What does a couple hours of walking in the mud get you? Some crispy images of the recent Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the Pablo NWR. This small, elegant shorebird is a real gem, with its warm buff-colored plumage and distinctive, short bill.
The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a species of conservation concern, primarily due to habitat loss across its migratory range. These birds breed in the Arctic tundra of North America and embark on an incredible journey, migrating through the central United States and into South America, with a few making stopovers in Montana during their migration (mostly east of the Continental Divide).
Montana's wetlands provide crucial resting points for these birds as they travel between breeding and wintering grounds. Seeing this one reminded me of the importance of preserving wetlands and grasslands for these remarkable long-distance travelers.
If you're out and about, keep your eyes peeled for shorebirds as it is the season!