The count of birds continued up the cross-dike, pausing to take advantage of the openings near the channels. Looking up I saw Joan Stoner waving to everyone to come to the Observation Deck. She had spied a Least Sandpiper foraging in the muck at the base of the cattail visible from the ramp.


That kept everyone entertained for several minutes as everyone studied the bird closely. Just as we were ready to move on, a Virginia Rail pops out from the same area in the reeds.


The rail didn't linger, but continued walking parallel to the trail, under the walkway until it disappeared into the reeds on the other side. Everyone waited for a few moments for what Joan had scheduled next, but alas that was it for that spot. (Of course either one would have been a treat, both was spectacular.)

I'm not sure whether I like the lotus fully open or in the process of opening better. This lotus caught my eye as an almost perfect specimen without blemish, the right balance of symmetry and asymmetry. I guess today I like opening lotus better.
You generally can see the odd cormorant at Great Meadows, but usually they are far in the distance or standing upon one of the duck boxes. This one, was swimming and diving in the channel reasonably close to the cross dike trail.

I was kicking myself for not having charged the batteries in my flash after they died on Sunday. While I enjoy this shot, I wish that I could have added a kiss of light to open up the shadow on its face and bring out the color of the blue eye.