Blue-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary

One of four Northern Shovelers takes a lap around the Citgo Trail pond at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
One of four Northern Shovelers takes a lap around the Citgo Trail pond at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.

I had an appointment cancelled, so I got to do some unexpected birding after work this afternoon. I had forgotten my binoculars at home, so I stopped by to pick them up and headed to the closest spot – 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary. I was thinking about sparrows as I took the Citgo Trail, but the wind had picked up pretty good and sparrows were scarce. I had a few pleasant surprises when I got to the pond – a nice sized collection of shorebirds: 22 Lesser Yellowlegs, 3 Greater Yellowlegs, and 1 Solitary Sandpiper. The highlight, however, was seeing my first Northern Shovelers (4) and Blue-winged Teal (3) of the fall. A Northern Harrier cruised through at one point and picked up many of the waterfowl and shorebirds. I think it was about 3 years ago that I would get a harrier at this location regularly, but this is the first one I have seen there in a while. It was a gorgeous night and I had some decent birds, which made me happy. Here’s some more photos and my list for the night:

Eastern Bluebird, 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
Eastern Bluebird, 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
A Lesser Yellowlegs takes flight when a Northern Harrier flew over. 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
A Lesser Yellowlegs takes flight when a Northern Harrier flew over. 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
I had nearly 20 Tree Swallows tonight. 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.
I had nearly 20 Tree Swallows tonight. 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 10/6/14.

Canada Goose 65
Mute Swan 4
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 16
Blue-winged Teal 3
Northern Shoveler 4
Green-winged Teal 25
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 8
Northern Harrier 1
Killdeer 9
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Greater Yellowlegs 3
Lesser Yellowlegs 22
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 8
Tree Swallow 18
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Eastern Bluebird 2
American Robin 4
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 85
Common Yellowthroat 1
Palm Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12
Song Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 20
House Sparrow 25

**One Year Ago at Orangebirding.com: Long-billed Dowitchers at 6 1/2 Station Road and Black Scoters in Orange County. **

4 thoughts on “Blue-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary”

  1. Matt
    Great shots!!! I tried to figure out how to get to that spot at the citgo one day but couldn’t figure out where to go. Could you explain please???

    Wilma

    1. Thanks Wilma! If you park at the Citgo, walk back towards Goshen on Route 17M and the trail head is about 50 feet on the left. Matt

  2. Matt,

    I went to the Citgo trail yesterday. It didn’t seem like more than a half a mile long and seemed to stop right along the front of the pond. I definitely didn’t see anywhere near the species as you did. I was wondering if there was another section of the trail that I missed or if you just decide to trek through an unbeaten path of terrain to explore more.

    1. AJ,

      That’s the extent of the trail- sometimes I will go to the right or left at the pond for a hundred yards or so, but that’s it. Some days are better than others out there, that’s for sure- good luck if you try again. Matt
      – Oh and don’t forget to hit the Heritage Trail while you are there- right now that’s where the egrets are and you will also do well with passerines.

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