Shorebirds Getting Pretty, Red Knots and Short-billed Dowitchers

Red Knot and Willets

Red Knots and Willets

Short-billed Dowitchers

Shorebirds getting pretty. Many shorebirds are migrating now and turning into their breeding plumage, such as this Red Knot. The Short-billed Dowitchers are getting darker feathers on their backs. Red Knots migrate to high arctic breeding grounds so national wildlife refuges, like J. N.Ding Darling NWR where I photographed these, are vital places for them to stop and refuel on their long journey!