Sunday Shots, 07/14/24

If you missed it, the big excitement for me this weekend was the BLUE GROSBEAK that I found in the black dirt on Friday evening. Reports indicate that the bird continues today, but I did not try for it.

Instead, I woke up early and headed back to Ashokan Reservoir to see if I could get a better look and photos of the PACIFIC LOON. As luck (and patience) would have it, the Pacific Loon, along with 16 Common Loons, eventually made a relatively close pass on Dike Road . I had been joined Diane Bliss, and the two of us enjoyed fantastic looks at the birds; it was really something.

~Pacific Loon with Common Loons at Ashokan Reservoir, 07/14/24.~
~PALO at Ashokan Reservoir, 07/14/24.~
~Loons at Ashokan Reservoir, 07/14/24.~
~Pacific Loon with a shy Common Loon, Ashokan Reservoir, 07/14/24.~

And as usual, I was taking pics throughout the weekend. I was hoping for some shorebirds, but I wasn’t able to find any new birds in county. I enjoyed spending some time with a pair of cooperative American Kestrels, as well as a Horned Lark that spent some quality time right next to my car on Friday evening. It’s been a good stretch of birding – much better than the summer doldrums I would have expected.

~Female American Kestrel. Apparently it’s difficult to differentiate adult from a first year bird in the field, but based on its behavior (not very skittish), I’m thinking this is a young bird. Black Dirt Region 07/13/24.~
~First year male American Kestrel in the black dirt, o7/13/24.~
~Horned Lark up close and personal in the Black Dirt Region, 07/12/24.~
~HOLA in the black dirt, 07/12/24.~
~Wood Duck at 6 1/2 Station Road, 07/11/24.~

8 thoughts on “Sunday Shots, 07/14/24”

    1. It really was Melissa, especially when you consider the time of year – there usually isn’t very much happening. Thanks for checking in. Matt

  4. Good stuff, Matt.

    I am going to visit the loons up in the Adirondacks at Rollins Pond. There may be chicks that have fledged by now.

    1. I’m just seeing this now Dave – I hope you had a good visit to the Adirondacks. I’ll email you. Matt

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