From one Wildlife Refuge to Another

     I had a nice long weekend, had a lot planned, and of course was able to get in some birding among it all. After the rain, Thursday I visited Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge before going to a Mets game (and watching who flew over and through Citi Field) with a few bird friends, we naturally went to the Cardinals game. On Sunday, Tim joined me in visiting Shawangunk Wildlife Refuge which I have only visited in the winter. What a treat in the warmer months, it probably gets quite hot, easily as there is no respite from the sun. The wildflowers growing in the open grasslands though are beautiful!
     What a great weekend, zero complaints about these sights.

A female Eastern Towhee , usually quite secretive, it is usually the males who catch your eye. She is beautiful in those warm, chocolate colors.

Another female bird, while the male sat out and sang nearby, this female yellow warbler was working on her nest.

Yellow warblers nest at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, they are very common there in breeding season. You see and hear them nearly everywhere you go.

A fresh rain puddle is a special treat when nearly everything around you is salt water.
This catbird is having an extra great afternoon.

Song sparrows were busy foraging in the grasses that have come to seed.

Hiding among the tallest grasses are common yellow throats (like this lady here) and house wrens, they nest in the grasses and tangles of vines.

views of these birds are usually between blades of grass as they perch vertically.

Spotted a very late long-tailed duck on the west pond.

A great egret tries for a new fishing spot near the West Pond.

had a fun, atypical view of a cedar waxwing as it went all out on its preening.

Before leaving I enjoyed some nice looks at the resident house finches at the feeders.

LOOK AT THAT TONGUE!!!!!!

At Shawangunk, one thing was for sure, it's full of bobolinks.
Grasslands are a special habitat and they are often hard to come by in these parts. So this refuge maintains this habitat which is attractive for so many species that depends on these open fields full of grasses and wildlflowers.

Granted, most grassland views of things are through grass, and the grass is (at this time of year) as tall as yourself, sometimes slightly taller.

Edit: So. This is NOT a grasshopper sparrow, as I got really excited hearing the calls and seeing this FEMALE BOBOLINK. Damn.

This bobolink has a yummy snack!

What a lovely outing to get this life bird, enjoy the wildflowers, a slew of bobolinks, and a smattering of Eastern meadowlarks, all three of which I was really hoping to see.
And later, we got a nice (and always delicious) family dinner at DPNB in Nyack. I HIGHLY recommend the lavender honey gelato to finish your meal.
There is something very satisfying about seeking out specific birds and finding them all!