FOS Semipalmated Plover – 5/15/14

One of two Semipalmated Plover at Wallkill River NWR, 5/15/14. They were located in the compound just north of Oil City Road, to the west of Liberty Lane.
One of two Semipalmated Plover at Wallkill River NWR, 5/15/14. They were located in the compound just north of Oil City Road, to the west of Liberty Lane.

I had a small collection of shorebirds at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge this evening:

Semipalmated Plover (2) FOS
Killdeer (1)
Greater Yellowlegs (4)
Solitary Sandpiper (1)
Spotted Sandpiper (1)
Least Sandpiper (1)

All the birds, save one Greater Yellowlegs, were located in the compound just north of Oil City Road and on your left as you walk up Liberty Lane. Two of the Greater Yellowlegs flew and eventually put down on the west side of the Liberty Loop, so that might be another good location for shorebirds.

Semipalmated Plover at Wallkill River NWR, 5/15/14.
Semipalmated Plover at Wallkill River NWR, 5/15/14.

Also, yesterday evening I met Karen Miller at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, where it was quite birdy with a couple of Blackpoll Warblers being the highlight for me. I had ample opportunity to get shots of these birds, but wow were they moving quickly and in the shadows. Here’s my best effort:

One of two Blackpoll Warblers at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 5/14/14.
One of two Blackpoll Warblers at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 5/14/14.
Warbling Vireo at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 5/14/14.
Warbling Vireo at 6 1/2 Station Road Sanctuary, 5/14/14.