Wallkill River NWR, 06/29/19

I enjoyed a really nice morning birding at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. I started at Owens Station Road, where I was surprised to find a SNOW GOOSE in the parking area as I pulled in. Well, I actually wasn’t surprised about there being a Snow Goose present, as there had been 6 reported there recently – it was more that it was in the front parking area and it proceeded to walk down Owens Station Road, apparently heading to New York on foot:

~SNOW GOOSE literally on Owens Station Road early this morning, 06/29/19.~

I hiked in from Owens Station Road and walked a portion of the Liberty Loop Trail in Sussex County. Afterwards, I drove around and parked on Oil City Road and birded part of the loop in Orange County. I had a total of 45 species seen or heard. Highlights included several LEAST BITTERNS; I had distant but nice looks at 3 birds and heard a fourth. Common Gallinules are plentiful in both counties. Mostly I just enjoyed being out early to beat the heat. The light was nice for photos too, so that never hurts. All in all, a very pleasant morning of birding.

~I’ve been hoping for a decent Red-winged Blackbird shot lately. Wallkill River NWR, 06/29/19.~
~One of my first birds of the morning, this Rose-breasted Grosbeak flew in and perched nicely right in front of me. Wallkill River NWR, 09/29/19.~
~Always a favorite – Common Gallinule at Wallkill River NWR, 06/29/19.~
~I haven’t posted an Indigo Bunting shot in ages I don’t think. Wallkill River NWR, 06/29/19.~
~I cruised the black dirt for a bit on my way home. Savannah Sparrow in the black dirt 06/29/19.~
~Red-tailed Hawk in flight, Black Dirt Region 06/29/19.~

6 thoughts on “Wallkill River NWR, 06/29/19”

  1. Wonderful photos, Matt! Absolutely adore the Snow Goose walking down the road…it has sort of a Forrest Gump feel. The juvenile Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a cutie. So happy to see you are able to get out birding once again.

    1. Thanks Kathy, it’s good to be back at it. The Snow Goose shot makes me smile every time I look at it – I like the Forrest Gump reference very much. Matt

  2. Did not expect the snow geese to be around.. some years ago I had a male king eider off of Sandy Hook in late May. Had a fairly good week with a Stilt at Brig. Also had the Miss Kite at Waretown. Was at Shark River tern colony this a.m. Was going to go over to Negri Naponte again but decided to go down to Ocean Co for the black bellied whistling ducks. Missed them at Cape May on Thurs but got good photos today.
    Bruce

    1. It sounds like you’ve had a good week for sure Bruce; as always, thanks for checking in.

  3. I laughed at the Snow Goose also … very funny. And he’s the one of six that got left behind!

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