Chirps and Cheeps

What was going to be a slow birding day turned into a bit of a rush and panic...  I started out early, birding at Times Beach on this enjoyably cool and sunny morning.  I found a little flock of warblers and got some nice looks at a Black-throated Blue, Wilson's, female type American Redstart, and a Cape May.  A young Black-crowned Night Heron was hunting out in the middle of the marsh and I was able to sneak a few photos of him from behind the blind.

Thinking I had plenty of time to linger, I started birding the other end of the nature preserve.  But soon, I was interrupted by word that a young Red Knot was re-located by Joe Fell out on Bird Island Pier.  Quickly calculating time to get to my car, drive time to the pier, and drive time to get to my son's house to babysit, I figured I could make it if I hurried.  I already had nice looks at a couple of adult Red Knots that were in breeding plumage earlier in the season.  Gale VerHague found those near the Dunkirk Harbor in spring - but there just aren't enough opportunities to see this declining species here in Western New York!

So, in hyper mode, I made the long walk out on my already aching feet.  If you haven't walked Bird Island Pier, take note: it's a long one!  Happily, when I finally got all the way out there, the juvenile shorebird was right where it was said to be and I got some wonderful looks at it.  A few Semipalmated Sandpipers were keeping it company, which was a nice bonus.

Ending this surprisingly busy day, I was glad to find an Eastern Wood-Pewee in our backyard along with a female type Scarlet Tanager.  All in all, it was a very birdy day!