Upland Sandpiper
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Upland Sandpiper in a large Southwest Michigan grassy field yesterday. It wasn’t too surprising to find it there since the habitat for this type of Sandpiper consists of tall grass. Normally spending up to 8 months of the year in South America, they come north to breed during the summer in such areas before they return south.
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Ruby Crowned Kinglet today as it was guarding its territory, driving off any other birds that approached within a few yards. It didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence as I photographed the colorful bird from a bridge overlooking a stream in Holland, Michigan.
Killdeer in the Grass
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Killdeer walking along the side of a West Michigan road today. Its feathers blended in well with the backdrop of brown vegetation. Killdeer are known for their broken wing distraction display. They will pretend to have a broken wing to lead predators away from their young.









