I spent an hour at the Tip. Shorebirds included Sanderlings (2), Semiplamated Sandpiper (1), Ruddy Turnstone (2), Spotted Sandpiper (3), Killdeer and a lone Whimbrel. The Whimbrel came down the east side, turned around without stopping and went back up the west side!
A few butterfly photos are posted below. Other species included Monarch (many), Spicebush Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail (only one), Pearl Crescent, Question Mark, Cabbage White, Orange Sulphur.
On the way home, I stopped at Blenheim lagoons in hopes of seeing the Ruff. I saw it right away, closer than last evening. Too far away though for a good photo. Since these birds are variable, it can be difficult at times to determine what you have. I'm sure others have better photos and can draw conclusions. My very first impression was that of a moulting male, but it does look a bit like a female. Perhaps the large thick bill suggest a male too. I'm not sure where the label "orange" male Ruff came from as the original observer indicated, but it was likely the same bird.
Quite often a Ruff will show up at Blenheim this time of year. I had a female about a year ago. I have seen several Ruff (females) at Blenheim over the years.
Ruff at Blenheim
worn Hackberry Emperor (late first brood)
Red Admiral
Viceroy
No comments:
Post a Comment