| With the large variety of shoreline types along Lake Huron it is not surprising that many species of shorebirds can be found. Most are spring and summer migrants but many are local breeders. The plovers and sandpipers are the most numerous groups. | They are the small waders seen running and darting along the beach, probing mudflats and skittering along the surface in flight. A good spotting scope is essential to positive ID in the field. The large waders are covered on additional pages. |
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The Dunlin (or Red-backed Sandpiper) is an abundant migrant seen from late April well into May along sandy flats and rocky points. It is the only sandpiper with an all black belly and upper sides a rusty red. The black bill is stout with a pronounced short curve, or droop at the end. Breeds in the Arctic, winters Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast. One of the most common shorebirds we have at times. |
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The Solitary Sandpiper is another regular spring migrant to the pools, ponds and wetlands along the lake. It has a pronounced white eye ring and black sides. It nods repeatedly. In flight it shows pronounced white patches in the tail. Resembles the Lesser Yellow Legs and Spotted Sandpiper. Breeds in Canada and winters in the tropics. |
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The Killdeer is a very common breeding shorebird that can also be found in suburban and farm areas of open fields, plowed land and driveways. It is a Plover, as can be seen from its short, stout bill. The call is a short and insistent, two syllable monologue of repeated keeyll-deeahs, or kil-deers. The only Plover with two breast bands, it breeds throughout the eastern U. S., wintering in the more southern states. |
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The Lesser Yellow-legs is a common wader among the small pools and mudflats along the shores. It is one of the few birds with yellow legs, being distinguished from its close relative the Greater Yellow-legs by being smaller and having a straight bill. Also, the calls are much different (check your field guide). Both species are common to the shores of Lake Huron and inland during migration, but breed in Canada mainly. |
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This Ruddy Turnstone in fall plumage has lost most of
its characteristic reddish back and the white of the
sides of the head is also now brown. It stubby shape and
bright orange legs makes this sandpiper unmistakable
however. Listen
to the call (JS).
A spring migrant, this bird breeds in the Arctic and winters along the east coast and to the Gulf. Fairly common on flats and low points of land along Lake Huron. |
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The Virginia Rail in not considered a shore bird per
se', but is included here because it resembles one. It is
always found in the heavy cover of the marsh, never
running around near the shoreline of an open beach or mudflat. This rail is the only reddish one with grey cheeks and a long, slim bill. It breeds along Lake Huron and winters in the southern U. S. The young in late summer are black, and can be confused with coot from a distance. Their small size and long bill is diagnostic however. |
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