Around the second week of April, Max reaches the mainland of the United States. His shortened route has brought him to the Gulf Coast states of Texas and Louisiana, an area frequented by a number of other migrating birds. The warm spring climate means that grasshoppers, insects and other foods are already abundant.
Max darts about, running after prey, then stopping to eat.
As he hunts for snails and other insects, the southern sun shines down and warms his flecked plumage. After filling up on grasshoppers and earthworms, Max is ready to continue his journey back to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. His route leads him along the Mississippi River Valley and across the Great Plains. Max also favors plowed or burnt fields. Max seeks these spots out because they are relatively safe.