More Nests

As part of our pad rehab research, we go to 4 of the long-term monitoring plots the other crew visits regularly to find and monitor nests. The plots are divided into 50m squares, and they are each 1km long. For our project, we walk certain parts (squares) of the plots to compare them to our rehab pads. During our area searches of these plots we may find nests but we do not mark them as the other crew does. Yesterday, we completed our second area search on these plots, and it was quite an active nest day, so I am going to share some more nest pictures!

Greater White-fronted Goose nest.
I think this one has been partially depredated because it is pretty late
in the season to only have 3 eggs (they normally have 7 or more).

Female Dunlin is staying strong on the nest,
even though I am really close to her. 

She gave up when I reached out. Did I mention Dunlins scream
bloody murder when they flush off their nests?
No? Well, now you know.

Female Stilt Sandpiper exhibiting her "broken-wing" behavior.
Exceptionally cute as she flaps up to chest height in front of me.

The precious eggs she was protecting.
I know I have shared a stilt nest before, but I just like them so much.

Long-billed Dowitcher nest.
Female flushed well before I got to the nest, so no pictures of her.

Previously, I shared  some pictures and stories about Jaegers.  Well, I can officially take back what I said about these birds being "pussies" and not making contact when they are defending their nest.  I ran into a pair near the plot with these nests, and they both grazed my head a few times.  I still like them a lot! 

Good parents protecting their nest from big and scary me. 

Slowly making progress on plant identification, so keep an eye out for those (sometime this month...)!