Wow! Orange County AMERICAN AVOCET, 06/30/24

I woke up this morning with shorebirds on my mind. My early stops (Camel Farm, Liberty Loop, & and Beaver Pond) didn’t yield any, with the exception of Killdeer. My final stop, 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, however, had a doozy in store for me – an AMERICAN AVOCET. After scanning for a while and only finding more Killdeer, I was shocked to see an American Avocet in my scope view. I put the word out, and several birders came and enjoyed the bird. Additionally, after I left, Jeanne Cimorelli located a Short-billed Dowitcher, another excellent bird for the county.

~Exciting stuff! American Avocet at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 06/30/24.~
~Another look at today’s bird of the day -American Avocet at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 06/30/24.~

In other news, on Saturday morning, I went to Hickok Brook Multiple Use Area to try for Ruffed Grouse. Historically a good spot for grouse, I did not have any luck yesterday. I enjoyed a pleasant 5.25 mile walk, which was birdy and I enjoyed seeing my first porcupine of the year.

~Porcupine chowing on a leaf at Hickok Brook MUA, 06/29/23.
~I heard MANY Black-throated Green Warblers at Hickok Brook on Saturday, 06/29/24, but only a few were actually seen. The lighting was terrible all morning so super high ISO for these photos.~
~A young American Robin at Beaver Pond, 06/30/24.~
~Great Blue Heron in flight at Liberty Loop, 06/30/24.~

10 thoughts on “Wow! Orange County AMERICAN AVOCET, 06/30/24”

    1. Agreed Jodi – what a beauty and an excellent bird for our area. Thanks for checking in. Matt

  3. Matt … That is a WOW bird for sure. Your timing, persistence, and incredible optics continue to amaze.
    Tom Lake

    1. Wow bird is a good way to put it Tom! I was thrilled, as you can imagine. Good to hear from you. Matt

    1. Thanks. It reminded me of our trip to Texas, Carolyn! That was a great trip. Matt

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