mocosocoBirds

What had already been a fruitful shorebirding morning for Jeff Ellerbusch turned into an eventful afternoon when a Hudsonian Godwit put in an appearance for Jeff and I behind Patriots (TD Bank) Stadium in Bridgewater. It was discovered with a small group of Blue-winged Teal and other shorebirds in a fence-enclosed storm-muddied parking lot behind the stadium view-able from the STS (distribution center?) parking lot (“Hey, is that a big shorebird? Nah, just a duck. Wait-a-minute, it’s a Godwit!”).  I admit this was the first time I watched a Hudsonian or any Godwit as it stood in a parking lot next to a fire hydrant (see pictures) not to mention in a location not on the coast. Some of the birds from the morning were still present in the afternoon. Note that this is private property. We attempted to get closer looks and photos of the Godwit by entering the enclosed parking lot. There was a crew cleaning the lot with shovels and brooms. An irate foreman-type individual approached us, wouldn’t even listen to our story and ordered us out of the lot. A nearby truck disturbed the shorebirds and ducks and they flew. We were unable to relocate the Godwit. This area is very difficult to view with fences and obstructions but the birds are undoubtedly there. As far as can be determined both the Stilt Sandpiper and the Hudsonian Godwit are first records for Somerset County.  Wow! Two in one day at one place.

Here are Jeff’s totals:

– American Golden Plover- 1
– Semipalmated Plover- 2
– Killdeer- 15ish
– Lesser Yellowlegs- 10+
– Greater Yellowlegs- 2
– STILT SANDPIPER – 1
– Pectoral Sandpiper- 3
– Least Sandpiper- 20+
– Semipalmated Sandpiper – 15+
– White-rumped Sandpiper- 8
– Solitary Sandpiper – 1
– HUDSONIAN GODWIT – 1

Below, the Stilt Sandpiper seen this morning in Bridgewater by Jeff Ellerbusch, the first known Somerset County record. Click on the image for a larger view. (Viewed in an email, the following text and photos may get jumbled. WordPress strips out HTML tags in emails).

The Hudsonian Godwit Jeff and I found this afternoon at the same place. The bird soon flew and was not relocated. Likewise, a 1st record for Somerset County.

Zoomed in, identifiable, if not very aesthetic.

Submitted by Jonathan Klizas

Jeff Ellerbusch and I are currently viewing a Hudsonian Godwit behind Patriots Stadium in Bridgewater from the STS parking lot. The bird flew and we are attempting to relocate it.

Jonathan Klizas

Jeff Ellerbusch reports quite a haul behind Patriots Stadium in Bridgewater. Viewing is difficult and from the STS parking lot.

1 Am. Golden Plover
2 Semipalmated Plover
15 or so Killdeer
10+ Lesser Yellowlegs
2+ Greater Yellowlegs
1 Stilt Sandpiper
3 Pectoral Sandpiper
20+ Least Sandpiper
15+ Semi Sandpiper
8 White-rumped Sandpiper
6+ Blue-winged Teal
5+ Green-winged Teal.

Tough viewing as there are lots of dips

From Jeff Ellerbusch:

2 Semipalmated Plovers
8 Killdeer
10 Least Sandpipers
7 Semipalmated Sandpipers
2 Pectoral Sandpipers
2 Lesser Yellowlegs
1 Spotted Sandpiper

All behind Patriots Stadium viewed from STS parking lot.