Huevos Avocetos

American Avocet Defending Nest

Lately, I've been spending time studying the goings on at a seasonal pond near my home. This pond is just a short distance away from the Oakland Coliseum (close enough to listen in on Oakland A's games), but harbors a great deal of bird life. American Avocets, Black & White Stilts, Dunlins, Killdeer, Red-wing Blackbirds, Canada Geese, Cinnamon Teals, Northern Pintails, Mallards and a variety of gulls are all common here. Cameo appearances are made by Caspian Terns, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, as well as a variety of shorebirds.

American Avocet at Nest

Lately, I've been keeping an eye on the nest of a pair of American Avocets. These birds take turns sitting on a clutch of about four eggs. The bird not on the nest is usually feeding nearby, and will rush over to defend the nest from other birds. I have read that Avocets will physically attack Marsh Hawks and Ravens that come near their nest. This does not surprise me, as I discovered this nest when one of the Avocets spread its wings, stretched itself to its full 18" height and advanced on me. The only greater act of bravery I've been witness to was a 3.5-ounce kildeer that chased my Subaru as my wife drove in reverse away from its nest in the middle of a gravel road. Call me a coward, but if Godzilla was approaching my house, it would not occur to me that I should stand in his way, yell and wave my arms above my head, and then chase him when he retreated!

Huevos Avocetos!

The incubating time for the eggs of American Avocets is between 22 and 29 days. I am hoping to see the chicks when they hatch. However, Avocet chicks are ready to leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching, so this will require a bit of luck and persistence. Stay tuned.