Shawangunk Grasslands 6/16/13

I finally managed to get some decent Killdeer flight photos this morning. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.
I finally managed to get some decent Killdeer flight photos this morning. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.

This morning at the Shawangunk Grasslands, I saw one Grasshopper Sparrow, but had no luck with photos. I took a nice long walk, saw many birds, and took a lot of photos. The trails at the grasslands are really starting to take shape. They were, of course, a little muddy and wet with all the rain we have had lately, but they are MUCH improved from when they were first developed. The mud doesn’t stick in your boots and the walk is much more even and smooth. Thanks Ralph for all the work you do out there – it was nice to see you and catch up a little this morning.

The grasslands have grown in pretty well, so there are many kinds of vegetation and wild flowers which really create a nice backgrounds for taking photos. I did not have any out of the ordinary birds this morning; all birds you would expect for this time of the year. My highlight would have to be the large number of Bobolinks present, which allowed for many photo opportunities.

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Bobolinks are certainly messy eaters. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.
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I was hoping to get a good shot of the beautiful markings on the back of the male Bobolink. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.

 

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I like the blurred flowers in the background of this one. Bobolink at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.

 

 

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A fluffed up male Bobolink, Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.

 

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This Killdeer made several passes, allowing me to get a few good shots.
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Pretty shot of a Killdeer in flight. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 6/16/13.
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There were many Eastern Meadowlarks present but I never got very close. 
I focused more of my attention on the more dramatic looking male Bobolinks, but here is a nice look at a female.
I focused more of my attention on the more dramatic looking male Bobolinks, but here is a nice look at a female.