[nysbirds-l] Long Island Lark Bunting

[Douglas Futuyma]

The adult male Lark Bunting has been seen this morning. At Hot Dog Beach on
Dune Road at Triton Lane, a few miles west of Shinnecick Inlet.

Doug Futuyma

--

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Mottled Duck continues

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Mottled Duck on Avon Lake, Amityville (L.I.)  was visible at about
11:00 today, directly across from the southernmost house on E. Lake Drive.
It was resting against the west bank of the lake, below shrubs, just where
it was seen yesterday.  It was in the company of a female Mallard.

Doug Futuyma

--

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3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Pink-footed Goose, Suffolk Co (LI)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Continues at Northport High School playing field, were found and reported 
earlier by Darlene Moore ( seen from field gate N, behind the school building. 
Don’t know if viewing would be a problem on a school day, but a security guard 
was friendly during a Sunday downpour.

Sent from my iPhone
--

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3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Pink-footed Goose, Suffolk Co (LI)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Continues at Northport High School playing field, were found and reported 
earlier by Darlene Moore ( seen from field gate N, behind the school building. 
Don’t know if viewing would be a problem on a school day, but a security guard 
was friendly during a Sunday downpour.

Sent from my iPhone
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn Townsend’s Warbler

[Douglas Futuyma]

In Fort Greene Park, now at base of central hill, south side, favoring a small 
flat-topped pine.

Sent from my iPhone
--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn Townsend’s Warbler

[Douglas Futuyma]

In Fort Greene Park, now at base of central hill, south side, favoring a small 
flat-topped pine.

Sent from my iPhone
--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Ross’s Goose Poughkeepsie

[Douglas Futuyma]

Is in the golf course along Wilbur Boulevard, opposite Scott’s Lane.

Sent from my iPhone
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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Ross’s Goose Poughkeepsie

[Douglas Futuyma]

Is in the golf course along Wilbur Boulevard, opposite Scott’s Lane.

Sent from my iPhone
--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn pelagic: an apology

[Douglas Futuyma]

Yesterday, I reported that some participants on the pelagic excursion on
the Atlantic Princess were skeptical that mechanical problems were the
cause of the termination of the cruise.  A birder has told me that he heard
the crew talking about  a problem, concerned about what to do.  I apologize
for propagating doubt, without evidence.  Although the decision to reverse
course was disappointing and inconvenienced some participants, it was well
considered and justified.

Doug Futuyma

--

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3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn pelagic: an apology

[Douglas Futuyma]

Yesterday, I reported that some participants on the pelagic excursion on
the Atlantic Princess were skeptical that mechanical problems were the
cause of the termination of the cruise.  A birder has told me that he heard
the crew talking about  a problem, concerned about what to do.  I apologize
for propagating doubt, without evidence.  Although the decision to reverse
course was disappointing and inconvenienced some participants, it was well
considered and justified.

Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn pelagic results

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Atlantic Princess, with about 25 birders aboard, left the Brooklyn dock
at about 10:00 pm Sunday night. At about 12:30 a.m., it slowed and stopped,
and at 12:45 it was announced that the boat would return to the dock, due
to "mechanical problems." Some passengers were heard to express some doubt.

I believe this pelagic scored another "first":  the first New York pelagic
to record not a single bird.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn pelagic results

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Atlantic Princess, with about 25 birders aboard, left the Brooklyn dock
at about 10:00 pm Sunday night. At about 12:30 a.m., it slowed and stopped,
and at 12:45 it was announced that the boat would return to the dock, due
to "mechanical problems." Some passengers were heard to express some doubt.

I believe this pelagic scored another "first":  the first New York pelagic
to record not a single bird.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Bellmore Sandhill Crane, Northern Goshawk (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Aiming to see a continuing Yellow-breasted Chat, Patrice Domeischel and I
met Bob Proniewych at Mill Pond Park, Bellmore, shortly after 8:00 today.
As we entered the park's west side, I saw a large accipiter, carrying prey,
flash past a gap between a building and a dense tree, I didn't see the
head, and thought it was an unusually large Cooper's Hawk. A minute later,
entering the park, we met Bob, who said he had just seen an immature
Northern Goshawk, which was near the ground when he came on it. He said he
had had a clear view of a strong white supercilium.

We set out in fruitless search for the bird, noting as we did so an odd
sound, coming from the pond, that we couldn't identify: a single, slightly
upslurred "eek," repeated at rather short intervals.  About an hour later,
walking back to this area from further north, Patrice observed that one of
two large birds standing in shallow water was a Sandhill Crane, very near a
Great Blue Heron.  It was an immature bird, and proved to be the source of
the unidentified call.  After 10-15 minutes, it flew up and out, following
a Great Blue Heron that had flown over.  Bob noted that he had seen it cock
its head to view the heron, before taking flight.

Observers might watch for both of these birds: the Goshawk in the park and
the Crane in ponds, marshes, or fields to the west.

The Yellow-breasted Chat was active and fairly conspicuous, seen both on
our northward walk and return, shortly north of a narrow footpath between
the park and the parking lot of Stella's Restaurant at the southwest corner
of the park.

Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Bellmore Sandhill Crane, Northern Goshawk (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Aiming to see a continuing Yellow-breasted Chat, Patrice Domeischel and I
met Bob Proniewych at Mill Pond Park, Bellmore, shortly after 8:00 today.
As we entered the park's west side, I saw a large accipiter, carrying prey,
flash past a gap between a building and a dense tree, I didn't see the
head, and thought it was an unusually large Cooper's Hawk. A minute later,
entering the park, we met Bob, who said he had just seen an immature
Northern Goshawk, which was near the ground when he came on it. He said he
had had a clear view of a strong white supercilium.

We set out in fruitless search for the bird, noting as we did so an odd
sound, coming from the pond, that we couldn't identify: a single, slightly
upslurred "eek," repeated at rather short intervals.  About an hour later,
walking back to this area from further north, Patrice observed that one of
two large birds standing in shallow water was a Sandhill Crane, very near a
Great Blue Heron.  It was an immature bird, and proved to be the source of
the unidentified call.  After 10-15 minutes, it flew up and out, following
a Great Blue Heron that had flown over.  Bob noted that he had seen it cock
its head to view the heron, before taking flight.

Observers might watch for both of these birds: the Goshawk in the park and
the Crane in ponds, marshes, or fields to the west.

The Yellow-breasted Chat was active and fairly conspicuous, seen both on
our northward walk and return, shortly north of a narrow footpath between
the park and the parking lot of Stella's Restaurant at the southwest corner
of the park.

Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Mecox Avocet (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The American Avocet was still present at 7:30 this morning, on the eastern
side of the (sometime) cut from Mecox Bay to the ocean. It had its head
tucked while I was there, despite birders' relatively close presence.
There were a very few other shorebirds (Piping Plover, Sanderling,
Semipalmated Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs), and Chris Gangemi spotted an
adult Lesser Black-backed Gull amid the Great Black-backed and Herring
Gulls.:

I returned via Shinnecock Inlet and Dune Road. Other than a strong westward
flux of Barn Swallows and a large Tree Swallow flock at Triton Lane, I saw
nothing notable, either during a short sea watch at the inlet or at various
stops to the west. Neither I nor Eileen Schwinn, whom I met at Tiana Beach,
found the Avocet that had been there earlier this week.

Doug Futuyma

--

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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Mecox Avocet (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The American Avocet was still present at 7:30 this morning, on the eastern
side of the (sometime) cut from Mecox Bay to the ocean. It had its head
tucked while I was there, despite birders' relatively close presence.
There were a very few other shorebirds (Piping Plover, Sanderling,
Semipalmated Sandpiper, both Yellowlegs), and Chris Gangemi spotted an
adult Lesser Black-backed Gull amid the Great Black-backed and Herring
Gulls.:

I returned via Shinnecock Inlet and Dune Road. Other than a strong westward
flux of Barn Swallows and a large Tree Swallow flock at Triton Lane, I saw
nothing notable, either during a short sea watch at the inlet or at various
stops to the west. Neither I nor Eileen Schwinn, whom I met at Tiana Beach,
found the Avocet that had been there earlier this week.

Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Nickerson phalarope (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Wilson’s Phalarope reported earlier today by Adrian Burke is still in the 
pool southwest of the parking lot.
Doug Futuyma 
Sent from my iPhone
--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Nickerson phalarope (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Wilson’s Phalarope reported earlier today by Adrian Burke is still in the 
pool southwest of the parking lot.
Doug Futuyma 
Sent from my iPhone
--

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson’s Plover continues (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Several people are observing the Plover at this time, same place that I 
reported yesterday afternoon, ca. 3/4 mile west of Cupsogue parking lot.
Doug Futuyma 

Sent from my iPhone
--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson’s Plover continues (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Several people are observing the Plover at this time, same place that I 
reported yesterday afternoon, ca. 3/4 mile west of Cupsogue parking lot.
Doug Futuyma 

Sent from my iPhone
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson's Plover directions (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Here is a more detailed description of the location of the Wilson's Plover,
at Cupsogue Beach County Park, than in my previous posting (which I hope
went out).  The fastest way to where I saw the bird late this afternoon
would be to walk west on the 4-wheel drive road from the parking lot. One
on that road, you will pass several official footpaths from the road
through the dunes to the beach ("Designated Dune Access Points"), bordered
by orange-flagged string. Go to the fifth open path (ignoring one that is
closed), just before an open metal gate.  When I saw the Plover, it was
immediately west of that path as it opens onto the beach. For the first 15
minutes or so, it was on the dune, in the "virtually fenced" Piping Plover
reserve; it then made its way to the water's edge, where it succeeded at
least in catching a wave-tossed gastropod that it carried up into the
dune.  The walk from that site back along the road to the parking lot took
about 10 minutes (less than the walk westward on the beach into the wind,
searching for the bird).

I would have provided more information while in the field, but my phone's
battery charge  was dangerously low.

Here's hoping it stays into tomorrow,
Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson's Plover directions (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Here is a more detailed description of the location of the Wilson's Plover,
at Cupsogue Beach County Park, than in my previous posting (which I hope
went out).  The fastest way to where I saw the bird late this afternoon
would be to walk west on the 4-wheel drive road from the parking lot. One
on that road, you will pass several official footpaths from the road
through the dunes to the beach ("Designated Dune Access Points"), bordered
by orange-flagged string. Go to the fifth open path (ignoring one that is
closed), just before an open metal gate.  When I saw the Plover, it was
immediately west of that path as it opens onto the beach. For the first 15
minutes or so, it was on the dune, in the "virtually fenced" Piping Plover
reserve; it then made its way to the water's edge, where it succeeded at
least in catching a wave-tossed gastropod that it carried up into the
dune.  The walk from that site back along the road to the parking lot took
about 10 minutes (less than the walk westward on the beach into the wind,
searching for the bird).

I would have provided more information while in the field, but my phone's
battery charge  was dangerously low.

Here's hoping it stays into tomorrow,
Doug Futuyma

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson’s Plover Yes (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

It is on the beach about a mile west of parking lot, Cupsogue County Park. It 
was in the virtually fenced dune for about 20 minutes, then ran in dirts to 
wter’s edge.

Sent from my iPhone
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
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http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

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

--

[nysbirds-l] Wilson’s Plover Yes (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

It is on the beach about a mile west of parking lot, Cupsogue County Park. It 
was in the virtually fenced dune for about 20 minutes, then ran in dirts to 
wter’s edge.

Sent from my iPhone
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[nysbirds-l] Robert Moses sea flight (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

 Just an addendum to Shai Mitra's report of the enormous flux of passerines
at Robert Moses SP this morning.  I did a sea watch for about an hour (9:50
to 10:50). A steady southwestward flux of Gannets and white-headed gulls,
mostly Herring, filled the sky.  In a single sweep of the panorama, I
estimated about 270 Northern Gannets, and I made several one-minute counts
that averaged about 20 Gannets passing a fixed point per minute.  Two
similar counts of large gulls (mostly Herring) averaged 40 per minute --
very inadequate samples, but probably not far off the mark.  At least 350
Double-crested Cormorants passed by, and several flocks of scoters that
included some Surf and Black. I noted a few dozen Bonaparte's Gulls, and
Shai spotted a distant Black-legged Kittiwake in his short visit.
Throughout my watch, a steady stream of Yellow-rumped Warblers passed along
the beach, punctuated by flocks of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches.

Doug Futuyma

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[nysbirds-l] Robert Moses sea flight (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

 Just an addendum to Shai Mitra's report of the enormous flux of passerines
at Robert Moses SP this morning.  I did a sea watch for about an hour (9:50
to 10:50). A steady southwestward flux of Gannets and white-headed gulls,
mostly Herring, filled the sky.  In a single sweep of the panorama, I
estimated about 270 Northern Gannets, and I made several one-minute counts
that averaged about 20 Gannets passing a fixed point per minute.  Two
similar counts of large gulls (mostly Herring) averaged 40 per minute --
very inadequate samples, but probably not far off the mark.  At least 350
Double-crested Cormorants passed by, and several flocks of scoters that
included some Surf and Black. I noted a few dozen Bonaparte's Gulls, and
Shai spotted a distant Black-legged Kittiwake in his short visit.
Throughout my watch, a steady stream of Yellow-rumped Warblers passed along
the beach, punctuated by flocks of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches.

Doug Futuyma

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[nysbirds-l] 2 King Eiders, Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

There are two immature male King Eiders in Setauket Harbor.  Shortly after
9:30 this morning, I spotted one, a very dark bird with contrasting white
breast and orange-yellow bill. Moments later, Peter Scully drove up, looked
at the bird, and said it was not the one he has seen over the last few
days.  He soon spotted that bird, which has the same bill color but is
almost uniformly paler brown.  Both are in the eastern part of the harbor
(which is largely frozen over), viewed from Shore Road.

Doug Futuyma

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[nysbirds-l] 2 King Eiders, Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

There are two immature male King Eiders in Setauket Harbor.  Shortly after
9:30 this morning, I spotted one, a very dark bird with contrasting white
breast and orange-yellow bill. Moments later, Peter Scully drove up, looked
at the bird, and said it was not the one he has seen over the last few
days.  He soon spotted that bird, which has the same bill color but is
almost uniformly paler brown.  Both are in the eastern part of the harbor
(which is largely frozen over), viewed from Shore Road.

Doug Futuyma

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[nysbirds-l] Hudsonian Godwits, Heckscher (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Reliable sources have informed me that there are (or were very recently) 3
Hudsonian Godwits at Field & in Heckscher State Park.  I haven't seen any
notice on this listserv.  Unfortunately for me, I can't go,..

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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[nysbirds-l] Hudsonian Godwits, Heckscher (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Reliable sources have informed me that there are (or were very recently) 3
Hudsonian Godwits at Field & in Heckscher State Park.  I haven't seen any
notice on this listserv.  Unfortunately for me, I can't go,..

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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[nysbirds-l] Lark Bunting Robert Moses (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Brent Bomkamp called at ca. 7:30 to say that he has a Lark Bunting at
Robert Moses SP, in the area of the volleyball court at Field 2.  Female or
immature male

 Doug Futuyma

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[nysbirds-l] Lark Bunting Robert Moses (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Brent Bomkamp called at ca. 7:30 to say that he has a Lark Bunting at
Robert Moses SP, in the area of the volleyball court at Field 2.  Female or
immature male

 Doug Futuyma

--

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Yellow-headed blackbird on Staten Island

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 2 pm, I received word from Marc Passmann that he and a couple of other
birders saw neither the blackbird nor the larger flock with which it had
associated. High wind might have been a problem.

Doug Futuyma

On Fri, Mar 3, 2017 at 11:41 AM, Simon Taylor 
wrote:

> If anyone's out looking for this bird today, any reports--positive or
> negative--would be much appreciated. Thanks!
>
> On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:25 AM, Jose Ramirez-Garofalo <
> jose.ramirez.garof...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> This is the area where the cowbird flock/female YH Blackbird is feeding.
>> They are moving between this location and a stand of trees within the
>> restricted area on the other side of the street.
>>
>>
>> Dropped Pin
>> near 205 Buffalo St, Staten Island, NY 10306
>> https://goo.gl/maps/VZu4PjAwwz62
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:12 AM Isaac Grant 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> For the second time this week Dick Veit has found a yellow headed
>>> blackbird on Staten Island. There is currently a female at great kills
>>> park. It is in with a flock of brown headed cowbirds. Being seen on both
>>> sides of the road near the playground that is under construction. Just a
>>> word of warning. The area behind the field station is off limits. The bird
>>> has been seen going in there but please do not go in there as you will be
>>> ticketed by the cops.
>>>
>>> Isaac Grant
>>> Senior Loan Officer
>>> --
>>>
>>> NYSbirds-L List Info:
>>> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
>>> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
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>>>
>>> ARCHIVES:
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>>>
>>> Please submit your observations to eBird:
>>> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> --
>> Jose
>>
>> Research Assistant
>> College of Staten Island
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 
>> Rules and Information 
>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>> 
>> *Archives:*
>> The Mail Archive
>> 
>> Surfbirds 
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>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>> *!*
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>>
>
> --
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> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
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> 
> Surfbirds 
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> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Yellow-headed blackbird on Staten Island

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 2 pm, I received word from Marc Passmann that he and a couple of other
birders saw neither the blackbird nor the larger flock with which it had
associated. High wind might have been a problem.

Doug Futuyma

On Fri, Mar 3, 2017 at 11:41 AM, Simon Taylor 
wrote:

> If anyone's out looking for this bird today, any reports--positive or
> negative--would be much appreciated. Thanks!
>
> On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:25 AM, Jose Ramirez-Garofalo <
> jose.ramirez.garof...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> This is the area where the cowbird flock/female YH Blackbird is feeding.
>> They are moving between this location and a stand of trees within the
>> restricted area on the other side of the street.
>>
>>
>> Dropped Pin
>> near 205 Buffalo St, Staten Island, NY 10306
>> https://goo.gl/maps/VZu4PjAwwz62
>>
>> On Thu, Mar 2, 2017 at 9:12 AM Isaac Grant 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> For the second time this week Dick Veit has found a yellow headed
>>> blackbird on Staten Island. There is currently a female at great kills
>>> park. It is in with a flock of brown headed cowbirds. Being seen on both
>>> sides of the road near the playground that is under construction. Just a
>>> word of warning. The area behind the field station is off limits. The bird
>>> has been seen going in there but please do not go in there as you will be
>>> ticketed by the cops.
>>>
>>> Isaac Grant
>>> Senior Loan Officer
>>> --
>>>
>>> NYSbirds-L List Info:
>>> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
>>> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
>>> 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://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01
>>>
>>> Please submit your observations to eBird:
>>> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> --
>> Jose
>>
>> Research Assistant
>> College of Staten Island
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 
>> Rules and Information 
>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>> 
>> *Archives:*
>> The Mail Archive
>> 
>> Surfbirds 
>> ABA 
>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>> *!*
>> --
>>
>
> --
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> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
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> The Mail Archive
> 
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> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>

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[nysbirds-l] Eurasian Wigeon, Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

About an hour ago (ca. 8:40), I found a male Eurasian Wigeon in Setauket
Harbor, in the narrow southeastern cove bordered by Shore Road and Van
Brunt Manor Road. This is likely a returning bird, seen at this site in
recent winters.  I have just seen Andrew Baksh's forwarded report of Gary
Strauss's observation of this species at the Setauket Mill Pond.  It is
surely the same bird. I checked the Mill Pond at 8:20, and found no wigeons
there. So I suggest checking both sites if you look for this bird.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Eurasian Wigeon, Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

About an hour ago (ca. 8:40), I found a male Eurasian Wigeon in Setauket
Harbor, in the narrow southeastern cove bordered by Shore Road and Van
Brunt Manor Road. This is likely a returning bird, seen at this site in
recent winters.  I have just seen Andrew Baksh's forwarded report of Gary
Strauss's observation of this species at the Setauket Mill Pond.  It is
surely the same bird. I checked the Mill Pond at 8:20, and found no wigeons
there. So I suggest checking both sites if you look for this bird.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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[nysbirds-l] this morning in Central Park

[Douglas Futuyma]

Anders Peltomaa and I birded Central Park from 7:00 until 10:30 this
morning, from the Pinetum and Shakespeare Garden through the Ramble and
Maintenance to the Oven and the Point (and back),  Our experience conforms
to Tim Healy's report from West End (Jones Beach), minus Dickcissel and
flyover Bobolinks. Migrants were surprisingly sparse; we finished with only
6 species of warblers. Other sightings included several Swainson's
Thrushes, Red-eyed Vireos, and Eastern Wood Pewees, and single
White-throated Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren, Great Crested
Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Common Nighthawk (flyover). We
arrived at Maintenance too late for most of the birds that had been seen by
other observers, including 9 species of warblers.

Doug Futuyma

--

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[nysbirds-l] this morning in Central Park

[Douglas Futuyma]

Anders Peltomaa and I birded Central Park from 7:00 until 10:30 this
morning, from the Pinetum and Shakespeare Garden through the Ramble and
Maintenance to the Oven and the Point (and back),  Our experience conforms
to Tim Healy's report from West End (Jones Beach), minus Dickcissel and
flyover Bobolinks. Migrants were surprisingly sparse; we finished with only
6 species of warblers. Other sightings included several Swainson's
Thrushes, Red-eyed Vireos, and Eastern Wood Pewees, and single
White-throated Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, House Wren, Great Crested
Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Common Nighthawk (flyover). We
arrived at Maintenance too late for most of the birds that had been seen by
other observers, including 9 species of warblers.

Doug Futuyma

--

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[nysbirds-l] Razorbill, Oldfield Point (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At about 8:15 this morning, birds observed from the lighthouse park on
Oldfield Point (Setauket) included a rather close Razorbill, providing
excellent scope view of details of bill and plumage.  Other species
included Northern Gannet (4 adults) and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls.

Doug Futuyma

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Razorbill, Oldfield Point (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At about 8:15 this morning, birds observed from the lighthouse park on
Oldfield Point (Setauket) included a rather close Razorbill, providing
excellent scope view of details of bill and plumage.  Other species
included Northern Gannet (4 adults) and 2 Bonaparte's Gulls.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Iceland Gull, Port Jefferson (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 4:15 p.m. today, a first-winter Iceland Gull was at the marina on the
east side of Port Jefferson Harbor, viewed from the parking lot of
Danford's Inn. This is evidently the same bird recorded on the Smithtown
count (December 27), found a few days before by Peter Scully.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Eurasian Wigeon, Setauket Harbor (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

An hour ago, I saw a male Eurasian Wigeon in the narrow cove at the
southeast corner of Setauket Harbor.  This is along Shore Road, which runs
north from Route 25A in Setauket.

This is almost surely the same bird that has been sporadically frequenting
the Setauket mill pond,which is now partly frozen over and has a much
reduced number of waterfowl. The cove has been a favored site for a male
Eurasian Wigeon for several years, possibly a single returning bird.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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--

[nysbirds-l] Iceland Gull, Port Jefferson (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 4:15 p.m. today, a first-winter Iceland Gull was at the marina on the
east side of Port Jefferson Harbor, viewed from the parking lot of
Danford's Inn. This is evidently the same bird recorded on the Smithtown
count (December 27), found a few days before by Peter Scully.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] R-h Woodpecker, Blydenburgh Park (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The immature RED-HEADED WOOD[PECKER found on the Smithtown CBC made itself
almost immediately evident when I looked for it this morning. It is at the
parking lot in the northeastern part of Blydenburgh County Park, at the end
of New Mill Road. A flock of 9 PURPLE FINCHES was also present, near the
toilet block. New Mill Road is easily accessed from Route 25 (Main Street)
in Smithtown, by driving south on Brookside Drive for a short distance and
then turning right.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] R-h Woodpecker, Blydenburgh Park (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

The immature RED-HEADED WOOD[PECKER found on the Smithtown CBC made itself
almost immediately evident when I looked for it this morning. It is at the
parking lot in the northeastern part of Blydenburgh County Park, at the end
of New Mill Road. A flock of 9 PURPLE FINCHES was also present, near the
toilet block. New Mill Road is easily accessed from Route 25 (Main Street)
in Smithtown, by driving south on Brookside Drive for a short distance and
then turning right.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] Western Kingbird, Montauk

[Douglas Futuyma]

I was unable to find the King Eider either this morning (from 7:30 to 8:30)
or on a return visit to Camp Hero in early afternoon. I counted 43
Razorbills during these periods. No Cave Swallows were evident. The Western
Kingbird was conspicuous, near the restaurant, at 8:30 and again at 1:30.

Standard species of land birds seemed surprisingly sparse in Montauk County
Park and along East Lake Drive.  On Lake Montauk, I saw 2 Common Loons and
not a single duck. Let's hope for better on the upcoming count.

Doug Futuyma

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Western Kingbird, Montauk

[Douglas Futuyma]

I was unable to find the King Eider either this morning (from 7:30 to 8:30)
or on a return visit to Camp Hero in early afternoon. I counted 43
Razorbills during these periods. No Cave Swallows were evident. The Western
Kingbird was conspicuous, near the restaurant, at 8:30 and again at 1:30.

Standard species of land birds seemed surprisingly sparse in Montauk County
Park and along East Lake Drive.  On Lake Montauk, I saw 2 Common Loons and
not a single duck. Let's hope for better on the upcoming count.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Montauk and west

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning, I did a sea watch from the Montauk Point restaurant from 7:30
to 8:30 and then for about 40 minutes from Camp Hero.  Numbers of SCOTERS
may have increased since Brent Bomkamp's report about a week ago: there
were at least 2000, perhaps closer to 3,000, among which WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER seemed to constitute a higher fraction (perhaps 30 to 40%) than in
the last few years. Both RED-THROATED and COMMON LOONS were abundant. The
best sighting was an immature ICELAND GULL spotted by Ken and Sue Feustel
on the water, close by, at Camp Hero. Ken also saw several fly-by
RaZORBILLS, which I didn't get on.

I stopped at many of the usual sites to the west. The only notable
sightings were the 4 continuing TUNDRA SWANS on Hook Pond and a GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on Short's Pond, north of Water Mill.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Montauk and west

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning, I did a sea watch from the Montauk Point restaurant from 7:30
to 8:30 and then for about 40 minutes from Camp Hero.  Numbers of SCOTERS
may have increased since Brent Bomkamp's report about a week ago: there
were at least 2000, perhaps closer to 3,000, among which WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER seemed to constitute a higher fraction (perhaps 30 to 40%) than in
the last few years. Both RED-THROATED and COMMON LOONS were abundant. The
best sighting was an immature ICELAND GULL spotted by Ken and Sue Feustel
on the water, close by, at Camp Hero. Ken also saw several fly-by
RaZORBILLS, which I didn't get on.

I stopped at many of the usual sites to the west. The only notable
sightings were the 4 continuing TUNDRA SWANS on Hook Pond and a GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE on Short's Pond, north of Water Mill.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Western Flycatcher: two species or one?

[Douglas Futuyma]

Having enjoyed viewing the "Western" Flycatcher in Central Park today, I
thought it might be useful to  read the most relevant information on the
question of whether or not the "Pacific-slope" and "Cordilleran"
Flycatchers are distinct species. Some birders who have seen (or,
hopefully, will soon see) this bird may be interested.

First, regarding identification, the account by Lowther in Birds of North
America notes that "the commonly heard call, especially from migrant or
overwintering birds, is a sharp seet! that is NOT DIAGNOSTIC for either
species." [Emphasis added.]  And, "identification by call of migrants and
vagrants outside the known breeding range is problematic."  Lowther
discusses discrimination by measurements of flight feathers at some length,
and notes that there is much overlap: only about 60% of individuals of
KNOWN identity (by breeding location) can be discriminated.

The split of Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) into two species was
recognized by the AOU in 1989, on the basis of a paper by Johnson and
Marten in 1988. Since then there has been controversy about their
"species'" status, based on phenotypically intermediate birds, especially
in interior southern Canada (British Columbia and Alberta), where the
ranges of the two forms come into contact. Johnson and Marten reported data
from a contact zone in California, but not the Canadian zone.

In 2002, Johnson and Cicero reported that the two forms had different
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. I should note that mtDNA is probably
the DNA data one should LEAST rely on for discriminating species, because
it is not at all representative of most of the genome, for several reasons.

The only subsequent DNA-based study -- and it is a good one-- is by A.C.
Rush et al. 2009, Analysis of multilocus DNA reveals hybridization in a
contact zone between Empidonax flycatchers, Journal of Avian Biology
40:612-624.  They analyzed both mtDNA and chromosomal DNA for 48 specimens,
including birds from 8 sites in the Canadian contact zone, plus "pure"
Pacific-slope and Cordilleran populations from California and the Rocky
Mountains in the U.S.  The chromosomal DNA was not gene sequences, but a
much cruder kind of data (AFLP), based on a method that reveals single
small changes within any of a number of very short DNA sequences scattered
throughout the chromosomes.

Their first important finding is that none of the chromosomal DNA markers
completely separates Pacific-Slope from Cordilleran Flycatchers, even those
distant from the contact zone. The "species" differ only in the percentages
of different versions of each marker (like different proportions of people
with different eye colors). Second, they found that birds from the contact
zone have the same mtDNA as Pacific-slope Flycatchers. However, the
chromosomal DNA markers showed a broad band of hybridization: over a span
of 400 kilometers, birds show evidence of mixed ancestry.

Their data conform to a scenario in which an ancestral flycatcher was
divided into two populations, presumably in the Pacific and Rocky Mountain
regions, for a long time. They became somewhat genetically different,
mostly by a  process of random genetic change known as genetic drift, in
which most of the genetic changes have absolutely no effect on the
characteristics of the birds (plumage, voice, behavior, ecology). Any two
separated populations will undergo this process of random genetic
divergence -- all it needs is time. In this scenario, the two populations
expanded their ranges northward and came into contact recently, perhaps
less than 10,000 years ago, after the most recent glaciation receded. They
have been freely interbreeding in southern Canada, and the Pacific-slope
mtDNA (the authors suggest) has been spreading into the contact zone faster
than the chromosomal DNA because the density of Pacific-slope Flycatcher
populations is higher (so they flood the zone) and because they arrive
earlier in the spring, so they may get more mates and father more hybrid
offspring.

The bottom line:  there is extensive hybridization and gene flow between
these forms. The authors comment about the AOU decision to split: "We now
wonder whether, given the present evidence, the decision to formally
split..would have been made."  If it were up to me to hand down AOU
decisions, these forms would be retired, and we would go back to a single
species, Western Flycatcher.  I hope the AOU ultimately comes around to
that view.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brok, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Western Flycatcher: two species or one?

[Douglas Futuyma]

Having enjoyed viewing the "Western" Flycatcher in Central Park today, I
thought it might be useful to  read the most relevant information on the
question of whether or not the "Pacific-slope" and "Cordilleran"
Flycatchers are distinct species. Some birders who have seen (or,
hopefully, will soon see) this bird may be interested.

First, regarding identification, the account by Lowther in Birds of North
America notes that "the commonly heard call, especially from migrant or
overwintering birds, is a sharp seet! that is NOT DIAGNOSTIC for either
species." [Emphasis added.]  And, "identification by call of migrants and
vagrants outside the known breeding range is problematic."  Lowther
discusses discrimination by measurements of flight feathers at some length,
and notes that there is much overlap: only about 60% of individuals of
KNOWN identity (by breeding location) can be discriminated.

The split of Western Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) into two species was
recognized by the AOU in 1989, on the basis of a paper by Johnson and
Marten in 1988. Since then there has been controversy about their
"species'" status, based on phenotypically intermediate birds, especially
in interior southern Canada (British Columbia and Alberta), where the
ranges of the two forms come into contact. Johnson and Marten reported data
from a contact zone in California, but not the Canadian zone.

In 2002, Johnson and Cicero reported that the two forms had different
mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences. I should note that mtDNA is probably
the DNA data one should LEAST rely on for discriminating species, because
it is not at all representative of most of the genome, for several reasons.

The only subsequent DNA-based study -- and it is a good one-- is by A.C.
Rush et al. 2009, Analysis of multilocus DNA reveals hybridization in a
contact zone between Empidonax flycatchers, Journal of Avian Biology
40:612-624.  They analyzed both mtDNA and chromosomal DNA for 48 specimens,
including birds from 8 sites in the Canadian contact zone, plus "pure"
Pacific-slope and Cordilleran populations from California and the Rocky
Mountains in the U.S.  The chromosomal DNA was not gene sequences, but a
much cruder kind of data (AFLP), based on a method that reveals single
small changes within any of a number of very short DNA sequences scattered
throughout the chromosomes.

Their first important finding is that none of the chromosomal DNA markers
completely separates Pacific-Slope from Cordilleran Flycatchers, even those
distant from the contact zone. The "species" differ only in the percentages
of different versions of each marker (like different proportions of people
with different eye colors). Second, they found that birds from the contact
zone have the same mtDNA as Pacific-slope Flycatchers. However, the
chromosomal DNA markers showed a broad band of hybridization: over a span
of 400 kilometers, birds show evidence of mixed ancestry.

Their data conform to a scenario in which an ancestral flycatcher was
divided into two populations, presumably in the Pacific and Rocky Mountain
regions, for a long time. They became somewhat genetically different,
mostly by a  process of random genetic change known as genetic drift, in
which most of the genetic changes have absolutely no effect on the
characteristics of the birds (plumage, voice, behavior, ecology). Any two
separated populations will undergo this process of random genetic
divergence -- all it needs is time. In this scenario, the two populations
expanded their ranges northward and came into contact recently, perhaps
less than 10,000 years ago, after the most recent glaciation receded. They
have been freely interbreeding in southern Canada, and the Pacific-slope
mtDNA (the authors suggest) has been spreading into the contact zone faster
than the chromosomal DNA because the density of Pacific-slope Flycatcher
populations is higher (so they flood the zone) and because they arrive
earlier in the spring, so they may get more mates and father more hybrid
offspring.

The bottom line:  there is extensive hybridization and gene flow between
these forms. The authors comment about the AOU decision to split: "We now
wonder whether, given the present evidence, the decision to formally
split..would have been made."  If it were up to me to hand down AOU
decisions, these forms would be retired, and we would go back to a single
species, Western Flycatcher.  I hope the AOU ultimately comes around to
that view.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brok, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay good news

[Douglas Futuyma]

It has been 3 years since Hurricane Sandy created a breach that ruined the
West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important birding
sites and bird habitats in the New York City region. Many readers of this
listserve have written to Gateway National recreation Area officials, or
have signed an online petition, to urge that the Pond be restored.

The Superintendent of Gateway, Jennifer Nersesian, has now released a
statement that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for
public  review and comment. The EA evaluates four alternative action plans
(including "no action"). Importantly and gratifyingly, "the NPS preferred
alternative proposes to repair the...breaches and the subsequent
restoration of the West Pond ad the loop trail." This would include
replacing the water control structure and may include installation of a
groundwater well or municipal water source.

This is very much what many members of the birding community have long
hoped to hear. NPS NOW INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS until November 6, which may
be submitted electronically by going to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate.
There will be an open house at the Jamaica Bay Visitor Center from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. on October 22, at which reactions may be voiced.

It seems likely that input from the birding community and others interested
in natural environments has played a role in this development. Further
comment and support of the "preferred alternative" will surely be helpful
and appreciated.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay good news

[Douglas Futuyma]

It has been 3 years since Hurricane Sandy created a breach that ruined the
West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important birding
sites and bird habitats in the New York City region. Many readers of this
listserve have written to Gateway National recreation Area officials, or
have signed an online petition, to urge that the Pond be restored.

The Superintendent of Gateway, Jennifer Nersesian, has now released a
statement that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is now available for
public  review and comment. The EA evaluates four alternative action plans
(including "no action"). Importantly and gratifyingly, "the NPS preferred
alternative proposes to repair the...breaches and the subsequent
restoration of the West Pond ad the loop trail." This would include
replacing the water control structure and may include installation of a
groundwater well or municipal water source.

This is very much what many members of the birding community have long
hoped to hear. NPS NOW INVITES PUBLIC COMMENTS until November 6, which may
be submitted electronically by going to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate.
There will be an open house at the Jamaica Bay Visitor Center from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m. on October 22, at which reactions may be voiced.

It seems likely that input from the birding community and others interested
in natural environments has played a role in this development. Further
comment and support of the "preferred alternative" will surely be helpful
and appreciated.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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[nysbirds-l] Common Nighthawks, E. Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

I arrived at 7:20 pm at the Setauket Mill Pond (Oldfield Road/Main Street)
to look for Common Nighthawks overhead, and within a minute or two saw the
first of 7 that flew past between then and 7:40. They followed slightly
variable southwestward paths, roughly parallel to the north shore.

In years past, several observers reported fairly substantial numbers of
migrating Nighthawks along the north shore at this season. Comparative
counts of this declining species might provide useful information.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Common Nighthawks, E. Setauket (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

I arrived at 7:20 pm at the Setauket Mill Pond (Oldfield Road/Main Street)
to look for Common Nighthawks overhead, and within a minute or two saw the
first of 7 that flew past between then and 7:40. They followed slightly
variable southwestward paths, roughly parallel to the north shore.

In years past, several observers reported fairly substantial numbers of
migrating Nighthawks along the north shore at this season. Comparative
counts of this declining species might provide useful information.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Dune Road, Shinnecock, Riverhead (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning I drove Dune Road from Westhampton to Shinnecock Inlet, under
exceptionally pleasant conditions for birding: it was almost windless and
relatively "warm" (by current standards). I checked the ocean at almost
every viewpoint. A single Red-necked Grebe was a short distance east of
Quogue Village Beach, and a pale Rough-legged Hawk was over the marsh near
Dolphin Lane.  On the bay at Shinnecock Inlet, the tide was extremely low.
About 70 seals (mostly or all Harbor, as far as I could tell, given limited
knowledge and considerable distance) were hauled out on a sandbar to the
northeast. I saw fewer than 100 Common Eider on the bay, most quite
distant. However, a very large flock of birds, well over 5000, extended
seaward, somewhat east of the eastern jetty. Most were very distant, and
identification would have been fairly difficult if there had been wind.
Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks predominated, but there were at least 1000
Common Eider, as well as many feeding gulls and a fair number of Common
Loons.  (I saw no Red-throated Loons today, and my impression is that they
are quite uncommon this season.)  I did not see King Eider, but had limited
time to work the large flock, much of which, moreover, took flight and
settled very far out when a boat approached.

At the fields east of Riverhead, small flocks of geese were flying over,
but almost the only ones  on the ground were in a very large, dense flock
on Roanoke Avenue, south of Reeves Avenue. I could find only Canada Geese,
but had only about 20 minutes to search.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Dune Road, Shinnecock, Riverhead (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning I drove Dune Road from Westhampton to Shinnecock Inlet, under
exceptionally pleasant conditions for birding: it was almost windless and
relatively warm (by current standards). I checked the ocean at almost
every viewpoint. A single Red-necked Grebe was a short distance east of
Quogue Village Beach, and a pale Rough-legged Hawk was over the marsh near
Dolphin Lane.  On the bay at Shinnecock Inlet, the tide was extremely low.
About 70 seals (mostly or all Harbor, as far as I could tell, given limited
knowledge and considerable distance) were hauled out on a sandbar to the
northeast. I saw fewer than 100 Common Eider on the bay, most quite
distant. However, a very large flock of birds, well over 5000, extended
seaward, somewhat east of the eastern jetty. Most were very distant, and
identification would have been fairly difficult if there had been wind.
Scoters and Long-tailed Ducks predominated, but there were at least 1000
Common Eider, as well as many feeding gulls and a fair number of Common
Loons.  (I saw no Red-throated Loons today, and my impression is that they
are quite uncommon this season.)  I did not see King Eider, but had limited
time to work the large flock, much of which, moreover, took flight and
settled very far out when a boat approached.

At the fields east of Riverhead, small flocks of geese were flying over,
but almost the only ones  on the ground were in a very large, dense flock
on Roanoke Avenue, south of Reeves Avenue. I could find only Canada Geese,
but had only about 20 minutes to search.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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[nysbirds-l] Riverhead (Suffolk) geese, etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

My goose chase this afternoon was partly successful, yielding one Greater
White-fronted Goose and one Cackling Goose amidst the Canadas visible from
Route 43 (Northville Turnpike), north of its intersection with Route 105. I
did not find the Pink-footed Goose, but it may well have been among the
considerable number of geese behind the rise that blocks view of the entire
field.

Earlier, I visited Mount Sinai Harbor on the north shore. Some gulls were
foraging along the outlet from the estuary, but I did not see the recently
reported Glaucous Gull.

Later, I went to Shinnecock Inlet. Hundreds of Common Eiders and some
scoters, in flocks of various sizes, were flying in and out of the inlet,
settling briefly  but then taking flight again.  I did not see the King
Eider. When I left, some had alighted on the ocean just east of the
jetties, while others were gone.  I didn't discern any cause of this
behavior, and wonder if it will prove to have been a prelude to departure
from the area.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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[nysbirds-l] Riverhead (Suffolk) geese, etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

My goose chase this afternoon was partly successful, yielding one Greater
White-fronted Goose and one Cackling Goose amidst the Canadas visible from
Route 43 (Northville Turnpike), north of its intersection with Route 105. I
did not find the Pink-footed Goose, but it may well have been among the
considerable number of geese behind the rise that blocks view of the entire
field.

Earlier, I visited Mount Sinai Harbor on the north shore. Some gulls were
foraging along the outlet from the estuary, but I did not see the recently
reported Glaucous Gull.

Later, I went to Shinnecock Inlet. Hundreds of Common Eiders and some
scoters, in flocks of various sizes, were flying in and out of the inlet,
settling briefly  but then taking flight again.  I did not see the King
Eider. When I left, some had alighted on the ocean just east of the
jetties, while others were gone.  I didn't discern any cause of this
behavior, and wonder if it will prove to have been a prelude to departure
from the area.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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[nysbirds-l] Suffolk geese

[Douglas Futuyma]

At Belmont Lake State Park, three of the previously reported Greater
White-fronted Geese were close to the wooded northwest border of the lake,
at about 8:30.  They and the Canada Geese were not moving much, and
probably many Canadas, perhaps with other companions, were out of sight,
further back in the wooded corner.  I also saw 3 Common Mergansers.

At 4:30 this afternoon, along Doctor's Path, east of Riverhead, a search
among grazing geese was rewarded only with a single Cackling Goose.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] Suffolk geese

[Douglas Futuyma]

At Belmont Lake State Park, three of the previously reported Greater
White-fronted Geese were close to the wooded northwest border of the lake,
at about 8:30.  They and the Canada Geese were not moving much, and
probably many Canadas, perhaps with other companions, were out of sight,
further back in the wooded corner.  I also saw 3 Common Mergansers.

At 4:30 this afternoon, along Doctor's Path, east of Riverhead, a search
among grazing geese was rewarded only with a single Cackling Goose.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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[nysbirds-l] LI South Shore sparrows etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

I visited several sites this morning, from Robert Moses and Captree State
Parks to Jones Beach West End.  There was a strong fringillid flight, with
American Goldfinches greatly outnumbering Pine Siskins (at least 10 to 1),
and good numbers of Purple Finches. Other overhead species included at
least 6 American Pipits and 2 Eastern Meadowlarks at RMSP. On the ground,
Dark-eyed Juncos were the most abundant species by far, one of nine species
of sparrows (sensu lato) that included one Fox and one Clay-colored, these
east of the West Bathhouse near the volleyball and tennis courts. Fifteen
of the continuing Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on West End Field 2.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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[nysbirds-l] LI South Shore sparrows etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

I visited several sites this morning, from Robert Moses and Captree State
Parks to Jones Beach West End.  There was a strong fringillid flight, with
American Goldfinches greatly outnumbering Pine Siskins (at least 10 to 1),
and good numbers of Purple Finches. Other overhead species included at
least 6 American Pipits and 2 Eastern Meadowlarks at RMSP. On the ground,
Dark-eyed Juncos were the most abundant species by far, one of nine species
of sparrows (sensu lato) that included one Fox and one Clay-colored, these
east of the West Bathhouse near the volleyball and tennis courts. Fifteen
of the continuing Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on West End Field 2.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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--

[nysbirds-l] Robert Moses SP (Suffolk) morning flight

[Douglas Futuyma]

Having missed this weekend's massive coastal flight because of a
professional meeting, I was happy to take advantage of the continuing
northwest winds, by arriving at Robert Moses State Park at about 7:45 this
morning. I wished I could be a triumvirate, monitoring the land bird flight
from one vantage point, viewing the sea from another, and searching the
vegetation, for another impressive flight was underway.

 I tried to estimate passing land birds from 7:50 to 8:20, and registered
>1000 Yellow-rumped Warblers (a very conservative estimate), ca. 500 Pine
Siskins, ca. 25 Purple Finches (mostly heard; I don't know how many were
small groups rather than singletons), several hundred Red-winged
Blackbirds, ca. 50 Brown-headed Cowbirds, 6 Rusty Blackbirds, 4 Eastern
Meadowlarks, and modest numbers of American Goldfinches.

In a short sea-watch, it took slightly more than 5 minutes to reach a count
of 500 Northern Gannets.. Ken and Sue Feustel told me that they had
estimated about 200 per minute about an hour earlier. Other than some
flocks of Double-crested Cormorants and small numbers of distant scoters
(mostly flying northeastward), there was little variety. I saw only 3 or 4
Laughing Gulls, and later a single Royal Tern.

A walk to the volleyball court and along the median yielded about 300
Dark-eyed Juncos, modest numbers (ca. 50) of Song and White-throated
Sparrows, a few Chipping and Field Sparrows,  a single Lincoln's Sparrow,
and later, a Vesper Sparrow (along the north side of Field 5, east of the
entrance). Although the great flux of Yellow-rumped Warblers had largely
abated by 9:30, the rate of passage of Pine Siskins had increased, if
anything, to a flock of 50-150 birds every minute or so. A constant trickle
of Purple Finches continued overhead. Abundant Siskins, Tree Swallows, and
Red-winged Blackbirds also passed along the beach front .

My impression, shared by some other birders, is that Northern Flickers are
moving through in much smaller numbers than in years past; I think I saw no
more than 50 or 60 during the morning.

I suspect that various observers' eBird listings will provide a more
detailed, comprehensive report of the morning's flight.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

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--

[nysbirds-l] Robert Moses SP (Suffolk) morning flight

[Douglas Futuyma]

Having missed this weekend's massive coastal flight because of a
professional meeting, I was happy to take advantage of the continuing
northwest winds, by arriving at Robert Moses State Park at about 7:45 this
morning. I wished I could be a triumvirate, monitoring the land bird flight
from one vantage point, viewing the sea from another, and searching the
vegetation, for another impressive flight was underway.

 I tried to estimate passing land birds from 7:50 to 8:20, and registered
1000 Yellow-rumped Warblers (a very conservative estimate), ca. 500 Pine
Siskins, ca. 25 Purple Finches (mostly heard; I don't know how many were
small groups rather than singletons), several hundred Red-winged
Blackbirds, ca. 50 Brown-headed Cowbirds, 6 Rusty Blackbirds, 4 Eastern
Meadowlarks, and modest numbers of American Goldfinches.

In a short sea-watch, it took slightly more than 5 minutes to reach a count
of 500 Northern Gannets.. Ken and Sue Feustel told me that they had
estimated about 200 per minute about an hour earlier. Other than some
flocks of Double-crested Cormorants and small numbers of distant scoters
(mostly flying northeastward), there was little variety. I saw only 3 or 4
Laughing Gulls, and later a single Royal Tern.

A walk to the volleyball court and along the median yielded about 300
Dark-eyed Juncos, modest numbers (ca. 50) of Song and White-throated
Sparrows, a few Chipping and Field Sparrows,  a single Lincoln's Sparrow,
and later, a Vesper Sparrow (along the north side of Field 5, east of the
entrance). Although the great flux of Yellow-rumped Warblers had largely
abated by 9:30, the rate of passage of Pine Siskins had increased, if
anything, to a flock of 50-150 birds every minute or so. A constant trickle
of Purple Finches continued overhead. Abundant Siskins, Tree Swallows, and
Red-winged Blackbirds also passed along the beach front .

My impression, shared by some other birders, is that Northern Flickers are
moving through in much smaller numbers than in years past; I think I saw no
more than 50 or 60 during the morning.

I suspect that various observers' eBird listings will provide a more
detailed, comprehensive report of the morning's flight.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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--

[nysbirds-l] correction re Suffolk shorebirding

[Douglas Futuyma]

With considerable chagrin, I have to say that my reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper may have been the Baird's that Eileen Schwinn and Mike Higgiston
reported from the same place. My bird was very distant, through thermal
distortion, and I based my ID more on its foraging behavior than on
morphology. That may have been a mistake.

Doug Futuyma
Stony brook, NY

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--

[nysbirds-l] Suffolk Shorebirding

[Douglas Futuyma]

In a more extended day of shorebirdig than I had intended, I began at 7:45
at Cupsogue County Park, where I encountered Dick Belanger. From the end of
the path that leads from the 4WD track west of the parking lot, we spent
over an hour scrutinizing the birds on the exposed, fairly distant sand/mud
bars, and then about an hour on the flats north of the parking lot. There
were few birds (only 7 ROYAL TERNS being at all noteworthy) on these flats,
even well after the tide had started to rise. In contrast, the distant
sandbars held probably more than 1000 shorebirds, dominated by
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and SANDERLINGS (well over 200 each), with high
numbers of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and at least 55 RED KNOTS and 15 PIPING
PLOVERS.  Much of our time was spent on the phalarope I reported this
morning. After the report was posted, we got better looks at critical
features, and I amend the "apparent" to "definite" adult RED-NECKED
PHALAROPE.  (Features included the postorbital "phalarope" bar on white
face, white forehead with darker crown, thin black bill, short dark legs,
streaked back, and gray sides of upper breast.)  Also of interest were
about 15 male BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES, all with the short tails that result
from the odd moult and replacement of all rectrices simultaneously, that
grackles (and I think some other blackbirds) often exhibit. We also saw 5
CLAPPER RAILS.

A ride down Dune Road to Shinnecock Inlet yielded little of interest except
22 ROYAL TERNS at Tiana Beach.

At Mecox Bay, I viewed the continuing MARBLED GODWIT, seen from the east
side of the cut (which is closed). I counted 92 FORSTER'S TERNS and 1 BLACK
TERN.

The Riverhead sod fields were not very productive. (Much of the acreage is
unsuitable for shorebirds at this time, having been stripped to bare earth;
moreover, some former sod area is in corn and vegetable crops.)  I found 1
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER west of Route 105, north of the intersection with
Northville Pike, and finally located 2 adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS east
of Osborn Avenue, between Sound Avenue and Reeves Avenue.

At this point, I noticed Arie Gilbert's post about a Sandwich Tern at Sagg
Pond, so went in search. I didn't see Arie's bird. Clearly terns were
actively moving: within minutes of my arrival, many of the COMMON and
FORSTER'S TERNS had flown out to the ocean. I did see an adult LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL.  The cut at Sagg is also closed.

I stopped again at Mecox Bay as I headed home, on the chance that the
Sandwich Tern had moved there. No luck on that count, but the
long-lingering RED-NECKED GREBE was there, as well as a few common
shorebirds.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

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--

[nysbirds-l] Suffolk Shorebirding

[Douglas Futuyma]

In a more extended day of shorebirdig than I had intended, I began at 7:45
at Cupsogue County Park, where I encountered Dick Belanger. From the end of
the path that leads from the 4WD track west of the parking lot, we spent
over an hour scrutinizing the birds on the exposed, fairly distant sand/mud
bars, and then about an hour on the flats north of the parking lot. There
were few birds (only 7 ROYAL TERNS being at all noteworthy) on these flats,
even well after the tide had started to rise. In contrast, the distant
sandbars held probably more than 1000 shorebirds, dominated by
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and SANDERLINGS (well over 200 each), with high
numbers of SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and at least 55 RED KNOTS and 15 PIPING
PLOVERS.  Much of our time was spent on the phalarope I reported this
morning. After the report was posted, we got better looks at critical
features, and I amend the apparent to definite adult RED-NECKED
PHALAROPE.  (Features included the postorbital phalarope bar on white
face, white forehead with darker crown, thin black bill, short dark legs,
streaked back, and gray sides of upper breast.)  Also of interest were
about 15 male BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES, all with the short tails that result
from the odd moult and replacement of all rectrices simultaneously, that
grackles (and I think some other blackbirds) often exhibit. We also saw 5
CLAPPER RAILS.

A ride down Dune Road to Shinnecock Inlet yielded little of interest except
22 ROYAL TERNS at Tiana Beach.

At Mecox Bay, I viewed the continuing MARBLED GODWIT, seen from the east
side of the cut (which is closed). I counted 92 FORSTER'S TERNS and 1 BLACK
TERN.

The Riverhead sod fields were not very productive. (Much of the acreage is
unsuitable for shorebirds at this time, having been stripped to bare earth;
moreover, some former sod area is in corn and vegetable crops.)  I found 1
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER west of Route 105, north of the intersection with
Northville Pike, and finally located 2 adult AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVERS east
of Osborn Avenue, between Sound Avenue and Reeves Avenue.

At this point, I noticed Arie Gilbert's post about a Sandwich Tern at Sagg
Pond, so went in search. I didn't see Arie's bird. Clearly terns were
actively moving: within minutes of my arrival, many of the COMMON and
FORSTER'S TERNS had flown out to the ocean. I did see an adult LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL.  The cut at Sagg is also closed.

I stopped again at Mecox Bay as I headed home, on the chance that the
Sandwich Tern had moved there. No luck on that count, but the
long-lingering RED-NECKED GREBE was there, as well as a few common
shorebirds.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY
dfutu...@gmail.com

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] correction re Suffolk shorebirding

[Douglas Futuyma]

With considerable chagrin, I have to say that my reported Buff-breasted
Sandpiper may have been the Baird's that Eileen Schwinn and Mike Higgiston
reported from the same place. My bird was very distant, through thermal
distortion, and I based my ID more on its foraging behavior than on
morphology. That may have been a mistake.

Doug Futuyma
Stony brook, NY

--

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[nysbirds-l] Collared Dove, and IMPORTANT re Jamaica Bay West Pond

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Eurasian Collared Dove that has frequented the Chelsea Water Park in
Manhattan flew in to trees just north of the dog run at about 9:15 this
morning, and soon dropped to the lawn and walkway. The site is at the
junction of 11th Avenue and West 2 Street.

The period from now until July 30 is extremely important for birders to
communicate their feeling about restoring the West Pond at Jamaica Bay
Wildlife Refuge.  The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting public
opinion for an Environmental Assessment (EA) of several designs that they
will soon receive from the consulting firm they have engaged.  A "scoping
meeting" will be held THIS THURSDAY, July 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the
Refuge Visitors' Center. It is OPEN TO ALL interested parties.

It is important that birders show their concern by attending, and by being
UNITED on a few fundamental points: that the Pond be restored to a
freshwater pond, as large as possible;  that it include a functional valve
system to regulate water level; that the Terrapin Trail area be restored to
its former state as a habitat for nesting terns (and diamondback
terrapins); and that the Refuge be assigned active, informed management
personnel.

The NPS has a Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website, and
invites public comments UNTIL JULY 30. The NPS takes such input very
seriously, and has in the past altered decisions on that basis. The online
PETITION to restore the West Pond, which many of us have signed, will be an
important contribution; if you have not yet signed it, please do, at
www.tinyurl.com/west-pond-petition. Also, please send  a PERSONAL MESSAGE
directly to the PEPC website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov, or by post to
Gateway National Recreation Area, Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West
Pond EA Comment, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

The NPS announcement about Thursday's scoping meeting and the PEPC site is
copied below.

Let us all make one more effort on behalf of a resource that has been so
important to our community and to the birds and other wildlife about which
we care!

Thanks,

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook and New York




Subject: Scoping Notice- Environmental Assessment, Gateway National
Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond
To:


Dear Sir/Madam,

The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Federal Highway
Administration - Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), is
preparing an environmental assessment (EA) in support of a proposed project
to address damage that resulted from a breach that occurred at West Pond in
conjunction with Hurricane Sandy in 2012.  Federal emergency declarations
stemming from the damage suffered along the Atlantic Coast during Hurricane
Sandy entitle eligible projects such as this one at Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge in Gateway National Recreation Area, New York to receive relief
through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned (ERFO) Road program.
Maps of the region and project area are attached (Figures 1 and 2).

The purpose of this project as currently defined is to provide for
environmentally sensitive and resilient condition and enhanced visitor
experiences along the West Pond Trail area that support a diversity of
Jamaica Bay habitats and wildlife.  The goals of the project are to improve
existing conditions and visitor experience at West Pond to restore both the
natural resource values of the West Pond, as well as visitor access and
public educational opportunities in a manner that is effective and
sustainable into the future.  Goals include providing a sound basis for
adaptive management, and protective design elements to promote future
desired resource conditions and sustainable management.  This project is
needed because:


   - The area around the breach and the portion of the trail that crosses
   the embankment are not currently safe for public access.
   - The existing breach condition is vulnerable to reoccurring storm
   activity and susceptible to future damage from erosion.
   - To increase universal visitor access and provide the opportunity to
   view wildlife, enjoy the Jamaica Bay, and learn about the resources.
   - To ensure that the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge provides habitat that
   supports a diversity of species, in a resilient and sustainable environment.

The NPS is currently soliciting scoping comments from interested agencies,
groups, and individuals and encourages your participation throughout the
planning process.  The NPS encourages your participation throughout the
planning process.

A public scoping meeting will be held July 17, 2014 from 6:00- 8:00 PM at
the following location:

Gateway National Recreation Area
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Cross Bay Boulevard
Queens, New York

There will be two opportunities to comment on the project -- once during
the initial project scoping and again following release of the EA.  The NPS
is currently in the scoping phase of the proposed project and invites the

[nysbirds-l] Collared Dove, and IMPORTANT re Jamaica Bay West Pond

[Douglas Futuyma]

The Eurasian Collared Dove that has frequented the Chelsea Water Park in
Manhattan flew in to trees just north of the dog run at about 9:15 this
morning, and soon dropped to the lawn and walkway. The site is at the
junction of 11th Avenue and West 2 Street.

The period from now until July 30 is extremely important for birders to
communicate their feeling about restoring the West Pond at Jamaica Bay
Wildlife Refuge.  The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting public
opinion for an Environmental Assessment (EA) of several designs that they
will soon receive from the consulting firm they have engaged.  A scoping
meeting will be held THIS THURSDAY, July 17, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the
Refuge Visitors' Center. It is OPEN TO ALL interested parties.

It is important that birders show their concern by attending, and by being
UNITED on a few fundamental points: that the Pond be restored to a
freshwater pond, as large as possible;  that it include a functional valve
system to regulate water level; that the Terrapin Trail area be restored to
its former state as a habitat for nesting terns (and diamondback
terrapins); and that the Refuge be assigned active, informed management
personnel.

The NPS has a Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website, and
invites public comments UNTIL JULY 30. The NPS takes such input very
seriously, and has in the past altered decisions on that basis. The online
PETITION to restore the West Pond, which many of us have signed, will be an
important contribution; if you have not yet signed it, please do, at
www.tinyurl.com/west-pond-petition. Also, please send  a PERSONAL MESSAGE
directly to the PEPC website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov, or by post to
Gateway National Recreation Area, Attn: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West
Pond EA Comment, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.

The NPS announcement about Thursday's scoping meeting and the PEPC site is
copied below.

Let us all make one more effort on behalf of a resource that has been so
important to our community and to the birds and other wildlife about which
we care!

Thanks,

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook and New York




Subject: Scoping Notice- Environmental Assessment, Gateway National
Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, West Pond
To:


Dear Sir/Madam,

The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Federal Highway
Administration - Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD), is
preparing an environmental assessment (EA) in support of a proposed project
to address damage that resulted from a breach that occurred at West Pond in
conjunction with Hurricane Sandy in 2012.  Federal emergency declarations
stemming from the damage suffered along the Atlantic Coast during Hurricane
Sandy entitle eligible projects such as this one at Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge in Gateway National Recreation Area, New York to receive relief
through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned (ERFO) Road program.
Maps of the region and project area are attached (Figures 1 and 2).

The purpose of this project as currently defined is to provide for
environmentally sensitive and resilient condition and enhanced visitor
experiences along the West Pond Trail area that support a diversity of
Jamaica Bay habitats and wildlife.  The goals of the project are to improve
existing conditions and visitor experience at West Pond to restore both the
natural resource values of the West Pond, as well as visitor access and
public educational opportunities in a manner that is effective and
sustainable into the future.  Goals include providing a sound basis for
adaptive management, and protective design elements to promote future
desired resource conditions and sustainable management.  This project is
needed because:


   - The area around the breach and the portion of the trail that crosses
   the embankment are not currently safe for public access.
   - The existing breach condition is vulnerable to reoccurring storm
   activity and susceptible to future damage from erosion.
   - To increase universal visitor access and provide the opportunity to
   view wildlife, enjoy the Jamaica Bay, and learn about the resources.
   - To ensure that the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge provides habitat that
   supports a diversity of species, in a resilient and sustainable environment.

The NPS is currently soliciting scoping comments from interested agencies,
groups, and individuals and encourages your participation throughout the
planning process.  The NPS encourages your participation throughout the
planning process.

A public scoping meeting will be held July 17, 2014 from 6:00- 8:00 PM at
the following location:

Gateway National Recreation Area
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
Cross Bay Boulevard
Queens, New York

There will be two opportunities to comment on the project -- once during
the initial project scoping and again following release of the EA.  The NPS
is currently in the scoping phase of the proposed project and invites the

[nysbirds-l] Cory's Shearwater and others (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Because recent sea-watching along the south shore of Long Island has not
been very productive, I was heartened to see a fairly distant Cory's
Shearwater from the Shinnecock Inlet overlook at about 7 p.m. this evening.
What may have been the same bird appeared about 8 minutes later,
considerably closer.

Shorebird movement seems to be on the increase, with at least 80
Short-billed Dowitchers and 40 Semipalmated Sandpipers joining Willets and
Least Sandpipers on the bay shore near Tiana Beach along Dune Road..

Before arriving at Dune Road, I stopped at Gabreskie Airport, where 3
Grasshopper Sparrows (adult and juvenile) were on the fence, but no Vesper
Sparrows were to be seen.

In Stony Brook, two young Yellow-crowned Night Herons in a nest directly
over a small street appear ready to leave the nest very soon.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Cory's Shearwater and others (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Because recent sea-watching along the south shore of Long Island has not
been very productive, I was heartened to see a fairly distant Cory's
Shearwater from the Shinnecock Inlet overlook at about 7 p.m. this evening.
What may have been the same bird appeared about 8 minutes later,
considerably closer.

Shorebird movement seems to be on the increase, with at least 80
Short-billed Dowitchers and 40 Semipalmated Sandpipers joining Willets and
Least Sandpipers on the bay shore near Tiana Beach along Dune Road..

Before arriving at Dune Road, I stopped at Gabreskie Airport, where 3
Grasshopper Sparrows (adult and juvenile) were on the fence, but no Vesper
Sparrows were to be seen.

In Stony Brook, two young Yellow-crowned Night Herons in a nest directly
over a small street appear ready to leave the nest very soon.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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[nysbirds-l] Least Bittern, North Fork (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

I saw one of the previously reported Least Bitterns at Ashamomaque Preserve
at about 8:15 this morning, about 10 minutes after I arrived at the viewing
tower. It flew across the marsh to the far side of the pond, provided a
brief scope view before clambering out of sight in the cattails, and a few
minutes later flew back in the direction it had come from, dropping out of
sight along the near border of the right side of the pond. I did not see it
again during the ca. 25 minutes I stayed afterward. A local bird
photographer who I met at the tower told me that the Least Bittterns are
being reported mostly in the evening.

Immediately before the tower, a short boardwalk makes a right-angle turn to
the left. Approaching the tower, I had here a point-blank view of a Virgina
Rail, almost too close to focus on.

The Preserve is on the west side of the short Chapel Lane, between Route 25
and Truck Route 25 (confluent with CR 48), west of Greenport. A sign on the
main trail directs you to the "observation blind", i.e., the tower.

I made a short visit to the Inlet Pond County Park, less than a mile to the
east, where singing White-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts were the
highlights.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Least Bittern, North Fork (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

I saw one of the previously reported Least Bitterns at Ashamomaque Preserve
at about 8:15 this morning, about 10 minutes after I arrived at the viewing
tower. It flew across the marsh to the far side of the pond, provided a
brief scope view before clambering out of sight in the cattails, and a few
minutes later flew back in the direction it had come from, dropping out of
sight along the near border of the right side of the pond. I did not see it
again during the ca. 25 minutes I stayed afterward. A local bird
photographer who I met at the tower told me that the Least Bittterns are
being reported mostly in the evening.

Immediately before the tower, a short boardwalk makes a right-angle turn to
the left. Approaching the tower, I had here a point-blank view of a Virgina
Rail, almost too close to focus on.

The Preserve is on the west side of the short Chapel Lane, between Route 25
and Truck Route 25 (confluent with CR 48), west of Greenport. A sign on the
main trail directs you to the observation blind, i.e., the tower.

I made a short visit to the Inlet Pond County Park, less than a mile to the
east, where singing White-eyed Vireos and American Redstarts were the
highlights.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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ARCHIVES:
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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] West Pond (Jamaica Bay) sightings then and now

[Douglas Futuyma]

On Sunday afternoon, May 25, I spent about two hours walking the dike at
the West "Pond", from both directions. It was low tide, and the former pond
was a large mudflat, with some higher bars on which some Forster's Terns
loafed. Other than those and some foraging sandpipers, it was nearly devoid
of birds. I kept a careful count of the birds I saw within and  the
perimeter, as well as more general notes on those outside the perimeter,
in  the fringing marsh and bay.

I thought it would be interesting to compare these sightings from records
at this time of year in previous years, so I have compiled information from
my own notes in 2011, 2008, and 2007. Shai Mitra kindly made available
records of sightings by Patricia Lindsay and himself, from which I drew
data for four years. Most of the data from previous years do not specify
whether a bird was seen within the cionfines of the West Pond dike, or
elsewhere in the West Pond/East Pond complex, and I have indicated those
data by parentheses.

It will be seen that except for the shorebirds that were foraging in the
West "Pond" on Sunday (mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers), bird life was
sparse; in particular, ducks were entirely lacking. Even including 3
species that I saw outside the perimeter, the numbers of species and
individuals were low compared to most earlier tallies.  I URGE CONERNED
INDIVIDUALS TO SIGN THE WEST POND PETITION, if you have not yet done so.
It will soon be submitted to its intended recipients.  It takes only a
minute to access it at www.tinyurl.com/West-Pond-Petition!

The comparative compilation follows.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook and New York City

Comparison of late May sightings at JBWR West Pond – Douglas Futuyma

My sightings this year (May 25, 2014) compared to my sightings on May 22,
2011, May 25, 2008, and May 26, 2007, as well as sightings by Patricia
Lindsay and Shai Mitra on May 18, 2008, May 20, 2007, May 21, 2011, and May
22, 2010.  Values in parentheses do not distinguish whether birds were seen
within the confines of the West Pond dike, or elsewhere in West Pond/East
Pond complex. Square brackets indicate sighting from West Pond dike but not
within.



*Species*

*5/25/14*

*5/22/11*

*5/25/08*

*5/26/07*

*5/18/08*

*5/20/07*

*5/21/11*

*5/22/10*

*Can Goose*

*2 [+8]*





*(30)*

*(20)*







*Mute Swan*

*2 [+2]*















*Gadwall*



*4*

*20*

*4*





*4*



*Am Wigeon*







*(1)*









*Black Duck*



*yes*

*30*



*(20)*

*5*





*Mallard*

*[2]*

*yes*

*yes*



*(30)*







*Blue-w Teal*









*1*







*N. Shoveller*









*3*







*Gr-w Teal*













*1*



*Gr Scaup*



*4*

*2*







*(5)*



*Less. Scaup*













*1)*



*Red-b Merg*



*4*



*1*



*(1)*

*(6)*



*Rudd Duck*



*(145)*

*(40)*



*(20)*

*54*



*(20)*

*D Cormor*

*[4]*

*yes*







*(10)*





*L Bittern*











*1*





*Great Egret*

*1  [+1]*

*(1)*

*(10)*

*yes*









*Sn Egret*

*7 [+1]*

*(5)*

*(2)*

*yes*

*(1)*



*(3)*



*G B Heron*









*(1)*





*(3)*

*Tri Heron*





*(1)*











*L B Heron*











*(1)*





*Gr Heron*





*1*



*2*







*B-c N Heron*



*(3)*

*(1)*

*(1)*





*(1)*

*(12)*

*Yc N Heron*

*[2]*

*(3)*

*(2)*

*(5)*



*(5)*

*(1)*

*(8)*

*Glossy Ibis*

*1 [+25]*

*(20)*

*(15)*

*(15)*



*(5)*

*(1)*

*(8)*

*C. Moorhen*



*(1)*









*(1)*



*Semi. Plover*

*1*



*(2)*





*(2)*

*(12)*



*Spot Sandp*





*(5)*

*(2)*



*(3)*



*(5)*

*Gr Yell-legs*





*1*

*1*



*(3)*



*(5)*

*L Yell-legs*



*1*

*2*











*Semi Sandp*

*50 [+30]*

*4*



*yes*



*(250)*

*(50)*



*Least Sandp*



*8*

*(20_)*



*(10)*

*(20)*





*Wh-r Sandp*



*2*









*(2)*



*S-b Dowitch*







*(25)*

*(10)*

*(2)*





*Red-n Phal*



*1*













*Comm Tern*











*(1)*





*Forster’s T*

*45*

*10*

*(15)*



*(15*

*6*





*Bl Skimmer*







*1*

*1*







*   # species*

*9 [+3]*

*19*

*18*

*13*

*13*

*16*

*13*

*7*

--

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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
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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] West Pond (Jamaica Bay) sightings then and now

[Douglas Futuyma]

On Sunday afternoon, May 25, I spent about two hours walking the dike at
the West Pond, from both directions. It was low tide, and the former pond
was a large mudflat, with some higher bars on which some Forster's Terns
loafed. Other than those and some foraging sandpipers, it was nearly devoid
of birds. I kept a careful count of the birds I saw within and  the
perimeter, as well as more general notes on those outside the perimeter,
in  the fringing marsh and bay.

I thought it would be interesting to compare these sightings from records
at this time of year in previous years, so I have compiled information from
my own notes in 2011, 2008, and 2007. Shai Mitra kindly made available
records of sightings by Patricia Lindsay and himself, from which I drew
data for four years. Most of the data from previous years do not specify
whether a bird was seen within the cionfines of the West Pond dike, or
elsewhere in the West Pond/East Pond complex, and I have indicated those
data by parentheses.

It will be seen that except for the shorebirds that were foraging in the
West Pond on Sunday (mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers), bird life was
sparse; in particular, ducks were entirely lacking. Even including 3
species that I saw outside the perimeter, the numbers of species and
individuals were low compared to most earlier tallies.  I URGE CONERNED
INDIVIDUALS TO SIGN THE WEST POND PETITION, if you have not yet done so.
It will soon be submitted to its intended recipients.  It takes only a
minute to access it at www.tinyurl.com/West-Pond-Petition!

The comparative compilation follows.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook and New York City

Comparison of late May sightings at JBWR West Pond – Douglas Futuyma

My sightings this year (May 25, 2014) compared to my sightings on May 22,
2011, May 25, 2008, and May 26, 2007, as well as sightings by Patricia
Lindsay and Shai Mitra on May 18, 2008, May 20, 2007, May 21, 2011, and May
22, 2010.  Values in parentheses do not distinguish whether birds were seen
within the confines of the West Pond dike, or elsewhere in West Pond/East
Pond complex. Square brackets indicate sighting from West Pond dike but not
within.



*Species*

*5/25/14*

*5/22/11*

*5/25/08*

*5/26/07*

*5/18/08*

*5/20/07*

*5/21/11*

*5/22/10*

*Can Goose*

*2 [+8]*





*(30)*

*(20)*







*Mute Swan*

*2 [+2]*















*Gadwall*



*4*

*20*

*4*





*4*



*Am Wigeon*







*(1)*









*Black Duck*



*yes*

*30*



*(20)*

*5*





*Mallard*

*[2]*

*yes*

*yes*



*(30)*







*Blue-w Teal*









*1*







*N. Shoveller*









*3*







*Gr-w Teal*













*1*



*Gr Scaup*



*4*

*2*







*(5)*



*Less. Scaup*













*1)*



*Red-b Merg*



*4*



*1*



*(1)*

*(6)*



*Rudd Duck*



*(145)*

*(40)*



*(20)*

*54*



*(20)*

*D Cormor*

*[4]*

*yes*







*(10)*





*L Bittern*











*1*





*Great Egret*

*1  [+1]*

*(1)*

*(10)*

*yes*









*Sn Egret*

*7 [+1]*

*(5)*

*(2)*

*yes*

*(1)*



*(3)*



*G B Heron*









*(1)*





*(3)*

*Tri Heron*





*(1)*











*L B Heron*











*(1)*





*Gr Heron*





*1*



*2*







*B-c N Heron*



*(3)*

*(1)*

*(1)*





*(1)*

*(12)*

*Yc N Heron*

*[2]*

*(3)*

*(2)*

*(5)*



*(5)*

*(1)*

*(8)*

*Glossy Ibis*

*1 [+25]*

*(20)*

*(15)*

*(15)*



*(5)*

*(1)*

*(8)*

*C. Moorhen*



*(1)*









*(1)*



*Semi. Plover*

*1*



*(2)*





*(2)*

*(12)*



*Spot Sandp*





*(5)*

*(2)*



*(3)*



*(5)*

*Gr Yell-legs*





*1*

*1*



*(3)*



*(5)*

*L Yell-legs*



*1*

*2*











*Semi Sandp*

*50 [+30]*

*4*



*yes*



*(250)*

*(50)*



*Least Sandp*



*8*

*(20_)*



*(10)*

*(20)*





*Wh-r Sandp*



*2*









*(2)*



*S-b Dowitch*







*(25)*

*(10)*

*(2)*





*Red-n Phal*



*1*













*Comm Tern*











*(1)*





*Forster’s T*

*45*

*10*

*(15)*



*(15*

*6*





*Bl Skimmer*







*1*

*1*







*   # species*

*9 [+3]*

*19*

*18*

*13*

*13*

*16*

*13*

*7*

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Sunken Meadow SP (Suffolk) migrants

[Douglas Futuyma]

Migrants out east are sparser than in the city, but in two hours this
morning, I encountered 11 species of warblers, including several Northern
Parula, 1 or 2 Black-throated Green, 1 Prairie, Yellow (quite a few
apparently on territory), Ovenbird (at least 5 singing), 1 Northern
Waterthrush, 1 Common Yellowthroat, as well as Black-and-white, Pine, Palm,
and many Yellow-rumped.  Other species included Eastern Kingbird,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, and Blue-headed,
Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos.  Several Pectoral Sandpipers continue
west of the bridge.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Sunken Meadow SP (Suffolk) migrants

[Douglas Futuyma]

Migrants out east are sparser than in the city, but in two hours this
morning, I encountered 11 species of warblers, including several Northern
Parula, 1 or 2 Black-throated Green, 1 Prairie, Yellow (quite a few
apparently on territory), Ovenbird (at least 5 singing), 1 Northern
Waterthrush, 1 Common Yellowthroat, as well as Black-and-white, Pine, Palm,
and many Yellow-rumped.  Other species included Eastern Kingbird,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, and Blue-headed,
Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos.  Several Pectoral Sandpipers continue
west of the bridge.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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ARCHIVES:
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2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html

Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] ALERT: Swallow-tailed Kite, So State Pkwy, LI

[Douglas Futuyma]

Bob Proniewych just called to say he just now saw a Swallow-tailed Kite
over Southern State Parkway at Wantagh Parkway.  The bird was heading east.
8:55 a.m.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] ALERT: Swallow-tailed Kite, So State Pkwy, LI

[Douglas Futuyma]

Bob Proniewych just called to say he just now saw a Swallow-tailed Kite
over Southern State Parkway at Wantagh Parkway.  The bird was heading east.
8:55 a.m.

Doug Futuyma

--

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--

[nysbirds-l] LI: Hempstead and east, April 6

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning, Rich Hoyer (en route home to Tucson) and I started at
Hempstead Lake State Park, where we found one Cliff Swallow and 2 Barn
Swallows among the Tree Swallows at the South Pond, and saw the other birds
listed by Joe Giunta, as well as a pair of Wood Ducks and the apparent
hybrid Green-winged X Common Teal, with a female.

At Jones Beach West End, with Robert Proniewych, we walked along the inlet
to the jetty and back along the ocean front. Notable species included one
Snowy Owl, 6 Piping Plover (4 flying up the inlet, 2 on the ocean shore),
about 10,000 Dunlin, and the Northern Shrike, west of Field 2, along the
path that leads to the beach.

After we three enjoyed the rufous-morph Eastern Screech Owl at Massapequa
Preserve, Rich and I headed to the Epcal property in Calverton, where we
recorded 2 Eastern Meadowlarks and carefully counted 11 American Kestrels
along the main runway and 9 more in the grassland that borders Grumman Road
east of Connecticut Avenue, for a remarkable total of 20.  WE also has a
singing Pine Warbler along Manorville Road. Curious to see if there might
be high numbers of Kestrels in suitable habitat elsewhere, we went to
Gabreskie Airport, where we saw "only" 4.

After dropping Rich at a train station, I continued to Sunken Meadow State
Park, where I dd not see Pectoral Sandpipers, but saw one, perhaps LOS,
American Tree Sparrow.

At the Stony Brook Mill Pond, at about 7 p.m., I counted 83 Double-crested
Cormorants in their nest trees.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] LI: Hempstead and east, April 6

[Douglas Futuyma]

This morning, Rich Hoyer (en route home to Tucson) and I started at
Hempstead Lake State Park, where we found one Cliff Swallow and 2 Barn
Swallows among the Tree Swallows at the South Pond, and saw the other birds
listed by Joe Giunta, as well as a pair of Wood Ducks and the apparent
hybrid Green-winged X Common Teal, with a female.

At Jones Beach West End, with Robert Proniewych, we walked along the inlet
to the jetty and back along the ocean front. Notable species included one
Snowy Owl, 6 Piping Plover (4 flying up the inlet, 2 on the ocean shore),
about 10,000 Dunlin, and the Northern Shrike, west of Field 2, along the
path that leads to the beach.

After we three enjoyed the rufous-morph Eastern Screech Owl at Massapequa
Preserve, Rich and I headed to the Epcal property in Calverton, where we
recorded 2 Eastern Meadowlarks and carefully counted 11 American Kestrels
along the main runway and 9 more in the grassland that borders Grumman Road
east of Connecticut Avenue, for a remarkable total of 20.  WE also has a
singing Pine Warbler along Manorville Road. Curious to see if there might
be high numbers of Kestrels in suitable habitat elsewhere, we went to
Gabreskie Airport, where we saw only 4.

After dropping Rich at a train station, I continued to Sunken Meadow State
Park, where I dd not see Pectoral Sandpipers, but saw one, perhaps LOS,
American Tree Sparrow.

At the Stony Brook Mill Pond, at about 7 p.m., I counted 83 Double-crested
Cormorants in their nest trees.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] LI south and west

[Douglas Futuyma]

Birds of some interest at several Long Island sites this morning:

At Blydenburgh County Park (Smithtown), waterfowl included ca. 56
Ring-necked Ducks and 2 Canvasback.
At Robert Moses State Park, more than 1500 Long-tailed Duck on bay side,
close to the roadway, actively milling about; also ca. 40 Common Goldeneye,
including an instructive female with a largely yellow bill. I had expected
to see northbound scoters and other species over the ocean, but it appeared
barren.
At Gilgo, ca. 160 Lesser Scaup, accompanied by a few Greater, quite close
-- an interesting place for so many of this species.
At Field 10, Jones Beach, an adult Iceland Gull on parking lot, and 3
American Oystercatcher.
At Field 2, Jones Beach West End, the Northern Shrike at the swale, and 14
Tree Swallows.
At Point Lookout Town Park, from atop a dune, the 4 continuing Harlequin
Ducks, 3 Common Eider, and 16 American Oystercatchers.
At Hempstead Lake State Park, 30 Common Mergansers on the main lake, and 1
Osprey at the pond near parking field 2.

I saw nothing notable at Camman's Pond or Milburn Pond. I also walked
through Alley Pond Park, hoping at least to hear an early Spring Peeper or
Wood Frog, but the kettle ponds are still iced over; and although shallow
vernal pools along the blue trail were liquid, I heard neither frogs nor
birds (specifically, no Rusty Blackbirds).

I would like to echo others in urging anyone who hasn't yet done so, to
sign the online petition to restore the once glorious, now almost birdless,
West Pond at Jamaica Bay:  http://tinyurl.com/West-Pond-Petition.  Its
future may depend on our showing that we care!

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] LI south and west

[Douglas Futuyma]

Birds of some interest at several Long Island sites this morning:

At Blydenburgh County Park (Smithtown), waterfowl included ca. 56
Ring-necked Ducks and 2 Canvasback.
At Robert Moses State Park, more than 1500 Long-tailed Duck on bay side,
close to the roadway, actively milling about; also ca. 40 Common Goldeneye,
including an instructive female with a largely yellow bill. I had expected
to see northbound scoters and other species over the ocean, but it appeared
barren.
At Gilgo, ca. 160 Lesser Scaup, accompanied by a few Greater, quite close
-- an interesting place for so many of this species.
At Field 10, Jones Beach, an adult Iceland Gull on parking lot, and 3
American Oystercatcher.
At Field 2, Jones Beach West End, the Northern Shrike at the swale, and 14
Tree Swallows.
At Point Lookout Town Park, from atop a dune, the 4 continuing Harlequin
Ducks, 3 Common Eider, and 16 American Oystercatchers.
At Hempstead Lake State Park, 30 Common Mergansers on the main lake, and 1
Osprey at the pond near parking field 2.

I saw nothing notable at Camman's Pond or Milburn Pond. I also walked
through Alley Pond Park, hoping at least to hear an early Spring Peeper or
Wood Frog, but the kettle ponds are still iced over; and although shallow
vernal pools along the blue trail were liquid, I heard neither frogs nor
birds (specifically, no Rusty Blackbirds).

I would like to echo others in urging anyone who hasn't yet done so, to
sign the online petition to restore the once glorious, now almost birdless,
West Pond at Jamaica Bay:  http://tinyurl.com/West-Pond-Petition.  Its
future may depend on our showing that we care!

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Other Shinnecock gulls

[Douglas Futuyma]

In my previous posting, I failed to note the continuing Glaucous Gull,
along the inner end of the Inlet, and a third-cycle Lesser Black-backed
Gull with the Iceland Gulls on the beach at Road L.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Other Shinnecock gulls

[Douglas Futuyma]

In my previous posting, I failed to note the continuing Glaucous Gull,
along the inner end of the Inlet, and a third-cycle Lesser Black-backed
Gull with the Iceland Gulls on the beach at Road L.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Shinnecock-Riverhead (Suffolk) gulls, Black Vulture, etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

At Shinnecock Inlet this morning, the large number of gulls included 2
(perhaps 3) immature Iceland Gulls and almost certainly 2 Glaucous Gulls.
Three male Boat-tailed Grackles were on Dune Road at the Ponquogue Bridge
access, displaying a little to each other.  A Snowy Owl was in the marsh
west of the bridge, near the edge of the bay.  West of Docker's Restaurant,
the Black-crowned Night Heron was conspicuous, but I failed to find an
American Bittern.

The Black Vulture was atop the chimney of a house almost opposite the
church on Sound Avenue at Church Lane. No birds of note were present at the
buffalo farm on Roanoke Avenue when I stopped there. Further west, a scan
of EpCal from several points yielded nothing. On Long Island Sound, viewed
from Park Road and Hulse Landing Road, only expected species were seen.  A
Merlin and two Northern harriers were along Hulse Landing Road.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Shinnecock-Riverhead (Suffolk) gulls, Black Vulture, etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

At Shinnecock Inlet this morning, the large number of gulls included 2
(perhaps 3) immature Iceland Gulls and almost certainly 2 Glaucous Gulls.
Three male Boat-tailed Grackles were on Dune Road at the Ponquogue Bridge
access, displaying a little to each other.  A Snowy Owl was in the marsh
west of the bridge, near the edge of the bay.  West of Docker's Restaurant,
the Black-crowned Night Heron was conspicuous, but I failed to find an
American Bittern.

The Black Vulture was atop the chimney of a house almost opposite the
church on Sound Avenue at Church Lane. No birds of note were present at the
buffalo farm on Roanoke Avenue when I stopped there. Further west, a scan
of EpCal from several points yielded nothing. On Long Island Sound, viewed
from Park Road and Hulse Landing Road, only expected species were seen.  A
Merlin and two Northern harriers were along Hulse Landing Road.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Harlequin Ducks now in Long Beach (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Yesterday morning, I observed 5 Harlequin Ducks at one of the jetties
visible from the eastern end of the Long Beach boardwalk, at Neptune
Avenue.  The two adult males, one immature male, and two females appear to
be the same group that had been residing at Point Lookout, and perhaps have
moved in response to disturbance caused by pipe-laying and beach
reconstruction. Ken Feustel told me that he did not see any Harlequin Ducks
in a thorough search at Point Lookout at that time.

A small group of Ruddy Turnstones continues at the fishing pier along
Reynold's Channel at Magnolia Boulevard in Long Beach.

About 16 Common Mergansers were on Mill Pond in Wantagh, immediately west
of Wantagh Parkway.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Harlequin Ducks now in Long Beach (Nassau)

[Douglas Futuyma]

Yesterday morning, I observed 5 Harlequin Ducks at one of the jetties
visible from the eastern end of the Long Beach boardwalk, at Neptune
Avenue.  The two adult males, one immature male, and two females appear to
be the same group that had been residing at Point Lookout, and perhaps have
moved in response to disturbance caused by pipe-laying and beach
reconstruction. Ken Feustel told me that he did not see any Harlequin Ducks
in a thorough search at Point Lookout at that time.

A small group of Ruddy Turnstones continues at the fishing pier along
Reynold's Channel at Magnolia Boulevard in Long Beach.

About 16 Common Mergansers were on Mill Pond in Wantagh, immediately west
of Wantagh Parkway.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Barnacle Goose, Randall's Island (correction)

[Douglas Futuyma]

In my haste, I wrote "Cackling" when, of course, I intended "Barnacle"
Goose.  Thanks to the several people who quickly notified me of this
idiotic (my word, not theirs) mistake.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Cackling Goose continues (Randall's Island, NYC)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 8 a.m., with Canada Geese, in the narrow channel that lets into the East
River from the northwest; almost below the railroad span.  I did not find
the Red-necked Grebe.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Cackling Goose continues (Randall's Island, NYC)

[Douglas Futuyma]

At 8 a.m., with Canada Geese, in the narrow channel that lets into the East
River from the northwest; almost below the railroad span.  I did not find
the Red-necked Grebe.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Barnacle Goose, Randall's Island (correction)

[Douglas Futuyma]

In my haste, I wrote Cackling when, of course, I intended Barnacle
Goose.  Thanks to the several people who quickly notified me of this
idiotic (my word, not theirs) mistake.

Doug Futuyma

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Point Lookout (Nassau) Iceland Gull, Harlequin Ducks

[Douglas Futuyma]

This afternoon, an immature Iceland Gull was on the easternmost jetty to
the west of the inlet at Point Lookout. Perhaps taking shelter from the
fierce wind, two pairs of Harlequin Ducks were in the inlet, just north of
the isolated house near the mouth of the inlet.
Scans for grassland birds at Nickerson Beach and West End were not rewarded.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Point Lookout (Nassau) Iceland Gull, Harlequin Ducks

[Douglas Futuyma]

This afternoon, an immature Iceland Gull was on the easternmost jetty to
the west of the inlet at Point Lookout. Perhaps taking shelter from the
fierce wind, two pairs of Harlequin Ducks were in the inlet, just north of
the isolated house near the mouth of the inlet.
Scans for grassland birds at Nickerson Beach and West End were not rewarded.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook, NY

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Iceland Gull, Stony Brook (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

An immature Iceland Gull was on the Stony Brook mill pond at 9:30 this
morning.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Iceland Gull, Stony Brook (Suffolk)

[Douglas Futuyma]

An immature Iceland Gull was on the Stony Brook mill pond at 9:30 this
morning.

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

--

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Please submit your observations to eBird:
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--

[nysbirds-l] Montauk and west: Tundra Swan, Glaucous Gull, etc.

[Douglas Futuyma]

A 2-hour sea watch from the Montauk Point restaurant and Camp Hero early
this morning was rewarded by a spectacular number of scoters (20,000 is a
conservative estimate), of which at least 3/4 were Black; the rest were
mostly White-winged, Surf being conspicuously sparse. At least several
hundred Common Eiders (probably many more) were in the mix, but no King was
discerned. Fair numbers of Common and Red-throated Loons, a fly-by Great
Cormorant and an out-of-place Snow Goose, in the surf, were also seen. I
saw no Razorbills or (surprisingly) Gannets.

An immature Iceland Gull was near the beach at the south end of Lake
Montauk (South Lake Drive), and another was at the west jetty.

An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the water at the south end of Fort
Pond Bay, as were ca. 25 Horned Grebes. Here I was joined by Brent Bomcamp
and Stella Miller; we proceeded to Lazy Point, from which vantage point we
saw no Snowy Owls.

At Hook Pond in Easthampton, we found 2 Tundra Swans. Sagaponack Pond
offered no notable birds, but at Short's Pond (on Scuttlehole Road,
Bridgehampton), Brent spied a particularly petite Cackling Goose in the
large flock of Canadas.

At Shinnecock Inlet, Brent spotted an immature male Harlequin Duck. Just to
the west, opposite Ponquogue Bridge, a huge number of gulls, feeding on
presumably storm-tossed clams and other invertebrates, included an immature
Glaucous Gull and a first-year Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Michael McBrien kindly alerted us to the previously reported Snowy Owl on
the island east of Ponquogue Bridge.

Good birding,

Doug Futuyma
Stony Brook

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