A second visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park was made a couple of days after my first on New Year's Day when it was warmer with the park surprisingly crowded with visitors.
The Mallard above (image 1) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
I again made a motor birding tour as the ankle heals. I gravitated to the pond northwest of the traffic circle which I consider a hotspot within the eBird hotspot devoting the two hours before sunset for observations.
The American Black Duck above (image 2) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Northern Harrier above (image 3) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Northern Harrier above (image 4) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Northern Harrier above (image 5) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
It was an enjoyable afternoon with comparatively balmy conditions. There was apparently not as great a need for the wildlife to take refuge in the pond this day as many flocks of birds flew past.
The Mallard above (image 6) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Great Blue Heron above (image 7) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Northern Harrier above (image 8) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Northern Harrier above (image 9) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
Hammonasset Beach State Park has shown great potential for interesting wildlife observations even with minimal exploration. The full tour of miles often noted in eBird reports for this venue seems prudent for the ultimate experience.
The Northern Harrier above (image 10) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Mallard above (image 11) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Green-winged Teal above (image 12) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
The Mallard above (image 13) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
eBirders Tina Green and
Frank Mantlick reported Hammonasset Beach State Park's 305th bird species (Barrow's Goldeneye) 15 February 2017.
The immature Sharp-shinned Hawk above (image 14) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
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The Mallard above (image 15) was photographed at Hammonasset Beach State Park in January 2017.
Another good job.
ReplyDeleteVery nice images of the ducks.Lovely colors! But the Northern Harrier, stunning and awesome!!
ReplyDeletegreetings,
Maria
Thank you, Maria. I was very fortunate to have the harrier make a close flyby.
DeleteNice photos as always.
ReplyDeleteYour Accipiter (#14) looks more like a Sharp-shinned Hawk in this pose, particularly with that squared-off tail and small head relative to the body. I wouldn't say absolutely so with only this view though.
Thank you, AMR. It's always exciting to hear from you. After reading your comment I spent many hours researching the distinguishing characteristics between cooper's and sharp-shinned. I also went back to my original image and zoomed into the tip of the tail at maximum magnification. There is only one tail feather visible with the other hidden behind, so must conclude that you are correct again in your analysis. Much appreciation to you for helping me correctly identify the species. This would also be a juvenile hawk which I did not originally note.
DeleteWonderful flight shots of the Harrier, Bob! Glad to see the ankle isn't preventing you from being out in the field!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hemant. I was having a Florida flashback with the predator making the close approach.
DeleteGood post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tony.
Delete