I don't think I've posted any bird photos yet so I'd better get started. I'll admit that the primary focus of the weekend for me was social. But sprinkled in among the laughter and talking and eating we did see some birds. I went on two guided field trips with Kathi and we all went together on a salt marsh tour aboard a boat called the Osprey. This trip was terrific, relaxing and fun.Laura couldn't believe I was so excited to see a Greater Black-backed Gull. Dime-a-dozen out there but a lifer for me.
Susan was thrilled to see this Peregrine Falcon munching on its lunch atop an osprey platform. We saw two more Peregrines on this boat trip.
Another lifer for me was this Brant. Brants are smaller geese with a kind of gurgling honk. It was a nice, soothing sound.
We saw both Snowy and Great Egrets. This one is a Snowy with its black bill and yellow feet.
During dinner at the C-View someone mentioned that they're really wanted to see an Oystercatcher. Beth mentioned that she saw one on the salt marsh tour and that we'd probably see one too. There were several feeding on this mud flat. Such neat little birds- and very vocal. Lifer!
Double-crested Cormorants like this one were common on the piers but I did get a decent look (but no picture) of a Great Cormorant flying over.
Susan was thrilled to see this Peregrine Falcon munching on its lunch atop an osprey platform. We saw two more Peregrines on this boat trip.
Another lifer for me was this Brant. Brants are smaller geese with a kind of gurgling honk. It was a nice, soothing sound.
We saw both Snowy and Great Egrets. This one is a Snowy with its black bill and yellow feet.
During dinner at the C-View someone mentioned that they're really wanted to see an Oystercatcher. Beth mentioned that she saw one on the salt marsh tour and that we'd probably see one too. There were several feeding on this mud flat. Such neat little birds- and very vocal. Lifer!
Double-crested Cormorants like this one were common on the piers but I did get a decent look (but no picture) of a Great Cormorant flying over. By the end of the weekend I had fourteen new life birds but better than that, I had some amazing new friends.
30 comments:
For this post, your blog comment title is MOST appropriate--peeps from the peeps.
Well, finally, some birds. Here I wondered if you took time to see any.
Just kidding--of course it was mostly social--the bird just gave you the reason to go!
For me, the social part would have been the best, but those birds are all lifers for me. Yay, Linne!
Mary
It must have been exciting to get so many new life birds! Really great photos, especially the Greater Black-backed & Egret.
Great photographs. I love cormorants, but we hardly ever see them around here.
I repeat that I am so happy you made this trip during the sad anniversary. And I appreciate the great photographs and narrative about the flock.
We have a relative of the cormorant called the anhinga down here in south Florida. It does the same thing with its wings.
Beautiful photos of the birds. All of those birds would have been lifers for me. I really like that Brant goose.
Great life birds Lynne, I could use that falcon and oystercatcher!! If you can believe it I lost my life list from a computer problem!! I guess I'll just have to keep it in my head.
Great post Lynne, I know you will be getting a lot of life birds and life laughs with your new good friends!
As social as this was, I can't even imagine 10 of us (+ Julie and Bill) together...Katie bar the door! :c) Glad it was such a blast Lynne.
Weren't those oystercatchers fascinating? So funny looking. They were one of my five lifers on the trip and my favorites. Glad you got to see them.
Beth
Your photos are wonderful, Lynne, and most of these would have been lifers for me, too! Sounds like you all had such a great time. It's fun reading all of your blog posts.
With the exception of the egret and cormorant I have not seen these other birds. Once you see the Cormorant 'drying' his wings you never miss IDing him again! 14 new life birds is alot for a week end. Congrats!
Great pics and glad you got some great lifers along with the social fun!
Just wonderful! Especially the comorant spreding his wings!
What a great weekend with all the socializing and birding. Brants and black-backed gulls would be lifers for me, too. It's great you had such a wonderful time, Lynne.
Funny... it's pretty obvious that you and I were standing side by side taking pics, Lynne!
Well done on the brant in flight, Lynne!
The boat trip WAS nice...and Kathi didn't fall in and need to be rescued.
: )
Another great post. You saw some I have never seen too. I still photograph the gulls and my husband thinks I am crazy, he says "they are just those same old birds", I have at least got him looking close enough to see the gulls, terns and skimmers are DIFFERENT than each other. I might take him along this birder journey yet.
What a nice variety of bird sightings. I've would love to see an oystercatcher, love the long bill!
This seems lazy but, I'll just have to quote my mom this time ;)
What a great weekend with all the socializing and birding. Brants and black-backed gulls would be lifers for me, too. It's great you had such a wonderful time, Lynne. Never seen those either!
Can't wait to see more pictures Lynne! And I thought of you on Sunday when a turkey vulture came awfully close to me while I had my camera ready. I'll post them very soon!
Good birds Lynne! I'm glad you had such a fantastic weekend in Cape May.
Dear Lynne,
I am so happy you were able to take this trip and be with birds and buddies.
That is the best!
Lifers are always exciting too. Your photos are fantastic.
I keep saying I need to get out of my backyard but I seldom do!
Glad you did and shared with us.
Sherry
What a great place for birding. I saw my first Great BB Gull this weekend on Lake Ontario which is quite inland for them. The Snowy Egret is a beautiful bird. Nice pictures.
lynne, I just read about the New River Birding and Nature Festival you have posted on your blog. I have never gone to any birding events and want to know..what events you would suggest I attend if I were to go? I probably wouldn't be able to stay more than two days..and I am just learning about birds and birding. Thanks.
Hi Tina- I signed up for the whol week and the festival director assigned me to day trips. There is one trip per day. I've never been there before but all of the trips sound fun. If you would like, I will send you and email with the trips that I'm doing. Kathi from Katdoc went to this festival last year and might have an opinion too.
My email is
l.schoenborn@comcast.net
Thank you Lynne, I will send you my e-mail address. Hope you have a good weekend. :)
Sounds like a perfect weekend--glad you found so much success!
Great shots of all the gulls and cormorants. I need to see the sea someday.
Congrats on all the lifers, Lynne! I need an oyster cathcer for my life list, but I don't think I'll be seeing any here in AZ!
BBPV sounds horrid. I am glad you are on the mend.
I love that you shared the gifts from your mom. The black skipper and mocking bird were blessings for you that you passed on to us. Thank you. The photos are wonderful!
More great photos! Sometimes I have a hard time being serious about birdig when I'm around new birders.-I tend to enjoy the social aspect more too.-I do my best birding aloe or maybe with one other birder.
Post a Comment