Long Billed Curlew

Prancing around.

Gotta itch.

What?

It's time to eat.

Now it's nap time.

I found him (or her). The rare long billed curlew that's been hanging out at the north beach lagoon at Fort Desoto park. Pinellasbirds.com has been keeping tabs on this bird all summer. They spend their summers up in the northern part of the country. It's very rare to see one in Florida all through the summer. He must have come last winter and stayed put. This breed is considered "highly imperiled" by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. They are declining in numbers. He seemed to be staying close to a large flock of gulls and terns but kept to himself. He's very graceful when he moves. It's a shame there's only one. Maybe he'll find a mate this winter.