Birds of Frenchmans Creek_Guidebook and Checklist_2020_Updat

They can survive in a wide range of habitats and climatic conditions from Arctic to tropical. It is found along coasts, particularly on rocky or stony shores. It is often found on man-made structures such as break- waters and jetties. It may venture onto open grassy areas near the coast. Small numbers sometimes turn up on inland wetlands, especially during the spring and autumn migrations.

Nests in both wet and dry tundra. Winters in coastal lagoons and estuaries. Migrants stop along coastlines and in harvested agricultural areas, sod farms, and muddy edges of lakes and rivers.

In winter, Willets are easy to spot feeding along the water’s edge. They’re one of the largest common shore- birds, so even though they’re indistinctly marked, you can learn to quickly recognize their overall chunky shape, subdued plumage, and thick, long bill. To be absolutely sure, look for distinctive black-and-white wing markings when they take flight, and listen for the pill-will-willet call that gives them their name.