American Avocets and Dowitchers in Wetland West of Dunes

From Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve:

American Avocets and Dowitchers in Wetland West of Dunes
NPS/Patrick Myers

#WildlifeWednesday - The presence of fresh water in a stark dunes environment is a hopeful phenomenon that all people can relate to, because it represents life-giving renewal in the midst of the barren deserts of our lives.

This water originates as snowfields on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, flows around the dunes, and emerges as wetlands in the sandy desert west of the main dunefield. It supports wetland plants, aquatic insects, frogs, salamanders, and shore birds that thrive here in summer months, and provides drinking water for elk, bison and pronghorn.

Shore birds such as these avocets and dowitchers have long bills to capture aquatic insects that are their main food source. Avocets are especially fiercely protective of their nests and young, and will dive bomb intruders while screaming a loud "blee-blee-blee" warning. (This photo was captured with a long zoom lens so that the birds and their families were not disturbed.)

Be sure to experience some of the surprisingly diverse ecosystems of Great Sand Dunes on your next visit!

#greatsanddunes #wetland #shorebirds #oasis#desert #avocet #dowitcher 

#animals #birds #nature #wildlife #Colorado #CO 




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