[nysbirds-l] Riverhead & Eastport Sod Farms, plus 3 Blue Grosbeaks at historical site in Eastport.

[robert adamo]

Today was special in a number of ways, best of which was getting to bird
again with Dave Larsen, an old, fellow Moriches Bay Audubon Society member,
who moved off the island many years ago, and is now retired and enjoying
life in northern Virginia. He, and wife Linda, are up to attend a family
wedding, but with enough open time to try for some "grass-pipers" !

We started at the sod field on the w/s of Route 105, just s/o Sound Ave,
Riverhead, at ~ 11 AM. Found, were 1 A. Golden Plover, 3 Semipalmated
Plovers, ~ 15 Killdeers and 3 Baird's Sandpipers - 2 of which took off to
the east. We did not get any buffies. We then drove the rest of "The Golden
Trapezium" without seeing another shorebird.

 Next up was the Delea Sod Farm on the s/s of Sound Ave, w/o Doctors Path,
Riv., which provided the same results. We then checked the Dalalio S.F. at
Sound Ave, c/o Osborne Ave, Riv., and were "shutout' !

Continuing west, we experienced both good & bad luck at the Calverton
Grasslands. The good was the 3 Turkey Vultures flying over the "long"
runway, in addition to the 3 Kestrels flying over the "short" runway ! The
bad, was the Riv. P.D. painting "No Trespassing" signs on barriers located
at all entrances to the "short" runway ! We did not see a single grassland
species.

Swan Lake Golf Course and Swan Lake itself, were barren, except for the 1
Mute Swan, seen in the nearest pond behind the G.C.Clubhouse. In
hind-sight, we probably should have looked for "life" - do they make Mute
Swan decoys ?

The sod fields in Eastport were next on our itinerary, but held nothing
notable. Because of time restraints, our best bet was to introduce Dave to
the farm road that runs along the n/w/s of the old state bicycle trail,
located on Route 51, just n/o Co Rd. 111, Eastport (opposite the sod field
with the "Stargazer" sculpture in it). We saw no bird activity until we
reached the beginning of the fairly high wire fence on the n/w/s of the
road, where some sparrows started to show themselves. Dave was first to see
1, and then 2 birds, that were larger than the surrounding Chipping and
Field Sparrows. I had just got on one of the bigger birds when he made the
call...Blue Grosbeaks, male & female...no, make that 1 male and 2 females"
! I did get to see the male and 1 of the females, but missed the 3rd bird,
which had dove out of sight. Dave had seen both the females well, and was
convinced neither was a first summer male.

On the ride back to Riverhead, except for when Dave was entering his eBIRD
notes, we basked in our fabulous reunion !

Cheers,
Bob

--

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 9/1-5

[Thomas Fiore]

Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City

For the week, more than twenty spp. of warblers were reported, but on  
any given day it was likely tough to come up with more than perhaps  
about ten or fifteen. The migrants have hardly been flooding in, even  
as migration overall in the region has been somewhat steady.   
Flycatchers have shown up with most, perhaps even all, of the 5  
eastern Empidonax being seen, and still some E. Kingbirds around, as  
well as Great Crested & Olive-sided Flycatchers, plus E. Wood-Pewee  
and even a few E. Phoebes coming back in.

Friday, 5 September 2014 -A fair diversity of migrants around, but  
still not a great number of individuals, even for species that might  
be called "common" at this time of year. One of the highlights was an  
ever-elusive Yellow-breasted Chat, noted by Ken Chaya in the a.m., at  
the Great Hill's se section. A modest surprise were a flock that  
contained at least a dozen Black-capped Chickadees (migrants), & at  
least 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches; the latter just starting to be seen,  
while the former was quite sparse all summer.

Thursday, 4 Sept. - a modest arrival after a night with a very high  
number of birds on the move all through the eastern parts of the  
continent; in Central the activity was fair in the early morning & may  
have actually seemed more busy a bit later. Many birds were still  
flying through the 3rd hour of daylight. The north end had some nice  
sightings, including a Lincoln's Sparrow which Brenda Inskeep &  
Malcolm Morris had in good view (wildflower meadow), and a fair number  
of more-typical early Sept. migrants, including at least 2 Olive-sided  
Flycatchers, which had been in for some days. The n. end and the  
Ramble each produced migrants, among them Philadelphia Vireo as well  
as more of both Red-eyed & Warbling Vireos & also some thrushes,  
mostly Veery but with Wood & Swainson's Thrush also noted. Baltimore  
Orioles have been moving, & this morning a fair number were seen  
continuing on in the first hours of daylight along with some other day- 
flying sorts of migrants.

Wed., 3 Sept. - it was revealed that a Kentucky Warbler, an uncommon  
enough bird in spring here and generally much less noticed on fall  
migration, was seen in the Ramble, very few getting views of the  
skulker, and as far as I know not being re-found - this certainly the  
"rarest" of warbler sightings for the week; a report of Golden-winged  
Warbler also being an all-too-increasingly uncommon sight in any  
season, around here...  the latter sighting seemingly restricted to  
just 1 observer.

Monk Parakeets, in flocks of up to a dozen plus, have been regular  
especially at the n. end of Central Park for much of the summer & are  
still making a ruckus at times.

Good birding,

Tom Fiore
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] Say's Phoebe - Hamlin, NY (Monroe County)

[Andy Guthrie]

At 6:15 today I found a SAY'S PHOEBE on the wires along Jacobs Road in
Hamlin, NY (Monroe County).  The Phoebe remained in the area until dark,
mostly along the wires but eventually moving to a hedgerow running south
between corn fields on the south side of the road.  It appeared to go to
roost in the cornfield and with the weather moving in tonight may remain in
the area.

The location was about 0.3 miles west of the intersection of Jacobs Road
and Priem Road (Jacobs runs east-west between Priem Road and Redman Road on
the west side).  The hedgerow where we last saw it was slightly east of
utility pole #267 (seventh pole from Priem Road).

eBird checklist with some photos here:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S19742147

 Some additional photos on my flickr page:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/44406668@N06/

Cheers,
Andy Guthrie
Hamlin, NY

--

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] Eatons Neck Upland Sandpiper

[Nick Bonomo]

While fishing by boat today just off the sandy point at Eatons Neck, a
Peregrine Falcon flushed an Upland Sandpiper, which flew out and around
while giving its rattle-like alarm/flight call.

The habitat on that point looks quite good for shorebirds and grasspipers
in general, though I believe it may be off limits due to the Coast Guard
station there??

Nick Bonomo
Wallingford, CT
www.shorebirder.com

--

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] NYC Area RBA: 5 September 2014

[Gail Benson]

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Sept. 5, 2014
* NYNY1409.05

- Birds Mentioned

BROWN BOOBY+
SANDWICH TERN+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

KING EIDER
Red-necked Grebe
Peregrine Falcon
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER
Piping Plover
Whimbrel
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
Red Knot
Sanderling
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER
White-rumped Sandpiper
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
Western Sandpiper
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Royal Tern
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Philadelphia Vireo
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Golden-winged Warbler
CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Purple Finch


If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report
electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at
http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to
nysarc44nybirdsorg

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or
sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

Compiler: Tom Burke, Tony Lauro
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber:  Gail Benson

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]
Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, September 5 at
6:00 pm.

The highlights of today’s tape are shorebirds including AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER, BAIRD’S and BUFFED-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, HUDSONIAN and
MARBLED GODWITS, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, SANDWICH TERN, KING EIDER and
CONNECTICUT WARBLER.

A fine week for shorebirds, the good variety including some of the more
sought after species.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s east pond continues to provide decent numbers
and wonderful views, especially during the high tide cycle.  Last Saturday,
six HUDSONIAN GODWITS dropped in at the pond’s north end and one or two
HUDSONIANS have remained there through today. Also on Saturday two BAIRD’S
SANDPIPERS were seen, with at least one continuing to Thursday.  Other
unusual visitors featured an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER Sunday, a PIPING PLOVER
on Monday and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Wednesday, with two there Thursday
and today.  There were also six PECTORAL SANDPIPERS found Monday and decent
numbers of WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED and STILT SANDPIPERS plus the occasional
RED KNOT and SANDERLINGS among the more numerous visitors.  PEREGRINE
FALCONS do continue to harass the shorebirds on the pond.

Another very productive shorebird site has been Cupsogue County Park in
Westhampton Dunes, birds using both the lower tide flats north of the
parking lot and the large bar in the inlet viewable at distance from the
beach along the inlet’s east side.  A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was seen on that
bar Tuesday.  Two WHIMBRELS on Sunday increased to three Monday, that day
also producing an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER and six
HUDSONIAN GODWITS.  Over twenty ROYAL TERNS have also been present at
Cupsogue as well as at Tiana Beach to the east along Dune Road.

The flats at Mecox, where there are parking issues during the day, have
also been rewarding.  A MARBLED GODWIT was there Sunday to Tuesday, and
among the other shorebirds there Monday were single AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER,
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and WHIMBREL, plus eleven PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.  A
RED-NECKED GREBE also continues at Mecox.

A SANDWICH TERN was reported from Sagg Pond in Bridgehampton Tuesday, this
another spot to check for shorebirds.

And, there are the sod fields north of Riverhead.  The fields along the
west side of Route 105 just south of Sound Avenue have featured a BAIRD’S
SANDPIPER Sunday and still reported today, two BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS
Thursday, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a varying small number of AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVERS.  Also in that area, 71 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were counted
Monday on the DeLea Sod Farm off Sound Avenue, and other surrounding fields
could also be attractive to these grassland sandpipers.

Other shorebirds have featured MARBLED GODWIT and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
Sunday and BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Monday at Plum Beach in Brooklyn, where the
immature male KING EIDER was again spotted last Sunday, and an AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER and two WHIMBRELS in the swale at Jones Beach West End in
front of Field 2 Monday.  A GULL-BILLED TERN was still on the West End bar
today, and six LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS continue on the beach in front of
field 2.

An interesting report from August 29th of a probable BROWN BOOBY moving
south past Fort Tilden at a distance reminds us to keep an eye on the
ocean.

For land birds, a CONNECTICUT WARBLER was being seen occasionally in
Prospect Park Wednesday through today near the Upper and Lower Pools, and
other sparsely seen migrants have included BLACK-BILLED and YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOOS and PHILADELPHIA VIREO.   An immature 

[nysbirds-l] Connecticut Warbler, Prospect Park, Kings County

[Sean Sime]

I was able to relocate the Connecticut Warbler this afternoon at around 4pm
in the same vicinity as yesterday in Prospect Park. The spot is where the
upper and lower pools meet along the ravine side path. There is a gate
where the water comes almost to the path. The small (3ft x 8ft) section of
weeds along the fence is where I first saw the bird both days.
I am including a link to photographs of today's bird.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/103866258@N08/sets/72157646860730480/

All images were taken of the same bird in a few different lighting
conditions within a 5-10 minute span. The results are a good reminder of
how lighting, white balance and exposure can significantly alter the
appearance of an individual. If some of these images were billed to an
unsuspecting observer as different birds they would be hard pressed to
disagree!
This bird shows gray on the face and head with a white eye ring in good
light and in shade or reflected light the head looks brown with a buffy eye
ring.
My desire to be able to age and sex this individual from photographs may
prove an exercise in futility. Any input from people with field experience
with this species would be appreciated.


Cheers,

Sean Sime
Brooklyn, NY

--

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] Jones Beach

[syschiff]

Jones Beach West End 5 September

Joe G. , Joe V. Stan, and I (Sy Schiff) found a single GULL-BILLED TERN on the 
bar at the Coast Guard Station and a single SPOTTED SANDPIPER for shorebirds. 
The swale was empty except for Canada Geese. On the beach, the gulls to our 
right (west), consisted mainly of Great Black-backed Gulls and 6 LESSER 
BLACK-BACKED GULLS of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year types. Of interest, to me, was the 
number and age distribution of the Lessers. It almost seems that there is a 
close-by nesting colony, but where?

Mosquitoes were manageable this morning in spite of a lack of wind. I was 
informed that mosquito control efforts are on-going and appear to be working.

Sy

--

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] Lark Sparrow/ Pine Island NY, Orange County

[Curt McDermott]

 Rob Stone reports that he has found a Lark Sparrow at the Winding Waters 
Trail on Oil City Rd, in Pine Island. This is the third known County Record for 
Lark Sparrow.  Robs Directions are as follows: "Take the right fork to the 
field.  Half way through field in trench on right.  Marked with rock cairn."
 For those not familiar, Winding Waters Trail trailhead is west of the platform 
on Oil City Rd, on the opposite side of the road and along the Wallkill River.  
A small parking area (5-6 cars) is also found at this location.
Good Birding, 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] Fwd: [ebirdsnyc] Proposed develpoment of so called Calverton Grasslands

[Andrew Baksh]

Whether you are upstate or downstate. This is the sort of issue every
birder or anyone interested in wildlife should be aware of as we continue
to see more and more wildlife habitat threatened.

Cheers,

風 Swift as the wind
林 Quiet as the forest
火 Conquer like the fire
山 Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*


(\__/)
(= '.'=)

(") _ (")

Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!


Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

Begin forwarded message:

*From:* "johnnps_2...@yahoo.com [ebirdsnyc]" 
*Date:* September 5, 2014 at 8:02:00 AM EDT
*To:* 
*Subject:* *[ebirdsnyc] Proposed develpoment of so called Calverton
Grasslands*
*Reply-To:* johnnps_2...@yahoo.com



This posting is dated, the town meeting is past but you can still write to
the town's supervisor & board members, please read below or visit the
website of Group for the East End for more information.


Sharing this information which may be of interest and is important to many
of us.
Be sure to attend the public hearing to express concern regarding the
development of the East End's last largest remaining property.  Right now,
it appears as if the Town Board will close the public comment period on
September 15, 2014, therefore, there is limited time to provide feedback.



Hello past Coalition for Open Space at EPCAL Members,



While many of you may already be aware of this, we want to be sure everyone
is alerted to Riverhead's upcoming hearing regarding the EPCAL Draft
Generic Environmental Impact Statement that is scheduled for this
*Wednesday*. The more people we have attending and supporting open space
and community based planning at EPCAL the better. The hearing is:  *September
3, 2014*

* 7:00 P.M.*

* Riverhead Town Hall (200 Howell Avenue) *



We also want to share a few of our thoughts on the proposed DGEIS. Group
for the East End is writing a comment letter now, and will be at the
hearing. We will also be sending out an action alert with a "one click
email" that you/your members can send to the Riverhead Town Board. We will
be sure that you all receive this alert as soon as it is completed.



The proposed subdivision plan for EPCAL has been drafted and the Riverhead
Town Board will accept the public's feedback on its proposal to subdivide
the 2,300-acre Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL).  The draft
environmental study can be found here
http://www.townofriverheadny.gov/pview.aspx?id=32339.  The plan calls for
roughly 650 acres of "mixed-use" development including industrial,
institutional, research, office and business uses.  Unfortunately, the plan
also calls for up to 300 residential units and over 800,000 square feet of
new retail space, neither of which is consistent with the longstanding
goals of the EPCAL development strategy, which is to support long-term
economic growth with well-paying, sustainable  jobs.



Although the plan calls for the preservation of roughly 59% of the parcel,
there are substantial overarching problems regarding grassland management,
development impacts and mitigation as well as ambiguity in the manner in
which development applications will be reviewed for the proposed lots.



Read below for a brief description.



   - *Grassland Habitat Impacts Not Minimized *- The proposal ignores
   specific design recommendations (made but the Coalition in the past) that
   would protect the parcel's most sensitive grassland habitat.  In place of
   preserving existing habitat, the plan calls for the creation of roughly 140
   acres of grassland (59.5 of which will be over the existing runway and
   taxiway).
   - *Real Grasslands Management Strategy Not Included *- Although the plan
   identifies a need to manage the existing and proposed grassland areas, a
   strategy that outlines what entity will be responsible for doing so,
   including how this task will be funded is not detailed.
   - *No Implementation Strategy for Traffic, Infrastructure Mitigation
   Measures: * The plan identifies "triggers" for when major traffic
   mitigation measures and upgrades to the proposed sewage treatment plant are
   needed, however how these will be implemented, paid for, and managed is
   missing from the study.
   - *Plan Refers to Limited Level of Review for Future Development
   Proposals: *Plan infers that recently passed legislation will
   essentially exempt future development proposals from being thoroughly
   reviewed and free them from needing appropriate permits.
   - *Lacking Development Design and Aesthetic:* The study leaves much to
   be desired in terms of ensuring that EPCAL doesn't just turn into another
   example of horrific suburban sprawl.



Be sure to attend the public hearing to express concern regarding the
development of the East End's last largest remaining property.  Right now,
it appears as if the Town Board will close the public comment period on
September 15, 2014, therefore, there is limited 

RE: [nysbirds-l] Forster's Tern - Erie County 9/2/14

[Willie D'Anna and Betsy Potter]

I once had a Mourning Dove being pursued by an accipiter just off-shore over 
Lake Erie.  The dove suddenly dropped to the water and narrowly escaped the 
clutches of the hawk, which then left the area.  The dove sat in the water for 
a couple of minutes and then a Herring Gull came and sat next to it.  Shortly, 
the gull applied a single deft whack to the back of the head of the dove and 
killed it.  I expected it to then start having a meal but instead, it lifted 
off and flew away.  Throughout this encounter, I did not know what species of 
bird was being persecuted, as it was still dawn.  So, I waded out into the lake 
(fortunately I had shorts on) to examine the bird.

 

I suspect that this kind of behavior is not all that unusual when a bird’s life 
is on the line.  The bird being pursued has to make a quick decision, which 
involves risk no matter what it does.  In this case the avoidance tactic 
appeared to work but the bird’s delay in not getting off the water quickly 
proved its demise.

 

Good birding!

Willie D’Anna

Wilson, NY

dannapotter  roadrunner.com

 

 

From: bounce-117829406-15084...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-117829406-15084...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Richard Guthrie
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 8:48 PM
To: joetf1...@aol.com
Cc: geneseebird...@geneseo.edu; NYSBIRDS_L; 
dsu...@buffaloornithologicalsociety.org
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Forster's Tern - Erie County 9/2/14

 

While banding Spotted Sandpipers back in the 70's, I had one jump into the 
water, swim away, then dive. I could see it "flying" underwater. I pulled back 
since I didn't want it to become bass bait.

 

It came ashore OK.

 

Rich Guthrie

New Baltimore

New York

gael...@capital.net

 

 

On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 5:18 PM,  wrote:

Yesterday I had a juvenile Forster's Tern at Hamburg Town Park, along with 38 
Boneparte's, 122 Ring-Billed and 16 Herring Gulls.  

 

This past Sunday I observed a juvenile Cooper's Hawk fly low along the edge of 
the cattail marsh at Times Beach. The bird flushed 2 Spotted Sandpipers - one 
of which dove into the water to avoid capture! The bird popped up and flew away 
after being submerged for 2-4 seconds - I have never observed this sort of 
behavior in a Spotty of any other shorebird species.

 

Joe Fell

Buffalo, NY 

joetf1...@aol.com

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

  Welcome and Basics 

  Rules and Information 

  
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
 

  Surfbirds

BirdingOnThe.Net  

Please submit your observations to   eBird!

--





 

-- 

Richard Guthrie

 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

  Welcome and Basics 

  Rules and Information 

  
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
 

  Surfbirds

BirdingOnThe.Net  

Please submit your observations to   eBird!

--


--

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/

--

RE: [nysbirds-l] Forster's Tern - Erie County 9/2/14

[Willie D'Anna and Betsy Potter]

I once had a Mourning Dove being pursued by an accipiter just off-shore over 
Lake Erie.  The dove suddenly dropped to the water and narrowly escaped the 
clutches of the hawk, which then left the area.  The dove sat in the water for 
a couple of minutes and then a Herring Gull came and sat next to it.  Shortly, 
the gull applied a single deft whack to the back of the head of the dove and 
killed it.  I expected it to then start having a meal but instead, it lifted 
off and flew away.  Throughout this encounter, I did not know what species of 
bird was being persecuted, as it was still dawn.  So, I waded out into the lake 
(fortunately I had shorts on) to examine the bird.

 

I suspect that this kind of behavior is not all that unusual when a bird’s life 
is on the line.  The bird being pursued has to make a quick decision, which 
involves risk no matter what it does.  In this case the avoidance tactic 
appeared to work but the bird’s delay in not getting off the water quickly 
proved its demise.

 

Good birding!

Willie D’Anna

Wilson, NY

dannapotter AT roadrunner.com

 

 

From: bounce-117829406-15084...@list.cornell.edu 
[mailto:bounce-117829406-15084...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Richard Guthrie
Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 8:48 PM
To: joetf1...@aol.com
Cc: geneseebird...@geneseo.edu; NYSBIRDS_L; 
dsu...@buffaloornithologicalsociety.org
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Forster's Tern - Erie County 9/2/14

 

While banding Spotted Sandpipers back in the 70's, I had one jump into the 
water, swim away, then dive. I could see it flying underwater. I pulled back 
since I didn't want it to become bass bait.

 

It came ashore OK.

 

Rich Guthrie

New Baltimore

New York

gael...@capital.net

 

 

On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 5:18 PM, joetf1...@aol.com wrote:

Yesterday I had a juvenile Forster's Tern at Hamburg Town Park, along with 38 
Boneparte's, 122 Ring-Billed and 16 Herring Gulls.  

 

This past Sunday I observed a juvenile Cooper's Hawk fly low along the edge of 
the cattail marsh at Times Beach. The bird flushed 2 Spotted Sandpipers - one 
of which dove into the water to avoid capture! The bird popped up and flew away 
after being submerged for 2-4 seconds - I have never observed this sort of 
behavior in a Spotty of any other shorebird species.

 

Joe Fell

Buffalo, NY 

joetf1...@aol.com

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME Welcome and Basics 

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Rules and Information 

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm 
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 

 http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Surfbirds

BirdingOnThe.Net http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 

Please submit your observations to  http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ eBird!

--





 

-- 

Richard Guthrie

 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME Welcome and Basics 

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Rules and Information 

 http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm 
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 

 http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Surfbirds

BirdingOnThe.Net http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 

Please submit your observations to  http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ eBird!

--


--

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] Fwd: [ebirdsnyc] Proposed develpoment of so called Calverton Grasslands

[Andrew Baksh]

Whether you are upstate or downstate. This is the sort of issue every
birder or anyone interested in wildlife should be aware of as we continue
to see more and more wildlife habitat threatened.

Cheers,

風 Swift as the wind
林 Quiet as the forest
火 Conquer like the fire
山 Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu http://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu  *The Art of War*
http://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War

(\__/)
(= '.'=)

() _ ()

Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!


Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

Begin forwarded message:

*From:* johnnps_2...@yahoo.com [ebirdsnyc] ebirds...@yahoogroups.com
*Date:* September 5, 2014 at 8:02:00 AM EDT
*To:* ebirds...@yahoogroups.com
*Subject:* *[ebirdsnyc] Proposed develpoment of so called Calverton
Grasslands*
*Reply-To:* johnnps_2...@yahoo.com



This posting is dated, the town meeting is past but you can still write to
the town's supervisor  board members, please read below or visit the
website of Group for the East End for more information.


Sharing this information which may be of interest and is important to many
of us.
Be sure to attend the public hearing to express concern regarding the
development of the East End's last largest remaining property.  Right now,
it appears as if the Town Board will close the public comment period on
September 15, 2014, therefore, there is limited time to provide feedback.



Hello past Coalition for Open Space at EPCAL Members,



While many of you may already be aware of this, we want to be sure everyone
is alerted to Riverhead's upcoming hearing regarding the EPCAL Draft
Generic Environmental Impact Statement that is scheduled for this
*Wednesday*. The more people we have attending and supporting open space
and community based planning at EPCAL the better. The hearing is:  *September
3, 2014*

* 7:00 P.M.*

* Riverhead Town Hall (200 Howell Avenue) *



We also want to share a few of our thoughts on the proposed DGEIS. Group
for the East End is writing a comment letter now, and will be at the
hearing. We will also be sending out an action alert with a one click
email that you/your members can send to the Riverhead Town Board. We will
be sure that you all receive this alert as soon as it is completed.



The proposed subdivision plan for EPCAL has been drafted and the Riverhead
Town Board will accept the public's feedback on its proposal to subdivide
the 2,300-acre Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL).  The draft
environmental study can be found here
http://www.townofriverheadny.gov/pview.aspx?id=32339.  The plan calls for
roughly 650 acres of mixed-use development including industrial,
institutional, research, office and business uses.  Unfortunately, the plan
also calls for up to 300 residential units and over 800,000 square feet of
new retail space, neither of which is consistent with the longstanding
goals of the EPCAL development strategy, which is to support long-term
economic growth with well-paying, sustainable  jobs.



Although the plan calls for the preservation of roughly 59% of the parcel,
there are substantial overarching problems regarding grassland management,
development impacts and mitigation as well as ambiguity in the manner in
which development applications will be reviewed for the proposed lots.



Read below for a brief description.



   - *Grassland Habitat Impacts Not Minimized *- The proposal ignores
   specific design recommendations (made but the Coalition in the past) that
   would protect the parcel's most sensitive grassland habitat.  In place of
   preserving existing habitat, the plan calls for the creation of roughly 140
   acres of grassland (59.5 of which will be over the existing runway and
   taxiway).
   - *Real Grasslands Management Strategy Not Included *- Although the plan
   identifies a need to manage the existing and proposed grassland areas, a
   strategy that outlines what entity will be responsible for doing so,
   including how this task will be funded is not detailed.
   - *No Implementation Strategy for Traffic, Infrastructure Mitigation
   Measures: * The plan identifies triggers for when major traffic
   mitigation measures and upgrades to the proposed sewage treatment plant are
   needed, however how these will be implemented, paid for, and managed is
   missing from the study.
   - *Plan Refers to Limited Level of Review for Future Development
   Proposals: *Plan infers that recently passed legislation will
   essentially exempt future development proposals from being thoroughly
   reviewed and free them from needing appropriate permits.
   - *Lacking Development Design and Aesthetic:* The study leaves much to
   be desired in terms of ensuring that EPCAL doesn't just turn into another
   example of horrific suburban sprawl.



Be sure to attend the public hearing to express concern regarding the
development of the East End's last largest remaining property.  Right now,
it appears as if the Town Board will close the public comment period on
September 

[nysbirds-l] Lark Sparrow/ Pine Island NY, Orange County

[Curt McDermott]

 Rob Stone reports that he has found a Lark Sparrow at the Winding Waters 
Trail on Oil City Rd, in Pine Island. This is the third known County Record for 
Lark Sparrow.  Robs Directions are as follows: Take the right fork to the 
field.  Half way through field in trench on right.  Marked with rock cairn.
 For those not familiar, Winding Waters Trail trailhead is west of the platform 
on Oil City Rd, on the opposite side of the road and along the Wallkill River.  
A small parking area (5-6 cars) is also found at this location.
Good Birding, 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] Jones Beach

[syschiff]

Jones Beach West End 5 September

Joe G. , Joe V. Stan, and I (Sy Schiff) found a single GULL-BILLED TERN on the 
bar at the Coast Guard Station and a single SPOTTED SANDPIPER for shorebirds. 
The swale was empty except for Canada Geese. On the beach, the gulls to our 
right (west), consisted mainly of Great Black-backed Gulls and 6 LESSER 
BLACK-BACKED GULLS of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year types. Of interest, to me, was the 
number and age distribution of the Lessers. It almost seems that there is a 
close-by nesting colony, but where?

Mosquitoes were manageable this morning in spite of a lack of wind. I was 
informed that mosquito control efforts are on-going and appear to be working.

Sy

--

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] Connecticut Warbler, Prospect Park, Kings County

[Sean Sime]

I was able to relocate the Connecticut Warbler this afternoon at around 4pm
in the same vicinity as yesterday in Prospect Park. The spot is where the
upper and lower pools meet along the ravine side path. There is a gate
where the water comes almost to the path. The small (3ft x 8ft) section of
weeds along the fence is where I first saw the bird both days.
I am including a link to photographs of today's bird.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/103866258@N08/sets/72157646860730480/

All images were taken of the same bird in a few different lighting
conditions within a 5-10 minute span. The results are a good reminder of
how lighting, white balance and exposure can significantly alter the
appearance of an individual. If some of these images were billed to an
unsuspecting observer as different birds they would be hard pressed to
disagree!
This bird shows gray on the face and head with a white eye ring in good
light and in shade or reflected light the head looks brown with a buffy eye
ring.
My desire to be able to age and sex this individual from photographs may
prove an exercise in futility. Any input from people with field experience
with this species would be appreciated.


Cheers,

Sean Sime
Brooklyn, NY

--

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] NYC Area RBA: 5 September 2014

[Gail Benson]

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Sept. 5, 2014
* NYNY1409.05

- Birds Mentioned

BROWN BOOBY+
SANDWICH TERN+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

KING EIDER
Red-necked Grebe
Peregrine Falcon
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER
Piping Plover
Whimbrel
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
Red Knot
Sanderling
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER
White-rumped Sandpiper
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
Western Sandpiper
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Royal Tern
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Philadelphia Vireo
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Golden-winged Warbler
CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Bobolink
Purple Finch


If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report
electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at
http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to
nysarc44atnybirdsdotorg

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or
sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

Compiler: Tom Burke, Tony Lauro
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber:  Gail Benson

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]
Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, September 5 at
6:00 pm.

The highlights of today’s tape are shorebirds including AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER, BAIRD’S and BUFFED-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, HUDSONIAN and
MARBLED GODWITS, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, SANDWICH TERN, KING EIDER and
CONNECTICUT WARBLER.

A fine week for shorebirds, the good variety including some of the more
sought after species.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s east pond continues to provide decent numbers
and wonderful views, especially during the high tide cycle.  Last Saturday,
six HUDSONIAN GODWITS dropped in at the pond’s north end and one or two
HUDSONIANS have remained there through today. Also on Saturday two BAIRD’S
SANDPIPERS were seen, with at least one continuing to Thursday.  Other
unusual visitors featured an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER Sunday, a PIPING PLOVER
on Monday and a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER Wednesday, with two there Thursday
and today.  There were also six PECTORAL SANDPIPERS found Monday and decent
numbers of WESTERN, WHITE-RUMPED and STILT SANDPIPERS plus the occasional
RED KNOT and SANDERLINGS among the more numerous visitors.  PEREGRINE
FALCONS do continue to harass the shorebirds on the pond.

Another very productive shorebird site has been Cupsogue County Park in
Westhampton Dunes, birds using both the lower tide flats north of the
parking lot and the large bar in the inlet viewable at distance from the
beach along the inlet’s east side.  A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was seen on that
bar Tuesday.  Two WHIMBRELS on Sunday increased to three Monday, that day
also producing an AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER and six
HUDSONIAN GODWITS.  Over twenty ROYAL TERNS have also been present at
Cupsogue as well as at Tiana Beach to the east along Dune Road.

The flats at Mecox, where there are parking issues during the day, have
also been rewarding.  A MARBLED GODWIT was there Sunday to Tuesday, and
among the other shorebirds there Monday were single AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER,
BAIRD’S SANDPIPER and WHIMBREL, plus eleven PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.  A
RED-NECKED GREBE also continues at Mecox.

A SANDWICH TERN was reported from Sagg Pond in Bridgehampton Tuesday, this
another spot to check for shorebirds.

And, there are the sod fields north of Riverhead.  The fields along the
west side of Route 105 just south of Sound Avenue have featured a BAIRD’S
SANDPIPER Sunday and still reported today, two BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS
Thursday, PECTORAL SANDPIPER and a varying small number of AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVERS.  Also in that area, 71 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were counted
Monday on the DeLea Sod Farm off Sound Avenue, and other surrounding fields
could also be attractive to these grassland sandpipers.

Other shorebirds have featured MARBLED GODWIT and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
Sunday and BAIRD’S SANDPIPER Monday at Plum Beach in Brooklyn, where the
immature male KING EIDER was again spotted last Sunday, and an AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVER and two WHIMBRELS in the swale at Jones Beach West End in
front of Field 2 Monday.  A GULL-BILLED TERN was still on the West End bar
today, and six LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS continue on the beach in front of
field 2.

An interesting report from August 29th of a probable BROWN BOOBY moving
south past Fort Tilden at a distance reminds us to keep an eye on the
ocean.

For land birds, a CONNECTICUT WARBLER was being seen occasionally in
Prospect Park Wednesday through today near the Upper and Lower Pools, and
other sparsely seen migrants have included BLACK-BILLED and YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOOS and PHILADELPHIA VIREO.   An immature 

[nysbirds-l] Eatons Neck Upland Sandpiper

[Nick Bonomo]

While fishing by boat today just off the sandy point at Eatons Neck, a
Peregrine Falcon flushed an Upland Sandpiper, which flew out and around
while giving its rattle-like alarm/flight call.

The habitat on that point looks quite good for shorebirds and grasspipers
in general, though I believe it may be off limits due to the Coast Guard
station there??

Nick Bonomo
Wallingford, CT
www.shorebirder.com

--

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 9/1-5

[Thomas Fiore]

Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City

For the week, more than twenty spp. of warblers were reported, but on  
any given day it was likely tough to come up with more than perhaps  
about ten or fifteen. The migrants have hardly been flooding in, even  
as migration overall in the region has been somewhat steady.   
Flycatchers have shown up with most, perhaps even all, of the 5  
eastern Empidonax being seen, and still some E. Kingbirds around, as  
well as Great Crested  Olive-sided Flycatchers, plus E. Wood-Pewee  
and even a few E. Phoebes coming back in.

Friday, 5 September 2014 -A fair diversity of migrants around, but  
still not a great number of individuals, even for species that might  
be called common at this time of year. One of the highlights was an  
ever-elusive Yellow-breasted Chat, noted by Ken Chaya in the a.m., at  
the Great Hill's se section. A modest surprise were a flock that  
contained at least a dozen Black-capped Chickadees (migrants),  at  
least 2 Red-breasted Nuthatches; the latter just starting to be seen,  
while the former was quite sparse all summer.

Thursday, 4 Sept. - a modest arrival after a night with a very high  
number of birds on the move all through the eastern parts of the  
continent; in Central the activity was fair in the early morning  may  
have actually seemed more busy a bit later. Many birds were still  
flying through the 3rd hour of daylight. The north end had some nice  
sightings, including a Lincoln's Sparrow which Brenda Inskeep   
Malcolm Morris had in good view (wildflower meadow), and a fair number  
of more-typical early Sept. migrants, including at least 2 Olive-sided  
Flycatchers, which had been in for some days. The n. end and the  
Ramble each produced migrants, among them Philadelphia Vireo as well  
as more of both Red-eyed  Warbling Vireos  also some thrushes,  
mostly Veery but with Wood  Swainson's Thrush also noted. Baltimore  
Orioles have been moving,  this morning a fair number were seen  
continuing on in the first hours of daylight along with some other day- 
flying sorts of migrants.

Wed., 3 Sept. - it was revealed that a Kentucky Warbler, an uncommon  
enough bird in spring here and generally much less noticed on fall  
migration, was seen in the Ramble, very few getting views of the  
skulker, and as far as I know not being re-found - this certainly the  
rarest of warbler sightings for the week; a report of Golden-winged  
Warbler also being an all-too-increasingly uncommon sight in any  
season, around here...  the latter sighting seemingly restricted to  
just 1 observer.

Monk Parakeets, in flocks of up to a dozen plus, have been regular  
especially at the n. end of Central Park for much of the summer  are  
still making a ruckus at times.

Good birding,

Tom Fiore
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] Riverhead Eastport Sod Farms, plus 3 Blue Grosbeaks at historical site in Eastport.

[robert adamo]

Today was special in a number of ways, best of which was getting to bird
again with Dave Larsen, an old, fellow Moriches Bay Audubon Society member,
who moved off the island many years ago, and is now retired and enjoying
life in northern Virginia. He, and wife Linda, are up to attend a family
wedding, but with enough open time to try for some grass-pipers !

We started at the sod field on the w/s of Route 105, just s/o Sound Ave,
Riverhead, at ~ 11 AM. Found, were 1 A. Golden Plover, 3 Semipalmated
Plovers, ~ 15 Killdeers and 3 Baird's Sandpipers - 2 of which took off to
the east. We did not get any buffies. We then drove the rest of The Golden
Trapezium without seeing another shorebird.

 Next up was the Delea Sod Farm on the s/s of Sound Ave, w/o Doctors Path,
Riv., which provided the same results. We then checked the Dalalio S.F. at
Sound Ave, c/o Osborne Ave, Riv., and were shutout' !

Continuing west, we experienced both good  bad luck at the Calverton
Grasslands. The good was the 3 Turkey Vultures flying over the long
runway, in addition to the 3 Kestrels flying over the short runway ! The
bad, was the Riv. P.D. painting No Trespassing signs on barriers located
at all entrances to the short runway ! We did not see a single grassland
species.

Swan Lake Golf Course and Swan Lake itself, were barren, except for the 1
Mute Swan, seen in the nearest pond behind the G.C.Clubhouse. In
hind-sight, we probably should have looked for life - do they make Mute
Swan decoys ?

The sod fields in Eastport were next on our itinerary, but held nothing
notable. Because of time restraints, our best bet was to introduce Dave to
the farm road that runs along the n/w/s of the old state bicycle trail,
located on Route 51, just n/o Co Rd. 111, Eastport (opposite the sod field
with the Stargazer sculpture in it). We saw no bird activity until we
reached the beginning of the fairly high wire fence on the n/w/s of the
road, where some sparrows started to show themselves. Dave was first to see
1, and then 2 birds, that were larger than the surrounding Chipping and
Field Sparrows. I had just got on one of the bigger birds when he made the
call...Blue Grosbeaks, male  female...no, make that 1 male and 2 females
! I did get to see the male and 1 of the females, but missed the 3rd bird,
which had dove out of sight. Dave had seen both the females well, and was
convinced neither was a first summer male.

On the ride back to Riverhead, except for when Dave was entering his eBIRD
notes, we basked in our fabulous reunion !

Cheers,
Bob

--

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/

--