More Good Shorebirds at Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19

I got a slightly later start than I wanted this morning. I struggled sleeping last night; I eventually got back to sleep around 5 am, but that made it tough to wake up early. My plan was to get to Citgo Pond before the sun was over the trees (once it’s over the trees, the birds are severely backlit and tough to ID). Anyways, I had to forego that plan and I headed directly to my next planned stop: Glenmere Lake. It ended up being a good decision as I had some really good birds in perfect light.

~Always a favorite (look at the header image I’ve use for ages), Pectoral Sandpiper up close and personal at Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19.~

I kayaked the lake, just as I did last weekend. As I paddled out, I could see some good shorebird activity in the distance at the south end of the lake. I heard a shorebird call; I couldn’t put my finger on it and I also couldn’t locate the bird – it seemed to be moving over great distance. I eventually caught up with that bird, it was an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, undoubtedly the bird of the day. Prior to locating the plover, I’d come across nearly a dozen Pectoral Sandpipers (always a favorite), and 5 Lesser Yellowlegs. Of course there were many Killdeer around as well. Photo ops were mostly good as the light was good and the birds were cooperative. One other bird of note was a single American Pipit flyover, calling as it went. Again, I can’t express how great it is to be able to see these fabulous birds up close and personal – kayaking for shorebirds rules. I’ll be out again in the morning, fingers crossed for some good birds.

~By the time I’d located this bird, heat shimmer was an issue for photos. Plus I kept my distance – I’m not sure how these birds are with the kayak. The bird of the day, an American Golden-Plover at Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19.~
~Pectoral Sandpiper with a Lesser Yellowlegs in the background. Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19.~
~Pec at Glenmere, 10/15/19.~
~I know not everyone is as shorebird-obsessed as I am, but come on – this is a gorgeous bird. PESA at Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19.~
~Unbeknownst to me, Kathy Ashman was birding the lake the same time I was there. She took some excellent shots of me birding in my kayak – thanks for sharing Kathy!
~There were several Double-crested Cormorants at the lake this morning, 10/05/19.~
~I went to Wallkill River NWR briefly after Glenmere Lake and had 5 species of sparrow – Song, Savannah, Lincoln’s, White-crowned, and a good number of Swamp Sparrows like this one.~
~More heat shimmer, grrrrrr, but what can you do? White-crowned Sparrow at Wallkill River NWR, 10/05/19.~

6 thoughts on “More Good Shorebirds at Glenmere Lake, 10/05/19”

  2. Matt,
    So glad you are getting some good shorebird movement in you’re area, and glad you’re getting to see them! John

    1. Me to John. It’s been a little like pulling teeth, but we are actually getting some good shorebirds in OC. I’m hoping it will continue through October and we’ll get some dowitchers and some dunlin. And maybe something better than that. Matt

  3. Beautiful photos of great birds! If you’re that close to Chester, last weekend at Chester Academy on Hambletonian Ave, between 7 and 8 AM, I saw (and got photos) of two leucistic crows- all white feathers with dark legs and bill, among a small group of other American crows. They were there on Saturday and Sunday.

    1. Thanks so much Michael. I would love to see leucistic crows – that would be fascinating. I’ll swing by there sometime today, thanks for the tip. Matt

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