The (Not so) Rural Pennsylvanian

  • 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.

  • Once More Into Delaware

    April and May are prime times for birding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. The weather was beautiful on a recent trip. Here are a few photos of what I saw.

    This egret had the Beaver Pond to itself.
    Two avocets at cross purposes.
    Looking like a school master with errant pupils – great and snowy egrets.
    A relaxing bask in Finnis Pool.
    A beautiful redbud in bloom.
    Finally, the worst picture of the cutest pied billed grebe ever.

  • So This Isn’t Pennsylvania

    This past May I took a trip to one of my favorite bird watching spots at Bombay Hook NWR near Smyrna, Delaware. It had been while since I was last there, but it is well worth the trip. Just look out for the insects in late Spring and early Summer. The refuge has a great auto tour route which is a nice feature for the disabled (or the just plain lazy). There are also plenty of opportunities to take short walks to see the varied habitats here.

    I was excited as I approached this bird. It looked pink from a distance. Turns out it was just a snow goose stained reddish brown from iron compounds in the soil.

    There were some shore birds present in late May.
    A family of snowy egrets.
    One of the many nest boxes used by tree swallows.
    This Canada goose has a secret.
    A great egret trying to hide from me.
    Those babies were well hidden in the grass.

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