North American Avocet

Wading bird about 15 to 18 in. long, related to the snipe and of the stilt. North and South America, Europe, and Australia have 1 species in each. (2010.APR.15)
Steptoe Valley – Eastern Nevada – USA

A Stream With Birds Challenge on Streams & Stream Crossings
(2010.JUN.15)

Absolute Clarity
(2012.FEB.20)

We most commonly see red-headed avocets. This is the first North American I have ever photographed — there were three of them wading in the lowlands

:
http://www.redbubble.com/people/photorover/art/...

Unlike most wading birds, its front toes are webbed. By sweeping its long, thin, upwardly curved bill through shallow water and mud, it catches small water animals; chiefly insects, other insects are caught on the wing .