This evening I met up with Linda Scrima and Maria Loukeris at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge’s Liberty Marsh. We were following up on a second hand report by Ken McDermott, from earlier in the day, of a CATTLE EGRET at the marsh. We had a pretty fabulous night of birding, with 4 species of shorebirds being seen right along Oil City Road (Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Snipe, and Solitary Sandpiper). An American Bittern called as soon as I got out of the car, and Linda got a sweet shot of one in flight (see below). Sora could be heard calling from just east of the viewing platform. And then, the CATTLE EGRET flew out of the marsh and right over the platform! It headed north and settled down just off of Liberty Lane. It didn’t stay there for long, however, it picked up and, lucky for us, put down about 100 yards out from the viewing platform. Excellent, lucky night of birding!
Great shots Matt. Being in the right place at the right time is some sort of blessing. Congrats!
The bird was first reported to me by Tom Burke and Gail Benson who saw it posted someplace and they called me about it. The bird stayed hidden until this evening when you folks got to see it.
I was thinking about how much luck and being in the right place at the right time is involved in birding. Some days it just works out, I guess. I’m glad the bird didn’t stay hidden, that’s for sure. Matt
Bird lovers, your lovely photos and your devotion to the sport are inspiring. It was 36F last night! My bird-watching is confined to the view from my kitchen through smear-covered window, and that’s how I photograph them. I don’t even know what I’m looking at; they are…birds! I try to capture what I consider to be their unusual poses. With more time, I’ll learn from you. Thank you.
Norma,
Any birding is good birding, if you ask me. Whatever birds you can get will make your life that much better. Matt
Indeed. It’s a joy to get up in the morning and see the birds happy with their feeds. Part of the budget! I have a feeder by my kitchen window and the pleasure these creatures give adds another dimension to just waiting for the coffee to brew. There’s Mr. Chip (the chipmunk) and the squirrel who plays with the birds.
Matt, you sleep with happy thoughts of your evening birding while I get up in the morning looking forward to catching the elusive bright red cardinal and the big blue jay.
You can than me, Matt. I return from Florida and all of a sudden the temps here in NY are in the 80s and a Cattle egret shows up. I’m being followed! Now for the warblers…….
Ha ha Dave! Do you think a Swallow-tailed Kite may have slipped into your luggage? Matt