Scenes from a Saltmarsh

Corey and I, accompanied by my good buddy Frank, had a blast on Long Island this weekend moving from one enticing ecosystem to another in search of rare birds. Corey already described the details of our avian-inspired adventures in delightful detail. Since I have a few images of our excursion I’d like to share, let me add that the saltmarsh at which we tarried in search of shorebirds, seabirds, and sparrows was a little slice of heaven. Once you got past the party boats and parasailors, that tiny strip of sand separating a broad expanse of emerald grass from the clear waters of a placid bay was the best place possible to watch the day fade as terns and gulls traveled this way and that in search of one last meal before bed. With hope, you can smell the fresh salt air and feel that warm breeze off the water as you enjoy a few more images from our trip…

Osprey beside a ramshackle nest

Short-billed Dowitchers in flight

Seaside Sparrow laying low

As a bonus, here’s a Blue-winged Warbler from our tick-tacular attempt at bobwhites. This is a nice bird to be sure but I’m not sure it was worth the parasite-induced paranoia I’m currently grappling with… even now, I feel those ticks crawling up my legs!