The Hudsonian godwit is pictured in flight in Ilwaco.

The first-ever Hudsonian godwit seen on the Long Beach Peninsula was reported recently. More specifically, the bird was seen on the mudflats east of the Ilwaco Marina on Sunday, Oct. 4.

There are four different species of godwit. The Hudsonian godwit is the smallest of the species, and is the size of a crow. It has a long, gently upturned bill, long dark legs and a bill that is orange-pink at the base, and darker at the tip. A good clue to its identification is its pale eyebrow, which is present in every plumage. Its wing linings are black, its neck is gray and its breast is a dark reddish color when in breeding plumage. Its wings are very dark with a narrow white stripe, white rump and black tail.

On the coast, the Hudsonian godwit frequents marshy ponds or tidal mudflats. It will likely be seen probing in the mud for mollusks, crustaceans and marine worms. Sometimes in its pursuit of tasty morsels, it will submerge its head in the water to get at its prey. On its breeding grounds in the subarctic, it feasts mainly on insects. Adult godwits swim extremely well and their young chicks, upon hatching, are capable of swimming in ponds or slow-moving streams.

The Hudsonian godwit is known for its long non-stop flights of thousands of miles from its breeding grounds in the subarctic on its way to its wintering grounds in South America. Due to its remote wintering grounds and breeding sites, the Hudsonian godwit is not well known, and is considered highly vulnerable.

This is a rare sight indeed! Even in Pacific County as a whole, it is officially considered “rare,” with 5-plus recorded sightings.

It is definitely worthwhile going on the hunt for a sighting to add to your personal bird list. Go out and search for it today, before it takes off another long non-stop flight to South America!