Red-necked Phalarope at Sandy Point State Park.

We’ve had a little rain the last couple of days, so I haven’t been able to get out in the morning, my preferred time for photography.

I did manage to find a few bugs in the afternoon, and then I got an email about a rare bird at Sandy Point yesterday, so I made the trip despite the rain and traffic.

The Red-necked Phalarope was right where he was reported to be, and very cooperative,so I got some nice images. I don’t usually chase these rarities, but this one was close and worth the effort.

Forster's Tern 2017-100

Caspian Tern 2017-39

There are still 20 or so Caspian Terns at Sandy Point.

Royal Tern 2017-7

Royal Tern 2017-6

Royal Tern 2017-5

This sequence shows a Royal Tern apparently picking up, then dropping a stick.

Red-necked Phalarope 2017-1

Red-necked Phalarope 2017-2

This Red-necked Phalarope was foraging in small circles, as described by the Audubon guide. Audubon: “Phalaropes reverse the usual sex roles in birds: Females are larger and more colorful than males; females take the lead in courtship, and males are left to incubate the eggs and care for the young. Red-necked Phalaropes nest around arctic tundra pools and winter at sea. During migration they pause on shallow ponds in the west, where they spin in circles, picking at the water’s surface. However, most apparently migrate offshore, especially in the east. Despite their small size and delicate shape, they seem perfectly at home on the open ocean.”

Caterpillar 231

Yesterday’s bugs.