Migration heating up

This afternoon I kicked around Stratford and Milford Point for a few hours in search of migrant shorebirds and terns. Results were pretty solid for the date, as I had a dozen species of shorebird and four terns. The shorebirds were all common migrants and breeders except for the continuing RUFF in Stratford. More than a few peep and dowitchers were present to look at, indicating that migration is really kicking into gear.

Terns were highlighted by single CASPIAN and ROYAL TERNS at Milford Point. The Caspian was a quick fly-by, while the Royal was roosting on one of the distant sandbars. Also loafing on the bars was a first summer LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL among a mixed flock of young gulls.

Record shot of the Caspian Tern as it passed by Milford Point

So far this has been one of the birdier early July's in my area that I can recall. In just a few brief outings this month I have chased a Ruff, seen four Royal Terns and a Caspian, have seen good numbers of migrants for the date, and stumbled across a Snowy Egret with Little Egret-like head plumes (more on that cool bird in a future post). Here's hoping the activity continues and includes something like, say, a stint??

 - NB