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Red Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
The Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) breeds on the tundra of northern Canada and Alaska. In the fall, the species migrates south to winter at sea on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Each fall a number of individuals turn up at inland fresh-water lakes and reservoirs within the United States and there are probably records from most if not all states. The bird in the top 7 images shown here was found in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in mid October, 2009. It is a juvenile bird moulting into its first winter plumage. The bird spent several days at this location before moving on. These shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and EF 800mm F/5.6 L IS lens.
I had seen many Red Phalaropes over the years but all had been in plumage similar to the earlier images. In June, 2012, I was able to spend two days in Barrow, Alaska, where I was able to see this species in its incredible breeding plumage. A male is on the right.
The next three shots show a female.
This female is foraging in shallow water.
A male watches the photographer.
Another shot of a female.
The next two shots show males.
A female in the snow.
A male in the snowin the next two shots.
Another male
The next three shots show females.
A male swimming
Another female