Here today ... gone tomorrow

This little shorebird is named the solitary sandpiper.

It does not spend much time in Missouri. Its winter range extends far into South America.

Its summer breeding range extends across Canada and north into Alaska.

As it passes through the continental United States on its migrations in spring and autumn, it does not fly in flocks like other migratory birds. It goes alone, and this is the reason it is called a solitary sandpiper.

I spotted this one wading in a shallow muddy ditch, slowly searching the water's edge for aquatic insects. It seemed more intent on feeding than showing any fear of my presence.

I watched it for about an hour, photographing it many times as it caught and ate several water insects. It stayed the whole time in an area about 6 feet wide and maybe 20 feet long, searching over the same shallow water over and over again.