American Avocets at Bombay Hook NWR.

We’ve had too many days of rain lately, which has kept me confined to local spots. Today looked a little more promising, so I took a chance and went to Bombay Hook. There’s nothing worse than committing to a 3 hour drive and then running into bad weather.

I lucked out, weather-wise, but it took a couple of hours before the sun was out and the clouds dispersed. From 6:00-8:00 I found almost nothing, but the sun brought in a lot of birds quickly. Avocets and Ibis were the best, but a fair number of Egrets and Herons were around as well.  Some passerines in the roadside bushes added to the fun.

Eastern Kingbird 2018-19

Several Eastern Kingbirds were flycatching near the road.

Least Sandpiper 2018-9

This group of Least Sandpipers looked to number 75 or more.

Great Egret 2018-50 Great Egret 2018-49 Snowy Egret 2018-18 Snowy Egret 2018-17

Great Egret 2018-51

Great Egrets were in every pool.

Greater Yellowlegs 2018-7

I only saw a few Greater Yellowlegs.

Glossy Ibis 2018-9

5 Glossy Ibis flew over the marsh without stopping.

Snowy Egret 2018-19

It always seems odd to see so many Egrets in a tree.

Short Billed Dowitcher 2018-4

8-10 Short-billed Dowitchers flew overhead.

Goldfinch 2018-12

There are always many Goldfinches at Bombay Hook.

Blue Grosbeak 2018-4

Blue Grosbeak 2018-5

A couple of Blue Grosbeaks were a nice treat.

American Avocet 2018-11

American Avocet 2018-12

40-50 American Avocets were foraging in the marsh.