The Glamour Birds of Bombay Hook – A Bonus Labor Day Post

I made a rare summer visit to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (near Smyrna, Delaware) due to the increased number of interesting species found there in prior days. I didn’t manage to find all of them, but the trip didn’t disappoint.

Of particular interest were the Curlew Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, Sandhill Crane, Black Swan, and Roseate Spoonbill, as well as the host of other birds that visit the Refuge or call it home. Large numbers of American Avocet, Semipalmated and Black Bellied Plover, Mute Swans, Great and Snowy Egrets, Great Blue Herons and a variety of sandpipers and other shorebirds were present.

With many summer wildflowers in bloom, the Refuge was looking lovely. Sadly, the Purple Martin colony seems to have mostly dispersed. I also missed the Black Swan, Spoonbill, and Curlew Sandpiper but was still happy with my day.

Three of the four of Glossy Ibis I saw. One of my favorite birds, up close there is a dazzling array of iridescent plumage.
A Great Egret and Great Blue Heron seem offended by each other,
I was thrilled to see this juvenile Yellow Crowned Night Heron – a long time nemesis bird and a lifer.
A convention of Great Egrets in this tree.
Lots of American Avocet were present.
Fantastic views of a pair of Sandhill Crane.

If the bird life disappoints, you can always just enjoy the view.

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