Waterbirds: Walkers
American Avocet, Dowitchers
Shorebirds comprise 62 species, all in the family Scolpacidae, except plovers (Charadriidae), American Avocet & Black-necked Stilt (Recurvirostridae) and Northern Jacana (Jacanidae). Good luck with remembering these facts!
American Avocet is easily photographed on mudflats, sweeping its bill side-to-side through mud to find invertebrates. The Long-, and Short-billed Dowitchers are very similar in appearance and are best distinguished by their calls. Also, Long-billed flocks give constant, soft chatter while feeding, whereas Short-billed flocks are quiet.