I’ve heard people call Willets “Plain Brown Birds”. I reckon they may have never seen one looking like this Willet.
Willet getting balanced – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Yes, Willets have brown in their plumage but they are far from “Plain”. In fact; with their wings lifted, they look pretty dapper in my opinion.
I photographed this Willet on Antelope Island State Park in northern Utah. The bird had briefly perched on a rock and then flew a short distance to the top of this shrub where for few moments it struggled to regain its balance and showed the snazzy underside of the wings.
A “Plain Brown Bird”? Pfflllt…
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Superb photos. Grew up in UT. not a birder or photographer then. Wish I had been. Makes me kinda homesick for the west but we have good birds here in FL too.
There is no accounting for the way some people see/think. i totally agree with you. Willets are very handsome
Zepyhr, thank you, Willets are handsome
Willets are handsome, no bout adout it. Even without the wing flash (which is a wonderful accent, that coloration on the side has almost the same orange-brown and black pattern of a Great-Horned Owl, a sort of tiger pattern.
Very cool. Great shot.
Thanks Laurence, they do have a tiger pattern!
I agree completely, Mia, Willets are pretty dapper looking birds!
Thank you Prairie Birder!