What a Day!

I spent yesterday on Long Island visiting with my family; it had been a while, so it was really great to make up for lost time. But, that meant no birding. So, I woke up early this morning, hoping that the weather would bring in some good birds. I was at the Newburgh Waterfront just after sunrise, but unfortunately there was nothing going on. It was hight tide, as I knew it would be, so that may have had something to do with it.

~Three red fox kits, Orange County NY 03/30/23.~

I also checked a couple of lakes in the Newburgh area and came up empty. Then John Haas put out an alert that he had several CASPIAN TERNS at the Bashakill. It took me what seemed like ages to get there, but the birds stuck around. There ended up being a total of (7) Caspian Terns in all, and they did offer a few decent photos ops as they flew back and forth over Haven Road. It was very enjoyable birding, and CATE was my 207th species in Sullivan County, so that is exciting.

~Caspian Tern in flight at the Bashakill, 04/30/23.~

After leaving the Bash, I just cruised around southern Orange County to see what I could find. The birding was just the usuals (American Pipits in the black dirt was the highlight), but by a stroke of luck I found a litter of Red Fox kits. They were just awesome – inquisitive to a certain extent, but mostly just very cautious and of course, cute as can be. As much as I enjoyed the terns, these little beasts made my day.

~Cuties. Red Fox kits in Orange County, NY 04/30/23.~
~CATE at the Bashakill, 04/30/23.~
~Red Fox kit.~
~One of the 7 Caspian Terns at the Bashakill this morning, 04/30/23.~
~CATE at the Bashakill, 04/30/23.~
~Red Fox kit, 04/30/23.~
~Common Grackle at Gardnertown Road, 04/30/23.~
~Bald Eagle at the Bashakill, 04/30/23.~
~Red-tailed Hawk in the black dirt, 04/30/23.~

10 thoughts on “What a Day!”

  2. Matt,
    So glad you could make it over to the Bash! It was a great morning! Beautiful fox photos too! Congratulations on another new county bird! John

    1. It was great to see you John; I was happy to see that it was a new bird for my SC list! Matt

  4. All the photos are great Matt! I especially like the head and neck coloring of the Common Gackle!
    Thanks for sharing!
    John

    1. Thanks John. It’s always cool when one of the more common bird provides an opportunity for it to be showcased. Thanks for checking in. Matt

  5. Good for you! Nice shots…and thanks for the inspiration to get up to the Bashakill!!
    Patty

    1. I missed this comment until just now – sorry about that Patty! And yes, go to the Bash! Matt

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