In an effort to beat the heat and catch the good light, Kyle picked me up at my house at 5:30 this morning. We loaded up the kayaks and headed for Morningside Park, which is undoubtedly the best local spot to photograph shorebirds. We arrived just after 6:30 and the air was relatively cool and the light was perfect. We paddled out to the islands where throughout the morning we had 5 species of shorebird:
Semipalmated Sandpiper (2)
Least Sandpiper (6)
Wilson’s Snipe (1)
Solitary Sandpiper (1)
Spotted Sandpiper (1)
As usual, the peeps were super cooperative for photos. The other birds not so much, although I was able to get one shot of the snipe. We spent some time shooting the peeps and also just paddling around the lake to see what other birds might be around – we totaled 27 species on the lake for the morning.
On our way back we stopped at the Bashakill; I had to meet up with Linda Lou Bartle and we figured we’d do some quick birding while we were there. Surprisingly, it was a great morning for raptors there, we had:
Turkey Vulture (1)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Red-shouldered Hawk (3)
Broad-winged Hawk (2)
Cooper’s Hawk (1)
Bald Eagle (3)
Osprey (1)
You know with all those raptors that Kyle and I were both very happy! Hawkwatch starts in less than 3 weeks!
Great morning. Awesome pics too. That RSHA is sweet!!
Kyle
Thanks Kyle, the RSHA is a little soft, but I had to post it. Nice morning of birding, especially considering the heat. Matt
Really like the first pic of the Semipalmated Sandpiper.
My favorite too, Karen, thanks. Matt
yes, beautiful light! beautiful images!
Thanks Anne, it pays to get up early! Matt
The early worm beats the heat and get the shorebirds…and raptors! And great photos!
Thanks Linda! I just wish it was a little easier to get out of bed that early, especially on the weekends when I finally have a chance to sleep in! Matt