A long-journeying bird connects lakes in California and Argentina — and two communities

A small bird called the Wilson’s phalarope journeys thousands of miles between California’s Mono Lake and another salt lake in Argentina.

The species has inspired connections between scientists and students at both ends of the migratory route. Many view the bird as a symbol of saline lakes that are increasingly threatened.

LEE VINING, Calif. — Thousands of birds fill the air over Mono Lake, banking and swooping in a swirling murmuration that resembles an aerial school of fish. As they sweep past, their beating wings whoosh in unison.

This small species, the Wilson’s phalarope, arrives from the north in large numbers each summer to feed at the saline lake, preparing for a long journey to South America.

After spending July gorging on the larvae of alkali flies, the birds are gradually