Purple Martin at Bombay Hook NWR.

I met Graeme early and we headed to Bombay Hook, planning on a dawn arrival.  I’m a believer that birds wake up hungry, and that morning light is the best light.

There may have been a few more birds than a couple o days ago, but not a lot. The variety wasn’t better, and we had to wait a couple of hours for the clouds to dissipate.

I’m also posting some pics from Quiet Waters a couple of days ago.

A Fox kit was the highlight of the morning, and we met and chatted with several nice birders.

Green Winged Teal 2018-3

Green Winged Teal 2018-2

There are only a few Green Winged Teal still in the area.

 

Great Egret 2018-5

Only a few Great Egrets were in evidence.

Tree Swallow 2018-11

Tee Swallows were numerous and active.

 

American Avocet 2018-5

We saw many American Avocets early, but they soon disappeared.

Black Crowned Night Heron 2018-1

Black Crowned Night Heron 2018-2

The Black Crowned Night Heron rookery was very active.

Northern Shoveler 2018-17

Many Northern Shovelers were foraging in the shallows.

Purple Martin 2018-3 Purple Martin 2018-2

Purple Martin 2018-4

There’s a large Purple Martin colony near the visitor center.

Pileated Woodpecker 2018-7

Pileated Woodpecker 2018-6

I found this Pileated Woodpecker at Quiet Waters.

Pileated Woodpecker 2018-5

Brown Creeper 2018-3

This Brown Creeper was just a little too far away.

Fox 87 Fox 88

Fox 86

Momma Fox and her kit are doing well.