Trip report

Spoonbill Pond

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Close-up: The intricate feather detail of a Least Sandpiper in the golden morning light at our recent outing.
Close-up: The intricate feather detail of a Least Sandpiper in the golden morning light at our recent outing.

The Outing

We had 13 birders enjoy mild weather and 30 species of birds. Both Kristin Herring and Richard Timm submitted photos. The banner photo by Richard features a Least Sandpiper. Photos from Kristin show an American Oystercatcher and a Bald Eagle that looked over us in the parking area. Also, a Greater Yellowlegs is shown foraging alongside multiple Dunlin and one Short-billed Dowitcher. We also had probable Long-billed Dowitchers (a more unusual species at this location). They exhibited humpbacks, and Merlin Bird ID picked up their calls!

Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Stunning profile: See the sharp golden gaze and white plumage of a Bald Eagle perched high in the Amelia Island pines.

Greater Yellowlegs—Wings up!

Action shot: A Greater Yellowlegs displaying its namesake bright legs while foraging in the tidal reflections at Spoonbill Pond.
Action shot: A Greater Yellowlegs displaying its namesake bright legs while foraging in the tidal reflections at Spoonbill Pond.

American Oystercatcher—Leg up!

A splash of orange: An American Oystercatcher taking a one-legged rest on the mudflats during our outing.
A splash of orange: An American Oystercatcher taking a one-legged rest on the mudflats during our outing.


Good birding, Bill George

Attribution: The Least Sandpiper banner photo is © Richard Timm • All Rights Reserved. Other bird photos are shared with some rights reserved; click any of the three square images to visit iNaturalist for full observation and copyright details.

Layout and posting by Kristin Herring