A friend had taken some great photos of birds on the island. Given the challenge of birding in the trees during the summer, I thought a nice open area would provide more opportunities.
This area is special as there is a lot of preserved marshland. Plum Island, while a barrier island, is also home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Plum Island sound is also surrounded by several other preserved wetlands, making the entire area a great habitat for a variety of water foul.
The Marsh on Plum Island - looking west towards the sound
The island itself was a variety of habitats. I expected mostly marsh and beach, but found the island had a large number of trees, which surprised me. Driving down the island it wasn't long before I heard Jays, Catbirds and mockingbirds in the trees along the road. The trees included several Pine groves, which provided eats for Black Capped Chickadees, who spent the day coming through the cones looking for seeds.
Boardwalk connecting the beach (behind me), grassland, small forest, then the road
Chickadee picking seeds out of a pine cone
My first stop showed some of the challenges I would face in birding. While I didn't have trees in the way, the challenge today was distance. So many of our feathered friends were far away - my 300mm just wasn't enough.
Most likely Yellowlegs, zoomed and cropped to the max
However, on occasion a bird would be close enough for a great photo and ID
Greater Yellowlegs, feeding close to shore
For me it was fascinating to see 'true birders' in this area. I was interesting in getting great shots (Yellowlegs, above), whereas the birders were there with spotting scopes and chairs, staring at the cluster above. Apparently they were waiting to see markings as there was rumored to be a rare bird amongst the birds. Right now I'm more interested in getting a great photo than checking birds off a 'seen' list. (Although I do enjoy seeing a new bird for the first time.
However, the 300mm did work well when birds took off and flew close by.
Juvenile Herring Gull. Looks awful hawk-like from this angle
Great Egret (Snowy Egrets have yellow feet)
Of course, you don't always need the zoom for an amazing photo
Great Egret, foraging in the middle of the marsh
Plum Island itself is one long road form the entrance to the tip of the island, with several parking areas to leave your car and explore. Some areas are just walks into the marsh. One has a few boardwalks that go throughout the trees and dunes. And, of course, several are for people going to the beach. After spending most of the day exploring, it was definitely time to hit the beach.
One of several boardwalks connecting the road to the beach
Beaches are connected to the road via boardwalks. Not only easy on the feet, the boardwalks are there to preserve the dune habitat. They're worth a slow stroll to check out the plant and wildlife living in the scrub habitat.
If you drive far enough down the island, the beaches are not very populated. There were maybe a half dozen people on the beach on this Friday.
Plum Island meets the Atlantic
Perhaps because I grew up not far form the ocean (sound), but there is nothing like the ocean to bring me to a calm place. (Yes, I'm one of those strange people that love the smell of 'low tide'.) After just watching the waves roll in for a while, I couldn't resist and had to take my shoes off and walk in the surf for a while.
And my walk was rewarded. Not only did the camera not get wet, there were several gulls and Sanderlings on the shore who didn't mind getting their photo taken. Sanderlings are the birds that feed right where the ware meets the ocean, and 'run away' when a wave comes in, then run back out was the water recedes to find bites to eat right under the wet sand.
Sanderlings, rushing in as the waves go out
Hanging out on the beach was a perfect way for me to end my day.
I will definitely visit Plum Island another day. I found they do open at 5am, so potential for sunrise photos one day (you never know). A longer lens would be nice, but I've also found several web sites that list what kind of birds are seen where, so maybe do a little research to see what can be seen on the island. And if I visit in August again, maybe leave the camera in the car and bring swim trunks - the water was super warm.
Please visit my Flickr Plum Island album to see some more photos.
Thanks for visiting, and maybe see you on the Island one day....
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