Day out in Delaware

 The conditions although not optimal seemed OK for Horseshoe Crab spawning in the Delaware Bay. The Horseshoe Crab spawning coincides with the Red Knot migration on their way to the Arctic. The Red Knot feed on the millions of eggs laid overnight by the crabs. Low tide at Port Mahon was 6:07AM and although there were quite a few Horseshoe Crabs there was not a Red Knot to be had. Oh well, maybe next year. From Port Mahon to Bombay Hook which was pretty good, although I didn't get to see Red Knot I did get to photograph both Marsh Wren and Seaside Sparrow, neither very satisfactorily as it was windy in the reeds as they were distant and keeping their heads down.I got to photograph an adult male Orchard Oriole which was pretty nice. Further down South East to Prime Hook for the first time which wasn't what I expected being a walk around reserve rather than a drive around like Bombay Hook, yeah I know I'm an idle bastard. I did get to photograph the Purple Martins there which are much easier than at Bombay Hook with the lighting direction being much better. I want to go back soon. As we were close to Cape Henlopen State Park and I wanted to get a taste of salty air it was a no brainer to pop down there and I got to see the sea and Pelicans and Brown-headed Nuthatches. I'm going back there soon as well. All in all a very nice day out.

Osprey

Seaside Sparrow

Barn Swallow

Marsh Wren

Seaside Sparrow

Orchard Oriole

Orchard Oriole

Orchard Oriole

Orchard Oriole

Purple Martin

Purple Martin

Purple Martin

Brown Pelican