Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Shorebirds

Wow! It has been a long time since I wrote anything for the blog. I guess it too has been a while since I got out for any serious birding. I've been busy getting people off to some great birding sites, including Monhegan Island in Maine. Lots of birding coming up with a trip this weekend to Block Island that I am leading with Joe B. We still have a couple of spots left for our Cape May trip, October 17 - 19, considered the best migration spot on the East Coast.

I was out on Sunday last weekend and ran into birding friend Hank G. The quality viewing of the great shorebird collection at Hammonasset was inspiring. The puddles at the west end were host to the best all-in-one view of some of the not so common sandpipers and plovers. The light level was a bit low for great photos but I did manage to snap a few.
If at all possible, I will try to post some stuff about what we are seeing out on Block Island this weekend. Follow along with our trip. It looks like the weather is staging the birds nicely. Early reports for the island include Lark and Clay-colored Sparrows, a Yellow-headed Blackbird, and a Dickcissel or two. Looks exciting!
Hope to see you all soon!
Cheers,
- A.


Semipalmated Sandpiper












Pectoral Sandpiper










Stilt Sandpiper

















American Golden Plover