There can be many trips made the wildlife refuge before something wonderful is seen. On this trip to Summer Lake, the American Avocet would prove to be the stars of the show. They were present in great numbers, the light was perfect, and they offered a great deal of behavior, including their beautiful mating ritual, feeding behavior, and mate selection. In this photograph, we see a mixed flock of American avocets and Dunlin. Startled by something I couldn't identity, they lifted from the alkali mudflat, made two circuits around the marsh, only to settle back down and get back to feeding. Lake County, Southeastern Oregon high desert.

A flock of American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), mixed with a few Dunlin make a startled flight around the alkali marsh at Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatching in Lake County, Southeastern Oregon.