Sullivan County Long-billed Dowitcher, 10/17/21

While I was out birding this morning, I got a call from John Haas – he had a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Morningside Park in Sullivan County. At first I was hesitant about running for the bird; I would first have to go home for my kayak and then head to the the park, it would be close to an hour and a half of travel time to get there. But then I thought about it and there were too many good reasons for me to go for it. At this time of the year how likely is it for me to see any more shorebirds in our area? Plus, Long-billed Dowitcher is a great bird that I don’t get to see very often, especially not locally. And, I would get great views of the bird in the kayak. AND, it would be a new species for me in Sullivan County (my 191st).

~Beautiful bird. Long-billed Dowitcher at Morningside Park, 10/17/21.~

So I ran for the bird, and I’m sure glad I did because I had an awesome time. It was great to see John, and as I paddled up to him he informed me that the dowitcher was still present, and had in fact been joined by a Pectoral Sandpiper. It was very windy on the lake, so I wedged my kayak against some branches in the water not too far from he island the birds were on and sat tight. They weren’t very close at first, but I stayed put and they both moved a little closer and I was able to get some great looks and photos before backing my kayak away and heading back in. On my way back I stopped to enjoy a couple of Ring-billed Gulls on a couple other islands; you know I always enjoys seeing and photographing gulls. Huge thanks to John for heads up, he made my day.

~LBDO at Morningside Park, 10/17/21.~
~Pectoral Sandpiper shaking it off. Morningside Park, 10/17/21.~
~LBDO at Morningside Park 10/17/21.~
~Morningside PESA, 10/17/21.~
~LBDO at Morningside Park, 10/17/21.~
~Long-billed Dowitcher, Sullivan County NY 10/17/21.~
~Subadult Ring-billed Gull, Morningside Park, 10/17/21.~
~RBGU at Morningside Park 10/17/21.~

6 thoughts on “Sullivan County Long-billed Dowitcher, 10/17/21”

  1. I’m really glad you came Matt! You are so right, there are very few opportunities like this left for this year! Great shots! John

  3. Sounds like a great experience was had by all! And nice pics too! Thanks for the write up and stoke.

    1. It really was great. I don’t know if you’ve tried photographing by kayak yet, Kyle, but it’s amazing. The birds are so much more willing to let you get close and just go about their business, especially shorebirds. Matt

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