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Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
33.7401, -96.759
Field Notes
Description:
A common, tall, long-legged shorebird of freshwater ponds and tidal marshes, the Greater Yellowlegs frequently announces its presence by its piercing alarm calls. Medium-sized to large shorebird with long, bright yellow legs. A rather long neck and bill. White rump and tail. Greater's bill is grayish at the base in nonbreeding season.
Habitat:
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife, lies on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma, on the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas. The refuge is made up of water, marsh, and upland habitat and visitors can hike, observe wildlife, hunt, fish at various times throughout the year. The main focus at Hagerman NWR is providing a winter home for thousands of waterfowl. Foremost among the waterfowl are Canada geese. During fall, winter, and spring, numbers can reach 7,500 or more. Other geese include white-fronted and snow geese, with a scattering of the smaller Ross' geese.
Notes:
This one flew in closer, announced itself, and started feeding in the canal. They wade into the water to fish, darting around the shallows and stabbing at the water. Unlike other shorebirds with long bills, greater yellowlegs do not probe the sand for invertebrates; rather they use a swaying motion to strain the water with their bill. While feeding, wading birds like great egrets and glossy ibis stir up food in the shallows, and the greater yellowlegs take advantage by excitedly darting around snatching up small fish. They are often described as "frantic feeders."
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