Vacation Land

I felt like I was the only person that had not seen the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck that has been visiting the Great Meadows off and on from the beginning of July. My schedule had always conspired against going to the refuge while it was there.

That's why Sunday I was so pleased when I saw a report in Massbird that it had been seen again only two hours earlier. Though the weather was threatening rain and the clouds loomed overhead, I rushed over to see if I could see this unique bird.

Based the number of cars in the parking lot when I arrived, I realized that I wasn't the only person that wanted to see this bird. Given that the northern end of its range normally extends only to the southern border of Texas and Arizona. For non-birders that were asking questions, I said it was like he decided to take his summer vacation in New England, much like the people from far away that visit Cap Cod each year.

I can see why it is such an attraction. (For more information about this bird check out the Cornell website.)

My favorite photo of the afternoon





Finally tiring of photographing the Whistling Duck, I proceeded further down the Dike path. The American Lotus are always interesting to me.




Reminds me of a clock

It seems like there are a lot more Great Egrets visiting the refuge this year.