In late summer the water levels on the Connecticut River in Holyoke drop, creating shallow pools, sandbars and long stretches of usually submerged rocky areas.

Like clockwork, it becomes a habitat teeming with birds — some familiar in the city, like Great Blue Herons and Killdeer, and some making cameo appearances, such as sandpipers and other shorebirds.

Below, some photos from Sunday morning on the river.