[nysbirds-l] Rufous/Allen's Hummer Onondaga County
A Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird was reported on "Upstate NY Birdwatchers" FB group with photos, as of yesterday. The bird is visiting several residences' hummingbird feeders in a neighborhood, going from yard to yard, feeder to feeder. John AskildsenMillbrook, NY -- 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] Rufous/Allen's Hummer Onondaga County
A Rufous/Allen's Hummingbird was reported on "Upstate NY Birdwatchers" FB group with photos, as of yesterday. The bird is visiting several residences' hummingbird feeders in a neighborhood, going from yard to yard, feeder to feeder. John AskildsenMillbrook, NY -- 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] Bonaparte’s Gulls
I read with interest, the comments re Bonaparte’s Gull numbers throughout the region and state(s). I can recall very vividly, during the 1980’s, watching this species’ numbers begin to build in late February and peak in April, in some of the major Long Island south shore inlets and bays, with the most notable being Jones’ Inlet, Nassau, NY. There, at its peak, one could formerly expect more than several thousand birds, and without exaggeration, perhaps upwards of 7K-9K birds in a massive flock, if the tides were timed correctly with the peak of this staging event. The flock would drift up the inlet on the rising tide, and then the flock would pick up and move back down to the mouth of the inlet, allowing themselves to drift up and down the length of the inlet, surface feeding all the way. Indeed, one could reasonably expect 1-4 Black-headed Gulls, and anywhere from 4-10 Little Gulls if the birding gods were smiling that day for you, at Jones’ Inlet, if my memory is correct. And at least three times, Ross’s Gull (Levine, Kurtz) was found in these large flocks at the inlet. And then as others described on this thread, over time, those flock grew smaller and smaller, until they were almost completely absent, and then eventually, the Bonies arrival became a “non-event”. No more. Many of us blamed this change in numbers on dredging of the inlet to improved water quality (no more waste water being dumped there by diminishing bait fish which the gulls feed upon), to physical changes at the inlet, and so on. Who knows if any of these assertions is correct? I wonder if the species’ population has truly crashed, or have they followed/found a new or alternative food source far offshore due to changes in nearshore waters? Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- 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] Bonaparte’s Gulls
I read with interest, the comments re Bonaparte’s Gull numbers throughout the region and state(s). I can recall very vividly, during the 1980’s, watching this species’ numbers begin to build in late February and peak in April, in some of the major Long Island south shore inlets and bays, with the most notable being Jones’ Inlet, Nassau, NY. There, at its peak, one could formerly expect more than several thousand birds, and without exaggeration, perhaps upwards of 7K-9K birds in a massive flock, if the tides were timed correctly with the peak of this staging event. The flock would drift up the inlet on the rising tide, and then the flock would pick up and move back down to the mouth of the inlet, allowing themselves to drift up and down the length of the inlet, surface feeding all the way. Indeed, one could reasonably expect 1-4 Black-headed Gulls, and anywhere from 4-10 Little Gulls if the birding gods were smiling that day for you, at Jones’ Inlet, if my memory is correct. And at least three times, Ross’s Gull (Levine, Kurtz) was found in these large flocks at the inlet. And then as others described on this thread, over time, those flock grew smaller and smaller, until they were almost completely absent, and then eventually, the Bonies arrival became a “non-event”. No more. Many of us blamed this change in numbers on dredging of the inlet to improved water quality (no more waste water being dumped there by diminishing bait fish which the gulls feed upon), to physical changes at the inlet, and so on. Who knows if any of these assertions is correct? I wonder if the species’ population has truly crashed, or have they followed/found a new or alternative food source far offshore due to changes in nearshore waters? Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- 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] More Fabulous eBirding at Stewart Park, Ithaca
Once again, Stewart Park in Ithaca produces avian marvels, miracles, and wonder on eBird! Why does this keep happening? John AskildsenMillbrook, NY -- 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] More Fabulous eBirding at Stewart Park, Ithaca
Once again, Stewart Park in Ithaca produces avian marvels, miracles, and wonder on eBird! Why does this keep happening? John AskildsenMillbrook, NY -- 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] Sage Thrasher Update
Hello All- Those of us who have not had an opportunity to get to see the Thrasher, but are poised to go down on Sunday, would really appreciate any information from early Sunday morning regarding the status of the bird, posted here on NYSBirds-L. There are so many localized Apps that we are not tied into, that getting information is becoming a real problem. We appreciate your help. Many thanks in advance. John AskildsenMillbrook, Dutchess County, NY -- 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] Sage Thrasher Update
Hello All- Those of us who have not had an opportunity to get to see the Thrasher, but are poised to go down on Sunday, would really appreciate any information from early Sunday morning regarding the status of the bird, posted here on NYSBirds-L. There are so many localized Apps that we are not tied into, that getting information is becoming a real problem. We appreciate your help. Many thanks in advance. John AskildsenMillbrook, Dutchess County, NY -- 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] How Not to Write Up an ebird Rarity Report:101
I'm kind of getting tired and frustrated with the quality of the comments/reports submitted to ebird. Below is a classic case that should be tagged, monitored,filtered, whatever you want to call it by ebird admin people. I see a lot of reports on rarities and the comments go something like: "My 436th life bird for North America! It was great, we just stood there and watched the bird walk left, then walk right, then it called a few times, then my friend Jane said wow, did you see that? Then it flew away. It was identified by our really cool friend and excellent birder, Joe Smith, who is familiar with this species because he saw one once in Alaska. Thanks Joe! You're the best! Totally MEGA!" I'm beginning to glaze over when I see reports of the quality above and below, reported in ebird, which are becoming all too common Then there was a report this morning of a Mistle Thrush from Ontario. The Comment was: It looked plump, maybe a young bird." What? Garbage. I Think ebird staff should demand higher standards than gobildy gook pap. Where's their QA people on this? I astirisked the names and "broke" the links to protect the innocent, and not so innocent. See below. White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) (1) - Reported May 01, 2019 17:45 by * ** - Englewood,Charlotte County.FL, Charlotte, Florida - Map: http://maps.google.com/ie=UTF8=p=13=26.9371612,-82.3678802=26.9371612,-82.3678802 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S5581462 - Comments: " ** and I were enjoying a nice warbler fall out at this location when Jeff said "Get on this bird!!" I looked up with the naked eye, and saw a large, dark, long pointed winged, slightly forked tailed bird gliding towards us. I thought why do I want to get on a nighthawk?At that point said "That's a fuckin' White-collared Swift!!! " The bird zoomed behind some Australian Pines. Then it rose up quickly, at least 60 ft, at this point I got the swift in bins, as it did a circle over us, before it went back down behind the pines headed east. Jeff and I ran full speed to the street where we saw no sign of the swift.When I got the look in bins I could clearly see the broad white band going across the breast. The swift was massive and all dark other than the breast band from head to tail. I noticed very long primaries that swept back toward a martin like, slightly forked tail. and I stood there dumbfounded. This is a N.American, never mind FL,MEGA!!! LIFAH" John AskildsenMillbrook, New York -- 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] How Not to Write Up an ebird Rarity Report:101
I'm kind of getting tired and frustrated with the quality of the comments/reports submitted to ebird. Below is a classic case that should be tagged, monitored,filtered, whatever you want to call it by ebird admin people. I see a lot of reports on rarities and the comments go something like: "My 436th life bird for North America! It was great, we just stood there and watched the bird walk left, then walk right, then it called a few times, then my friend Jane said wow, did you see that? Then it flew away. It was identified by our really cool friend and excellent birder, Joe Smith, who is familiar with this species because he saw one once in Alaska. Thanks Joe! You're the best! Totally MEGA!" I'm beginning to glaze over when I see reports of the quality above and below, reported in ebird, which are becoming all too common Then there was a report this morning of a Mistle Thrush from Ontario. The Comment was: It looked plump, maybe a young bird." What? Garbage. I Think ebird staff should demand higher standards than gobildy gook pap. Where's their QA people on this? I astirisked the names and "broke" the links to protect the innocent, and not so innocent. See below. White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) (1) - Reported May 01, 2019 17:45 by * ** - Englewood,Charlotte County.FL, Charlotte, Florida - Map: http://maps.google.com/ie=UTF8=p=13=26.9371612,-82.3678802=26.9371612,-82.3678802 - Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S5581462 - Comments: " ** and I were enjoying a nice warbler fall out at this location when Jeff said "Get on this bird!!" I looked up with the naked eye, and saw a large, dark, long pointed winged, slightly forked tailed bird gliding towards us. I thought why do I want to get on a nighthawk?At that point said "That's a fuckin' White-collared Swift!!! " The bird zoomed behind some Australian Pines. Then it rose up quickly, at least 60 ft, at this point I got the swift in bins, as it did a circle over us, before it went back down behind the pines headed east. Jeff and I ran full speed to the street where we saw no sign of the swift.When I got the look in bins I could clearly see the broad white band going across the breast. The swift was massive and all dark other than the breast band from head to tail. I noticed very long primaries that swept back toward a martin like, slightly forked tail. and I stood there dumbfounded. This is a N.American, never mind FL,MEGA!!! LIFAH" John AskildsenMillbrook, New York -- 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] Pacific Loon
Continues as of 9:15am at Oyster Bay, Nassau, NY, marine boat basin, next to sagamore yacht club. John askildsen, Barbara Mansell. Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen -- 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] Pacific Loon
Continues as of 9:15am at Oyster Bay, Nassau, NY, marine boat basin, next to sagamore yacht club. John askildsen, Barbara Mansell. Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen -- 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] Possible Nesting Turkey Vultures
We observed a pair of Turkey Vultures copulating on the roof of our dilapidated horse barn this morning. The two birds then entered the hay loft together via a blown out window. Spring love is in the air. We're pulling together a basket of roadkill to send over for the happy couple. Stay tuned. John Askildsen Millbrook, NY askild...@verizon.net -- 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] Possible Nesting Turkey Vultures
We observed a pair of Turkey Vultures copulating on the roof of our dilapidated horse barn this morning. The two birds then entered the hay loft together via a blown out window. Spring love is in the air. We're pulling together a basket of roadkill to send over for the happy couple. Stay tuned. John Askildsen Millbrook, NY askild...@verizon.net -- 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] Barrow's Goldeneye/Crab Meadow Beach
Hi Bobby and Colleen- May the birds be with you, and thank you for your post. But, can you tell us all please where "Crab Meadow Beach" is, town, county, etc., and when you had the bird, please? Further, if you would, please provide full names. I think I know who "Bobby and Colleen" are, but I am not completely sure. Your posts go out to something like 1,200 people from Montauk, Long Island, NY, to Toronto, Canada. As always your posts are appreciated ! Many thanks. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, Dutchess County, NY askild...@verizon.net -- 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] Barrow's Goldeneye/Crab Meadow Beach
Hi Bobby and Colleen- May the birds be with you, and thank you for your post. But, can you tell us all please where "Crab Meadow Beach" is, town, county, etc., and when you had the bird, please? Further, if you would, please provide full names. I think I know who "Bobby and Colleen" are, but I am not completely sure. Your posts go out to something like 1,200 people from Montauk, Long Island, NY, to Toronto, Canada. As always your posts are appreciated ! Many thanks. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, Dutchess County, NY askild...@verizon.net -- 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] Golden Eagle, Dutchess County
On Sunday, 12/17, I saw a well marked immature Golden Eagle at Stissing Pond in Pine Plains, Dutchess County. In very dramatic fashion, the bird flew in low over the pond and through a large flock of geese that were flying into the pond at the same time. In a state of panic, the incoming geese aborted their mission and scattered in every direction. Though obviously quite nervous, the some 2,500 geese on the pond did not budge. There was also an immature Bald Eagle at the pond's far edge providing direct comparison. John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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] Golden Eagle, Dutchess County
On Sunday, 12/17, I saw a well marked immature Golden Eagle at Stissing Pond in Pine Plains, Dutchess County. In very dramatic fashion, the bird flew in low over the pond and through a large flock of geese that were flying into the pond at the same time. In a state of panic, the incoming geese aborted their mission and scattered in every direction. Though obviously quite nervous, the some 2,500 geese on the pond did not budge. There was also an immature Bald Eagle at the pond's far edge providing direct comparison. John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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] Western Tanager, Queens, NYC, Directions
I was able to catch up with Eric Miller's Western Tanager at Alley Pond Park today, Queens. Directions as follows: Set your GPS for "East Hills Chevrolet" Dealership, Rte 25A, Northern Blvd, Queens. there is a dead end road immediately to the west of the dealership. Park on the dead end (see sign for Alley Pond Park property), walk around the construction fence, follow the wide wood-chipped trail as it veers to the right. The trail dead ends (200 feet?) at a recently constructed, small freshwater wetland about the size of an above ground pool. When there, look to the left and see a large, fully green-leaved willow tree, about 75 feet away. It was here that the bird was feeding on the ground, or near so, and popped up into the willow, calling for me once. I think it is feeding on white mulberry. Also saw the Black-headed Gull at Pelham Bay Park in parking lot puddle. Outer beach was very quiet. Looked for yesterday's Snowy Owl at Robert Moses SP, Fire Island with no luck. Heard a third-hand report of a Snowy at Jones Beach West End dune area. Looked but no dice. Cheers, JPA John Askildsen -- 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] Western Tanager, Queens, NYC, Directions
I was able to catch up with Eric Miller's Western Tanager at Alley Pond Park today, Queens. Directions as follows: Set your GPS for "East Hills Chevrolet" Dealership, Rte 25A, Northern Blvd, Queens. there is a dead end road immediately to the west of the dealership. Park on the dead end (see sign for Alley Pond Park property), walk around the construction fence, follow the wide wood-chipped trail as it veers to the right. The trail dead ends (200 feet?) at a recently constructed, small freshwater wetland about the size of an above ground pool. When there, look to the left and see a large, fully green-leaved willow tree, about 75 feet away. It was here that the bird was feeding on the ground, or near so, and popped up into the willow, calling for me once. I think it is feeding on white mulberry. Also saw the Black-headed Gull at Pelham Bay Park in parking lot puddle. Outer beach was very quiet. Looked for yesterday's Snowy Owl at Robert Moses SP, Fire Island with no luck. Heard a third-hand report of a Snowy at Jones Beach West End dune area. Looked but no dice. Cheers, JPA John Askildsen -- 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] CORN CRAKE YES
Continues at previously described location at cedar beach, LI, NY, as of 615am, seen well, very cooperative. Askildsen Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen -- 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] CORN CRAKE YES
Continues at previously described location at cedar beach, LI, NY, as of 615am, seen well, very cooperative. Askildsen Sent from my iPhone John Askildsen -- 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] 8 White-fronted Geese in Dutchess County
Eight Greater White-fronted Geese were found on Stissing Lake this afternoon in Pine Plains, Dutchess County, among perhaps 1500 plus Canada Geese and other assorted waterfowl. The GWFG are easily viewed from Lake Road, just south of the village of Pine Plains. Lake Road may be accessed off of Rte 82. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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] 8 White-fronted Geese in Dutchess County
Eight Greater White-fronted Geese were found on Stissing Lake this afternoon in Pine Plains, Dutchess County, among perhaps 1500 plus Canada Geese and other assorted waterfowl. The GWFG are easily viewed from Lake Road, just south of the village of Pine Plains. Lake Road may be accessed off of Rte 82. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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/ --
Re: Re: re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting
Yes, to your point, Dave, I learned that in northern Minnesota, under normal weather circumstances, the "local" birds appeared towards dusk, and the visiting, wintering birds would be more active during the day. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York On 02/04/17, David Klauber wrote: I would add maybe typically, but not necessarily crepuscular. I also had the good fortune to get my lifer in Minnesota some years back, and it was fairly active mid-morning. From what I heard from locals this was fairly typical, at least that winter From: bounce-121208481-3714...@list.cornell.edu <bounce-121208481-3714...@list.cornell.edu> on behalf of John Askildsen <askild...@verizon.net> Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2017 1:40 PM To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu Subject: re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting Unless the owls are feeling "stressed" for food, they are crepuscular in their appearances-dusk and dawn. We just returned from Northern Minnesota where, in this unusually warm winter weather, the Great Grays really did not appear out in the open until 400-530pm. So, Jeff Bolsinger, it may be advantageous for you and your crew to check back towards dusk today, if possible. These large owls seemingly appear out of nowhere when they come out. Good Luck, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm NYSbirds-L Welcome and Basics - northeastbirding.com www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? List Welcome and Basics . Welcome to NYSbirds-L! NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around ... http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm NYSbirds-L Information and Rules - northeastbirding.com www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? Information and Rules . NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around New York State. http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm NYSbirds-L Subscribe, Configuration, and Leave Instructions www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? Subscribe, Configuration and Leave . NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around New York State. ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Mailing list archive: NYSBirds-L www.mail-archive.com Messages by Date 2017/01/17 [nysbirds-l] Painted Bunting richmond co. Arie Gilbert; 2017/01/16 [nysbirds-l] Queens County Bird Club - Wed. Jan 18 - Dan Hendrick ... 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Birding News | @ABA birding.aba.org Read and search your favorite birding e-mail lists all in one place. Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ eBird ebird.org Please join us in congratulating Brian Deans of Cordeaux Heights, Australia, winner of the December 2016 eBird Challenge, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. -- -- 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/ --
Re: Re: re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting
Yes, to your point, Dave, I learned that in northern Minnesota, under normal weather circumstances, the "local" birds appeared towards dusk, and the visiting, wintering birds would be more active during the day. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York On 02/04/17, David Klauber wrote: I would add maybe typically, but not necessarily crepuscular. I also had the good fortune to get my lifer in Minnesota some years back, and it was fairly active mid-morning. From what I heard from locals this was fairly typical, at least that winter From: bounce-121208481-3714...@list.cornell.edu on behalf of John Askildsen Sent: Saturday, February 4, 2017 1:40 PM To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu Subject: re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting Unless the owls are feeling "stressed" for food, they are crepuscular in their appearances-dusk and dawn. We just returned from Northern Minnesota where, in this unusually warm winter weather, the Great Grays really did not appear out in the open until 400-530pm. So, Jeff Bolsinger, it may be advantageous for you and your crew to check back towards dusk today, if possible. These large owls seemingly appear out of nowhere when they come out. Good Luck, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm NYSbirds-L Welcome and Basics - northeastbirding.com www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? List Welcome and Basics . Welcome to NYSbirds-L! NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around ... http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm NYSbirds-L Information and Rules - northeastbirding.com www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? Information and Rules . NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around New York State. http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm NYSbirds-L Subscribe, Configuration, and Leave Instructions www.northeastbirding.com NYSbirds-L ? Subscribe, Configuration and Leave . NYSbirds-L is an email list (the List) focused on the discussion of birds and birding in and around New York State. ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html Mailing list archive: NYSBirds-L www.mail-archive.com Messages by Date 2017/01/17 [nysbirds-l] Painted Bunting richmond co. Arie Gilbert; 2017/01/16 [nysbirds-l] Queens County Bird Club - Wed. Jan 18 - Dan Hendrick ... 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Birding News | @ABA birding.aba.org Read and search your favorite birding e-mail lists all in one place. Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ eBird ebird.org Please join us in congratulating Brian Deans of Cordeaux Heights, Australia, winner of the December 2016 eBird Challenge, sponsored by Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. -- -- 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/ --
re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting
Unless the owls are feeling "stressed" for food, they are crepuscular in their appearances-dusk and dawn. We just returned from Northern Minnesota where, in this unusually warm winter weather, the Great Grays really did not appear out in the open until 400-530pm. So, Jeff Bolsinger, it may be advantageous for you and your crew to check back towards dusk today, if possible. These large owls seemingly appear out of nowhere when they come out. Good Luck, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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/ --
re:[nysbirds-l] Massena Great Gray Owl Sighting
Unless the owls are feeling "stressed" for food, they are crepuscular in their appearances-dusk and dawn. We just returned from Northern Minnesota where, in this unusually warm winter weather, the Great Grays really did not appear out in the open until 400-530pm. So, Jeff Bolsinger, it may be advantageous for you and your crew to check back towards dusk today, if possible. These large owls seemingly appear out of nowhere when they come out. Good Luck, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- 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/ --
RE:[nysbirds-l] Osprey in New York
Besides the obvious locations along the immediate long Island Sound shoreline of Westchester County where the species is well established, it is interesting to note that Osprey are likely nesting on perhaps every tall (120') cell tower in Westchester County. Location does not seem to matter, either. For example, they nest on probably every cell tower in southern Westchester along the Hutchinson River Parkway corridor, in plain sight of the Parkway as well as adjacent very developed residential areas. They nest in the middle of downtown Mamaroneck in a highly industrialized area, amid autobody shops, commercial garages, strip malls, etc. They nest north to at least Byram Lake, Armonk, Town of North Castle, and in the town of Mount Pleasant, Briarcliff Manor on private property on a cell tower, in the 'interior' of Westchester. It is likely that they nest even farther north in Westchester and Putnam County's interior within the "New Croton Watershed" area. There is a nesting pair at the metro north rail yard within the boundaries of the Village of Croton-On-Hudson, along the Hudson River, too. Farther north, I have read about a recent nest on a channel marker in the Hudson within the City of Hudson, NY, Columbia County. While I do not have data for Dutchess County, I would imagine there are nests here too. Bannerman's Island, Beacon, NY, would seem like a logical place and for some reason I think they do nest there. I could be wrong about that. Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE:[nysbirds-l] Osprey in New York
Besides the obvious locations along the immediate long Island Sound shoreline of Westchester County where the species is well established, it is interesting to note that Osprey are likely nesting on perhaps every tall (120') cell tower in Westchester County. Location does not seem to matter, either. For example, they nest on probably every cell tower in southern Westchester along the Hutchinson River Parkway corridor, in plain sight of the Parkway as well as adjacent very developed residential areas. They nest in the middle of downtown Mamaroneck in a highly industrialized area, amid autobody shops, commercial garages, strip malls, etc. They nest north to at least Byram Lake, Armonk, Town of North Castle, and in the town of Mount Pleasant, Briarcliff Manor on private property on a cell tower, in the 'interior' of Westchester. It is likely that they nest even farther north in Westchester and Putnam County's interior within the New Croton Watershed area. There is a nesting pair at the metro north rail yard within the boundaries of the Village of Croton-On-Hudson, along the Hudson River, too. Farther north, I have read about a recent nest on a channel marker in the Hudson within the City of Hudson, NY, Columbia County. While I do not have data for Dutchess County, I would imagine there are nests here too. Bannerman's Island, Beacon, NY, would seem like a logical place and for some reason I think they do nest there. I could be wrong about that. Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] JBWR East Pond Water Levels
susan herbst, a good thought on your part. unless andrew backsh can say otherwise with his knowledge of the inner workings of the national park service, in my view the problem is that in this day and age, the issues of liabilities and lawsuits would very likely prevent any volunteer from working on levees and release valves, not to mention federal union rules about workforce mgmt concerns. unfortunately, from my past experience, the only way to solve the problem is through organized public pressure. the biggest "achilles heal" for public officials is public opinion. if the public is mad enough to raise enough commotion with congressional representatives in both sides of the house, things will change. until then, birders concerns fall on deaf ears. the jamaica bay coalition should not disband after the west pond issue is resolved, but strengthen and follow through to make sure that the JBWR is funded, managed and staffed to meet the needs of the refuge ecosystem, wildlife and its usership. until we take that approach, we will be standing up to our knees in east pond 'gook'. in recent years, i have been in favor of transferring JBWR to the NWR system, and taking out of the hands of the NPS, who seem to care not for managing for wildlife, but only for skateboard parks, bicycle paths and ballfields. i don't think that top management in NPS Gateway really cares about JBWR, birds or birders. in my opinion, They care about active recreation where there is probably big grant money available, which offers more job security for NPS/Gateway staff. I would imagine that there is little job security in making shorebirds happy. John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] JBWR East Pond Water Levels
susan herbst, a good thought on your part. unless andrew backsh can say otherwise with his knowledge of the inner workings of the national park service, in my view the problem is that in this day and age, the issues of liabilities and lawsuits would very likely prevent any volunteer from working on levees and release valves, not to mention federal union rules about workforce mgmt concerns. unfortunately, from my past experience, the only way to solve the problem is through organized public pressure. the biggest achilles heal for public officials is public opinion. if the public is mad enough to raise enough commotion with congressional representatives in both sides of the house, things will change. until then, birders concerns fall on deaf ears. the jamaica bay coalition should not disband after the west pond issue is resolved, but strengthen and follow through to make sure that the JBWR is funded, managed and staffed to meet the needs of the refuge ecosystem, wildlife and its usership. until we take that approach, we will be standing up to our knees in east pond 'gook'. in recent years, i have been in favor of transferring JBWR to the NWR system, and taking out of the hands of the NPS, who seem to care not for managing for wildlife, but only for skateboard parks, bicycle paths and ballfields. i don't think that top management in NPS Gateway really cares about JBWR, birds or birders. in my opinion, They care about active recreation where there is probably big grant money available, which offers more job security for NPS/Gateway staff. I would imagine that there is little job security in making shorebirds happy. John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Seaford Crested Caracara Photos
thanks for posting, steve. well, it is certainly a crested caracara. the worrisome part for me is that it is sitting on someone's deck ! and i think that brings the bird's provenance into question. i've never seen a crested caracara in a densely developed residential neighborhood, let alone sitting on a deck rail. is the bird looking for a 'handout' ? having said that, it seems like an unlikely species for falconers to keep. does anyone have any ideas as to why caracaras are being recorded well out of range, in the last 2-3 years ? texas drought ? JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Seaford Crested Caracara Photos
thanks for posting, steve. well, it is certainly a crested caracara. the worrisome part for me is that it is sitting on someone's deck ! and i think that brings the bird's provenance into question. i've never seen a crested caracara in a densely developed residential neighborhood, let alone sitting on a deck rail. is the bird looking for a 'handout' ? having said that, it seems like an unlikely species for falconers to keep. does anyone have any ideas as to why caracaras are being recorded well out of range, in the last 2-3 years ? texas drought ? JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Derek Rogers
Hey Derek- You're having one heck of a day ! Wanna get me some lottery tickets while you're out there ? JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Derek Rogers
Hey Derek- You're having one heck of a day ! Wanna get me some lottery tickets while you're out there ? JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Manny Levine
To say that Manny was an inspiration, great leader, scholar,and most of all, a great friend to those who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him, is an understatement. I learned a lot from him through the years and look back at my time spent with him with a feeling of great warmth. He was a true "mensch" in every sense. I'll miss you Manny, and thank you for all that you did. God bless... JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Manny Levine
To say that Manny was an inspiration, great leader, scholar,and most of all, a great friend to those who had the pleasure and honor of knowing him, is an understatement. I learned a lot from him through the years and look back at my time spent with him with a feeling of great warmth. He was a true mensch in every sense. I'll miss you Manny, and thank you for all that you did. God bless... JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] BDA, Orange County, NY Addendum
In addition to my previous post, my day was capped by 5-6 Short-eared owls putting on a wonderful display on the north side of Oil City Road (Wallkill NWR) at dusk. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] BDA, Orange County, NY
Today, I intensively birded the Black Dirt Area of southwestern Orange County, NY. Despite the relatively deep snow, there were plenty of good birds to be had. I birded "the circuit": County Routes 6, 12, 88, 26, Oil City Road, Missionland Rd, Skinner La, Maloney, McKenna, Indiana, Pumpkin Swamp Rds, and nearby and adjacent side roads. My results are as follows: 34 Rough-legged Hawk (9 dark morph) 15 Northern Harrier 19 Red-tailed Hawk (1 albieticola ssp) 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 American Kestrel 1 Bald Eagle 4 White-crowned Sparrow (Co. Rte 6 bird feeder) 10 Lapland Longspur (8 Co. Rte 88, 2 individuals elsewhere) 10-15 thousand Canada Geese (two albino type Canadas!) (All between Onion and Celery Aves in cornfield and adjacent Wallkill River) There were many of Horned Lark, and lesser numbers of Snow buntings in mixed flocks containing the Longspurs, of course. Heavy numbers of mixed sparrow flocks in exposed dirt areas on roadsides. Even with the deep snow cover, there were lots of birds around. Regards, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] BDA, Orange County, NY
Today, I intensively birded the Black Dirt Area of southwestern Orange County, NY. Despite the relatively deep snow, there were plenty of good birds to be had. I birded the circuit: County Routes 6, 12, 88, 26, Oil City Road, Missionland Rd, Skinner La, Maloney, McKenna, Indiana, Pumpkin Swamp Rds, and nearby and adjacent side roads. My results are as follows: 34 Rough-legged Hawk (9 dark morph) 15 Northern Harrier 19 Red-tailed Hawk (1 albieticola ssp) 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 2 Cooper's Hawk 1 Peregrine Falcon 1 American Kestrel 1 Bald Eagle 4 White-crowned Sparrow (Co. Rte 6 bird feeder) 10 Lapland Longspur (8 Co. Rte 88, 2 individuals elsewhere) 10-15 thousand Canada Geese (two albino type Canadas!) (All between Onion and Celery Aves in cornfield and adjacent Wallkill River) There were many of Horned Lark, and lesser numbers of Snow buntings in mixed flocks containing the Longspurs, of course. Heavy numbers of mixed sparrow flocks in exposed dirt areas on roadsides. Even with the deep snow cover, there were lots of birds around. Regards, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] BDA, Orange County, NY Addendum
In addition to my previous post, my day was capped by 5-6 Short-eared owls putting on a wonderful display on the north side of Oil City Road (Wallkill NWR) at dusk. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Migrant Golden Eagle, Millbrook,NY
Yesterday afternoon I happened upon a very high up overhead, migrant adult Golden Eagle, over Millbrook, Dutchess County, NY Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Migrant Golden Eagle, Millbrook,NY
Yesterday afternoon I happened upon a very high up overhead, migrant adult Golden Eagle, over Millbrook, Dutchess County, NY Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] purple martin in downstate mainland NY
as far as I know, the only purple martin colonies in lower mainlaind NYS are in Rye, Westchester County, on the immediate soundshore and one colony in Ulster County alongside the NYS Thruway. so to hear of a thriving colony in putnam county is quite newsworthy, IMO. Perhaps tom burke, rich guthrie or others, can chime in on this. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] purple martin in downstate mainland NY
as far as I know, the only purple martin colonies in lower mainlaind NYS are in Rye, Westchester County, on the immediate soundshore and one colony in Ulster County alongside the NYS Thruway. so to hear of a thriving colony in putnam county is quite newsworthy, IMO. Perhaps tom burke, rich guthrie or others, can chime in on this. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Favorable Weather Conditions Developing
For the first time this month, favorable migration weather patterns are setting up for the NYC region and perhaps beyond. In checking the local forecast on Accuweather, it is predicted that winds will shift SW this afternoon and remain generally light and steady SW through tonight and at least until 1am Saturday morning, when there may be a shift to SSE to SE. there is cloud cover forecasted for certain periods with some isolated thunderstorms. Depending on when those t-storms hit, it could make things even more interesting, but don't let me be too optimistic ! So it looks like Friday and maybe Saturday could be the day(s) we've all been waiting for. But of course, this forecast could change in the next hour. so keep your fingers crossed and bins at the ready ! Good birding to all, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Favorable Weather Conditions Developing
For the first time this month, favorable migration weather patterns are setting up for the NYC region and perhaps beyond. In checking the local forecast on Accuweather, it is predicted that winds will shift SW this afternoon and remain generally light and steady SW through tonight and at least until 1am Saturday morning, when there may be a shift to SSE to SE. there is cloud cover forecasted for certain periods with some isolated thunderstorms. Depending on when those t-storms hit, it could make things even more interesting, but don't let me be too optimistic ! So it looks like Friday and maybe Saturday could be the day(s) we've all been waiting for. But of course, this forecast could change in the next hour. so keep your fingers crossed and bins at the ready ! Good birding to all, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Smith's Longspur-Yes
a group of birders, including me, worked the field(s) according to curt McDermott's notes. after working the area for the bird with no luck after 3 hours, and I, myself feeling perhaps a little crestfallen, at rich guthrie's suggestion, we worked the fields again, this time walking straight out of the parking lot, more or less, walking out towards the blind near the pond in a due east direction, as curt put it, 150 yards out or so. as we worked the fields, the bird popped up and went airborne from behind us. we literally walked right passed this little bugger and did not know it. the bird actually did this to us two or three times, before we finally located the bird, more or less in front of the parking lot, near the edge of a small standing pool of water. There, the bird froze within 10 feet of us. we almost passed it by again ! other birds at the refuge included the expected upland sandpiper, bobolink, meadowlark, kestrel, harrier and so on. regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] MA. Fieldfare Yes, 03/22
i went for the fieldfare this morning and was successful. due to a garmin problem, i missed the bird's initial appearance at 730am, by 8 minutes ! but i was confident that the bird would return, and i was not disappointed. the bird's most recent routine is that it is frequenting an area of barberry bushes and oriental bittersweet behind 318 maple st, carlisle,ma (gps address). these bushes are in the rear section of a backyard behind a grape arbor and vegetable garden, and to the left of an active horse paddock. the viewing location is behind 318's house (garage). locate the path in the snow off the driveway and to the right of this gray house's garage. there is about 4-6 inches of 'crunchy',icey snow cover there.dress warmly and a scope is recommended. it seems that its initial appearance in the last two days at this location has been at 730am, in the company of a small flock of (american) robins. the robins drop in first, and the fieldfare follows. it busily gobbles up barberries and then retreats for periods of 30 minutes or so. if you decide to go up tomorrow, my recommendation is to get there700-715am, latest. i think it is going to be 'crazy' there over the weekend.maple st is a narrow residential road and i think that with the traffic that is likely to be there tomorrow, things may well get out of hand for the neighborhood. i also observed that the robin flock, while cooperative today, does not appear during times when there isnoise and activity in the area. the nearest fuel and food is in Bedford, MA., about three miles away. to get to this location, proceed down maple st (south?) to rte 225. turn left and go a few miles. it is obvious when you reach the bedford business district. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] MA. Fieldfare Yes, 03/22
i went for the fieldfare this morning and was successful. due to a garmin problem, i missed the bird's initial appearance at 730am, by 8 minutes ! but i was confident that the bird would return, and i was not disappointed. the bird's most recent routine is that it is frequenting an area of barberry bushes and oriental bittersweet behind 318 maple st, carlisle,ma (gps address). these bushes are in the rear section of a backyard behind a grape arbor and vegetable garden, and to the left of an active horse paddock. the viewing location is behind 318's house (garage). locate the path in the snow off the driveway and to the right of this gray house's garage. there is about 4-6 inches of 'crunchy',icey snow cover there.dress warmly and a scope is recommended. it seems that its initial appearance in the last two days at this location has been at 730am, in the company of a small flock of (american) robins. the robins drop in first, and the fieldfare follows. it busily gobbles up barberries and then retreats for periods of 30 minutes or so. if you decide to go up tomorrow, my recommendation is to get there700-715am, latest. i think it is going to be 'crazy' there over the weekend.maple st is a narrow residential road and i think that with the traffic that is likely to be there tomorrow, things may well get out of hand for the neighborhood. i also observed that the robin flock, while cooperative today, does not appear during times when there isnoise and activity in the area. the nearest fuel and food is in Bedford, MA., about three miles away. to get to this location, proceed down maple st (south?) to rte 225. turn left and go a few miles. it is obvious when you reach the bedford business district. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Large Fish Crow Roost in White Plains
Last night I was working late in downtown White Plains and found acrow roost in a tree'd 'common area' between two large office buildings. it is between main st and hamilton ave, just south of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, across from the Galleria Mall. i estimate that there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 300-500 or more (some of my co-workers say there are 'thousands') crows in the roost, many vocalizing, and they all seemed to be fish crows that were calling. i did not hear one single American Crow. in checking the records, this number is not big by a long shot. "Bull's Birds of NYS" has records from Fresh Kills Landfill topping out anywhere from 3500(+) to 8500(+) ! But away from a landfill, it seems like a pretty good number for the state. There is also what seems to be, a very large crow roost-in the many thousands- that assembles at dusk somewhere in the "Battle Hill" (Chatterton Ave) section of White Plains. Every evening, i see and hear, mobs of American Crows streaming in from what seems to be all points of White Plains and nearby Greenburgh.from a distance, the entire top of Battle Hill, is absolutely covered in a solid mass of crows at dusk. This is a residential area and i cannot imagine what it is like to live there during this type of event ! PS-there has also been an adult female Peregrine frequenting the crow roost area by day, hunting pigeons and starlings and alighting on the New York Power Authority building between Main and Hamilton. while walking the area, you can't help but notice the pigeon and starling carcasses that at times, litter the sidewalks. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Large Fish Crow Roost in White Plains
Last night I was working late in downtown White Plains and found acrow roost in a tree'd 'common area' between two large office buildings. it is between main st and hamilton ave, just south of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, across from the Galleria Mall. i estimate that there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 300-500 or more (some of my co-workers say there are 'thousands') crows in the roost, many vocalizing, and they all seemed to be fish crows that were calling. i did not hear one single American Crow. in checking the records, this number is not big by a long shot. Bull's Birds of NYS has records from Fresh Kills Landfill topping out anywhere from 3500(+) to 8500(+) ! But away from a landfill, it seems like a pretty good number for the state. There is also what seems to be, a very large crow roost-in the many thousands- that assembles at dusk somewhere in the Battle Hill (Chatterton Ave) section of White Plains. Every evening, i see and hear, mobs of American Crows streaming in from what seems to be all points of White Plains and nearby Greenburgh.from a distance, the entire top of Battle Hill, is absolutely covered in a solid mass of crows at dusk. This is a residential area and i cannot imagine what it is like to live there during this type of event ! PS-there has also been an adult female Peregrine frequenting the crow roost area by day, hunting pigeons and starlings and alighting on the New York Power Authority building between Main and Hamilton. while walking the area, you can't help but notice the pigeon and starling carcasses that at times, litter the sidewalks. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hudson River Eagles and More
Yesterday, Kirsten and I surveyed the Hudson River from the Dutchess/Putnam County line, south into Westchester, to Croton Point and then inland to the Croton Reservoir. We came up with about 55 eagles, most of which were concentrated in Peekskill, from the Bear Mountain Overlook, soouth to China Pier. Then there was a collection of about 10 or so at Croton Reservoir. we ran into a Mearns Club group that had started out earlier and felt would probably tally around 75 or so eagles, based on our comparison of notes.These eagles have apparently just arrived on the scene with the blast of cold air, leading to the progressive freezing of lakes and ponds, and eventually, the Hudson, which is now showing some signs of freezing up, north of Georges Island. Other birds of note from yesterday include for us, an adult Peregrine we found roosting and hunting in the area of the Taconic Parkway's (northbound) bridge that span the croton reservoir. it made a pass at a Cooper's hawk and pretty much stuck to the top of the bridge's superstructure. we also heard from the Mearns Club group of a roosting Peregrine frequenting the Westchester County garbage plant, next to China Pier in peekskill. they also had a Merlin somewhere in the area as well. There is currently a very nice collection of waterfowl on the Croton reservoir's south side, about midway between the dam and the Taconic Parkway's Croton River Bridges. It consists of a few hundred birds, primarily hooded and common mergs, gadwall, ruddy duck, coot, ringneck and more. This side of the reservoir may be accessed via "reservoir rd", which skirts the south side of the reservoir. Croton Point Park seemed rather birdless. The arificial meadow has been mowed, making it look more appealing to golfers than birders (and birds). Ah, the Westchester County Parks Dept management team 'strikes again'. Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hudson River Eagles and More
Yesterday, Kirsten and I surveyed the Hudson River from the Dutchess/Putnam County line, south into Westchester, to Croton Point and then inland to the Croton Reservoir. We came up with about 55 eagles, most of which were concentrated in Peekskill, from the Bear Mountain Overlook, soouth to China Pier. Then there was a collection of about 10 or so at Croton Reservoir. we ran into a Mearns Club group that had started out earlier and felt would probably tally around 75 or so eagles, based on our comparison of notes.These eagles have apparently just arrived on the scene with the blast of cold air, leading to the progressive freezing of lakes and ponds, and eventually, the Hudson, which is now showing some signs of freezing up, north of Georges Island. Other birds of note from yesterday include for us, an adult Peregrine we found roosting and hunting in the area of the Taconic Parkway's (northbound) bridge that span the croton reservoir. it made a pass at a Cooper's hawk and pretty much stuck to the top of the bridge's superstructure. we also heard from the Mearns Club group of a roosting Peregrine frequenting the Westchester County garbage plant, next to China Pier in peekskill. they also had a Merlin somewhere in the area as well. There is currently a very nice collection of waterfowl on the Croton reservoir's south side, about midway between the dam and the Taconic Parkway's Croton River Bridges. It consists of a few hundred birds, primarily hooded and common mergs, gadwall, ruddy duck, coot, ringneck and more. This side of the reservoir may be accessed via reservoir rd, which skirts the south side of the reservoir. Croton Point Park seemed rather birdless. The arificial meadow has been mowed, making it look more appealing to golfers than birders (and birds). Ah, the Westchester County Parks Dept management team 'strikes again'. Regards, John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Pine Grosbeak Location in Westchester
thanks to James for posting his pine grosbeak sighting and location. since i used to live very near to there, i might just add that the location that James describes is actually the Cross River Shopping Center in the hamlet of Cross River, Town of Lewisboro, Westchester County. It is located at the intersection of Rte 35 and 121. warm regards and happy thanksgiving to all ! JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] 11/11/12: NYC/Long Island Birds
kirsten and I joined Tom Burke and Gail Benson yesterday in search of the rarities on the island. we were not disappointed. We stopped first at Alley Pond Park for the Virginia's Warbler and by sheer luck, the bird popped up after an hour's search. We then headed out east to Montauk. with assistance from Andrew Baksh and Seth Ausabel, we managed to find the Northern Lapwings, Bewer's Blackbird, a nice flock of 18 or so White-winged Crossbills, all in locations previously reported and decsribed on this list. we also managed to find the Cackling Goose and "Dusky" Canada, both on the filed of Deep Hollow on the south side of Montauk Hwy in the large canada flock. A reported Myiarchus flycatcher could not be relocated, Evening Grosbeak and Red Crossbill were seen around Montauk by other birders yesterday. on the back home, we received word of five White-fronted Geese on Further Lane in East Hampton. We made a quck stop and found the birds among a large flock of Canadas on the front lawn of someone's weekend 'cottage' . Finally, while travelling up Suffolk County Route 111 towards the LIE, a Short-eared Owl crossed the road in front of our vehicle. Needless to say, we were not disappointed with the day. for those who are wondering, gas supplies on the east end are fine and there are no lines or rationing it seems. As far as we could see, the Meadowbrook Parkway south of Merrick Road, and therefore Jones Beach SP, are still closed. Regards, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] 11/11/12: NYC/Long Island Birds
kirsten and I joined Tom Burke and Gail Benson yesterday in search of the rarities on the island. we were not disappointed. We stopped first at Alley Pond Park for the Virginia's Warbler and by sheer luck, the bird popped up after an hour's search. We then headed out east to Montauk. with assistance from Andrew Baksh and Seth Ausabel, we managed to find the Northern Lapwings, Bewer's Blackbird, a nice flock of 18 or so White-winged Crossbills, all in locations previously reported and decsribed on this list. we also managed to find the Cackling Goose and Dusky Canada, both on the filed of Deep Hollow on the south side of Montauk Hwy in the large canada flock. A reported Myiarchus flycatcher could not be relocated, Evening Grosbeak and Red Crossbill were seen around Montauk by other birders yesterday. on the back home, we received word of five White-fronted Geese on Further Lane in East Hampton. We made a quck stop and found the birds among a large flock of Canadas on the front lawn of someone's weekend 'cottage' . Finally, while travelling up Suffolk County Route 111 towards the LIE, a Short-eared Owl crossed the road in front of our vehicle. Needless to say, we were not disappointed with the day. for those who are wondering, gas supplies on the east end are fine and there are no lines or rationing it seems. As far as we could see, the Meadowbrook Parkway south of Merrick Road, and therefore Jones Beach SP, are still closed. Regards, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] JBay east/west pond conditions
i have been following the discussion thread on the pond conditions at JBay. i am not so sure that salt water intrusion into these ponds is the worst thing that could happen. yes, a lot of fresh water pond life will perish. but flushing out these ponds with salt water may not be bad either. once the breach is fixed, the ponds will refill with fresh water i would imagine. but in the meantime a lot of the 'gook' in those ponds will be flushed out and perhaps open doors for new life to be breathed into the ponds. i am no freshwater ecologist. so i will defer to the professionals, should they chime in on this discussion. almost all of the oceanfront ponds on the east end of long island are flushed out on some sort of schedule, and they seem to do just fine. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] JBay east/west pond conditions
i have been following the discussion thread on the pond conditions at JBay. i am not so sure that salt water intrusion into these ponds is the worst thing that could happen. yes, a lot of fresh water pond life will perish. but flushing out these ponds with salt water may not be bad either. once the breach is fixed, the ponds will refill with fresh water i would imagine. but in the meantime a lot of the 'gook' in those ponds will be flushed out and perhaps open doors for new life to be breathed into the ponds. i am no freshwater ecologist. so i will defer to the professionals, should they chime in on this discussion. almost all of the oceanfront ponds on the east end of long island are flushed out on some sort of schedule, and they seem to do just fine. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Raven/Osprey Nesting in Westchester County
As I was driving down Main St in the City of New Rochelle yesterday, a Raven swooped down onto the street briefly, from a retail building that fronts the street. As I passed the building, I saw that the Raven flew off of a large sticknest in the upper left corner of the building's massive architectual features. the building appears to be a now defunct bank. This location is at the corner of Main St and LeCount Pl, which is directly next to the location where Ravens have been reported soaring over buildings, for quite some time now. What I find to be even more interesting frankly, is that while driving from work yesterday on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Mamaroneck (Exit 23), I glanced at the top of a cell transmission tower that dominates the landscape there, only to find another (very) large sticknest, this time with an Osprey in attendance ! I do not know how many active Osprey nests are now established in Westchester County, but I cannot imagine that it is more than a small handful. John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Raven/Osprey Nesting in Westchester County
As I was driving down Main St in the City of New Rochelle yesterday, a Raven swooped down onto the street briefly, from a retail building that fronts the street. As I passed the building, I saw that the Raven flew off of a large sticknest in the upper left corner of the building's massive architectual features. the building appears to be a now defunct bank. This location is at the corner of Main St and LeCount Pl, which is directly next to the location where Ravens have been reported soaring over buildings, for quite some time now. What I find to be even more interesting frankly, is that while driving from work yesterday on the Hutchinson River Parkway in Mamaroneck (Exit 23), I glanced at the top of a cell transmission tower that dominates the landscape there, only to find another (very) large sticknest, this time with an Osprey in attendance ! I do not know how many active Osprey nests are now established in Westchester County, but I cannot imagine that it is more than a small handful. John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Millbrook, Dutchess Co.
chipping sparrow arrived on Saturday, House Wren on Sunday, at our property. J John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! --
[nysbirds-l] Millbrook, Dutchess Co.
chipping sparrow arrived on Saturday, House Wren on Sunday, at our property. JJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! --
[nysbirds-l] falcon/kingston-rhinecliff bridge
a nicely marked adult peregrine is frequenting the kingston-rhinecliff bridge span this winter. john askildsen millbrook,ny -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] falcon/kingston-rhinecliff bridge
a nicely marked adult peregrine is frequenting the kingston-rhinecliff bridge span this winter. john askildsen millbrook,ny -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] NJ Chaffinch Friday
my wife and i and a few others from NYS made the trek out the western NJ yesterday for the Chaffinch without success. the problem is that there were so many people there (50-60 or more at any one time) that the ground-feeding birds that the chaffinch is apparently associating with, were not being allowed to come into the feeder because of birder's activities there. although the crowd of people was seemingly quiet and restrained, there was actually a lot of low noise, activity, conversations, hand-waving,etc., being generated by people which i imagine was simply intolerable for the feeder birds other than chickadees and titmice, given the proximity that the crowd is from the feeder. half the crowd (myself included initially upon our arrival before retreating to the back of the deck) was camped out on the sidelawn off the deck, and the deck itself was more than half filled. while standing there, we watched and heard the white-throat/cardinal flock attempt to come in at least three times,unsuccessfully. all the while when not trying to come into the feeders, the flock could be heard 50 or so feet off in the woods, the entire morning. we finally left at 11am, seeing what that the situation looked pretty hopeless. Good luck if you go for the bird. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] NJ Chaffinch Friday
my wife and i and a few others from NYS made the trek out the western NJ yesterday for the Chaffinch without success. the problem is that there were so many people there (50-60 or more at any one time) that the ground-feeding birds that the chaffinch is apparently associating with, were not being allowed to come into the feeder because of birder's activities there. although the crowd of people was seemingly quiet and restrained, there was actually a lot of low noise, activity, conversations, hand-waving,etc., being generated by people which i imagine was simply intolerable for the feeder birds other than chickadees and titmice, given the proximity that the crowd is from the feeder. half the crowd (myself included initially upon our arrival before retreating to the back of the deck) was camped out on the sidelawn off the deck, and the deck itself was more than half filled. while standing there, we watched and heard the white-throat/cardinal flock attempt to come in at least three times,unsuccessfully. all the while when not trying to come into the feeders, the flock could be heard 50 or so feet off in the woods, the entire morning. we finally left at 11am, seeing what that the situation looked pretty hopeless. Good luck if you go for the bird. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Extralimital NJ Chaffinch
so how do you top Gray-crowned Rosy Finch and Grace's Warbler? well, a * Chaffinch* has been present at a birder's feeder in Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, since December 20. the homeowner/resident/finder, has come forward and made the bird's presence public, inviting birders to visit on weekdays only, during certain hours. For additional information, go to the NJ list or goto: http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NJBD.html#1325619978 . once there, scroll down for photos. remarkable! JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Extralimital NJ Chaffinch
so how do you top Gray-crowned Rosy Finch and Grace's Warbler? well, a * Chaffinch* has been present at a birder's feeder in Union Township, Hunterdon County, NJ, since December 20. the homeowner/resident/finder, has come forward and made the bird's presence public, inviting birders to visit on weekdays only, during certain hours. For additional information, go to the NJ list or goto: http://www.birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NJBD.html#1325619978 . once there, scroll down for photos. remarkable! JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] more kiskadee II
PS- my e-mail provider, Verizon, for some reason is being blocked on this list. so i switched to gmail. my posts are received by members of the list, but my posts are not posted to Siler's website. so at the risk of sending duplicate e-mails, i will repost my origgnal comments to the list which were not picked up by Siler's site, earlier today. my appologies to those who are reading duplicate posts: BEGIN TEXT: in reviewing the published photos, i do think the bird's behavior is certainly strange. while kiskadees are by no means shy, never have i observed them to be comfortable among humans or human habitation, such as it is on the USS Intrepid (!), like that of starlings or house sparrows. the tail wear also makes me suspicious of this bird's provenance. however, having said this, i made a casual google search for "kiskadee vangrancy". the result was a 'birds of south dakota' website where a range map included both normal and accepted range vagrancy. this showed a several records that appeared to be roughly 400 to700 miles north and or northeast of the species' northern terminus of its range (south texas). and the reason for the treatment of kiskadee on the birds of south dakota website ? you guessed it- an unaccepted record (uncertain origin) for south dakota ! and there ain't no cruise ships docking in south dakota these days. it will be interesting to see if there are any recent comments or notes in the literature documenting range expansion or increased pattern of vagrancy to the north. in any event, in my opinion, this report deserves serious consideration by NYSARC, which i am sure it will receive, and further informed and enlightened discussion by the birding community. regards, JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] kiskadee
after speaking with luke ormond and doing a bit more reasearch (i called the gulf coast,texas, bird observatory) i found that, as far ast they know, there has been no unusual or elevated reports of kiskadee outside of the species' normal range in texas. i also found that luke reports witnessing the species 'begging' for food from humans in urban conditions in central amercia. also, i read (take it for what it's worth) wikipedia reports that the species is not known as a cagebird favorite as it requires 'live food'. this being said, that comment was posted next to a photo of the species perched eating food out of a dog food bowl ! i also checked with some of my colleagues re this species begging for food and they could not recall such behavior. personal comments to me from experts in the past, have said that they seriously doubt that perching or land birds, may be transported by hurricanes. and it seems a hard sell to think that a kiskadee would 'sucked up' into the vortex of in hurricane irene, and get deposited into NYS. however i clearly recall finding a protho with andy's guthrie and baldelli after a hurricane in the hamptons a number of years back. makes one wonder. in the case of a great kiskadee in NYS, i tend to look to other weather or atmospheric occurrances for the cause, if it was not "The Love Boat" pulling into port into manhattan. right now there is a severe drought in the species' range. could this be the cause ? not sure. but it is food for thought. i am still very troubled by the tail wear on the subject bird. but if we are to consider hooded crow, why not kiskadee? i'd believe the kiskadee before the corvid. JPA Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] kiskadee
after speaking with luke ormond and doing a bit more reasearch (i called the gulf coast,texas, bird observatory) i found that, as far ast they know, there has been no unusual or elevated reports of kiskadee outside of the species' normal range in texas. i also found that luke reports witnessing the species 'begging' for food from humans in urban conditions in central amercia. also, i read (take it for what it's worth) wikipedia reports that the species is not known as a cagebird favorite as it requires 'live food'. this being said, that comment was posted next to a photo of the species perched eating food out of a dog food bowl ! i also checked with some of my colleagues re this species begging for food and they could not recall such behavior. personal comments to me from experts in the past, have said that they seriously doubt that perching or land birds, may be transported by hurricanes. and it seems a hard sell to think that a kiskadee would 'sucked up' into the vortex of in hurricane irene, and get deposited into NYS. however i clearly recall finding a protho with andy's guthrie and baldelli after a hurricane in the hamptons a number of years back. makes one wonder. in the case of a great kiskadee in NYS, i tend to look to other weather or atmospheric occurrances for the cause, if it was not The Love Boat pulling into port into manhattan. right now there is a severe drought in the species' range. could this be the cause ? not sure. but it is food for thought. i am still very troubled by the tail wear on the subject bird. but if we are to consider hooded crow, why not kiskadee? i'd believe the kiskadee before the corvid. JPA Millbrook, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re:[nysbirds-l] Sandhill Cranes flyover at Liberty Loop
Well, if you and others have seen these birds on several occasions over the last few months in that area, that might indicate a territorial pair. John Askildsen Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device Charles Scheffold wrote: > >On May 25, 2011, at 1:44 AM, & [NYSBIRDS] digest wrote: >> Ken Witkowski spotted a pair of Sandhills flying overas we were viewing the >> Black-Bellied Ducks. >> >> JimSchlickenrieder >> Butler NJ >> Jim > >I've seen Sandhills there several times in the past 2 months - each time they >were flying through or circling overhead. When I heard the calls, I was very >surprised. > >Charles >-- > >NYSbirds-L List Info: >http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME >http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES >http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm > >ARCHIVES: >1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html >2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L >3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html > >Please submit your observations to eBird: >http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ > >-- > -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re:[nysbirds-l] Sandhill Cranes flyover at Liberty Loop
The continued presence over the last months of this pair may well indicate territorial behavior. That is perfect breeding habitat for sandhills. JPA John Askildsen, Millbrook, NY Sent From My Wireless Device On May 26, 2011 12:36 PM, "Charles Scheffold" wrote: > > On May 25, 2011, at 1:44 AM, & [NYSBIRDS] digest wrote: >> Ken Witkowski spotted a pair of Sandhills flying overas we were viewing the Black-Bellied Ducks. >> >> JimSchlickenrieder >> Butler NJ >> Jim > > I've seen Sandhills there several times in the past 2 months - each time they were flying through or circling overhead. When I heard the calls, I was very surprised. > > Charles > -- > > NYSbirds-L List Info: > http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME > http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES > http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm > > ARCHIVES: > 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html > 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L > 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html > > Please submit your observations to eBird: > http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ > > -- > -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re:[nysbirds-l] Sandhill Cranes flyover at Liberty Loop
Well, if you and others have seen these birds on several occasions over the last few months in that area, that might indicate a territorial pair. John Askildsen Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device Charles Scheffold c...@sid6581.net wrote: On May 25, 2011, at 1:44 AM, [NYSBIRDS] digest wrote: Ken Witkowski spotted a pair of Sandhills flying overas we were viewing the Black-Bellied Ducks. JimSchlickenrieder Butler NJ Jim I've seen Sandhills there several times in the past 2 months - each time they were flying through or circling overhead. When I heard the calls, I was very surprised. Charles -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] A.Golden Plover, Westchester
this past friday morning (7:15am) , an american golden plover flew overhead, calling, as i entered my workplace in downtown port chester, westchester county, ny. the bird was headed up the coast as i watched it fly over the byram river into greenwich,ct. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! --
[nysbirds-l] A.Golden Plover, Westchester
this past friday morning (7:15am) , an american golden plover flew overhead, calling, as i entered my workplace in downtown port chester, westchester county, ny. the bird was headed up the coast as i watched it fly over the byram river into greenwich,ct. JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New York -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! --
[nysbirds-l] Rye Nature Center, Westchester County
a lunchtime walk at RNC yielded 12 warbler species and a bit more. I have listed them below in no particular order. Warblers: Hooded (male) Yellow-rumped PalmPineYellow Co. YellowthroatPrairieBlack-throated GreenBlue-wingedNo. ParulaBlack-and-WhiteChestnut-sided Other notables: Rusty Blackbird (pair)Blue-headed VireoEastern Kingbird Blue-gray GnatcatcherHermit ThrushBrown Creeper finally, the most startling find for me was perhaps the largest snapping turtle I have ever seen. i observed the beast from the stone entry bridge over the blind brook. it was sunning itself on a rock on the south or west side of the bridge, down stream and roughly 30 feet away. without exaggeration, after close and lengthy study, i would estimate a head-to-tail measurement would be close to 3 feet. the head i estimated was about 5 inches in diameter, legs at the sockets slightly smaller, long claws and quite a sizable tail. the shell was very large and very worn. the upper mandible of the mouth was so overgrown that it resembled an old man with dentures out ! JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
Re: [nysbirds-l] Northern Gannet
there are numerous inland records for n.gannet, many of them as one might imagine, are from L. Ontario and other large water bodies in that same region. however there are also well documented records for the Hudson R., not to mention the upper and lower New York Bays . and not necessarily storm related either. For more information, refer to the revised edition of Bull's Birds of New York State. J John Askildsen Millbrook, New York On 04/11/11, richjack...@aol.com wrote:While on the Staten Island Ferry one October day, I saw an immature Northern Gannet cross right in front of the Statue of Liberty!I wonder if they have ever been recorded further up the Hudson or East Rivers? Also--does anyone know if Northern Gannets have thesame reluctance to fly under our major bridges like species of gulls do? Presumably my Northern Gannet had to have flown past theVerrazano Bridge.Richaard ZainEldeenBrooklyn, New York--NYSbirds-L List Info:http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOMEhttp://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULESARCHIVES:1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-LPlease submit your observations to eBird:http://ebird.org/content/ebird/--
Re: [nysbirds-l] Northern Gannet
there are numerous inland records for n.gannet, many of them as one might imagine, are fromL. Ontario and other large water bodiesin that same region.however there are alsowell documented records for the Hudson R., not to mention the upper and lower New York Bays. and not necessarily storm related either. For more information, refer to the revised edition of Bull's Birds of New York State.JJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New YorkOn 04/11/11, richjack...@aol.com wrote:While on the Staten Island Ferry one October day, I saw an immature Northern Gannet cross right in front of the Statue of Liberty!I wonder if they have ever been recorded further up the Hudson or East Rivers? Also--does anyone know if Northern Gannets have thesame reluctance to fly under our major bridges like species of gulls do? Presumably my Northern Gannet had to have flown past theVerrazano Bridge.Richaard ZainEldeenBrooklyn, New York--NYSbirds-L List Info:http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOMEhttp://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULESARCHIVES:1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-LPlease submit your observations to eBird:http://ebird.org/content/ebird/--
Re: [nysbirds-l] 38 Snowy Egret/Jamaica Bay WR
yes, that is quite an impressive number, considering what was there just hours before. my wife kirsten and i were there at high tide from around 930am until 1pm. the cumulative sum total of herons was far less than shane's numbers, even when taking in what we saw throughout the refuge and not just the one spot shane refers to. i wonder what pulled shane's birds in since that was, as i recall, dead-low tide. we also saw one little blue and small numbers of great and snowy egrets, but no tri-colored. of course there was the usual collection of waterfowl on both ponds, as expected, which kept us entertained. our most interesting sighting of the day however, was that of two adult n.gannet off the southwest side of the west pond. the birds were quite active. we eventually lost sight of them in the heat haze. away from JBWR, the only other birds of note we might report was the continuing flock of 6 harlequin ducks at jones' inlet's west side, point lookout, as viewed from fireman's park. John Askildsen, Millbrook, New York On 04/09/11, Shane Blodgett wrote:On the the South end of the East Pond between 6:45 and 7:20 this evening, what started as a small flock of 8 Snowy Egrets grew into a sizable 38. I'm pretty sure that is my high count for this early date.There were also 4 Little Blue Herons , 9 Great Egrets, 2 Glossy Ibis and a Tri-colored Heron, and 3 Blue-winged Teal.Shane BlodgettBrooklyn NY
Re: RE: [nysbirds-l] long belated Mitred Parakeet report
some years ago, while visiting the bronx zoo, and while standing in front of an aviary in the old section of the zoo, i noticed that on the exterior of an aviary filled with parrots, there were parrot nests constructed and being used. i cannot remember if i identified the "wild" parrots. this was maybe 4-6 years ago. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York On 04/03/11, Seth Ausubel wrote: This is an interesting report, and I’ll try to address Andrew’s questions. Mitred Parakeets (Aratinga mitrata – known in aviculture as Mitred Conures) are a temperate zone species, naturally ranging from southern Peru and western Bolivia to northern Argentina. The species is typically found at 1000-3500 meters elevation, and has been recorded to 4000 meters. With the variety of warm microhabitats available in any urbanized area, and the relative abundance of foods such as ornamental fruits, it is not too surprising that they can survive our winters. In fact it is winter when many sightings have occurred as the birds wander widely to forage, often on extremely cold days. There is no reason to believe that Andrew’s birds are the same as those currently present in Queens. The origin of the local population of Mitred Parakeets is reliably established between 1979 and 1984. This coincides with the period when large numbers of birds were imported, JFK Airport being a major hub. It appears that both the total number of birds, and the range of areas from which they have been reported, have decreased over time. Historically, most reports have been from southwestern Nassau County. During the 1990s it appears the birds ranged at least as far east as Massapequa (Nassau), and as far west as Central Park. Andrew’s is the first report I know of from the Bronx. The most recent reports I know of from southwestern Nassau were in 2009, but there have been many recent reports from Queens. There are only 13-15 birds in the Queens flock. Assuming birds still persist in Nassau, there may be as many as 50 Mitred Parakeets around the NYC metro area. Having said all this, I’ll also say that reporting is quite unreliable and there could well be some birds missed. For example, to this day, Mitred Parakeets have not been recorded on any NY Christmas Bird Count and reports from June through November are virtually unknown. So the biggest question is whether Mitred Parakeets are breeding in the NY area, and if so, where. Those interested can read my article in The Kingbird, September 2009; 59(3). By the way, the cherry trees in Hillcrest, Queens are about to blossom, and the birds should be there within a couple of days! Seth AusubelForest Hills, NY From: bounce-13647422-3714...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-13647422-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Andrew BlockSent: Sunday, April 03, 2011 11:56 AMTo: NYS BirdsSubject: [nysbirds-l] long belated Mitred Parakeet report For all you parrot people out there following the saga of the Mitred Parakeets in NYC I was going thru my notes last night and came across a sighting I had on 4/4/96 at the NY Botanical Garden. I had forgotten I had a flock of 13 Mitred Parakeets fly over the Rose Garden heading south towards the zoo. It just occured to me these must be the same flock that is being see sporadically in Queens. I really would love to know how they survive the winters here b/c they are not supposed to be hardy around here. It's one of the many mysteries of NYC I guess. Andrew Andrew v. F. BlockConsulting Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist37 Tanglewylde AvenueBronxville, Westchester Co., New York 10708-3131Phone: 914-337-1229; Fax: 914-771-8036
[nysbirds-l] dutchess co. phoebes
two e.phoebes today in millbrook. spring is here ! JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
[nysbirds-l] dutchess co. phoebes
two e.phoebes today in millbrook. spring is here ! JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New York
[nysbirds-l] dutchess counjy birds
i observed an an adult northern goshawk migrating northward in today's SW winds above Marist College in Poughkeepsie, dutchess county, ny. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
[nysbirds-l] dutchess counjy birds
i observed an an adult northern goshawk migrating northward in today's SW winds above Marist College in Poughkeepsie, dutchess county, ny.JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New York
[nysbirds-l] dutchess county birds
great blue herons have begun to return to at least one of the local heronries here as of march 3rd. we are inching closer to spring. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
Re: [nysbirds-l] Orange County Goose Chase
this sounds truly incredible! congrats to all the finders! can someone provide some brief directions or an address to Pine Island Turf Nursey and any other related locations mentioned ? that would be great. JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New YorkOn 03/05/11, vanh...@citlink.net wrote:Another great day today in Orange County. A flock of 7-8,000 Snow Geese at the Pine Island Turf Nursery included at least 22 Blue Geese. The stars of the day though were (3)Three ROSS' GEESE!! One adult and one juvenile white birds were great finds, but later, Curt McDermott found a BLUE PHASE ROSS' GOOSE!! I missed it, as I had gone to the Golf Course to see the BARNACLE GOOSE which had returned after a several hour absence. Curts photos are great though. Many of us were able to get decent shots of the white Ross'. On the down side were Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese. We were only able to find three GWFG today, down from 12 yesterday. Since many Canada Geese had flown out early, it is suspected that the GWFG were with them. As of 4pm, there were only about 6,000 CG around, so many more still had to come in. Another nice add was 4 Tundra Swans at the Golf Course and six at the Turf Nursery. Here's a list of what was seen, I don't think any of dozens of people who came went home disappointed.Canada Geese 6,000+Snow Geese 7,000+Cackling Goose 1Barnacle Goose 1Greater White-fronted Goose 3Ross' Goose 3Tundra Swan 10Rough-legged Hawk 4Northern Harrier 2Horned Lark 50Blackbirds countlessNorthern Pintail 100+American Wigeon 2Green-winged Teal 30I really expect that when the geese come in this evening the GWF's will return. Great birding with a lot of great folks. John Haas--NYSbirds-L List Info:http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOMEhttp://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULESARCHIVES:1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-LPlease submit your observations to eBird:http://ebird.org/content/ebird/--
Re: [nysbirds-l] Orange County Goose Chase
this sounds truly incredible! congrats to all the finders! can someone provide some brief directionsor an address to Pine Island Turf Nursey and any otherrelated locations mentioned ? that would be great.JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New YorkOn 03/05/11, vanh...@citlink.net wrote:Another great day today in Orange County. A flock of 7-8,000 Snow Geese at the Pine Island Turf Nursery included at least 22 Blue Geese. The stars of the day though were (3)Three ROSS' GEESE!! One adult and one juvenile white birds were great finds, but later, Curt McDermott found a BLUE PHASE ROSS' GOOSE!! I missed it, as I had gone to the Golf Course to see the BARNACLE GOOSE which had returned after a several hour absence. Curts photos are great though. Many of us were able to get decent shots of the white Ross'. On the down side were Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese. We were only able to find three GWFG today, down from 12 yesterday. Since many Canada Geese had flown out early, it is suspected that the GWFG were with them. As of 4pm, there were only about 6,000 CG around, so many more still had to come in. Another nice add was 4 Tundra Swans at the Golf Course and six at the Turf Nursery. Here's a list of what was seen, I don't think any of dozens of people who came went home disappointed.Canada Geese 6,000+Snow Geese 7,000+Cackling Goose 1Barnacle Goose 1Greater White-fronted Goose 3Ross' Goose 3Tundra Swan 10Rough-legged Hawk 4Northern Harrier 2Horned Lark 50Blackbirds countlessNorthern Pintail 100+American Wigeon 2Green-winged Teal 30I really expect that when the geese come in this evening the GWF's will return. Great birding with a lot of great folks. John Haas--NYSbirds-L List Info:http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOMEhttp://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULESARCHIVES:1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-LPlease submit your observations to eBird:http://ebird.org/content/ebird/--
[nysbirds-l] dutchess county birds
great blue herons have begun to return to at least one of the local heronries here as of march 3rd. we are inching closer to spring.JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, New York
Re: Re: [nysbirds-l] Croton and Rye: Redpolls, RS Hawk+
i am curious to know more about the reported "king eiders", from the "off the wall" location at rye playland. i grew up in westchester and have birded playland since a was 11 (35 years), but i am not familiar with the "wall location". secondly, i would like to ask the reporter of the king eiders, about what exacyly he saw and when, as it pertains to these eiders. although scoters are expected for the most part, king eider at playland (long island sound) is an extremely rare occurrance. the most likely time frame to see eiders on the sound is in may, during migration on selected evenings when northbound migration conditions are optimum. outside of that window, i'm not sure that a king eider (let alone a pair) has been reported there in maybe, 20 years or more ? congratulations on your quite notable find. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New YorkOn 03/01/11, Jerry Lazarczyk wrote:I decided to investigate Benjamin's findings. Instead of ideal conditions, I had fog then rain at Playland then the Read Sanctuary on Monday. I arrived very late in the day Sunday but despite the lateness saw a single Mute Swan in the Marsh and a Bald Eagle very late off the Wall. So NO Scoters nor Long-tailed Ducks nor Grebes on Monday. Despite the weather I still had 32 species for the day topped by a pair of King Eiders off the Wall and FOY Am. Widgeons off Playland. Then the Read Sanctuary which had a huge flock of Scaup considering the small Lake. Closer to Playland were Buffleheads, more Scaup, Canvasbacks, at least one Redhead, and a striking Great Cormorant. Early on I noted a Hooded Merganser momentarily then never refound it until my final scan when it showed and continued. A highlight was my FOY Killdeer then more nearer the Sanctuary. What a day. The feeders at the Sanctuary drew a nice variety of species and two very nice Sanctuary folks that filled the feeders. Thank you Benjamin. Jerry LazarczykGrand Island NYHi all,Kyle Bardwell and I birded Croton Point this morning. Highlights included three Common Redpolls and two Snow Buntings flying over the old landfill. Bald Eagles were omnipresent, as usual. An immature Red-shouldered Hawk was perched on a rock protruding from the water at the Croton Train Station (which held virtually no waterfowl).�;At Read Sanctuary in Rye this afternoon, Surf and White-winged Scoters (very roughly 250+ and 150+, respectively) continue off the beach. Still a large raft of Long-tailed Ducks too (around�400, unless I missed some), but smaller than in previous weeks.�Good viewing conditions combined with the convenient passage of a large boat allowed me to pick out one female Black Scoter among them after much persistence (this species has been scarce off Westchester County this winter). Numbers of Horned Grebes have also increased recently--there were conservatively over 20 present, including one group of seven (compared to only a couple at the beginning of the year). The warmer temperatures have opened up Playland Lake more in recent weeks as well--hundreds of Lesser Scaup (with a few Greaters mixed in) were feeding, plus the usual 15-20 Canvasbacks. One Common Redpoll late in the afternoon around the feeders.Good birding,Benjamin Van DorenWhite Plains, NY$65/Hr Job - 25 OpeningsPart-Time job ($20-$65/hr). Requirements: Home Internet AccessChannel11NewsReport.com
[nysbirds-l] Bald Eagles/Hudson River
today, walt fowler, john and kirsten askildsen birded several spots on the Hudson River shore of n.westchester county, from peekskill bay to croton point park. this was a day of casual birding and we did not focus on covering every location possible. we were quite pleased with the outcome-about 200 bald eagles! there was an amazing 106 individuals at peekskill bay, as viewed from charles point/fleishman's pier, peekskill, alone. i have never witnessed such a congregation as we did today. "impressive", is an understatement. with my knowledge of the river and BE's haunts, i would imagine that a check of every nook and cranny, would have produced 230-250 individuals. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
[nysbirds-l] Bald Eagles/Hudson River
today, walt fowler, john and kirsten askildsen birded several spots on the Hudson River shore of n.westchester county, from peekskill bay to croton point park. this was a day of casual birding and we did not focus on covering every location possible. we were quite pleased with the outcome-about 200 bald eagles! there was an amazing 106 individuals at peekskill bay, as viewed from charles point/fleishman's pier, peekskill, alone. i have never witnessed such a congregation as we did today. "impressive", is an understatement.with my knowledge of the river and BE's haunts, i would imagine that a check of every nook and cranny, would have produced 230-250 individuals. JPA John Askildsen Millbrook, New York
Re: Re: [nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behavior
thank you for your publicly posted comments, andrew. i was just informed that he was in fact told by another birder in the know, while standing at the end of that trail, that the properties beyond him were private and off limits. he apparently ignored that information and went out there anyway, trespassing over a cattle farmer's property and a 1000 acre private club-all posted lands. so much for his self-proclaimed 'good intentions'... what a tangled web we weave. any comments, "Sir Arthur" ? as far as shutting down the preserve, one can view the eagles from the road with patience most of the time, very nicely. there is really no need to go through the preserve. my biggest concern is for the birds welfare, not my photo collection or life list. JPA On 02/22/11, Andrew Block wrote:Here, Here. I'm glad so many people responded to the unbelievable actions of this person. As I've said before not all but many if not most so called photographers have no scruples and will do anything to get close to their quarry. You would think that when this guy found the end of the trail he'd know to not go any farther, but no, he did as I've seen many do. There is no excuse for doing what he did and I hope since he violtated several federal laws he will be prosecuted by the DEC to the full extent of the laws. I do not however agree with closing down of the preserve as John suggested. In general birders follow the rules and not all should be penalized for one's idiotic habits. Andrew Andrew v. F. BlockConsulting Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist37 Tanglewylde AvenueBronxville, Westchester Co., New York 10708-3131Phone: 914-337-1229; Fax: 914-771-8036From: John Askildsen <askild...@verizon.net>To: nysbirds-l@cornell.eduSent: Tue, February 22, 2011 11:34:05 AMSubject: [nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behaviorto all, this is a long post and to those who object for the length, i apologize in advance. please feel free to depress the delete key. but if you take the time to read it, you may well be quite impressed with how moronic/self-centered some people can be about their needs vs. the welfare of wildlife and property rights concerns. believe me, this is a unbelieveable read. Last night i was informed by (my) local bird club members up here in Dutchess, about the conduct of a visiting birder (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) to Stissing Mtn for Golden Eagles. And last night, i was so 'steamed' i wrote the 'rant' below, which i saved as a draft, to review this morning when perhaps my cooler head would prevail. and in fact i was going to trash the 'rant' and chalk up the perpetrator's (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) actions to just some stupid greenhorn who does not know his "A from his E". but then i got another e-mail from my local bird club members who sent the "perp" letters of protest, which included his reply. his response was nothing less than mind-blowing to me. and at this point, i think he needs to be 'outed' and taught a lesson by the court of public opinion from within the NYS birding community. with the recent buzz on this list concerning birding ethics, i think my entire e-mail thread is appropriate discussion. perhaps i may well sound a little harsh, but i don't think so. you be the judge... what i wrote and then saved last night and intended to trash the post below: it is very rare these days that i sound off about poor behavior exhibited by other birders as i find the disputes on line to be distasteful. but this time i feel compelled to comment strongly, based on a personal account written by some idiot who goes by the name of "jphillipobrien2006" and posted to ebirdsnyc and on his personal blog. yesterday (Sunday), while tom burke, gail benson and i were watching bald and golden eagles at stissing mtn in pine plains, dutchess county, some idiot-and i make no apologies for using the descriptive-idiot, came speeding up in his car and blurted out a dozen rapid fire questions to us about what we were looking at, were they eagles, where are they, etc. we acknowledged that both species of eagles were present and he seemed anxious to get a closer look. so we advised him that he could get a better look down the nearby preserve's trail, where it terminated at the border of private property. so of course he zoomed off and bolted down the trail. according to his blogsite, he went down the trail and crossed into the cornfields, all of which are closely guarded private property and posted to that effect. then in his own words, he goes on to describe how he scaled the mountain and pursued the eagles up on top of stissing mountain ! the mountain is also private property and restricted as it harbors endangered and threatend species, in addition to being just plain old private property.he has posted point blank photos of the immature golden, which he apparently spooked off of the ridge when he got these photos. now, my message to this idiot is this: number one, the birding c
[nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behavior
adisclaimer let me just add:1) I did not willingly or deliberately trespass to get those pix. I followedthe trail, the trail disappeared and I continued on.2) No eagles where threatened, alarmed or in any way endangered or disrespected.The fact is no eagle will let you get within 1/2 mile of it if it doesn't wantyou around.3) Take the time to actually read my blog post before you send me any moresnarly emails, it will be clear that this was a ONCE IN A LIFETIME event and Iam in no way encouraging anyone to follow my example. The back country there isvery dangerous and covered in 2 feet of snow and ice so trail markers, signs orany other symbol of human presence are absent.4) It is the END OF THEIR SEASON, and in 2 weeks the Goldens will be gone. Ideliberately waited till the end of their Wintering time so that those who aretruly motivated to see them will get a plan (a must) together for next year.5) Last and not least, if you know anything about Arthurian Legend, the questfor the Holy Grail began because Arthur had violated his pact with the Land andit had begun to decay (Sound familiar?) Arthur sent the Knights forward ontheir quest not for his own glorification, but to renew that Sacred bond. Thiswas my motivation--to renew the pact between ourselves and that which remainsmost Wild. "Arthurian legend? "Knights" ? "Holy Grail" ? "decaying land" ? OMG grow up, pal.. JPAJohn Askildsen Millbrook, Dutchess County, New York
[nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behavior
to all,this is a long post and to those who object for the length, i apologize in advance. please feel free to depress the delete key. but if you take the time to read it, youmay well be quite impressed with how moronic/self-centered some people can be about their needs vs. the welfare of wildlife and property rights concerns. believe me, this is aunbelieveable read. Last night i was informedby (my) local bird club members up here in Dutchess, about the conduct of a visiting birder (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) to Stissing Mtn for Golden Eagles. And last night, i was so 'steamed' i wrote the 'rant' below, which i saved as a draft, to review this morning when perhaps my cooler head would prevail. and in fact i was going to trash the 'rant' and chalk up the perpetrator's (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) actions to just some stupid greenhorn who does not know his "A from his E". but then i got another e-mail from my local bird club members who sent the "perp" letters of protest, which included his reply. his response was nothing less than mind-blowing to me. and at this point, i think he needs to be 'outed' and taught a lesson by the court of public opinion from within the NYS birding community. with the recent buzz on this list concerning birding ethics, i think my entire e-mail thread is appropriate discussion. perhaps i maywell sound a little harsh, but i don't think so. you be the judge...what i wrote and then saved last night and intended to trash the post below:it is very rare these days that i sound off about poor behavior exhibited by other birders as i find the disputes on line to be distasteful. butthis time i feel compelled tocomment strongly, based ona personal account written by some idiot who goes by the name of"jphillipobrien2006" and posted to ebirdsnyc and on his personal blog. yesterday (Sunday), while tom burke, gail benson and i were watching bald and golden eagles at stissing mtn in pine plains, dutchess county, some idiot-and i make no apologies for using the descriptive-idiot, came speeding up in his car and blurted out a dozen rapid fire questions to us about what we were looking at, were they eagles, where are they, etc. we acknowledged that both species of eagles were present and he seemed anxious to get a closer look. so we advised him that he could get abetter look down the nearby preserve's trail, where it terminatedat the border of private property. so of course he zoomed off and bolted down the trail. according to his blogsite, he went down the trail and crossed into the cornfields, all of which are closely guarded private property and postedto that effect. then in his own words, he goes on to describe how he scaled the mountain and pursued the eagles up on top ofstissing mountain !the mountain is also private property and restricted as it harbors endangered and threatend species, in addition to being just plain old private property.he has posted point blank photos of the immature golden, which he apparently spookedoff of the ridge when he got these photos. now, my message to this idiot is this: number one, the birding community here in dutchess county goes to great lengths to maintain a respectful, cordial and delicate relationship with landowners. and just because you are 'upstate' and what you are about to crossover is a cornfield and not someone's backyard, that does not change the definition of "NO TRESPASSING". what you did goes beyond a flagrant disregard for property rights. what you did as a birder is reprehensable-to disturb a raresituation like harrassing resident wintering golden eagles and nesting bald eaglesin the northeast. i hope that someone who recognizes your name from this e-mail, will set you straight about what is unacceptable and selfish-make that illegal, behavior. in the meantime, the NYSDEC has been notified by local birders and perhaps we can reach out to USFWS andThe Nature Conservancy (requesting that they please shut down the preserve to visitors) as well with your contact information. and if this means the end to any access at all to wintering eagles at stissing for the birding community at large, you may credit yourself with that "badge of stupidity". may i suggest that you stick to watching (harrassing) ducks at jamaica bay wildlife refuge and spare us your presence up here indutchess county.end of post from last nightbelow is his response on 'ebird' to criticisms he received last night via e-mail (not mine). i think he is still under the effects of altitude sickness stemming from his ascent to the top of stissing. maybe forest park is as 'high' as he should get into the cloud layerin the future. and yes, i am being sarcastic and snarley over this whole situation . Here is (JPHILLIPOBRIEN)'s reply to ebirdsnyc, below:I've been getting some hate mail from people saying Im unethical, that Im a lawbreaker and that Im selfish for posting my Golden Eagle sighting here. So as adisclaimer let me just add:1) I did not willingly or deliberately trespass to get those pix. I
Re: Re: [nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behavior
thank you for your publicly posted comments, andrew. i was just informed that he was in fact told by another birder in the know, while standing at the end of that trail, that the properties beyond him were private and off limits. he apparently ignored that information and went out there anyway, trespassing over acattle farmer's property and a 1000 acre private club-all posted lands. so much for his self-proclaimed 'good intentions'... what a tangled web we weave. any comments, "Sir Arthur" ? as far as shutting down the preserve,one can view the eagles from the road with patience most of the time, very nicely. there is really no need to go through the preserve. my biggest concern is for the birds welfare, not my photo collection or life list. JPAOn 02/22/11, Andrew Blockablock22...@yahoo.com wrote:Here, Here. I'm glad so many people responded to the unbelievable actions of this person. As I've said before not all but many if not mostso called photographers have no scruples and will do anything to get close to their quarry. You would think that when this guy found the end of the trail he'd know to not go any farther, but no, he didasI've seen many do. There is no excuse for doing what he did and I hope since he violtated several federal laws he will be prosecuted by the DEC to the full extent of the laws. I do not however agree with closing down of the preserve as John suggested. In generalbirders follow the rules and not all should be penalized for one's idiotic habits. AndrewAndrew v. F. BlockConsulting Naturalist/Wildlife Biologist37 Tanglewylde AvenueBronxville, Westchester Co., New York 10708-3131Phone: 914-337-1229;Fax: 914-771-8036From: John Askildsen askild...@verizon.netTo: nysbirds-l@cornell.eduSent: Tue, February 22, 2011 11:34:05 AMSubject: [nysbirds-l] Another Example of Unethical Behaviorto all,this is a long post and to those who object for the length, i apologize in advance. please feel free to depress the delete key. but if you take the time to read it, youmay well be quite impressed with how moronic/self-centered some people can be about their needs vs. the welfare of wildlife and property rights concerns. believe me, this is aunbelieveable read.Last night i was informedby (my) local bird club members up here in Dutchess, about the conduct of a visiting birder (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) to Stissing Mtn for Golden Eagles. And last night, i was so 'steamed' i wrote the 'rant' below, which i saved as a draft, to review this morning when perhaps my cooler head would prevail. and in fact i was going to trash the 'rant' and chalk up the perpetrator's (JPHILLIPOBRIEN) actions to just some stupid greenhorn who does not know his "A from his E". but then i got another e-mail from my local bird club members who sent the "perp" letters of protest, which included his reply. his response was nothing less than mind-blowing to me. and at this point, i think he needs to be 'outed' and taught a lesson by the court of public opinion from within the NYS birding community. with the recent buzz on this list concerning birding ethics, i think my entire e-mail thread is appropriate discussion. perhaps i maywell sound a little harsh, but i don't think so. you be the judge...what i wrote and then saved last night and intended to trash the post below:it is very rare these days that i sound off about poor behavior exhibited by other birders as i find the disputes on line to be distasteful. butthis time i feel compelled tocomment strongly, based ona personal account written by some idiot who goes by the name of"jphillipobrien2006" and posted to ebirdsnyc and on his personal blog. yesterday (Sunday), while tom burke, gail benson and i were watching bald and golden eagles at stissing mtn in pine plains, dutchess county, some idiot-and i make no apologies for using the descriptive-idiot, came speeding up in his car and blurted out a dozen rapid fire questions to us about what we were looking at, were they eagles, where are they, etc. we acknowledged that both species of eagles were present and he seemed anxious to get a closer look. so we advised him that he could get abetter look down the nearby preserve's trail, where it terminatedat the border of private property. so of course he zoomed off and bolted down the trail. according to his blogsite, he went down the trail and crossed into the cornfields, all of which are closely guarded private property and postedto that effect. then in his own words, he goes on to describe how he scaled the mountain and pursued the eagles up on top ofstissing mountain !the mountain is also private property and restricted as it harbors endangered and threatend species, in addition to being just plain old private property.he has posted point blank photos of the immature golden, which he apparently spookedoff of the ridge when he got these photos. now, my message to this idiot is this: number one, the birding community here in dutchess county goes t
Re: [nysbirds-l] eBird-a-thon 2011 - Table Updates (Notes + Maps)
ben-thanks so much for doing this. i have a question/comment first, i am hoping that if these birds are posted like this in the future, that more specific information will be included like township and the party name who reported the bird/submitted the report. For example, regarding the crossbill, "Linden Lane, Dutchess County" . i would bet that there are a lot of "Linden Lanes" in this county of 350,000 people and perhaps a dozen towns. then, i am wondering about who reviews these reports? I grew up in chappaqua (town of new castle), the same town where "campfire lake" is. i am assuming that it is the same campfire lake in the town of new castle, since town/municipality information was not provided on this report as well. but i know of no other "campfire lake" in westchester. if it is one in the same, i birded that area for 30 years-and continue to do so to this day. i can tell you that there has not been a 'wild' pheasant in that area of westchester in more than 25 years. they are extirpated there, and i would imagine at this point extirpated from all of westchester. it also so happens that campfire lake is owned entirely i believe, by a hunt club-"The Campfire Club", which releases all sorts of game birds, i am sure. so these issues of concern leave me curious. jpaJohn AskildsenMillbrook, New York On Jan 31, 2011, Ben Cacace wrote: To all,Some updates have been made to the table bringing this one closer in line with a table I was updating last year showing new arrivals with links to maps showing locations. These maps are created within the eBird.org website.On the table when you click on "Kingbird 10 Region" or "Kingbird 9 Region" this points the browser to a notes section detailing the species seen, date, location and county it was seen in. An arrow pointing up or down to the right of the "Kingbird # Region" label shows the change in the # of species submitted since the previous Friday.Here are the current notes for both regions. After selecting one of the URLs below click on the species name to bring up an eBird.org generated map:Kingbird Region 10:• 1-Jan-2011 (submitted around Jan 30th): TREE SWALLOW added to the 2011 list. Seen at Cammanns Pond Park in Nassau County.http://novahunter.blogspot.com/2010/12/nyc-area-ebird-thon-2011.html#NoteKB10RegionKingbird Region 9:• 30-Jan-2011: GOLDEN EAGLE added to the 2011 list. Seen from Thompson Pond Preserve in Dutchess County.• 29-Jan-2011: WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL added to the 2011 list. Seen near 11 Linden Lane in Dutchess County.• 28-Jan-2011: RING-NECKED PHEASANT added to the 2011 list. Seen at Campfire Lake in Westchester County.http://novahunter.blogspot.com/2010/12/nyc-area-ebird-thon-2011.html#NoteKB09RegionEnjoy!-- Ben CacaceManhattan, NYChttp://novahunter.blogspot.com
Re: [nysbirds-l] eBird-a-thon 2011 - Table Updates (Notes + Maps)
ben-thanks so much for doing this. i have a question/comment first, i am hoping that if these birds are posted like this in the future, that more specific informationwill be included like township and the party name who reported the bird/submitted the report. For example, regarding the crossbill, "Linden Lane, Dutchess County" . i would bet that there are a lot of "Linden Lanes" in this county of 350,000 people andperhaps a dozen towns. then, i am wondering about who reviews thesereports? I grew up inchappaqua (town of new castle),the same town where "campfire lake" is. i am assuming that it is the same campfire lake in the town of new castle, sincetown/municipality information was not provided on this report as well.but i know of no other "campfire lake" in westchester. if it is one in the same,i birded that area for30 years-and continue to do so to this day.i can tell you that there has not been a 'wild' pheasant in that area ofwestchester in more than 25 years. they are extirpated there, and i would imagine at this point extirpated from all of westchester.it also so happens that campfire lake is owned entirely i believe, by a hunt club-"The Campfire Club", which releases all sorts of game birds, i am sure.so these issues of concern leave me curious. jpaJohn AskildsenMillbrook, New York On Jan 31, 2011, Ben Cacace bcac...@gmail.com wrote: To all,Some updates have been made to the table bringing this one closer in line with a table I was updating last year showing new arrivals with links to maps showing locations. These maps are created within the eBird.org website.On the table when you click on "Kingbird 10 Region" or "Kingbird 9 Region" this points the browser to a notes section detailing the species seen, date, location and county it was seen in. An arrow pointing up or down to the right of the "Kingbird # Region" label shows the change in the # of species submitted since the previous Friday.Here are the current notes for both regions. After selecting one of the URLs below click on the species name to bring up an eBird.org generated map:Kingbird Region 10: 1-Jan-2011 (submitted around Jan 30th): TREE SWALLOW added to the 2011 list. Seen at Cammanns Pond Park in Nassau County.http://novahunter.blogspot.com/2010/12/nyc-area-ebird-thon-2011.html#NoteKB10RegionKingbird Region 9: 30-Jan-2011: GOLDEN EAGLE added to the 2011 list. Seen from Thompson Pond Preserve in Dutchess County. 29-Jan-2011: WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL added to the 2011 list. Seen near 11 Linden Lane in Dutchess County. 28-Jan-2011: RING-NECKED PHEASANT added to the 2011 list. Seen at Campfire Lake in Westchester County.http://novahunter.blogspot.com/2010/12/nyc-area-ebird-thon-2011.html#NoteKB09RegionEnjoy!-- Ben CacaceManhattan, NYChttp://novahunter.blogspot.com
