Birding - Sampson State Park

Beginning on Sunday, December 9, Cayuga Birds' emails lit up regarding a Townsend's Solitaire seen at Sampson State Park on East Lake Road at the Kendaia West Road Spur.

On Tuesday December 11, Diana Whiting found the bird and took some photos of it feasting in the juniper bushes.

So for my weekly birding trip decided to travel to Sampson State Park.

Making my way south on Rt. 89 took a detour on the Lower Lake Road. The shoreline was cluttered with Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans.

Back on Rt. 89 continued south until County Rt. 124. Actually flying by the seat of my pants. It has been a long time since my daily travels to Romulus. Came upon Rt. 414 and turned right. Then left onto Rt. 336. Discovered this interesting tree on the north side of the road.

Took a left turn onto Rt. 96A and continued until the park entrance came up. Drove around the traffic circle and on the way to East Lake Road spotted this bird.

Coming upon the gate at the end of East Lake Road met Joe and Betsy from Nassau County and Jane Graves. They told me that the Townsend's Solitaire had been sighted earlier in the day and if I was patient it would come out again. In the meantime other birders, Joe Mitchell from Buffalo and his traveling companion, Anthony from East Hampton, Bob from Victor, two fellow from Ithaca, and Steve from Rochester, joined the search.

At 10:35 AM, Anthony found the Townsend's Solitaire high in a tree towards the Seneca Lake shore. He was able to get some photos. I was able to sight it with my binoculars.

Behind us a group of Cedar Waxwings gathered in a tree along the roadway.

Then at 11:53 AM Steve alerted me with a whistle and there just above his head was the Townsend's Solitaire in a deciduous tree. Got a very good look. Took a photo (Joan just bought me a new camera, Olympus SZ-14, which I was using for the first time today).

Thanks to Steve (picture below) another life bird for me.

Waved Good-bye to the park sentry and headed home.

As I was making the turn at the junction of Rt 336 and Rt. 96A a flock of several hundred Snow Geese flew over heading for Cayuga Lake.

At 3PM Glenn Wilson shared his photos of the Townsend's Solitaire on Cayuga Birds.

Another fun day following the birds.