Black-necked stilt

In April, we were delighted to see these delicate-looking shorebirds hunting for food in the shallow waters of flooded farm fields close to the Mississippi levee.  They only visit our area for a short time, and then migrate on.

“Happiness is a gift and the trick is not to expect it, but to delight in it when it comes.”  ~Charles Dickens

Black-necked Stilt

I spotted this lovely Black-necked Stilt strutting around on its long, slender pink legs in some wetland not far from the Mississippi River.  It was quite focused on its task of foraging for food.

“I dressed and went for a walk – determined not to return until I took in what Nature had to offer.”  ~Raymond Carver