Weekend Wrap Up – 6/9/13

x
A Marsh Wren builds its nest at the Appalachian Trail Pochuck Creek Section, 6/9/13.

I was out of town for work this week, so I did not have the opportunity to do much birding (actually the hotel we stayed at had a nice swampy area surrounding it and I walked the perimeter a number of times). I made up for it by doing quite a bit of birding this weekend, hittting five spots in two days.

Saturday Morning – Sterling Forest State Park, Sterling Lake Loop.

Highlights: Although I had 31 species for the walk, I did not see anything extraordinary. I was lucky enough to get a decent photo of my first of season Red-eyed Vireo:

I spent some time with this bird, waiting for it to get into some sunlight. Red-eyed Vireo at Sterling Forest SP 6/8/13.
I spent some time with this bird, waiting for it to get into some sunlight. Red-eyed Vireo at Sterling Forest SP 6/8/13.

Saturday Afternoon: Basha Kill WMA

Highlights: My latest favorite bird, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo made an appearance at the Nature Trail again. I also had a brief but good look at a male Scarlett Tanager there as well.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Basha Kill WMA, 6/8/13.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo at Basha Kill WMA, 6/8/13.
I had to include this shot of an Eastern Kingbird snagging a dragonfly from its perch. Deli Fields at Basha Kill WMA 6/8/13.
I had to include this shot of an Eastern Kingbird snagging a dragonfly from its perch. Deli Fields at Basha Kill WMA 6/8/13.

Sunday Early Morning: Appalachian Trail near Route 94 in Sussex County NJ

Highlights: I was fortunate enough to be invited to join Judy Cinquina, Tom Millard, B.A. McGrath and Gene for a day of birding. It was certainly good company and I felt like I learned quite a bit. My best bird for the morning (for the whole day really) was the GRASSHOPPER SPARROW!  This was a life bird for me, and although we got several very good looks, I was not satisfied with any of my photos. The light was on the harsh side for some reason and most of my photos where overexposed. Here is my best effort:

x
Grasshopper Sparrow at the Appalachian Trail near Route 94, 6/9/13.

Sunday Late Morning: Appalachian Trail Pochuck Creek Section

Highlights: Watching a Marsh Wren build its nest was amazing I was really happy to get the photo at the top of this post. I also really enjoyed the Swamp Sparrows perching on cattails and singing.

x
Swamp Sparrow at the Appalachian Trail Pochuk Creek Section, 6/9/13.
x
Willow Flycatcher at the Appalachian Trail Pochuck Creek Section, 6/9/13.

Sunday Afternoon: Wallkill River NWR

Highlights: For the heat of the day, we saw many birds while we walked the east side of the Liberty Loop.  I really enjoyed the distant but good looks at four male Bobolinks, and I managed to get a photo of a male Orchard Oriole that I like:

Orchard Oriole at Wallkill River NWR 6/9/13.
Orchard Oriole at Wallkill River NWR 6/9/13.
Cedar Waxwing at Wallkill River NWR, 6/9/13.
Cedar Waxwing at Wallkill River NWR, 6/9/13.
I finally got a shot of a Common Yellowthroat - for some reason I have not gotten good looks this year. Wallkill River NWR, 6/9/13.
I finally got a shot of a Common Yellowthroat – for some reason I have not gotten good looks this year. Wallkill River NWR, 6/9/13.

 

 

 

2 thoughts on “Weekend Wrap Up – 6/9/13”

  1. Great photos, Matt. The Marsh Wren pic looks so similar to what we got last year there. I also really like the Cedar Waxwing picture.

    1. The nest was in almost the same exact spot as last year. The wren was still building the nest and was very active, it was so fun to watch. We should try to get out there soon. matt

Comments are closed.