Yesterday morning as I exited my car in the parking lot for the South Breakwater of Ludington Harbor I noticed a couple of birders(Curt and Kathy Hofer) returning to their car who tipped me off to a Buff-breasted Sandpiper out on the pier.
I spotted the bird on the first straight-away about halfway out toward the bend. This morning the bird was in pretty much the same spot. It later took off toward the Loomis Street boat-launch. Dave Dister was able to relocate the bird about 45 minutes later. After I walked the pier I headed over to Loomis Street and was able to get some photos as it prowled the grass area oblivious to pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers.
 |
| Eating a grasshopper |
Here are some photos from the pier...
Last weekend between the rain showers I was able to add a few first-of-year birds to the yardlist.
 |
| Blackpoll Warbler (#95 for the year) |
 |
| Magnolia (#96 for the year) |
Also added but not shown here were Tennessee Warbler and American Kestrel, which puts the yardlist at 98 for the year.
And a bald-headed Northern Cardinal. This bird has been in this condition since July. 
