The Not-Red Red Knot Juvenile

Two weeks ago in Bodega Bay, we observed a Red Knot in its pristine, gray juvenile plumage. The Red Knot is a member of the Calidris genus of the sandpiper family (Scolopacidae).
 
As the largest North American member of Calidris, the Red Knot’s size is apparent when standing beside Least and Western Sandpipers – both of which are far more abundantly seen throughout Sonoma County. Red Knots can be most easily observed in late summer and fall during their southern migration.

When studying a mixed flock of shorebirds, it’s fun to scan for something that stands out – perhaps a bird that’s an odd size or color. On this day, we encountered a group of mostly Marbled Godwits and Willets (large size), and Least and Western Sandpipers (small size).

As we examined the group, a few medium-sized birds stood out. The extra-long bills of three Short-billed Dowitchers were conspicuous. A handful of Black and Ruddy Turnstones also puttered about – distinguished by their plump bodies, short legs, and stout bills.

Then, amid a sea of tiny Least Sandpipers, we spotted a bulky, mid-sized, plain gray bird with a straight, medium-length bill – a juvenile Red Knot.
 
Check out the size comparison in this photo below.

Late summer / early fall is a great time to see young shorebirds in fresh, juvenile plumage. We can tell this Red Knot is a juvenile from the crisp, tidy feathers on its back and wings, each one outlined with a pale border creating a “scalloped” look.

Red Knots have a sturdy, medium length, black bill. Their legs are thickish and can range from black to greenish-yellow – juveniles often on the lighter end of the spectrum. This youngster appeared to have dark, olive-colored legs.

Here’s another photo for size comparison. The Black Turnstone and Red Knot are similar in size, but the Least Sandpiper is dwarfed by the Red Knot.

According to the Birds of North America database, Red Knots traveling through California during fall migration come from Wrangel Island (off the eastern coast of Russia) and northwestern Alaska. The majority eventually end up in coastal Mexico where they’ll spend the winter.
 
Migrating over 3,500 miles from Russia and Alaska to Mexico is an impressive feat, but it pales in comparison to the migration of a different breeding population of Red Knots. Some Red Knots that breed in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago spend winter as far south as Patagonia – over 9,000 miles away – that’s a round trip approaching 20,000 miles… every year! This extraordinary display of stamina includes a non-stop flight over the Atlantic lasting up to six days and 5,000+ miles! (Sleeping on the Wing, Niels C. Rattenborg, 2016)
 
It’s absolutely mind-blowing to contemplate an annual pilgrimage from the far reaches of one hemisphere all the way to the other side of the world. Reflecting on incredible feats of avian migration adds greatly to our wonder and appreciation of these magnificent creatures.
 
For more about a particularly famous Red Knot, learn about B95 aka “Moonbird” here.