Sunny, mid 80s, calm winds
We’re still a little frustrated over the all too distant views we had of the Bobolinks at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge last week, so Sharon suggested that we try for a closer view out along Otterkill Road in Salisbury Mills. The fields we were headed for are near the Moodna Creek Viaduct. Built in the early 1900’s, the Viaduct is a 3,200 foot rail bridge over a valley and is 193 feet high. It is the highest and longest railroad trestle east of the Mississippi River!
And so, even if we were not to find the hoped for target species today, we would still have something to hold out attention and admire. That being said, the Bobolinks did not disappoint us. We no sooner arrived and began our drive along Otterkill Creek Road than we spotted a Bobolink on a fencepost not too far ahead of us. These have to be one of the most well dressed birds in North America with their black head sharply contrasting with a yellowish-buff nape and cap. Top this off with bright white scapulars which give the impression of a cape or shawl as well as the white rump and you have one fine looking bird! After spending some time photographing this fine specimen, we headed for home. In transit, we passed under a low-flying Red-tailed hawk which was climbing with the help of a thermal on this warm afternoon. Within minutes, he had risen to an altitude that put him pretty much out of sight.
How nice to be able to spend a little time out in the countryside looking at a marvel of engineering and a marvel of the natural world. We are certainly blessed to be living here in the Hudson Valley!
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