Avocet

 

Alphabetically,

it's near the top

among ardent Auduboners:

American Avocet.

We love your bold wings

of black-white-black,

and admire the rufous wash

on your head and neck.

You wade on spindly legs

with knobby knees

through shallow water

and squashy mud flats.

Your slender, black,

upturned bill swishes

back and forth,

gleaning aquatic insects.

We especially appreciate

your elegant profile,

whether you're wading

or lifting your lithe, 

long-legged self  

into flight.                                                  

© 2020 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1. 3. 5. & 6. Gilbert Riparian Preserve - Gilbert, Arizona

2. Mono Lake - California

4. Plains, Kansas