Irene birds #3 - Red-necked Phalarope, Black Tern, Clapper Rail

Here are a few more photos of Irene occurrences from the morning of the storm courtesy of Frank Mantlik. The most impressive photo is that of a group of approximately 52 Red-necked Phalaropes grounded by Irene. He spotted them flying around Great Meadows Marsh as seen from Oak Bluff Avenue in Stratford.

Also seen from Oak Bluff were these two of 15 Clapper Rails swimming for their lives in the rising waters in the marsh. Many birds like these were reported to have drowned in some areas where they could not escape, though I do not know of anyone who found any number of deceased birds here in our state, fortunately.

This Black Tern was one of four flying around Frash Pond off Access Road in Stratford. Black Terns are normally seen here at this time of year, though rarely, and they were seen all across Connecticut during Irene in higher than usual numbers.

Thanks again to Frank for his fantastic storm bird finds and photography.


Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation Technician


Photos © Frank Mantlik