Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 6/1/14

Grasshopper Sparrow out at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 6/1/14.
An early morning Grasshopper Sparrow out at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 6/1/14.

I finally made it out to one of my favorite places to bird this weekend – the Shawangunk Grasslands. On Saturday evening, Tricia and I met Karen Miller out there for a brief visit before going out to dinner. Then, I made it back out this morning and for over three hours, I walked the trails (which are now called the Tabor Trace – named for Ralph Tabor who does everything that needs to be done out there). It is a great time of year to be at the grasslands, the place is loaded with great birds: Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Savannah Sparrows are numerous and offer plenty of photo opportunities. There is also the possibility to see fantastic birds like Upland Sandpipers and Grasshopper Sparrows, and these two species were at the top of my list this morning. My best birds at the grasslands were by far the 4 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS I had out there. The highlight of the day, however, did not occur at the grasslands. There is a spot, not far from the grasslands, that is good for getting Upland Sandpipers. I followed Ralph, Scotty Baldinger, and Gene McGarry over, and Ralph immediately located an UPLAND SANDPIPER! I jumped out of the car to see the bird and get some photos. Sadly, I am disappointed in my results, but still it was great to get such a good look at the bird. Shortly after that, Ralph and Scotty moved further up the road and located 2 more UPLAND SANDPIPERS! They were a bit distant for photos but still awesome to see.

Super bird, lousy photo. One of three UPLAND SANDPIPERS today in Ulster County - 6/1/14.
Super bird, lousy photo. One of three UPLAND SANDPIPERS today in Ulster County – 6/1/14.

I did better with photos while I was at the grasslands, so here they are, by species:

BOBOLINK – SHAWANGUNK GRASSLANDS 6/1/14

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SAVANNAH SPARROW – SHAWANGUNK GRASSLANDS 6/1/14

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EASTERN MEADOWLARK – SHAWANGUNK GRASSLANDS 6/1/14

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GRASSHOPPER SPARROW – SHAWANGUNK GRASSLANDS 6/1/14

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5 thoughts on “Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 6/1/14”

  1. Hey Matt
    Nice array of photos! Keep checking that spot. I’ve had pretty good luck there sometimes seeing the Uppies very close in to the fence.
    Scotty

  2. Matt
    Great job as always…….I’ll have to check it out again when I get back from Colorado!!! Going to visit my son for a couple of weeks!!

    Wilma

    1. Thanks Wilma! Have a great time in Colorado, I was there last year at this time and it was awesome. Matt

  3. Did you see any birds out there?
    I’m hoping to go to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain State Park.
    They were closed when I was there last October.

    Is there anywhere special you know to go for birds?

    Wilma

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