[nysbirds-l] Monarch butterflies, 2013
In keeping some track of autumn's southbound (and to rather lesser extent, northbound in the spring) migrations of Monarchs, it is increasingly useful to follow the reports from avian raptor-watching sites -particularly in the eastern half of this continent- in the places where North American migrant Monarchs may be seen [i.e. almost anywhere on the continent, to the extent that they can be found in a whole lot of territory] - and many of these raptor watching sites are, more & more keeping track, sometimes fairly close track, of Monarchs seen in migratory flight as their migration timing parallels in a nice way that of the hawks', other avian raptors', as well as vultures' migrations. There are possibly as many raptor-watching sites keeping daily counts / estimates of the Monarchs as through any other regular means on a geographic scale, for the primary migratory season, and especially in months of September and October, into November in many instances, with some such sites active also in parts or even all of August and December. The Monarch numbers noted below, from several established avian / migratory watch sites, are only partial indicators of this season's recent southbound passage. It can again be emphasized that a 'strong' year for Monarchs could easily provide numbers ten, twenty, and more times greater, than those being reported this year. There have also been previous years when the overall numbers of Monarchs seen, in migration and in breeding season, were a bit low and may have caused concerns. Concerns do seem higher than previously, through this year, some reasons for that concern well-elaborated by others on the list, and in the link previously provided to an interview with Chip Taylor of MonarchWatch. And so, for just one of (potentially!) many other examples in regularly-reported & tallied-each-day sightings, there were a flight of 250+ Monarchs reported for the day on Oct. 9, '13 and a flight of 230+ Monarchs Oct. 10, '13 at the Detroit River (MI) hawk watch site - as well as numbers not estimated, but said to be "abundant" at that same site on Oct. 8, '13. On Oct.11, '13, with southerly wind, 40 Monarchs were still noted. By Oct. 16, '13 the Monarch count had dropped to just 6, suggesting that the peak flight was past. And snow was seen just a few days later in that area! This is of course a very different flight pathway from the east coast, and these Monarchs are coming out of some of e.-central Canada. (NB, thanks to Jonathan Stein, official counter at the DR watch site, and all who count Monarchs as they head south along with the raptors, for the info.) I also list some of the records from the Fire Island, NY (outer barrier beach along the Atlantic ocean shore in Suffolk Co.) hawk watch, for those days when counters took note (some days may have had Monarch movements that were not recorded in the watch entry): 9/16/'13: ~ 75 Monarchs; 9/17/'13: 15 Monarchs; 9/18/'13: 8 Monarchs; 9/24/'13: 15 Monarchs; 9/25/'13: 37 Monarchs; 9/30/'13: 11 Monarchs; 10/2/'13: 25 Monarchs; 10/7/'13: 9 Monarchs; 10/9/'13: 4 Monarchs... and again it can be emphasized that not all of the days when Monarchs were seen had them recorded in the hawk watch database, and certainly: the Monarchs flew on many additional days. (NB, for data supplied, thanks to Trudy Battaly, Drew Panko, & all the many others observers who kept count at that watch.) At a watch-site just west of Harrisburg, PA: Waggoner's Gap, the Monarch flight had been fairly steady, averaged over the 8 weeks of Sept. into Oct., averaging about a dozen per day - and a few days of 25+ counted; on some days: just one. (This watch-site is thoroughly monitored in autumn; D. Grove, R. Freed, K. Gingrich, & many others recorded data.) These are among some of many locations where Monarch migration was noted this fall of 2013, & while they (these numbers) are likely well below many a "better" year's potential daily numbers of this species, it is yet a nice indicator that there were some number of these migratory insects on the move, and with a little luck, at least modest numbers will reach the Mexican wintering grounds in the hills not so very far from Mexico City. The migratory Monarch flight may well continue some weeks longer in some areas in the east &/or s.-central portions of the U.S., more so in the s. states. It is not unheard of (in some years) to have migratory Monarchs sighted into December at some locations well north of the southern U.S. - although that is not too often seen in NY state - even at the shore on Long Island or N.Y. City where end-of-autumn temperatures can be moderated by the immediate proximity of the ocean. This is also looking like a decent year for blooming of late-flowering Seaside Goldenrod, in the places where that plant has remained; a good later-season nectar
[nysbirds-l] Grasshopper Sparrow @ Kissena Park Queens NY....
Eric Miller called today to report a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, he found yesterday at Kissena Park Queens, around 6:15 PM. He stated that the bird was observed behind batting cage # 6 on the baseball field near the Velodrome. I am not sure if it was there today as I don't think he returned to the area. Good luck if you try for it. Andrew Baksh Queens, NY www.birdingdude.blogspot.com "Don't start none, won't be none" ~ Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones -- 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] 10/21 & 10/22- Brooklyn & Queens migrants (inc. Grasshopper Sparrow)
Yesterday (10/21), a warm and sunny midday tour of small portions of Riis Park and Fort Tilden in Queens with Sean Sime and Corey Finger turned out to be highly productive. The overriding theme was Sparrows, far and away dominated by Savannah Sparrows. At the SW corner of Riis we had one each of GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, NELSON'S SPARROW, a late BOBOLINK, and White-crowned Sparrow. Fort Tilden was quieter, but produced an Eastern Meadowlark, and 2 Pine Warblers in the area around the baseball fields. At Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, Sean and I ran across the highest number of Savannah Sparrows either of us could remember ever seeing there, as well as a single Lincoln's Sparrow near the Community Garden. Today (10/22) Shane Blodgett and I ran across a VESPER SPARROW at Canarsie Beach Park in Brooklyn, though numbers of passerines didn't come near what was observed at some coastal spots from yesterday. A bit later at Floyd Bennett Field we had a dull Solitary Vireo, but got frustratingly brief/poor views of it before it disappeared. It was likely a HY Blue-headed Vireo, but certainly warranted a more thorough examination. I stopped off at Prospect Park on the way home and saw the continuing SORA along the shore at the base of the Peninsula, and had a flyover American Pipit (fairly rare for the location), and 2 Eastern Bluebirds there as well. Good Birding, -Doug Gochfeld. 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] Ponquogue, Hampton Bays - Lark Sparrow - Yes
As of 2:15PM, the Lark Sparrow is still in the same location as previously reported - parking lot just north of Dune Rd, on Old Ponquogue Bridge Road. Eileen Schwinn for Mike Higgiston -- 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] RHWP - YES
Refound the imm. Red-headed Woodpecker at 1pm in the stand of dead trees on the right side of trail adjacent to golf center. No sign of adult. -Mike Shanley Sent from my iPhone -- 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- Ponquogue, Hamtpon Bays
Lark Sparrow - Currently being seen, overflow parking lot of Ponquogue Beach. (North side of Dune Rd- old bridge Rd) In the area of the metal, open gate. The bird was originally seen last evening and photographed then and now. Eileen Schwinn Mike Higgiston Guy Tudor Sent from my iPhone -- 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] delayed report on Kissena Park for Monday 10/21
Yesterday morning was very birdy at Kissena Park proper. Over in the fields between the velodrom and Kissena Blvd I had a good number of field sparrows (around 9-12), savannah's (at least 20), swamp (5-7), song, white-throated, chipping and 1 white-crowned immature, 1 american tree sparrow. Yellow-rumps and Palm warblers were still in good numbers, a few blue-headed vireos. César -- 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] RFI Red-headed Woodpeckers Bronx
Monday 10/21 around 1pm at Pelham Bay Park, Herb Thompson and I found one adult RHWO at the end of the Woodchip Trail (northwest of the golf driving range). We did not find the immature that has been reported. Also had great looks at a Gray-cheeked Thrush on the yellow-marked trail leading from the Woodchip Trail east to the marsh. GCTH photo on eBird at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15461780 Many thanks to Richard Aracil for letting me know where to look! Carena Pooth Dutchess County From: Mike Shanley To: NYSBIRDS-L-for posts Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: [nysbirds-l] RFI Red-headed Woodpeckers Bronx Planning to head up to the Bronx after my morning meetings and try for the Red-headed Woodpeckers. Any positive or negative reports before then are welcome. I plan to head up around 130pm. Thanks! -Mike Shanley -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] RFI Red-headed Woodpeckers Bronx
Planning to head up to the Bronx after my morning meetings and try for the Red-headed Woodpeckers. Any positive or negative reports before then are welcome. I plan to head up around 130pm. Thanks! -Mike Shanley -- 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] RFI Red-headed Woodpeckers Bronx
Monday 10/21 around 1pm at Pelham Bay Park, Herb Thompson and I found one adult RHWO at the end of the Woodchip Trail (northwest of the golf driving range). We did not find the immature that has been reported. Also had great looks at a Gray-cheeked Thrush on the yellow-marked trail leading from the Woodchip Trail east to the marsh. GCTH photo on eBird at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15461780 Many thanks to Richard Aracil for letting me know where to look! Carena Pooth Dutchess County From: Mike Shanley falec...@yahoo.com To: NYSBIRDS-L-for posts NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu Sent: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 7:31 AM Subject: [nysbirds-l] RFI Red-headed Woodpeckers Bronx Planning to head up to the Bronx after my morning meetings and try for the Red-headed Woodpeckers. Any positive or negative reports before then are welcome. I plan to head up around 130pm. Thanks! -Mike Shanley -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] delayed report on Kissena Park for Monday 10/21
Yesterday morning was very birdy at Kissena Park proper. Over in the fields between the velodrom and Kissena Blvd I had a good number of field sparrows (around 9-12), savannah's (at least 20), swamp (5-7), song, white-throated, chipping and 1 white-crowned immature, 1 american tree sparrow. Yellow-rumps and Palm warblers were still in good numbers, a few blue-headed vireos. César -- 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- Ponquogue, Hamtpon Bays
Lark Sparrow - Currently being seen, overflow parking lot of Ponquogue Beach. (North side of Dune Rd- old bridge Rd) In the area of the metal, open gate. The bird was originally seen last evening and photographed then and now. Eileen Schwinn Mike Higgiston Guy Tudor Sent from my iPhone -- 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/ --
