It was a pretty active October morning from 8AM-11:30AM, although there was no big influx of fall sparrows to speak of. There were many Ruby-crowned Kinglets (25+), Eastern Phoebes (20+), and Northern Flickers (50+), including a flock of 15 anting together on one of the smaller fields. All five common woodpeckers were seen including 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. A Brown Thrasher was a good find as this species has become scarce at this location. Several Hermit Thrushes, a few Golden-crowned Kinglets, a Scarlet Tanager, and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Two male Wood Ducks on the pond. A tight wave came through a small section of woods that is usually not too productive; it included 2 Black-and-white Warblers, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, 3 Black-throated Blue Warblers, 2 Black-throated Green Warblers, 4 Red-eyed Vireos, , 4 Blue-headed Vireos, and a Yellow-throated Vireo. Common Yellowthroats were in good numbers with about 12+ seen today. Sparrows were increasing since last week but only species were White-throated (25), Swamp (5), and Chipping.
I was on the cliff-side trail looking down, (about 100 feet) and I had the opportunity to watch a Double-crested Cormorant fishing right at the edge of the sand, in about 1 foot deep clear water. It is amazing how fast these birds can swim underwater amongst all the rocks and boulders. Even more amazing was the birds ability, at full speed underwater, to reverse direction in, literally, about a 6-inch turning circle with no loss of speed. Later, I made the hike west to Prospect Point (west of the preserve). There was not much going on over there but I did find a bird circling high over the marsh which turned out to be a Wilson’s Snipe. It eventually did a nosedive into the back of the marsh. Also added a Savannah Sparrow and a boat load of Myrtle Warblers, which were completely absent from the preserve. Oh, and a lingering Great Egret. Hawks were absent save single resident Red-tailed Hawk and Osprey. Cheers, Glenn Glenn Quinn Hauppauge, 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/ --
