 5:18 AM

    Great photos! I love shorebirds. They are amazing the way they migrate over such huge distances.

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  48. AnonymousJune 6, 2014 at 6:30 PM

    Such lovely plumage, captured so well.

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