6 1/2 Station Road, 07/03/21

Just after sunrise this morning I was hitting the trail at Black Rock Forest. I was, of course, trying for Ruffed Grouse again; it was a total bust. The rain was relentless, the hike was difficult with slippery rocks, and there were hardly any birds – and no grouse.

Afterwards, I went home, dried off, got changed and went back out. This time to 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary to try for Least Bittern. The rain had finally subsided, it was a cool, pleasant walk on level ground, and yes, I got a Least Bittern. It was actually a pretty productive visit; I had nearly 40 species. I got a decent look at the bittern, as well as a low flying Virginia Rail. I was also able to confirm breeding status for (4) species: Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Wood Duck, and Common Gallinule.

~Green Heron at 6 1/2 Station Road, 07/03/21.~
~MODO at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 07/03/21.~
~Adult female Wood Duck with some sleepy ducklings. ^ 1/2 Station Road, 07/03/21.~
~Can you see the Least Bittern? It may have been distant, but it was still great to see. This bird was my 177th species in Orange County this year – I haven’t been really going for a big county list this year, and it shows – I’m 15 birds behind last year’s pace. LEBI at 6 1/2 Station Road, 07/03/21.~

8 thoughts on “6 1/2 Station Road, 07/03/21”

  1. Good for you Matt! Least Bittern has been really difficult this year. I’ve only heard one. Congrats! John
    PS I do see it!

    1. Thanks so much John. This time of year to get a county bird is good too. Matt

  2. Wow ! Loved the green heron photo and loved playing “ where’s Waldo” with your least Bittern shot . Congratulations on a productive day with great photos ( to share ) Thanks !
    Happy 4th of July !

  3. I see it, I see it! Nice, Matt – so far I have only HEARD a Least Bittern and have only seen one in the distance flying AWAY ha Love your Wood Duck family image.

    1. Thanks Deb. You need to go to the back of the Liberty Loop to get some looks at Least Bitterns. Thanks for checking in. Matt

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