Upland Sandpiper

We've been having a wonderful time exploring the back country of Presque Isle County, Michigan. Lots of great finds, such as the road-going bittern of the previous post. One of the avian highlights is Upland Sandpiper, which breeds fairly commonly up here.

Our group ogles a confiding Upland Sandpiper that is foraging in the short grass on the other side of the road, directly in line with that stop sign. We had awesome views and an extended study of this bird, which is one of the world's true long distance migrant champions.

And here it is - lanky, long-legged and long-necked, with huge eyes. Very ploveresque, and indeed the species was once known as the "Upland Plover". This animal has come a LONG way. "Uppies" winter in the pampas land of southern Argentina, near the other end of the globe. It's always a thrill to see these beautiful birds, and the knowledge of their spectacular migrations makes an observation all the more impressive.