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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 12h

This Little Egret desperately wants dry feet, but with those gloriously huge, bright yellow stompers, finding a stable, dry spot on the volcanic rocks is proving to be a bit of an awkward challenge.

We appreciate the effort, little buddy!

#birds #littleegret #bigfeet #nature #wildlife #animals

A Little Egret stands awkwardly on a small, dark rock in water, its large, bright yellow feet struggling to find a dry, stable perch.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 1d

Look at these two House Sparrow gals, just owning the volcanic rock in their native range in the Azores!

They're basically the OGs, chilling where they belong, long before they went globe-trotting. So much swagger.

#birds #housesparrow #nativerange #animals #wildlife #nature #azores #photography

Two House Sparrows stand confidently on dark volcanic rock in their native Azorean habitat.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 1d

thanks!

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 2d

"Visualize the fish, Terry. Be the fish. No, wait, catch the fish. Focus, Terry. You are not a fish."

This Little Egret's morning self-help session is a work in progress.

#Birds #Wildlife #nature #photography #animals #littleegret #azores

A Little Egret looks at its reflection, engaged in a humorous and slightly confused self-help session about catching fish.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 3d

It's great to respect the comfy nap time of your neighbors.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 3d

For those wondering: yes, that tiny fish is the main course. Little Egrets specialize in small-plate dining. Their diet is a variety of tiny fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Think of them as living on a perpetual tapas diet. A very refined and snack-driven lifestyle.

#birds #wildlife #littleegret

A Little Egret enjoys a "small plate" meal, holding a tiny fish in its beak, illustrating its tapas-like diet.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 5d

so relatable...

Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 5d

Pigeons might not know the day of the week, but this Rock Pigeon certainly looks like it could use a break from the tribulations of pigeon life.

We're right there with you, feathered friend. We all need more weekends! 😩

#birds #rockpigeon #pigeon #nature #wildlife #animals #mondaymood #photography

A slightly ruffled Rock Pigeon stands on a rock, appearing weary and embodying the universal desire for more weekends.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 7d

Your weekend hiking inspo just dropped! ✨

If changing leaves aren't calling you, let these Grey Wagtails show you how it's done. Effortlessly taking in the views on the shores of the Azores. Remember: have your wings ready for those tough-to-scale vistas! 😂

#birds #greywagtail #nature #wildlife

Two Grey Wagtails are perched on mossy, rocky shores, effortlessly enjoying views as inspiration for a weekend hike.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 8d

"Yes, my weekend plans are confirmed. Thanks for asking."

This Whimbrel has that exact knowing head tilt and is clearly ready to clock out. Happy Friday from the rocky coast!

#Whimbrel #birds #animals #weekendvibes #friday #wildlife #nature #photography #azores

A Whimbrel with a "knowing" head tilt stands on a rocky shore, conveying that its weekend plans are confirmed.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 9d

Thanks, I did!

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 9d

Even during a busy day of foraging, sometimes you just need to pause, stare dramatically out at the rough sea, and contemplate your life choices.

A #TBT to this very profound Whimbrel in the Azores, having a moment.

#Whimbrel #birds #azores #wildlife #nature #photography #animals #DeepThoughts

A Whimbrel takes a contemplative break from foraging, standing on a mossy rock and looking out over a rough, gray sea. Photo by Wendy Dembowski

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 10d

What an incredible catch! This Whimbrel just pulled off the ultimate shoreline hunter's triumph, snagging a crab with its perfectly curved bill. A master forager on the rocky coasts!

#birds #birding #crabbing #azores #whimbrel #nature #wildlife #animals #photography

A Whimbrel, a large shorebird with a long, curved bill, stands triumphantly on mossy rocks with a crab firmly caught in its mouth.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 11d

"No running. No throwing sand. And yes, you do have to eat all your invertebrates before you can go play!"

This Ruddy Turnstone is clearly the lunch proctor for the Sanderlings. Keeping a very close eye on everyone's mealtime etiquette.

#birds #ruddyturnstone #sanderling #wildlife #nature #animals

A Ruddy Turnstone stands vigilantly over a group of foraging Sanderlings, like a strict lunch proctor overseeing mealtime. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 12d

Your motivational speaker for the week has arrived. This Ruddy Turnstone is yelling:

"It's Monday! The tide is high! The invertebrates are plentiful! Let's get out there and turn some stones!"

Thanks for the pep talk, little guy.

#birds #ruddyturnstone #cute #wildlife #animals #photography

A Ruddy Turnstone acts as a motivational speaker, calling out encouragement with its beak open on a shoreline. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 14d

"Hey, whatcha got there? Can I have a taste of yours?"

The eternal brunch question, even for Sanderlings. Meanwhile, the third friend is wisely keeping its distance to avoid sharing. A classic Saturday morning dynamic.

#birds #birding #sanderlings #wildlife #nature #photography #brunch #cute

Two Sanderlings are close together as if sharing food, while a third, wiser Sanderling forages by itself to avoid sharing.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 15d

That one friend who is always the ✨POP of color✨ in the group photo.

The Ruddy Turnstone, with its vibrant calico pattern, really stands out next to its chic, monochromatic Sanderling friends. A perfect splash of color for a Friday morning!

#sanderling #ruddyturnstone #birds #wildlife #photography

A colorful, patterned Ruddy Turnstone provides a "pop of color" as it forages next to two pale, monochromatic Sanderlings. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 15d

Not a Killdeer, although they are similar. Killdeer are larger with two breast bands. Common Ringed plover are arctic birds, who tend to migrate around Europe :)

Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 16d

This Common Ringed Plover proves you don't need a giant fork to enjoy the buffet. That stubby little bill is a precision instrument, perfect for snatching insects from the surface. It’s all part of its "work smarter, not harder" strategy.

#Birds #commonringedplover #cute #azores #nature #wildlife

A Common Ringed Plover with a short, stubby bill stands at the edge of the water, demonstrating its smart surface-feeding strategy. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 17d

Look closely! This Sanderling just caught some food—a tiny invertebrate! These amazing little birds are constantly foraging, because as you can imagine, it takes a lot of those small snacks to fuel their super active lives.

#Birds #birding #Sanderling #Azores #Wildlife #Nature #Photography

Sanderling has successfully caught a tiny invertebrate, visible in its bill, while foraging in shallow, muddy water. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 19d

These Sanderlings and the Ruddy Turnstone are basically me on a Monday morning: diligently searching for my motivation (and maybe some coffee) as the new week's to-do list starts to roll in.

#Sanderling #RuddyTurnstone #birds #birding #azores #shorebirds #forage #wildlife #nature #photography

Two Sanderlings and a Ruddy Turnstone forage in calm, shallow pools of water on a dark, wet shoreline with gentle waves lapping nearby. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 20d

A Rock Pigeon with striking plumage is nestled securely in dark, textured volcanic rock, perfectly embodying its name.

#birds #rockpigeon #azores #birding #wildlife #Photography #nature

A Rock Pigeon with striking plumage is nestled securely in dark, textured volcanic rock, perfectly embodying its name. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 21d

💯my partner is such a great spotter!

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 21d

The most exclusive pool party of the weekend. A few Sanderlings having a great time foraging in their own private, shallow pools. The snacks are fresh and the vibes are immaculate. Happy Saturday!

#Birds #Sanderling #Birding #Wildlife #Nature #photography

A few Sanderlings enjoy an "exclusive pool party," foraging together in a calm, shallow pool.. Photo by Wendy Dembowski

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Wendy @wildsnwags.bsky.social · 26d

Avoid tunnel vision when you're birding! I was watching hundreds of Yellow-legged Gulls on the beach when I caught the flash of silver from this flock of Sanderlings in flight.

#Birds #Sanderlings #azores #photography #wildlife #nature #birding #wildlifephotography

A flock of Sanderlings with silver-edged wings flies over the surf, a surprise sighting on a beach full of Yellow-legged Gulls in the Azores. Photo by Wendy Dembowski.

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