Delray Beach, FL ~ Wakodahatchee Wetland

Black-necked Stilt

Sora

Gray-headed Swamphen with chicks ~ Life Bird #380

Great Blue Heron with chicks

Great Blue Heron with chicks

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL

Black-necked Stilt

Driving the 7 mile auto tour along Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island is a favorite spot for birdersin Florida. Even though it is not the "best" season to see the birds we had a great time.  There were Common Gallinule with chicks, Black-necked Stilts and Roseate Spoonbills among the highlights. We went back for a second drive around late afternoon. Then we took a dirt road drive around where we saw Willets with chicks, more Black-necked Stilts and Yellow Legs before turning around to come back as night was falling.

Common Gallinule Chicks

Common Gallinule Chicks

Common Gallinule

Outer Banks, NC ~ Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Yellow Legs & Black-necked Stilt

Yesterday evening we stopped at the North Pond of the Pea Island NWR and walked along the trail.  We saw some great birds but dusk was falling and we knew we needed more time to explore.  Up early this morning we arrived at the Salt Flats Wildlife Trail at about 8AM. As we walked the trail we could see shorebirds including a large flock of Avocets out in a pond area over the salt marsh.  The bugs were biting so bug jackets were a must.  While there we talked with a local who suggested we use the bird blind to get a closer look at the birds.  I was able to walk down onto the salt flat and get closer views of the birds including a Black Skimmer who spent about 15 minutes skimming for fish right in front of me.  It was an awesome experience. Then we went over to the North Pond wildlife trail where we saw a rare for them Lark Sparrow.  It was a great morning.

Yellow Legs & American Avocet

Black-necked Stilt

American Avocet

Black Skimmer skimming

Black Skimmer

Lark Sparrow

CA ~ Famosa Slough, San Diego

Whimbrel, Marbled Godwit, Yellow Legs and Western Willet

Today was a transition day with me driving from Palm Desert to San Diego.  My sister and hubby flew in from PA where I met them at the airport.  Since we couldn't get into our rental until 3 PM we decided to drive over to the Famosa Slough.  What a great decision!  We saw 25+ species of birds including great looks at Black-necked Stilts really up close and personal, Marbled Godwits, American Avocets, Brown Pelican, Egrets and Herons and new life bird Eared Grebe

Eared Grebe

Black-necked Stilt

Sunrise over Jetty Landing Road

Today I decided to get up early and go to Moss Landing to be there for sunrise.  I thought that watching the sunrise come up over the beach lighting up the Pacific Ocean with the full moon over the ocean would be beautiful.  Also, I thought that the light would be good for getting some pictures of the shore birds.  There are Marbled Godwits, Western Willets, Long-billed Curlews, Dowitchers, Yellow Legs, Whimbrels and lots of little sandpipers to see and photograph. 

The sunrise was magnificant!  The birds were delightful to watch.  It was fun to talk with another photgrapher who lives in the area while watching the birds.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

I have wanted to visit Bombay Hook NWR in De since I got interested in birding but have never found the time. After my trip to PA for Lisa's baby shower I thought that I would make the time. I had an adventure getting there as I got off rt 13 South at the exit before I should have. Then I missed a turn as the road wasn't well marked so I went 7 miles further down the highway but it gave me a good idea of the local area for any further trips. Once I arrived I stopped into the visitors center where the volunteer was so helpful and fun to talk to about the refuge. She also provided me with a Delaware Birding Trail leaflet for future trips.

My primary target birds were Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets (lifer) and Wood Ducks though I am happy to see all birds. Luckily I got the fist two birds plus lots of Yellow Legs in first impoundment.

The next area had lots of Coots and a variety of other ducks including Pied-billed Grebe (lifer), Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers and a beaver.  I also saw 2 Bald Eagles off in the distance in a tree.