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

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