Copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
All images copyright © 1995, Don Baccus
This relative of the American avocet is aptly named, as the bird's legs are so long that it appears to be walking on stilts. Come to think of it, since there are closely-related stilt species in the Old World, I suspect circus stilts are named after the bird!
Black-necked Stilt seem to prefer fresher water than avocet, and though frequently found together in or near fresh water ponds aren't normally found in the very alkali ponds that avocet frequent. Stilt are also found in the flooded hay fields around Burns and similar areas.
Like avocet, they nest on the ground, and a brooding stilt is an interesting sight, with the long, fragile-looking legs folded under the bird's body. Black-necked stilt similarly will challenge humans who intrude into their breeding territory by calling and flying towards them, but not as aggressively.
Stilt are are skittish, and somewhat uncommon in our area. Small numbers are scattered throughout the flooded fields of the area. Since many of these fields are privately owned, and since much of the Malheur Refuge is closed to access during spring and summer, access can be a problem.
Occasionally individuals are found alongside various roads in the area and they can then be photographed quite easily from one's car. However, they're a lot smaller than American avocet, so a long lens, patience, and a bit of luck are required.
My favorite spots to see them are Riley Pond and Burns.