The Salton Sea held the largest numbers of American Avocets by far with flocks of hundreds present at several localities. Elsewhere few were recorded.
Black-necked Stilt
American Avocet
Black Oystercatcher
Killdeer
Grey Plover
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Willets
Long-billed Curlew
Marbled Godwit
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Long-billed Dowitchers
Least Sandpiper
Surfbird
Black Turnstone
Wilson's Snipe
Spotted Sandpiper
California - November 2009
Waders / Shorebirds: page 1
As with American Avocet Black-necked Stilt was abundant at the Salton Sea however it was also common at some of the other wetlands visited, such as La Merced. This bird was photographed along Obsidian Butte at the Salton Sea.
American Black Oystercatcher was first encountered at Morro Bay on the rocks by Morro Rock itself. Larger numbers were seen along the coastline further north whilst Point Pinos near Monterey provided the best opportunities for photography, especially early in the morning.
Often very common and approachable Killdeers were seen at various locations from La Merced to the coast at Morro Bay. This bird was photographed at La Merced from the car around the auto route loop.
Grey/Black-bellied Plovers were seen most commonly at Point Pinos near Monterey where this bird was photographed. The species was also noted at the Salton Sea at Obisdian Butte but it wasn't common there.
'Hudsonian' Whimbrel was common at the Salton Sea where large numbers were seen flying overhead on their way to roost. However for the best photographic opportunities Point Pinos, Monterey was hard to beat.
Note the clearly dark rump, white on Eurasian Whimbrel.
Encountered as often as Hudsonian Whimbrel a noticeable difference, apart from plumage and structural ones, was in habitats. On the coast most Whimbrels favoured the rockier coastlines whilst Long-billed Curlews favoured the sandy beaches, these birds were part of a loose flock of around eight individuals at Salinas River Mouth.
The nice orange-buff tones to the underside are clearly visible here which was also very apparent on the under-winged coverts in flight.
