I haven't spent enough time at the lake this year to know but I've heard there are fewer terns there this year. I did see quite a few fishing off the beach one day and there have been adults feeding young ones so it seems they are still nesting somewhere close by.
This is not a species I see very often. I have mixed feelings about seeing them, they are interesting little birds, usually only found individually on this coast and mixing with the other peep which are a little smaller in comparison except for the White-rumped which are similar in size. The longer primary feathers which extend beyond the tail is one good field mark although shared by the White-rumped. The Baird's being browner in colour. This is probably a juvenile bird. My mixed feelings stem from the fact that I destroyed a previous favourite camera trying to photograph one.
Last time I was at the beach there were lots of Turnstones there as well as many of the usual suspects. I need to get back there for another photo session soon while the weather is still favourable.
Yellowlegs seem to be equally at home whether it's at the beach or in a brackish pond as these two photos seem to indicate.
