When I first went down to Frank Lake a couple of weekends ago, the American Avocets were the only shorebirds in the small marsh next to the large blind along the water.  When I returned at the end of that weekend, there were a couple of Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) that had joined the good times fishing in the shallows.

The two seemed like a couple as they never strayed to far from one another.  The females can be distinguished by brown-tinged upper parts, whereas the males are a solid black.  The difference was not easily seen but I think I could identify one male and one female.

These are cool little birds.  Striking in appearance and very interesting to watch as they stalk around a marsh.  I’m excited to find out whether chicks will be following these two around soon.

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