Wading birds: Black-necked Stilts

Graceful Black-necked Stilts, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/26/2011

Black-necked Stilts (Above) were in abundance at the Riparian Preserve at Water ranch late last December. I probably saw 4-5 dozen each of the two days I spent observing and photographing birds in this wonederful nature preserve.  These waders are fun to watch as they gracefully tip-toe through the shallow pnds and mud flats.

This wary Black-necked Stilt kept approaching nearer, even though I was only a few yards away, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/24/2011

A picture-perfect mirror image of a Black-necked Stilt, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/26/2011

Their long red legs in contrast to their black and white plumage adds a nice spot of color in the photographs, especially when they are reflected in the blue /green pools of water.

A Black-necked Stilt walking past  the much larger Great Blue Heron (behind), Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/26/2011

Black-necked Stilts at 14" long are a good-sized bird, but next to the 46" Great Blue Heron, it seems quite small (Above).

Another great reflection pic of a Black-necked Stilt, Riparian Preserve, Gilbert, AZ; 12/26/2011