Red Necked Phalarope
I have to admit my complete lack of familiarity with this species. When I saw it (and perhaps a half dozen others) swimming around among the kelp I was at a total loss as to what they were. Just in case you're in the same boat: they're quite small, weighing in at just 35g, or just over an ounce, which makes them even smaller than a sanderling, which they superficially resemble. They swim very slowly on top of the water in manner that looks to me extremely inefficient, and which makes them appear quite vulnerable, but which nevertheless seems to be just the way they do things. I guess they are not rare, but how do I not recall ever seeing them? This is a place I've spent a lot of time in my life. Red-necked phalarope Monterey Bay, California.
Red Necked Phalarope
I have to admit my complete lack of familiarity with this species. When I saw it (and perhaps a half dozen others) swimming around among the kelp I was at a total loss as to what they were. Just in case you're in the same boat: they're quite small, weighing in at just 35g, or just over an ounce, which makes them even smaller than a sanderling, which they superficially resemble. They swim very slowly on top of the water in manner that looks to me extremely inefficient, and which makes them appear quite vulnerable, but which nevertheless seems to be just the way they do things. I guess they are not rare, but how do I not recall ever seeing them? This is a place I've spent a lot of time in my life. Red-necked phalarope Monterey Bay, California.