Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. A red-necked phalarope ( Phalaropus lobatus) wades in shallow waters near shore. Pelagic in habit, this shorebird spends most of its time at sea. Phalaropes employ the unique feeding strategy of spinning-in-place on the water surface, creating a whirlpool beneath themselves that pulls up bottom-dwelling larvae for them to feed on.

Photo Category: Estuaries
Photo Location: Near Homer, Alaska