Thompson's Beach

Clapper Rail

Thompson's Beach

Short-billed Dowitcher

Clapper Rail

wren

Thompson's Beach is a very cool place that the Heinz Photo Group introduced me to a few weeks ago.  I've been back twice since and took these photos.  One major highlight of the location is the Clapper Rail.  They make a really cool noise but hide out in the tall grass.  While I was waiting for a rail to show itself the Short-billed Dowitcher thoroughly cleaned his/her feathers.  I love the combination puff and shake.  There was a lot of that going around as you can see by the second rail photo.  And I always love a wren.  Seems like it should be a Marsh Wren but I'm not positive.  Usually Marsh Wren look scragglier to me so for the purposes of this post I'll just call it a wren.

Osprey

We saw some amazing osprey on Saturday's trip to Cape May.  Check out the variety in the nests!!