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.
Hey - looks like you need to add Little Blue Heron to your 2013 list! It's always good to see shorebirds, but it means also that summer is winding down... good photos btw!
ReplyDelete