Shorebirding on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Let's Get Ready to Shorebird! Yep, it is that time of the year again and after a few anxious moments of checking the water level and ensuring that the draining was working as it should, I am happy to note that the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens NY is ready. All the paths are clear, water level is getting to where it needs to be and what we need are the shorebirds to show up in the thousands.

Do you see the Gull-billed Tern?

Today, I checked up on the water level and birded the East Pond, starting from the South End. While there are small areas still under water the pond in my opinion is ready for those birders willing to wade in muck and get chewed on by bugs while cooking in the sun.

Greater Yellowlegs.

The shorebirds seen today totaled 7 species.  They include: American Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitcher, Killdeer,Spotted Sandpiper and Least Sandpiper.

Greater Scaup.

The pond had the usual mix of birds. Some of the highlights include, Snowy and Great Egrets, Little Blue Herons, 220 Mallards, 101 Mute Swans, 1 Wood Duck, 3 Gull-billed Terns, 3 Ruddy Ducks and 2 late Greater Scaup. Great Crested Flycatcher and Marsh Wrens were nice to see and of course the dreaded presence of a Peregrine Falcon.  It looks like shorebirding is once again going to be tough going if we have Peregrines strafing the East Pond.

Flock of Short-billed Dowitchers.

East Pond South End.

I have edited some photos to show some areas of concern on the pond, especially for those who are not familiar with the pond. Remember to respect the pond, the birds, birders and photographers. Keep checking the blog for shorebird reports and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about birding the East Pond.


Tags: Shorebirds, East Pond, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Gull-billed Tern, Queens