Red Knot Fattening For Migration

[Jim Fenton]

If you listen to those who are in the know, these birds will be extinct in no time......but evidently, nobody has told the group which stops at Plymouth Long beach here in Massachusetts to fatten up before continuing their journey south for the winter.

This is the third year I've found them in good numbers in November at this location.

Image created this afternoon....Nikon D300, 500 AFS-VR, TC14EII, ISO 640, F 7.1, 1/3200 CW metering, +.7 EV compensation, Near UniWB preset.

[Dan Walker]

Jim, nice low angle and head turn/eye contact. Certainly looks like he is fattening up. Great image.

Dan

[Fabs Forns]

They are probably on their way to see me :)
Nice trotting pose and I like the fact you left some belly attached to the leg reflection.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Wow, that is a portly fellow :-) I like the foot just skimming the surface of the water.

[Arthur Morris]

As above and perfectly square to the back of the camera plus a one degree head turn towards you. I could do with or without the belly reflection. Can anyone age this bird?

[Melvin Grey]

As above and perfectly square to the back of the camera plus a one degree head turn towards you. I could do with or without the belly reflection. Can anyone age this bird?

A juvenile Art, although the juveniles we get this side of the 'Pond' (UK) are usually a little more 'scalloped' and contrasty than this, with the dark edging to the feathers more clearly defined.

[Arthur Morris]

A juvenile Art, although the juveniles we get this side of the 'Pond' (UK) are usually a little more 'scalloped' and contrasty than this, with the dark edging to the feathers more clearly defined.

Hi Melvin,

Yes, a moderately worn juvenile. Your birds are probably a bit earlier in the year and thus in fresher plumage. The really fresh ones have a lovely wash of color on the breast that wears quickly.