CAPE MAY - DAY 3 - YELLOW & BLUE DAY

This Yellow-breasted Chat caused the big "bird nerd" moment of the trip.

Day three of our trip was a busy day; lots of birding at Higbee Beach and the Cape May Point State Park. Followed by a whirlwind visit to the touristy area of the Washington Street Mall to check out some of the shops. Dinner was at the Blue Pig Tavern, a restaurant recommended to Rob by one of his Twitter followers. An after dinner walk back at The Nature Conservancy's Park was enjoyable before calling it day.

We saw a flock of Indigo Buntings at Higbee Beach.

Both male and female (pictured) Prairie Warblers were seen.

We saw three Yellow-billed Cuckoos.

I followed the song of the Carolina Wren at the Cape May Point State Park until I found it.

We loaded up on the best peanut butter ever at this shop on Washington Street.

I have to mention the fine folks of the Cape May Peanut Butter Company. Jim LOVES peanut butter, and was very excited about visiting this shop when he learned about it. We were going to make time to visit them before leaving even if it meant rearranging some plans. They were closed when we were roaming around the Washington Street Mall. But, we did notice a couple people wearing their Tee's while we were roaming around. When we found the shop they happened to be outside of it loading a car with supplies. Me, being the over friendly Maritimer, started talking to them, and they were kind enough to open their shop just for us!!! They offered samples and great conversation. They even offered to take a pic of us all in front of the shop. The all natural peanut butter they make in a variety of flavours is delicious, and we all left with lots of goodies. If you are ever in the area, go here!

Another great meal, this time at the Blue Pig Tavern.

And now, the big "bird nerd" moment of the trip. We do seem to have one every big trip with Jim and Lynda. I am going to re-tell part of this story as it was told to me, as I did not witness it all.

We were leaving Higbee Beach, and had drove up this other little side road. Jim decided to pull over at a look out tower. All of us were hot and tired after a great morning of birding and decided to stay in the van, except for Jim, who got out to climb the tower to have a look. He left his camera in the van.

He gets to the top and is looking around, next thing, he's jumping up and down, yes, jumping up and down, and pointing down to the front of the van. ( I am so disappointed I missed this part) Then Rob says, "Oh my fucking god, it's a Yellow-breasted Chat!!" It had landed on a short pole directly in front of the van. Both Rob and Lynda could see it at this point.

I see the brightest flash of yellow I have ever seen fly by the van windows, and we all scramble out. The chat landed in a tree across the road and gave us all fantastic looks and Rob was able to get a few pics. It was a moment that will be talked about for years to come.

Thanks for the memories!

Lifers Day Three;
Prairie  Warbler
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-breasted Chat
Least Tern
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren