A Happy Convergence

Several days ago I suggested that this week provided a great opportunity – the happy convergence of high tides with afternoon shorebirding on Stony Bayou #1 at SMNWR.  Deciding to take my own advice, I made a brief afternoon trip into the refuge today. The trip would have been less brief had SB #1 not been completely devoid of shorebirds. Despite the high tide in the bay, SB #1 had almost no water, probably a result of the stiff north winds of the last couple of days. Apparently the shorebirds found better pickings elsewhere.

Not a complete bust, however. The northeast corner of Lighthouse Pool was absolutely packed with shorebirds and terns. Almost all of them were resting and facing into the wind, with backs turned toward the road. Not the best viewing aspect for making fine scale IDs, but the array of plumage patterns was quite aesthetically pleasing. Dowitchers were dominant, with at least one Long-billed. Several Whimbrel, a few M Godwits, and many fine looking, breeding plumaged Bl-bellied Plovers, Dunlin, and R Turnstones.

Had an excellent look at my way overdue FOY Least Bittern at Picnic Pond, and a Veery behind Mounds restrooms. A female Rose-br Grosbeak at my feeder when I got home to Woodville, so a few passage passerines remain.