Chirps and Cheeps

I did a little birding around the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge again today. I found that Colvin Marsh is still hosting several shorebirds, including Dunlin and a White-rumped Sandpiper. The sandpiper was a life bird for me - and one that I didn't expect to get this year given the late date.

The birds were much closer this visit than they were the last time I was there: Rufous Hummingbird in Seneca, NY (but Long-billed Dowitchers were at Colvin Marsh!). This time, I barely needed the scope. They started out foraging in the marsh to my left, and little by little, they moved over to the right, crossing only about 30 feet in front of me! It was great to get such nice looks. I wish it had been a little sunnier for the photos, but hey, I'll take what I can get!

I think it was fitting that the sandpiper was associating with Dunlin. Apparently, hybrids are sometimes found in North America between the White-rumped Sandpiper and Dunlin. I guess these two species get along well!

A little later, after enjoying the Dunlin and White-rumped Sandpiper for a nice, long while, I stopped by Knox-Marsellus Marsh. I was disappointed not to find any Snow Geese amongst the thousand or so Canada Geese. I wonder if they just come to roost there in the evening. But seeing the Sandhill Cranes again was a very nice treat.

I spent a very chilly hour scoping the ducks and practicing my skills at identifying them.  I still have a long way to go, but I was able to ID some: Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon, and of course, Mallard.