Shorebirds in Vermont

A Yellowlegs standing by the reeds From 8.12

As some are aware, I moved this summer to Vermont in the Champlain Valley from CT. Other than the stress of moving, the experience has reinforced our decision to do this move, we love it here. One of the perks up here is the birds. My Yard list after 2 months is already 3 times what my yard list in CT was, including a life bird. Although I find shorebird ID a challenge, I love them, and in the past have had to travel 3 hours to Plum Island, MA or 1 hour to the CT shore to view them, often from afar, or a small variety.

Great Egret with a fish (spoiler alert, he drops it) From 8.12

My experience in Vermont at first surprised me that so many shorebirds in late summer might be found so far inland, but they are migrating from up north, so it makes sense. I wanted to share some of the variety I have seen. And I suppose herons may not be considered shorebirds by some, but they are still cool, right?  I have had a couple life birds (shorebirds), the Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-Necked Phalarope , and a maybe look at a Stilt Sandpiper - but I was not sure so not counted.  Things should get even better over the course of the next month which is exciting.

Greater Yellowlegs From 8.12

Great Blue Heron From 8.12

Green Heron about to pounce From 8.12

Least Sandpiper From 8.12

Pectoral Sandpiper - a life bird for me From 8.12

Pectoral with a yellowlegs feeding From 8.12

Solitary Sandpiper From 8.12

Red-Necked Phalarope - note the eddy from it making it's signature swirls to feed in the vortex From 8.12

Phalarope near a Greater and flying Lesser Yellowlegs From 8.12

Lesser Yellowlegs From 8.12

Great comparison Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs From 8.12

Yellowlegs in flight From 8.12