Red-necked Phalarope

I knew this bird growing up as the Northern Phalarope. The name was changed several years ago to its present name which goes some way to describe the bird when it's in breeding plumage. The bird seen here is in drab Winter plumage. This species spends most of its life at sea where it can be seen in large numbers in areas rich in marine life.  Occasionally after strong onshore winds batter the coast a few can be found in brackish ponds near the ocean. Since they rarely see people other than in fishing vessels they are often easily approached. This bird didn't seem very bothered by my presence. Sept. 4, Hemeon's Head NS.