The consecutive nights of favorable winds this weekend got a lot of birds moving, and I think it's safe to say that the migration pinata has finally cracked over Long Island. I started at Jones Beach West End early this morning, and spent a few hours working the median and shoreline. Gannets, scoters, and loons are still present, but spring is gaining ground at the beach. Piping Plovers were seen copulating at the swale, and the Common Terns have re-terned in force, feeding in large flocks off the mouth of the inlet. Songbird movement was good this morning and the median feature a variety of flashy arrivals. Multiple Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Blue-headed Vireo, and seven warblers (Magnolia, Yellowthroat, N. Waterthrush, Parula, Black-and-white, Yellow, Yellow-rump) made for a fantastic start to the day. Among the other birds present were swifts, grackles, thrashers, catbirds, towhees, and a variety of sparrows. The total was 67 species, a great improvement over the past few days when making 50 was an accomplishment.
The second stop for the day was Hempstead Lake State Park. Two Turkey Vultures were seen over the Southern State Parkway while en route. I didn't stay here long due to news of action at Valley Stream, but I was able to pick up some spring firsts in the form of singing Prairie and Black-throated Green Warblers. The gnatcatcher pair I've been keeping up with has finished nest construction, and the female is neatly tucked into the cup. I also heard a Baltimore Oriole chatter as I was heading to my car. Valley Stream State Park lived up to the hype described previously on the listserv, though I unfortunately failed to relocate the reported Hooded Warbler. I did however find eleven other warbler species while combing the park for over an hour, along with plenty of other goodies. A stunning male Black-throated Blue was the highlight of the visit, as it was feeding and moving about unobstructed along the eastern stream. I witnessed aggressive behavior between some Northern Waterthrushes, chasing each other around at the western stream. A male Magnolia was seen bathing nearby, and a Yellowthroat and Yellow-rump followed suit later. I added several Ovenbirds to the day's list here, along with Black-and-Whites, Parulas, Yellows, Yellow-rumps, a Prairie, and a Palm. Orioles have arrived here as well, including several beautiful males. I finished up my circuit with 81 species under my belt. All in all, a very successful outing. Detailed checklists below. JB - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23225661 HL - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23225922 VS - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23226083 -Tim Healy -- 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/ --
