Caspian Terns

Another early bird: the Caspian Tern. These two were having a debate on Montrose Beach this past weekend.

"Tastes Great"

"Less Filling"

"Whatever"

Down by the Shore

A trio of shore birds spent Labor Day at Montrose Beach (along with the seagulls, volleyball players, and sunbathers)

This Sanderling looks big ...

... until you see it in perspective to a plastic cup. He's a small guy but large for sandpipers.

When it is sitting, the Least Sandpiper looks a lot like a Semipalmated Sandpiper ...
... but when it is up and about you can see the distinguishing greenish legs.
So happy to be back in Chicago, this little Semipalmated Plover ...
... broke into a high-kicking chorus line routine.

Eastern Kingbird

I really like the Eastern Kingbird. They have lovely markings and are enjoyable (and easy) to watch because they remain in the same general area for awhile. They perch and watch. Fly off for a bug and then return to the same (or nearly the same) perch.

While they usually strike a rather stately pose, as the last photo shows, they are quite capable of an occasional goofy look.

Caspian Tern

The Caspian Tern has a real "Joe Cool" Surfer look. There have been a few lingering by Montrose Beach throughout the summer. (There were more in the Spring but, I believe, they've moved further north now.)


These next four shots were of one of the terns looking for lunch. They hover, a little, while looking down into the water.

This one took offense, I think, when I suggested that it looked more like Moe of the Three Stooges than a Joe Cool Surfer.

Killdeer

We've seen some Killdeer at two locations in Chicago: Montrose Beach (near the Magic Hedge) and Northerly Island. I like their very clean clear markings. They're fun to watch as well. They tend to run and then suddenly stop and sit. Apparently they stop to see if they've scared up any bugs to eat.

At Montrose Beach

Taking in the view at Northerly Island

AAACK! A Photographer!

Spotted Sandpiper

This little Spotted Sandpiper was enjoying a day at the Montrose Beach last Saturday. When you compare him to the Ringbilled Gull (typically 17.5" tall) in the lower picture you get a fairly good idea of how little the Sandpiper (typically 7.5" tall) is.