Pellet ejection in shorebirds.
I came across an interesting behaviour from a Greater Yellowlegs today. Watching through the viewfinder I knew something was coming up (pun intended) when this guy opened its mouth way wide and started to contract its' outstretched neck. Owls are famous for ejecting pellets but I never was aware, until today, that some species of shorebirds also did this (some plovers, turnstones). After some small research I found out that some do this when their diet consists mainly of fish. I guess we learn something new every day! This image, although technically not ideal, nicely documents what I saw and though it interesting enough to share with you...
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w...lowlegsBPN.jpg
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Whimbrel "yacking a pellet"
I got this image of a Whimbrel yacking a pellet. Unfortunately my timing was a little off and just got it as it was hitting the water. I have seen other shorebirds also do this.