Saturday, September 26, 2009

To work on my fall shorebird identification, I spent most of the day with a group from the NJ Audubon down at one of my favorite birding locations - Brigantine (Edwin B. Forsythe NWR).
With Dunlin numbers increasing, sorting through shore bird flocks, mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers, with smaller numbers of Short-billed Dowitchers, Black-bellied Plover and Least Sandpiper to glean the few White-rumped, Pectoral and Stilt Sandpipers mixed in with them today, was definately a challenge! However, todays highlight was watching a Peregrine Falcon heading straight for us while chasing a Semipalmated Sandpiper. The Sandpiper managed to escape by flying at knee level right next to us while the Peregrine broke off its chase about 10 feet in front of us. Close enough to feel the air movement and hear the crack as it veered off.

Lesser & Greater Yellowlegs

Friday, September 25, 2009

Birding in Central New Jersey & around the World







Welcome.

Chasing #1000

My goal for 2009 is to finally reach #1000 on my Life List. While in Southern California in early September, I managed to add 23 more lifers bring me to a toal of 995. Last Friday while up in the NJ Meadowlands , picked off #996 - American Golden-plover. The countdown to 100 has begun!