Lesser Yellowlegs II

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

The Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) first discovered on Aug 26 was still feeding at the same irrigation pond this morning, Sep 11. As noted in my previous post, this pond is actually located in the municipality of Tazacorte, but for birding purposes is usually included under the label "Las Martelas" (Los Llanos de Aridane).

Many irrigation ponds in the area have been completely abandoned in recent decades, but others, like this one, are still in use and can be found with varying water-levels.

Ponds of this type are often full of emerging dragonflies, frogs,  tadpoles, larvae, insects, and sometimes fish. In short, there is no shortage of food for migratory wading birds.

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) with a small fish.

The Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) habitually forages in shallow water or on land, favouring freshwater ponds and reservoirs when away from its breeding grounds, and also brackish pools and lagoons.

It consumes insects and invertebrates of all kinds, crustaceans, snails, worms, and even small fish. In the photo above, and in the enlargement below, the bird can be seen about to devour a tiny fish which it captured in the shallows and carried to the water´s edge.

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) about to consume a small fish.

Given the abundant food supply, it is perhaps no wonder that this migratory shorebird has decided to make such a lengthy stopover! 

In addition, the pond is completely out of bounds to the general public, meaning that disturbance is minimal. All photographs were taken through the wire-mesh fence.

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

Other individuals of this species are less lucky on their annual migration across the Caribbean. Quoting from an article found on the Cornell Lab Birds of the World site:

As recently as 1991, however, several thousand Lesser Yellowlegs were still being shot annually for sport in the Caribbean, and this shooting continues. Recent (2012) estimates suggest that 7,000-15,000 individuals may be shot each fall in migration at wetlands constructed by shooting clubs on Barbados; perhaps half that many may be shot each fall on Guadeloupe and Martinique, with a potentially significant take also on wintering grounds in Suriname and Guyana. See details in Clay et al. (2012). Clearly this is a significant threat to the species and requires continued monitoring.  

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

In my opinion, this senseless slaughter requires something more than just "continued monitoring"...

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)