Mono Lake's shoreline forms a fourth habitat. Visiting shorebirds feed on insects and crustaceans that abound at the water's edge and in the mud. A common member of this group, from May to September, is the American Avocet. They protect their nests by attacking with loud fury, or by drawing invaders away with a broken wing routine. Other Mono shorebirds are the Marbled Godwrit , Western Sandpiper , Spotted Sandpiper , Willet , and Black-necked Stilt .
M igrating from the north, many ducks, geese, and swans visit Mono Lake during the fall.
Some even stay all winter. Among waterfowl you can expect to see are Ruddy Ducks , Green-winged Teal , Mallards , Canada Geese , and Tundra Swans . W ith a pair of binoculars and a bird identification guide, birding in the Mono Basin can be rewarding for a few hours or for a lifetime. The Mono Basin is a fascinating place to visit.