"An Avocet Afternoon"

American Avocet

The American Avocet is a very colorful and attractive shorebird.  Avocets lay 4 eggs and nest in groups.  If their nests

are raided by predators they will lay another clutch of eggs.  They are usually a quiet bird but will let out a loud shrill

if they or their nest is endangered.  Avocets will also protect their nests by feigning injury to draw predators away

from it.  Avocets never feed their own young which have to fend for themselves as soon as they hatch.  The avocets

bill appears to make that a forgone conclusion.  It is a strikingly beautiful bird.