I’ve heard people call Willets “Plain Brown Birds”. I reckon they may have never seen one looking like this Willet.

Willet getting balancedWillet getting balanced – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

Yes, Willets have brown in their plumage but they are far from “Plain”. In fact; with their wings lifted, they look pretty dapper in my opinion.

I photographed this Willet on Antelope Island State Park in northern Utah. The bird had briefly perched on a rock and then flew a short distance to the top of this shrub where for few moments it struggled to regain its balance and showed the snazzy underside of the wings.

A “Plain Brown Bird”? Pfflllt…

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Willet photos plus facts and information about this species.