On Sunday I had the opportunity to go out with New Haven Bird Club. We started in Westbrook, CT and walked along the beach to a productive mudflats at low tide. Lots of fun !! Semi-Palmated Sandpipers have gathering by the 100's on the mudflats in many places. Common and Least Terns were flying over, Ruddy Turnstones and American Oystercatchers were foraging, Black-bellied and Semi-Palmated Plovers were gathering as well. 3 species of Gulls (Ring-billed, Herring, and Great Black-backed), Little Blue Herons and both Egrets were the major attractions. Viewing thru spotting scopes, we watched a dark adult Little Blue Heron fly into the rookery tree and feed a white juvenile. The juveniles hold their immature plumage for a year, acquiring adult plumage by the end of their 2nd year.Top photo: Ruddy Turnstone with Black bellied Plovers. A Semi-palmated Sandpiper is barely in view.
2nd photo: American Oystercatcher
A Semi-Palmated Plover foraging as the tide comes in.
