[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull
Just to clarify my previous post, Curt positively identified the gull, I was agreeing with his identification. John Haas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Orange Crowned Warb. Quogue, LI
Today, at 2:45PM I had an exceptional experience observing an Orange-crowned Warbler feeding with a Winter Wren on a suet feeder at Quogue Wildlife Refuge while tying my X-country ski boots on. At 4PM, we (Julia Hryvniak and me) observed another (saw two on our way to Quogue in Easport) Wilson's Snipe in the outflow of the pond at the Refuge S. of the dam with the boardwalk. It seems like in winter, when standing freshwater is frozen to the shore, the Snipes are limited to flowing freshwater (not frozen) that has saturated mucky substrate exposed. Both the locations where we observed W. Snipe today were estuarine with fluctuating fresh/brackish water velocity and elevation. In addition to the Warbler, there were Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown Headed Cowbirds eating the mixed seed at the Refuge feeders. Peter Priolo Center Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Belated East End Birds
Dear NY Birders, This e-mail is mostly for the record since the reports are a week old or are not chase-able. It appears that the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE may have left the vicinity of Hook Pond (East Hampton, Suffolk Co). At least last weekend, none could be found there, but a single bird was found along Daniel's Lane in Sagaponack and two were found at Short's Pond in Watermill. In addition there was a CACKLING GOOSE at Short's. Of course the White-fronts may return to Hook, but these sightings offer suggestions as to where to look if the birds are not at Hook. Elsewhere on the East End, a female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD is wintering at a private residence in East Hampton and was still present this afternoon offering the incongruous sight of a hummingbird feeding in the snow. At a feeder in Napeague there is male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER that was present through at least last Sunday having first been noted on Dec 17, 2011. Along with a report of Yellow Warbler I received this week, Region 10 has recorded 14 species of warbler since Dec 1 (15 if you split Audubon's Warbler). Neither of these two birds may be visited, but I thought NY birders would want to hear about them. Hugh -- Hugh McGuinness The Ross School 18 Goodfriend Drive East Hampton, NY 11937 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull
I have posted a few of Curt McDermott's photos of an adult Slaty-backed Gull at the Beacon Train Station on the Hudson River. Upon reviewing the many photos Curt took of the bird I have concluded it is none other than a Slaty-backed Gull. Congratulations to Curt on a great find. Photos can be viewed on my blog at http://bashakillbirder.wordpress.com John Haas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Virginia Rail at Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Just before 3:30 this afternoon at Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River, Suffolk Co.), while tallying ducks, geese and swans for the NYSOA Waterfowl Count, I found a VIRGINIA RAIL. It was feeding along the south shoreline of the cove that extends off the Connetquot River south of Breezy island (park map: http://www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com/Media/map.gif). The rail methodically moved toward the mouth of the cove, diligently probing into the nooks and crannies in the mud of the undercut bank below the stand of phragmites lining that side of the cove. The rhizomes of the reeds that stabilize the bank provided adequate footholds for the rail to clamber over and hang onto when wind-driven, slush-filled waves lapped at the shore. The rail also occasionally swam shore distances. The bird was in plain sight for the entire 10+ minutes I stayed to observe it, by far the longest amount of time I've had this species in view. The coordinates of the shoreline where the rail was are: 40.733142, -73.160742. The best vantage point to observe this spot are at: 40.733818, -73.161434. Waterfowl seen earlier in my stay included Greater Scaup (33), Lesser Scaup (1), Common Goldeneye (3), Common Merganser (27), and Hooded Merganser (9). -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Orange Crowned Warbler, E. Quogue, LI
Today, at 2:45PM I had an exceptional experience observing an Orange-crowned Warbler feeding with a Winter Wren on a suet feeder at Quogue Wildlife Refuge while tying my X-country ski boots on. At 4PM, we (Julia Hryvniak and me) observed another (saw two on our way to Quogue in Easport) Wilson's Snipe in the outflow of the pond at the Refuge S. of the dam with the boardwalk. It seems like in winter, when standing freshwater is frozen to the shore, the Snipes are limited to flowing freshwater (not frozen) that has saturated mucky substrate exposed. Both the locations where we observed W. Snipe today were estuarine with fluctuating fresh/brackish water velocity and elevation. In addition to the Warbler, there were Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown Headed Cowbirds eating the mixed seed at the Refuge feeders. Peter PrioloCenter Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull/ Beacon Train Station
This afternoon, Clara Montenegro and I returned to the Beacon Train Station as has been our ritual for the past week. Earlier in the week we had an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull along with a first year Iceland. The following day, we had 2 first year Iceland Gulls and a first year Glaucous. Yesterday morning we had the Glaucous only but returned in the afternoon to find 3 first year Iceland Gulls. Today was grand prize, as we found and adult Slaty-backed Gull which we viewed and photographed from approx. 4-4:30PM. A few things to know before coming. Each morning, the gulls that have roosted on the ice, lift off around 7-7:15 and fly to mid river or to a dump east of here at one of the State Prisons that are along Rt. 84. There is NO access to this dump and mid river, puts the gulls at about 1 mile away. Each afternoon has been the most productive, as the birds re-appear around 3 and continue doing so almost until dark (roughly 5PM). There are several ways into the Beacon Train Station. The southernmost entrance crosses over the train tracks and brings you along the river. When you get to a point where the platform is easily viewed on your right, you will notice a series of buildings on your left. Continue past the buildings and you will see a small cove immediately on you left as well. At that point, you should be within 15 feet of the water. You will see the group of Gulls in this area. Good Luck if you go, Curt McDermott -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Presumed Cassiar Junco at Monkey Run
Jessie and I were very surprised to look out at the feeder today at Monkey Run in Tompkins County and see what appears to be a first-winter male Cassiar Junco (Junco hyemalis cismontanus). While the taxonomy of Cassiar Junco is complex (to say the least) and further complicated by our very poor understanding of how this taxa compares with Oregon x Slate-colored Junco (and potential hybrids of this cluster-fest), this individual is what I consider to be fairly typical for a male Cassiar Junco. The key thing to look at is the marked contrast between the blackish head and breast and the paler gray sides and back. This is a first-winter bird, which one can see most easily in the pattern of the tertials. Note that the uppermost tertial has pale gray edges. This is a newer feather and looks very different from the two retained tertials, which have brown edges. An adult junco would show a uniform pattern to the tertials. Female Cassiar Juncos, and first-winter females in particular, seem very challenging to identify -- it seems that many are NOT identifiable given the range of variation in first-year Slate-colored Juncos. There seems to be great overlap between first-year female Slate-coloreds, Cassiar, and Oregon. I've seen a few such confusing birds in New York, which I haven't been able identify. Male Cassiar Junco seems much more identifiable. This is the first bird that I have seen well in New York that I have thought was a Cassiar Junco (to the extent I am confident that Cassiar Junco is a real entity at all versus a hybrid zone of Slate-colored x Oregon Juncos). Also note that there is a range of variation in the head color of normal Slate-colored Junos, with some appearing quite dark-headed. Such dark-headed Slate-colored Juncos have more blended pattern the face, crown, nape and back, as well as more blending between the breast and the sides. A few photos of this bird are at the link below. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinicola/ Thanks to Christian Nunes, Marshall Iliff, Steve Mlodinow, Tony Leukering and Jessie Barry and for some very enjoyable discussions about juncos in the last week or two -- amazing to have this bird show up on the heels of several discussions on junco ID. Special thanks to Christian who also looked at these photos and concurred. Best, Chris Wood eBird & Neotropical Birds Project Leader Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York http://ebird.org http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Wilson's Snipe, Eastport, LI
2:20pm Two Wilson's Snipe foraging mucky substrate at outflow from Eastport Lake (S side of Montauk hwy) at low tide. Peter Priolo, Julia Hryvniak Center Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC - Eastern Phoebe
This morning during the first real snowfall for the year I found an Eastern Phoebe at the Gill in the Ramble area. I'd guess it is the same bird that we saw hanging around the island on Turtle Pond earlier this winter and that Phil Jeffrey found by the Castle on New Year's Day. I've posted a photo of it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/landp/6736818185/in/photostream and I got a short video clip of it that's here: http://youtu.be/ijCsGiJnoDg good winter birding, Anders Peltomaa Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC - Eastern Phoebe
This morning during the first real snowfall for the year I found an Eastern Phoebe at the Gill in the Ramble area. I'd guess it is the same bird that we saw hanging around the island on Turtle Pond earlier this winter and that Phil Jeffrey found by the Castle on New Year's Day. I've posted a photo of it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/landp/6736818185/in/photostream and I got a short video clip of it that's here: http://youtu.be/ijCsGiJnoDg good winter birding, Anders Peltomaa Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Wilson's Snipe, Eastport, LI
2:20pm Two Wilson's Snipe foraging mucky substrate at outflow from Eastport Lake (S side of Montauk hwy) at low tide. Peter Priolo, Julia Hryvniak Center Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Presumed Cassiar Junco at Monkey Run
Jessie and I were very surprised to look out at the feeder today at Monkey Run in Tompkins County and see what appears to be a first-winter male Cassiar Junco (Junco hyemalis cismontanus). While the taxonomy of Cassiar Junco is complex (to say the least) and further complicated by our very poor understanding of how this taxa compares with Oregon x Slate-colored Junco (and potential hybrids of this cluster-fest), this individual is what I consider to be fairly typical for a male Cassiar Junco. The key thing to look at is the marked contrast between the blackish head and breast and the paler gray sides and back. This is a first-winter bird, which one can see most easily in the pattern of the tertials. Note that the uppermost tertial has pale gray edges. This is a newer feather and looks very different from the two retained tertials, which have brown edges. An adult junco would show a uniform pattern to the tertials. Female Cassiar Juncos, and first-winter females in particular, seem very challenging to identify -- it seems that many are NOT identifiable given the range of variation in first-year Slate-colored Juncos. There seems to be great overlap between first-year female Slate-coloreds, Cassiar, and Oregon. I've seen a few such confusing birds in New York, which I haven't been able identify. Male Cassiar Junco seems much more identifiable. This is the first bird that I have seen well in New York that I have thought was a Cassiar Junco (to the extent I am confident that Cassiar Junco is a real entity at all versus a hybrid zone of Slate-colored x Oregon Juncos). Also note that there is a range of variation in the head color of normal Slate-colored Junos, with some appearing quite dark-headed. Such dark-headed Slate-colored Juncos have more blended pattern the face, crown, nape and back, as well as more blending between the breast and the sides. A few photos of this bird are at the link below. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinicola/ Thanks to Christian Nunes, Marshall Iliff, Steve Mlodinow, Tony Leukering and Jessie Barry and for some very enjoyable discussions about juncos in the last week or two -- amazing to have this bird show up on the heels of several discussions on junco ID. Special thanks to Christian who also looked at these photos and concurred. Best, Chris Wood eBird Neotropical Birds Project Leader Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York http://ebird.org http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull/ Beacon Train Station
This afternoon, Clara Montenegro and I returned to the Beacon Train Station as has been our ritual for the past week. Earlier in the week we had an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull along with a first year Iceland. The following day, we had 2 first year Iceland Gulls and a first year Glaucous. Yesterday morning we had the Glaucous only but returned in the afternoon to find 3 first year Iceland Gulls. Today was grand prize, as we found and adult Slaty-backed Gull which we viewed and photographed from approx. 4-4:30PM. A few things to know before coming. Each morning, the gulls that have roosted on the ice, lift off around 7-7:15 and fly to mid river or to a dump east of here at one of the State Prisons that are along Rt. 84. There is NO access to this dump and mid river, puts the gulls at about 1 mile away. Each afternoon has been the most productive, as the birds re-appear around 3 and continue doing so almost until dark (roughly 5PM). There are several ways into the Beacon Train Station. The southernmost entrance crosses over the train tracks and brings you along the river. When you get to a point where the platform is easily viewed on your right, you will notice a series of buildings on your left. Continue past the buildings and you will see a small cove immediately on you left as well. At that point, you should be within 15 feet of the water. You will see the group of Gulls in this area. Good Luck if you go, Curt McDermott -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Orange Crowned Warbler, E. Quogue, LI
Today, at 2:45PM I had an exceptional experience observing an Orange-crowned Warbler feeding with a Winter Wren on a suet feeder at Quogue Wildlife Refuge while tying my X-country ski boots on. At 4PM, we (Julia Hryvniak and me) observed another (saw two on our way to Quogue in Easport) Wilson's Snipe in the outflow of the pond at the Refuge S. of the dam with the boardwalk. It seems like in winter, when standing freshwater is frozen to the shore, the Snipes are limited to flowing freshwater (not frozen) that has saturated mucky substrate exposed. Both the locations where we observed W. Snipe today were estuarine with fluctuating fresh/brackish water velocity and elevation. In addition to the Warbler, there were Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown Headed Cowbirds eating the mixed seed at the Refuge feeders. Peter PrioloCenter Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Virginia Rail at Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Just before 3:30 this afternoon at Bayard Cutting Arboretum (Great River, Suffolk Co.), while tallying ducks, geese and swans for the NYSOA Waterfowl Count, I found a VIRGINIA RAIL. It was feeding along the south shoreline of the cove that extends off the Connetquot River south of Breezy island (park map: http://www.bayardcuttingarboretum.com/Media/map.gif). The rail methodically moved toward the mouth of the cove, diligently probing into the nooks and crannies in the mud of the undercut bank below the stand of phragmites lining that side of the cove. The rhizomes of the reeds that stabilize the bank provided adequate footholds for the rail to clamber over and hang onto when wind-driven, slush-filled waves lapped at the shore. The rail also occasionally swam shore distances. The bird was in plain sight for the entire 10+ minutes I stayed to observe it, by far the longest amount of time I've had this species in view. The coordinates of the shoreline where the rail was are: 40.733142, -73.160742. The best vantage point to observe this spot are at: 40.733818, -73.161434. Waterfowl seen earlier in my stay included Greater Scaup (33), Lesser Scaup (1), Common Goldeneye (3), Common Merganser (27), and Hooded Merganser (9). -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull
I have posted a few of Curt McDermott's photos of an adult Slaty-backed Gull at the Beacon Train Station on the Hudson River. Upon reviewing the many photos Curt took of the bird I have concluded it is none other than a Slaty-backed Gull. Congratulations to Curt on a great find. Photos can be viewed on my blog at http://bashakillbirder.wordpress.com John Haas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Belated East End Birds
Dear NY Birders, This e-mail is mostly for the record since the reports are a week old or are not chase-able. It appears that the GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE may have left the vicinity of Hook Pond (East Hampton, Suffolk Co). At least last weekend, none could be found there, but a single bird was found along Daniel's Lane in Sagaponack and two were found at Short's Pond in Watermill. In addition there was a CACKLING GOOSE at Short's. Of course the White-fronts may return to Hook, but these sightings offer suggestions as to where to look if the birds are not at Hook. Elsewhere on the East End, a female RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD is wintering at a private residence in East Hampton and was still present this afternoon offering the incongruous sight of a hummingbird feeding in the snow. At a feeder in Napeague there is male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER that was present through at least last Sunday having first been noted on Dec 17, 2011. Along with a report of Yellow Warbler I received this week, Region 10 has recorded 14 species of warbler since Dec 1 (15 if you split Audubon's Warbler). Neither of these two birds may be visited, but I thought NY birders would want to hear about them. Hugh -- Hugh McGuinness The Ross School 18 Goodfriend Drive East Hampton, NY 11937 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Orange Crowned Warb. Quogue, LI
Today, at 2:45PM I had an exceptional experience observing an Orange-crowned Warbler feeding with a Winter Wren on a suet feeder at Quogue Wildlife Refuge while tying my X-country ski boots on. At 4PM, we (Julia Hryvniak and me) observed another (saw two on our way to Quogue in Easport) Wilson's Snipe in the outflow of the pond at the Refuge S. of the dam with the boardwalk. It seems like in winter, when standing freshwater is frozen to the shore, the Snipes are limited to flowing freshwater (not frozen) that has saturated mucky substrate exposed. Both the locations where we observed W. Snipe today were estuarine with fluctuating fresh/brackish water velocity and elevation. In addition to the Warbler, there were Red-winged Blackbirds and Brown Headed Cowbirds eating the mixed seed at the Refuge feeders. Peter Priolo Center Moriches -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Slaty-backed Gull
Just to clarify my previous post, Curt positively identified the gull, I was agreeing with his identification. John Haas -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
