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
