Piping Plover Surveys

Today was a Piping Plover survey day at Gulf Islands National Seashore. We're been trying to get them completed for days, but between hatchling sea turtles and stranded adults, it's been a bit busy!



The same banded PIPL that's been hanging out at Little Sabine for the last month was hanging out still... Guess the mudflats there have some great treats!



Of course, there was also the infamous Flamingo at Opal Beach, hanging out with a Great Blue Heron that may, or may not, be a close relative. Flamingos may just be in a bird branch all of their own, though they look a lot like storks to me!



The peeps were out in great numbers, fighting amongst themselves,



and hiding from me...



I just love watching the antics of Reddish Egrets...



With their spooky yellow eyes and comical behavior, I don't understand why no one has used them as cartoon characters yet!