(Tringa semipalmata)

Willets are drab-looking birds until they open their wings to reveal beautiful black and white markings. This one was following a Wilson's Phalarope out onto clumps of algae floating on the water. The Phalarope was light enough so it didn't break through the algae. The heavier Willet broke through and reacted by raising its wings to show the black and white markings.

Colorado, July 2010