Staying Local

~Green Heron at Citgo Pond, 07/20/17.~

I’ve had a busy week, so I spent most of my birding time this week staying local. I went to 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary’s Citgo Pond several times; I have mostly been trying for shorebirds since conditions at the pond have been perfect. Although there has been good number of shorebirds present, the variety has been lacking: Least Sandpipers (30+), Semipalmated Sandpipers (2), Solitary Sandpipers (2), and Killdeer (12+).

~One of the two Semipalmated Sandpipers that I’ve had at Citgo Pond this week, 07/17/17.~

The trail and the pond have been birdy and I’ve been averaging 25-30 species of bird each visit, all expected species. Highlights include nine (!) Green Herons in a single visit. I also saw my first Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in ages and there are many young birds around (Song Sparrow, Eastern Kingbird, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Tufted Titmouse…). So, while the birding has been decent, I am ready for some more significant shorebird movement, which hopefully isn’t too far away. Here’s several shots from the week, enjoy.

~All week I’ve been hearing the “whit” call of a couple of Willow Flycatchers on the trail out to the Citgo Pond. Today I finally got a good look and some photos, 07/23/17.~
~Yellow Warbler at Citgo Pond, 07/22/17.~ 
~Young Song Sparrow at Citgo Pond Trail, 07/20/17.~

 

4 thoughts on “Staying Local”

  1. Sigh, the mid summer doldrums are definitely upon us. Seeing your beautiful photos helps a lot, Matt, although I can’t say I wasn’t wishing and hoping you’d stumble across a Wood Stork or a Roseate Spoonbill as you traveled our local wetlands. After all, we did have those lovely White Ibis just last week. Lol

    1. Yes, Kathy the doldrums are upon us for sure. I’m glad the photos help to some extent, but like you I would love something more exciting…. Matt

  2. Matt
    Great shots. I agree with Kathy, birds are hiding these days. Now that my camera and I are getting better shots, I don’t see much. BUT……..I am leaving to go back to Colorado Thurs. hopefully I will see more there!!!!

    Wilma

    1. Thanks Wilma. Good luck in Colorado, I’m sure you’ll have plenty to shoot. Matt

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