Orange County – Page 66 – Orange Birding

7/23/15 – Shorebird Report…

~This is first raptor I have photographed in a while. Red-tailed Hawk on my way home from 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 7/23/15.~

…And a couple additional photos from today’s birding. I made two stops after work looking for shorebirds:

Liberty Loop – Back Pond:

Least Sandpiper 12
Lesser Yellowlegs 9
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Spotted Sandpiper 3
Killdeer 14
PECTORAL SANDPIPER 1

6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary – Citgo Pond:

Least Sandpiper 14
Lesser Yellowlegs 1
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Killdeer 9

~A little bit of a different look at a Lesser Yellowlegs – taken when all the shorebirds in the back pond at Liberty Loop were briefly alarmed by something which I never located. 7/23/15.~

~Great Egret in flight, Liberty Loop 7/23/15.~

Even More Loop Birding, 7/18/15

~Ah! Finally got a decent shot of one of the Lesser Yellowlegs out at the Liberty Loop, 7/18/15.~

Since my last post on Monday, I’ve made it back out to the Liberty Loop at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge three times, including a brief visit today. The biggest development was when Linda Scrima contacted me on Wednesday to let me know she had a GLOSSY IBIS in the back pond at the loop. I did not get out there to see the ibis on Wednesday because I was playing in my golf league, but I did get out there to see it on Thursday, when I was accompanied by Kyle Dudgeon who got his lifer Glossy Ibis. The bird was still present this morning when I stopped by; both times I’ve seen the bird it has been in the very back of the back pond. The bird can be seen well with a scope (or even binoculars), but photos were pretty much out of the question. On Wednesday, when Linda first saw the bird, it was closer to the trail and she has provided great shot of the bird for this post – thanks Linda!

~Glossy Ibis in the back pond of the Liberty Loop, 7/15/15. Photo by Linda Scrima.~

The back pond continues to be the best spot in the area (that I know of) for shorebirds. This is what I had there this morning:

Least Sandpiper 15+
Lesser Yellowlegs 6
Greater Yellowlegs 2
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Spotted Sandpiper 2
Killdeer 12

The remainder of the loop also continues to be birdy with the expected species, with a family of Great-crested Flycatchers on the eastern side of the loop being a nice highlight and providing plenty of photo ops. Really, I should have gotten better photos, but sometimes that’s just the way it goes.

NOTE: I’ve checked the Camel Farm a couple of times for shorebirds (I had several Killdeer and 2 Least Sandpipers today finally), and I checked the Citgo Trail at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary today (4 killdeer and 2 Least Sandpipers). Also, please note that the Citgo Trail is VERY overgrown and ticks are a problem. I do not recommend going there.

~Great-crested Flycatcher on the Liberty Loop Trail, 6/16/15.~

~This one made me happy – Red-eyed Vireo at the Liberty Loop, 7/16/15.~

~On Tuesday, Kyle and I entered the loop from Owen’s Station Road, where I photographed this Killdeer while waiting for Kyle to show up. 6/14/15.~

More Good Birding at the Loop, 7/13/15

~It was pretty exciting to see this BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at the Liberty Loop Trail, Wallkill River NWR, 7/13/15.~

QUICK POST: It’s getting late, so I will have to make this a quick post. I met Kyle Dudgeon out at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge’s Liberty Loop Trail, and the good birding on that trail continues. Most of the action seems to be happening in what I call the back pond – the southernmost pool on the trail. On our way back there, at least 2 Sora could be heard calling in the marsh; they sounded like they were pretty deep into the marsh, much farther out than they were on Saturday. As we approached the back pond, we inadvertently flushed a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON that was in the ditch to the right of the trail. The bird did not fly far and we got some photos. This is my first BCNH sighting at the loop this year.

In the back pool we saw my first 2 GREAT EGRETS of the year out in the distance, in the company of nearly 10 Great Blue Herons and one Green Heron. Green Herons flew overhead several times while we were there. Most excitedly, shorebird numbers and variety both increased:

Least Sandpiper 20+
Lesser Yellowlegs 5
Greater Yellowlegs 1
Solitary Sandpiper 1
Killdeer 6

~A LEAST SANDPIPER at the Liberty Loop, 7/13/15.~

~Lesser Yellowlegs in the back pool at the Liberty Loop, 7/13/15.~

~Solitary Sandpiper at the Liberty Loop, 7/13/15.~

Good Birding at the Liberty Loop, 7/11/15

~Orchard Oriole on Liberty Lane, 7/9/15.~

I woke up with no real plans for birding, so I decided to head out to the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. I wanted to check on the Blue Grosbeak that has been out on Liberty Lane and I was hoping for some southbound migrating shorebirds. I walked out Liberty Lane (which was loaded with Orchard Orioles, Song Sparrows, and Indigo Buntings) to try for the Blue Grosbeak. I heard the bird, but off in the distance and I was not able to locate it.

~One of many Indigo Buntings out on Liberty Lane, Wallkill River NWR, 7/11/15.~ — ~One of many Indigo Buntings out on Liberty Lane, Wallkill River National Wildlife Reserve, 7/11/15.~

I made my way back to the parking lot where I met up with Linda Scrima and we walked the Liberty Loop Trail. We walked the west side of the loop first; we were nearly at the southwest corner of the loop when we heard a SORA calling! As we got closer to where the bird was calling from, the bird went quiet. We scanned for a while but then decided to move on – there are a lot of hiding places in that marsh. We continued down the trail and when we got maybe 100 paces away, the bird started calling again. We decided to try one more time and I’m glad we did. We moved very slowly back towards where the bird was calling from, this time it continued to call and it sounded relatively close. Finally, we saw some movement and across the open water, perhaps 150 yards into the marsh we saw both an adult and a single young SORA tucked away in the vegetation! It was very exciting to seem them, but photos were tough because of the distance, the grasses, and the birds were backlit. Here are a few, for documentary purposes:

~An adult **SORA** stays mostly hidden in the southwest corner of the Liberty Marsh at Wallkill River NWR, 7/11/15.~

~The adult SORA flushed when a trail walker approached us. Liberty Loop, 7/11/15.~ — ~The adult **SORA** flushed when a trail walker approached us. Liberty Loop, 7/11/15.~

~A young SORA at the Wallkill River NWR, Liberty Loop, 7/11/15. Photo by Linda Scrima.~ — ~A young **SORA** at the Wallkill River NWR, Liberty Loop, 7/11/15. Photo by Linda Scrima.~

When we reached the pool at the southern end of the loop, we were pleasantly surprised to find 5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, and 4 LEAST SANDPIPERS – my first southbound migrating shorebirds of the season. And, after just talking about the dearth of Green Herons this year, we saw two of them there as well.

~One of five **LESSER YELLOWLEGS** at Wallkill River NWR, 7/11/15.~

We finished the loop, with more of the usual suspects being seen, then went out to try for the Blue Grosbeak once again, but this time we didn’t even hear the bird. It was a good day with over 40 species seen or heard, and the first shorebird migrants that I’ve seen this summer.

Note: I was at the refuge on Thursday the 9th as well – two of the photos in this post are from that day.

~Great Blue Heron in flight, shot from the viewing platform at the Liberty Marsh, 7/9/15.~

~It’s always good to see a Northern Harrier! Wallkill River NWR, 7/11/15.~

A Common Yellowthroat surrounded by leaves, Wallkill River NWR, 7/11/15.~

A Couple More Orange County Birds

~Female Bobolink at Knapp’s View in Chester, NY 6/29/15.~

Recently, I was looking over my 2015 list of Orange County birds and noticed it was lacking a couple of birds that figured I would have seen in the county before now – Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark. With that in mind, Monday after work I headed over to Knapp’s View in the town of Chester, a spot where I have never birded but heard both birds could be seen. I did very well with Bobolinks, with plenty being seen and they were close enough for some decent photos. I walked the mowed trails, but did not have any luck with Eastern Meadowlarks, so I decided to head Upper Wisner Road in Warwick where I’ve seen them in the past. Not long after my arrival, as I scanned I found a single meadowlark perched in the distance. Too far for photos, but still nice to get the bird. Before leaving, I had a nice photo opportunity with a Northern Mockingbird, a bird that I have not photographed in quite some time.

~And a male Bobolink strikes a pose with some nice colors in the background. Knapp’s View 6/29/15.~

~Northern Mockingbird off Upper Wisner Road in Warwick, NY 6/29/15. Barbed wire is one of the man-made elements that I don’t mind in a bird photo for some reason.~

~Northern Mockingbird taking off, Upper Wisner Road in Warwick NY, 6/29/15.~

Orange County BLUE GROSBEAK

~Blue Grosbeak at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 6/23/15.~

QUICK POST: Yesterday evening I finally caught up with the Blue Grosbeak that was reported out at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge (it was my third try in two days). Tonight I went back and managed to get some post-able photos of the bird (I was brain dead last night and blew a pretty good opportunity by not having my camera on the right settings). I’ve included a couple additional shots that I took along the way while out at the refuge.

~BLGR with a Song Sparrow, Wallkill River NWR, 6/23/15.~

~Red-winged Blackbird in flight, Walkill River NWR, 6/22/15.~

~Another bird I haven’t photographed in a while – American Goldfinch at Wallkill River NWR, 6/22/25.~

Orange County Birds

*Click on photos to enlarge.*

~I have this as a Bank Swallow and a Northern Rough-winged Swallow flying in tandem, Cedar Swamp Road 6/11/15.~

QUICK UPDATE: Boy, last week was a busy one for me, with tons going on at home and at work as well. I did manage to get out and get a couple of county birds for the year, but I never had the opportunity to process the photos and make a post. On Monday I went to Elks Brox Memorial Park to try for the RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS which had been reported there. Huge thanks to Karen Miller for the heads up on those birds. Then on Thursday I went to Cedar Swamp Road to go for the Bank Swallows that have been there for at least the last couple of years. I had a blast trying for photos of those birds, and though nothing amazing, I was happy to get some decent shots of those birds.

This weekend I went up to the Adirondacks to bird for the weekend. I have loads of photos to go through, so I will get a post together in a couple of days. Meanwhile I have included a teaser shot at the bottom of this post.

~BASW in flight, Cedar Swamp Road 6/11/15.~

~A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER checks things out, Elks Brox Memorial Park, 6/8/15.~

~RHWO, Elks Brox Memorial Park, 6/8/15.~

~Adirondack Appeteaser - Common Loon at Follensby Clear Pond, 6/13/15.~ — ~**Adirondack Appeteaser** – Common Loon at Follensby Clear Pond, 6/13/15. Full post to follow in the next couple of days.~

Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15

*Click on photos to enlarge.*

~Male Bobolink perched at the Shawangunk Grasslands, 5/30/15.~

I got up really early this morning and headed over the the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. It was a little bit overcast as I arrived at just around 6:30, but it quickly cleared up and turned into a gorgeous morning. I parked my car out by the road in an effort to see as many species as possible, it can be quite birdy on the road into the refuge. It was towards the end of that road that I had my first Brown Thrasher of the year. As I entered the refuge, I could immediately hear one of my target birds, the Grasshopper Sparrow. I really like this bird for some reason, it is certainly not the most attractive bird, but I love its behavior and its call as well. I walked the Red Trail out to the furthest blind and then back; I saw 3 and heard an additional 3 Grasshopper Sparrows which seems like more than I had in that area last year at this time.

~It was a frustrating day photographing Grasshopper Sparrows, I had ample opportunity to do better than this, but it was not to be today; lots of out of focus shots. GRSP at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

Bobolinks were numerous and very busy calling and flying over. Meadowlarks were heard more than seen, but I did see ten or so, some perched and some in flight in the distance. Killdeer could be heard and seen on occasion and I saw three American Kestrels. One pleasant surprise was a female Northern Harrier that flew close to me; she had a Red-winged Blackbird in hot pursuit.

~I was not planning on this! NOHA at the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

~A flying, calling Bobolink. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR 5/30/15.~

~I love the legs on this female Bobolink. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

My only disappointment of the day is that I struck out with the Upland Sandpipers. I stopped by Blue Chip Farms after leaving the refuge and then I also tried the airport in Montgomery, but it was not to be. At the grasslands, I accumulated what I think is a respectable species list for the morning, with 35 species being seen or heard:

~Calling Bobolink at the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

Canada Goose
Wild Turkey
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Killdeer
Red-bellied Woodpecker
American Kestrel
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Yellow-throated Vireo
American Crow
Purple Martin
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Carolina Wren
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow Warbler
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

~I wanted to include this shot because you can see the yellow on the Grasshopper Sparrow’s wing. Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

~I love this shot! Northern Harrier being harassed by a Red-winged Blackbird at the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

~A nice look at a male Bobolink, Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 5/30/15.~

~Brown Thrasher, just off the road into the refuge, 5/30/15.~

~I went to Wallkill, NY to get Bank Swallows (no photos!), but this Red-tailed Hawk flew over with an Eastern Kingbird giving chase.~

6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 5/28/15

I made it out to 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary after work this afternoon. My primary objective was to check for shorebirds at the Citgo Pond; I was only moderately successful with 4 Killdeer (3 adults and one chick), 3 Least Sandpipers, 1 Spotted Sandpiper, and 1 Semipalmated Plover. The highlight of the afternoon was getting my first good look at a Green Heron for the season. Up until now, I only caught glimpses of them, including 2 flyovers on the highway during my commute to work. After birding the Citgo Pond, I continue over to the Heritage Trail side of the refuge. It was not terribly birdy, but it was a nice walk with enough birds to keep me occupied. It occurred to me that I have not included a complete list of species in a post in a while, so here’s a list of the 31 species I had for the day:

This photo was actually taken on Tuesday at Sterling Forest State Park where I walked the Sterling Lake Loop. It's a nice long walk and pretty birdy too - I had 41 species in a 2 1/2 hour walk. Red-eyed Vireo, 5/26/15. — This photo was actually taken on Tuesday at Sterling Forest State Park where I walked the Sterling Lake Loop. It’s a nice long walk and pretty birdy too – I had 39 species in a 2 1/2 hour walk. Red-eyed Vireo, 5/26/15.

Canada Goose 15
Wood Duck 12
Mallard 8
Great Blue Heron 1
Green Heron 2
Turkey Vulture 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Semipalmated Plover 1
Killdeer 4
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Least Sandpiper 3
Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
Willow Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Warbling Vireo 5
American Crow 4
Tree Swallow 8
Marsh Wren 2
American Robin 5
Gray Catbird 3
European Starling 14
Cedar Waxwing 2
Common Yellowthroat 6
Yellow Warbler 4
Song Sparrow 8
Swamp Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Indigo Bunting 2
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle 4
Baltimore Oriole 3

Orange County Red-necked Phalarope, 5/23/15

*Click on photos to enlarge.*

~A heavily cropped photo of the Red-necked Phalarope on Orange Lake, 5/23/15.~

I was on my way out the door this morning when I I received a text from Bruce Nott saying he had a phalarope on Orange Lake. He had originally located the bird yesterday, but the bird was quite distant and it had not been determined if it was a Wilson’s or a Red-necked. I made my way over and I was luckily able to locate the bird pretty quickly (that’s a small bird on a big lake!). At first, the views were a bit distant but eventually the bird got a little bit closer for some better looks in my scope. I called John Haas to discuss the identification of the bird; he eventually joined me and arrived while the bird was still in relatively close. He immediately looked at the bird in my scope and identified the bird as a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, noting the completely vibrant red hind neck – it was totally red, there was no white stripe down the center as you would see in a Wilson’s Phalarope. In addition to this, the dark gray cap versus the pale gray cap of a Wilson’s was easily discerned. I managed to get some photos, which was tough because I struggled just to find that bird in the camera! The bird was still quite distant for photos and all the shots in this post are heavily cropped. Huge thanks and congratulations to Bruce!

Please Note: ORANGE LAKE HAS NO PUBLIC ACCESS! The lake is private and there are no public viewing areas.

~On more of the RNPH, Orange Lake 5/23/15.~