[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: 1 Sep Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Debbie Martin, Gina Goldstein and I (Sy Schiff) birded the north end of the East Pond on a lovely morning. Shorebirds were scarce, perhaps only a few hundred, scattered in small groups. They were relatively tame, so all had good looks and the time to study and brush up on our skills (plus some picture taking). We walked past the cove until we could scan the raunt, but found nothing new. Both AMERICAN AVOCET were sleeping in the middle of the pond near the north end (either on a log or in a shallow spot) , heads tucked in, tail end facing us on the west edge, looking like a pair of aberrant gulls. Several birders missed them completely till we told them where to look. They could be seen sideways and easily ID'ed from the spit, but a very long way off looking north. On our return near noon, as we approached the exit, we found a pair of phalarope, fairly tame, spinning in the midst of a group of Lesser Yellowlegs. One bird was fairly light and the other dark with some red on the neck and back. Both RED-NECKED PHALAROPE were molting with the lighter bird in a more more advanced state. While the ID was not in doubt, the actual plumage of these molting birds is not shown in any of the books I consulted. Interesting birds, that could present a problem to those not familiar with the species.. Other shorebirds included: Semipalmated Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper and Stilt Sandpiper. Other birds noted included a Cooper's Hawk, a blue Little Blue Heron and fishing Forster's Terns. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Whimbrel at Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End Jetty 3 Sep Joe Guinta and I (Sy Schiff) walked down to the ocean through the swale and did not see a single shorebird. However, Sanderling and Semipalmated Sandpipers were scattered all over the wrack line from there to the jetty. At the jetty we walked approx, a quarter mile north along the jetty to the previously mentioned lagoon, now a dried out depression on our right. Two WHIMBREL were visible on some wrack at that point. They walked left, to and then through the jetty, to a sand bar on the inlet side while we watched. We continued north to another area of sand and vegetation similar to the swale. Later, as we retraced our steps south, the whimbrel flew north into this area. Look for the birds from the ocean north to a white maintenance building. Look on both sides of the jetty and in any flats on your right. (DO NOT WALK OUT ON THE NARROW SAND PATCH ON THE INLET SIDE OF THE JETTY. WHEN THE TIDE IS MOVING IN, IT TURNS TO QUICKSAND.) The sand bar at the marina had about a hundred Black Skimmers and another hundred Oystercatchers in addition to the usual shorebirds. A Merlin flew by a few times stirring the pot. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Cupsogue, Pikes Beaches
Dune Road Beaches and Heckscher SP 8 Sep Joe Giunta Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) birded the bay side mud flats off Dune Road this afternoon at dead low tide. The Summer crowds were gone and there were no tolls to park. We birded looking north at the bay islands and sand bars as seen from the shore. In all we saw numerous Cormorants, Egrets, 9 expected species of Shorebirds, the 4 expected Gull species and 4 species of Terns. Our first stop was at Pikes Beach, the only spot that we saw resting terns, namely 9 Royal including young, several Roseate, numerous Common and several Forster's. At Cupsogue we saw most of the shorebirds but no rarities. We did not wade across to the bay island and took the long way round through the camping area to get to the bay shore. My impression was that there has been sand loss on the bay side as a result of the recent storms. At high tide the sand bars where the birds were resting would all be under water. We stopped by Heckscher SP on the way home stopping at fields 1 and 4 to look for nighthawks, but without success. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 14 Sep Joe Giunta, Pat Jones and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning amidst a dearth of birds. Hopefully it is attributable to unfavorable weather patterns and birding will improve. But, of course there are always things of interest. Today was our first fall WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. A half dozen thrushes (sans Robin) were represented by four species, WOOD, VEERY, SWAINSON'S AND GRAY-CHEEKED (non Bicknell's type ). Some hummingbirds still remain feeding on the spotted jewelweed. Warblers included 7 common species. Total species about a scant 25. Beautiful day in a lovely park. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Temporary archive: http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Riis Park and Jamaica Bay, 17 Sep
Joe Guinta and I (Sy Schiff) found a Clay-colored Sparrow along the fence at the west side of the golf course at Riis Park this morning. The sky was overcast and there was a brisk wind which kept the birds down. Except for the sparrow, not much of a birding morning. We came home via Jamaica Bay starting at the West Pond. On the bayside at bench #3, a Tricolored Heron was feeding along the shore. We did a quick stop at the south end of the East Pond where a single American Avocet was resting along the east edge It flew north as we came out onto the flat. There are large numbers of Blue-winged Teal on both ponds and an early female Greater Scaup on the West Pond. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hook Mt.
Hook Mountain 25 September Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at 10:30 AM and stayed till 1:00 PM. The clear, bright, sunny sky contained a few clouds. There was a slow but continuous stream of raptors, mostly fairly high up. The mix was good while we were there including Osprey, adult Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks, Red-shoulder, Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrel. Two Broad-wing kettles, together totaling a dozen birds were extremely high. However, a couple of single birds flew by at lower altitude for excellent looks. Both Black and Turkey Vultures circled the watch and a Raven came by chased by crows. We speculated that some of the Red-tails might also be local based on their flight pattern. Land birds were particularly sparse walking up, but we did see a single Yellow-rumped Warbler at the top (our first for the fall). Another unexpected migrant was a Snow Goose in a flock of high flying Canada Geese. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hook Mt.
Hook Mt. 29 Oct. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) ventured to Hook Mt. on a very bleak morning. We arrived at the top at 10:30 AM as the clouds began to break up. Shortly after arriving, a kettle of mixed vultures rose in the air. This semi-reliable sign produced our first eagle (BALD EAGLE) followed by a second eagle (GOLDEN EAGLE). The weather cooperated and the sun came out for the remainder of our stay. Other birds of the morning included multiple TURKEY VULTURES and BLACK VULTURES, 2 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, 3 COOPER'S HAWKS, many RED-TAILED HAWKS, some resident and an imm. RED-SHOULDER HAWK. Both AMERICAN CROWS and COMMON RAVENS serenaded us as they flew about. A second BALD EAGLE arrived at lunch and a second GOLDEN EAGLE arrived when we finished. Not too many migrating hawks but a 4 eagle day at the morning watch Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Shu Swamp
9 Feb. Shu Swamp, Mill Neck Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) looking for a change of birding venue, journeyed up to the north shore. Not many bird but did find 2 each of Carolina and Winter Wrens and a foraging flock of 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Possible new addition to the NY list
Hempstead Lake State Park, April 1 Two Lesser Pterodactyls were observed flying overhead this afternoon. While the ID is not in doubt, experts have been consulted to get the latest definitive scoop on whether these flyers are Reptiles or Dinosaurs. If they agree on the latter (flying dinosaurs are definitely classified as BIRDS), the record will be submitted to NYSARC for addition to the NYS List. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Upland Sandpiper
Robert Moses SP; 10 Apr The UPLAND SANDPIPER made a very brief appearance on the edge of the North side of the road between the closed west exit of field 5 and the entrance to field 5. It came out and went back into the grassy edge at 2:55-3:00 PM. No luck from 1:30 PM on, so patience is required. Note: this is further east of previous sightings. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 12 Apr A quiet day with only breeders visible and singing. Opposite the Coast Guard Station entrance, there was a Merlin perched in a dead tree. Then, as I left West End #2 via the east exit, I surprised 3 Eastern Meadowlarks on the side of the road. They flew off into the brush toward the Nature Center. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-faced Ibis and Waterthrushes
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge; then, Forest Park:- 27 April Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) found the WHITE-FACED IBIS in a feeding flock of GLOSSY IBIS in the south marsh, viewing between benches 1 and 2. They were mixed with SNOWY and GREAT EGRETS and two LITTLE BLUE HERONS. The cuts are very deep in the marsh at this point and the waders would disappear for periods of time. Patience is required as they moved in and out. We stopped at the water hole in Forest Park on the way home. It was comparatively quiet except for a singing LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH and a NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH walking along the edge. Over by the Railroad tracks, we heard our first of the season HOUSE WREN. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] A FRIDAY MINI BIG-DAY
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Pat Jones and I (Sy Schiff) met at Hempstead Lake SP where we had the first promising spring activity on a beautiful day highlighted by a fly-over PURPLE MARTIN and WORM-EATING WARBLER. We then went to the water hole at Forest Park. Spring had arrived with a diversity of species although overall numbers are still small. New migrants were varied and including ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and LINCOLN'S SPARROW. There were 16 species of warbler (17 for the day) including BLUE-WINGED, NASHVILLE, BLACK-AND WHITE, an early MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE AND GREEN WARBLERS and both WATERTHRUSHES. We detoured slightly on the way home, stopping by Jamaica Bay WR. We did not find the White-faced Ibis today, but did see GLOSSY IBIS, both EGRETS, LITTLE-BLUE and TRICOLORED HERONS and YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON. Shorebirds seen were AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WILLET and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. FORSTER'S TERNS were feeding in the channel. When leaving the refuge, a pair of TURKEY VULTURES flew over. Total species 79 Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Gull-billed Tern
Jones Beach West End 5 May There were 2 Gull-billed Terns on the far side of the mud flat on Short Beach Island. They flew off to the west. A bit latter I found the pair flying over the area south of the West End #2 concession stand. They flew off and finally landed on a island in the still extensive wash over. A scope view showed there were four. Piping Plover are on the beach side with a smattering of shorebirds consisting of 50 Least Sandpipers, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs and Willet. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead and Forest Park
Hempstead Lake SP 7 May The regulars were out birding this morning with moderate results. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was singing and the best of a dozen plus warblers was a WILSON'S. Otherwise lots of song from the resident breeders. Next to--- Forest Park waterhole 7 May. Although the morning was advanced, the activity was much more than at Hempstead. Most of the birds in the upper canopy were singing and obscured while the understory surrounding the waterhole was active. Our interest was mainly in the warblers and they did not disappoint us Fifteen species were seen there, only missing the above Wilson's. Most came down to the water and we had great looks at male BLACKBURN IAN, CAPE MAY, NASHVILLE, BLUE-WINGED, BLACK-AND-WHITE, MAGNOLIA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE, and AMERICAN REDSTART among others. A single NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH sang throughout, along with the orioles, tanagers, etc. Except for a CRESTED FLYCATCHER at each location and an EASTERN KINGBIRD at Hempstead, flycatchers were absent. Not a large list or quantities of birds, but quality looks. A good day in the field. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Arewa
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 16 May A visit this morning produced CLAPPER RAIL, MARSH WREN, SALTMARSH AND NELSON'S SPARROWS Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Bicknell's Thrush at Alley Pond
Alley Pond Park, 22 May Joe Viglietta discovered a singing BICKNELL'S THRUSH early this morning and brought a number of early arrivals to Joe Giunta's Birding Class over to see and hear this elusive thrush. We had sustained looks with interesting song and call notes!A great find Otherwise, birding was good with a full roster of breeding birds. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Dodletown and Mine Road
Doodletown and Mine Road., 27 May Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Pat Jones, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled primarily to find breeding birds not found on Long Island. We successfully found all our target species and then some. The 13 warblers included Blue-winged, Cerulean, Worm-eating, Louisiana Waterthrush and Hooded Warblers. Our tally included another 40 odd breeders demonstrating both the diversity and the richness of the habitat. Several Yellow-throated Vireos were present, while Cerulean and Hooded Warblers were represented by more than a half dozen individuals each. Blue-winged, Golden-winged and a Brewster's Warbler were found at Mine Road. Of interest, to me, was that Black Vultures out numbered Turkey Vultures by a large margin. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Bashakill etc.
Linear Park (DH Canal), Gumaer Falls Road, Blue Chip Farm, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area and Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge; 7 June. Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Pat Jones, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled to continue our search of breeding birds not found on Long Island. Starting a Linear Park (McDonald Road entrance), we found both CUCKOOS, saw and heard singing ALDER FLYCATCHERS and a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER among other birds. Driving up Gumaer Falls Road, we heard and saw YELLOW-THROATED, BLUE-WINGED AND RED-EYED VIREOS and a number of warblers including BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. At Bashakill (from the boat ramp), we watched an almost fledged BALD EAGLE and an adult in the nest while we ate lunch. We found our VIRGINIA RAIL in the same spot as the last 2 years. Missed the American Bittern At Blue Chip Farms, we found UPLAND SANDPIPER and EASTERN BLUEBIRD. At the Grasslands, in the afternoon, we found AMERICAN KESTREL, EASTERN MEADOWLARKS and BOBOLINKS. In total we saw 72 species including 8 Tyrant Flycatchers, all that breed south of the Adirondacks; 4 Vireos; 3 Swallows, 12 Warblers and a representative mix of everything else. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Suff Co breeding birds.
Route 51 Bicycle Path, Swan Lake Country Club, Grumman Facility and environs. Joe Giunta, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) made a second trip to Suffolk Co. At our first stop we found the previously reported BLUE GROSBEAK, a first year male singing and seen. Other birds included WILLOW FLYCATCHER, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-WINGED, YELLOW, PINE WARBLERS and YELLOWYHROAT, BALTIMORE and a first year ORCHID ORIOLE. We stopped by the Swan Lake Country Club and last year's Red-headed Woodpecker nest tree. No bird seen by us or reported by others. Traveling north to Grumman Blvd and the other day's Grasshopper Sparrows; they were no where to be seen. We did see several PURPLE MARTINS flying over the field and 3 TURKEY VULTURES. There are extensive open fields in the area surrounding the Grumman Field all very productive looking. On Route 25A to the north, among other stops, we finally found a pair of GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS. Off on the other side, in the distance, a huge flock of PURPLE MARTINS (40-60) were coursing low over what appeared to be a freshly mowed section. Mixed in were an even larger number of Red-winged Blackbirds feeding on the ground. Good birding, Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] TWO Mississippi Kites (yes) and Sedge Wren (no)
Root, NY and Edwards Grasslands, 29 June Joe Giunta, San Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled to Root, NY. We arrived at the intersection of Maplewood and Donato, where we met Joan Quinlan and Andrew Baksh. After an extended wait, with the six of us scattered over the area, we were rewarded with sightings of the MISSISSIPPI KITE. Coming together and sorting out the details, there appeared, to us, to be a pale gray adult male and a darker bird, a female or first year bird. Some saw one, some saw the other, and some saw both separately. However, one of us saw TWO birds at the same time, confirming what might be a breeding pair. Since it was still early, we drove to Ft. Edwards and the grasslands to look for the Sedge Wren (without success). The various post for location turned out to somewhat contradictory, so we tried them all. However, we did manage to observe the grasslands and a fair complement of breeding birds in the fields; namely, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel, Killdeer, Savannah Sparrow, Bobolink, Red-winged Blackbird and Eastern Meadowlark. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Vultures and Ravens
Nassau Co Museum of Art 2 July. As I got out of my car in the parking lot, a TURKEY VULTURE flew over followed by a calling COMMON RAVEN. The raven made a brief appearance and the vulture moved on. (The present exhibit consists of Sea and Landscapes--well worth seeing if your interested in that subject matter as I am since I like to paint landscapes). Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Change of seasons
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside; 27 July The shorebirds have picked up a bit, but still only the usual common early migrants. Willets have just about left, but there was a recently fledged bird. Both Egrets and both Night-Herons were joined by a pair of Green Herons. Also, Clapper Rail and marsh sparrows continue, with only Seaside Sparrows still singing atop the marsh grass. Attempted nesting by Gull-billed Terns on the bay island failed. Three nest were either flooded out or destroyed by predators. Consequently, young, usually found on the preserve by now, will be absent this year. The first of the migrant land birds were a Ruby-throated Hummingbird and a Least Flycatcher. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] South Shore Beaches-Nassau Co
South Shore Beaches 30 July. Visited Malibu Beach Park (before the 8:00 AM opening charge), the next beach to the west of the Point Lookout Town Beach. It's at the first traffic light going west after coming off the loop parkway and opposite the Lido Beach Passive Nature Area. The roped off area holds the smaller of the two Tern/Skimmer colonies with an estimated 1-200 skimmer pairs and a estimated 200 Common Tern pairs. To the west, a roped off area at Nickerson Beach Park holds about twice as many of each. In addition there are Piping Plover, American Oystercatchers and Least Terns nesting on the beach. There is lots of activity and commotion at the colonies and the terns will dive bomb you if you venture too close to the rope. I chose to stay near the water where Sanderlings were enjoying the edge with occasional joggers. A seawatch observed numerous fishing Common Terns, a Gull-billed Tern and a Royal Tern. A quick stop at the Nature Area produced few shorebirds, but a Northern Waterthrush and two Yellow Warblers along the path to the bay. Short Beach Island opposite the Jones Beach West End Marina held some 4-500 Shorebirds; Black-bellied Plover, 2; Semipalmated Plover, ~20; American Oystercatcher, ~150; Willet,, 26 mostly Western; Ruddy Turnstone, ~15; Red Knot, ~25, about half with color; Sanderling, ~75, they flew off to the far bar; Semipalmated Sandpiper, ~20; Short-billed Dowitcher, ~40. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 3 Aug Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the refuge this morning starting by walking to Bench 7 on the West Pond. No Whistling Duck!!. But this was a birding trip. By the time we got back to the car and changed into waders, we had seen 40 species. The East Pond (it was low tide--better at high tide) gave us plenty to look at as we walked in at the south end and then north on the east side as far as the raunt. We then proceeded to the north end. While the water is still high, there is a small dry area at the end of the trail where we could scope the adjacent .area. Way down, on a place just coming out of the water were several thousand shorebirds. On the east pond we added another 15 species. In all, we saw 14 species of shorebirds, an American Oystercatcher on the west pond only; Killdeer, Pectoral and Spotted Sandpipers from the south end only; and Black-bellied Plover, Hudsonian Godwit, Stilt Sandpiper and Wilson's Phalarope from the north end only. The balance of the species were everywhere. Terns included Least and Black Skimmer on the west pond and Black Tern on the south end of the east pond. Forster's and Common Terns were on both ponds. The American Pelican seen from both the south and north ends. A Marsh Wren was singing at Bench 1 and a Carolina Wren was calling as we entered on the north end of the east pond. There were several young (white) Little Blue Herons on the west pond. (Check all the Snowys.) A good birding day. SY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Godwits YES to both.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 12 August Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) birded the North end of the East Pond. The water level is to be brought down a few more inches, but for now, it is possible to walk on the west side with about, at most, 3 inches of mud in just a few spots. (They are going to put planks down for the weekend festival). Per Google Earth, the distance from the NW entrance to the SW entrance is 1.33 miles and we covered approximately a half mile to the most southern point we could safely go. We did not bird going north from the south end. A Peregrine Falcon had been coursing up and down the pond prior to our arrival and the shorebirds were extremely wary, so it was hard to get an estimate, but certainly 4-5,000 birds mostly in tight mixed species flocks, We saw 15 species of shorebirds with huge numbers of Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers, but only one Red Knot, a few Ruddy Turnstones and Long-billed Dowitchers.. The more interesting birds were 3 WILSON'S PHALAROPE, 1 HUDSONIAN GODWIT and 1 MARBLED GODWIT, the latter seen from the most southern point of our walk. The godwits were on the east side of the pond and the phalaropes were close to or within shorebird groups constantly on the move. A good birding day. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Shorebirding-Floyd Bennett and Jamaica Bay
30 August Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Pat Jones and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at Floyd Bennett Field adjacent to the cricket field about 9:10 and found the previously reported shorebirds on the field, but no Baird's Sandpiper. The latter was in a rain puddle at the end of the runway on the other side of the red barrier. (Thanks Rob). After observing the single BAIRD'S SANDPIPER via scope (didn't want to spook it), we proceeded to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and the south end of the East Pond. The water is high and walking north along the east side requires footwear to accommodate mud/water between 5 and 7 inches deep. However, the very south end is passable with only a little mud. From that vantage point, we saw SEMIPALMATED, WESTERN, LEAST, WHITE-RUMPED AND STILT SANDPIPERS, both YELLOWLEGS, the COMMON MOORHEN and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH. BLUE-WINGED TEAL were seen walking north and both DOWITCHERS were past the raunt. Shorebird numbers were way down due to lack of suitable habitat. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Baird's, Buff-breasted and jeager
Jones Beach West End 2 Sep Our usual group walked through a baron swale to the ocean and then east to the beach puddles. We set up on the beach (to have the sun at our backs). Shorebirds were moving in and out and eventually a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER flew in and stayed a while before flying off. On the ocean there was a movement of a few gulls and a stream of Common Terns flying west. A dark bird came down at one of the terns and then flew west in the trough of the waves and fairly close to shore. PARASITIC JAEGER!! Is this a forerunner of hurricane fall-out? On the way back to the car, 5 peep and a number of Semipalmated Plover were in the swale. Scopes revealed that all 5 were BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Paark Philadelphia Vireo
Alley Pond Park23 Sep Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded from 9:00 to noon on a very dull birding day. The sun was out and the weather was superb. We saw, at most, 15 warblers, but 7 species. Listers can run up big lists without seeing many birds. The 2 previously reported SOLITARY SANDPIPERS were on the edge of Little Alley Pond. On the way back to the car, after our morning exercise (not much birding), we found a PHILADELPHIA VIREO in the middle to upper canopy along the trail that enters near the Winchester Ave. parking lot. The last bird of the morning was our target bird. Good end to a lovely morning. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Ft. Tilden--no tanager
4 Oct Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) birded Ft. Tilden and Riis Park this morning. No Summer Tanager or Connecticut Warbler.. Just a few raptors, a few Phoebes, a few warblers, a Kinglet and more than a few rain drops. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End Pt. Lookout
Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) later joined by Joe Giunta and Pat Jones birded the West End. The hedgerow edge by the Coast Guard Station had a nice concentration of sparrows (7 common species). The walk to the turnaround produced few additional birds (Eastern Phoebe, Red-breasted Nuthatch, both Kinglets and Goldfinch) other than a number of raptors overhead. Sam left and we went over to Pt. Lookout and the rock pile. This is the the shrubby area behind the stone dumping area north of the main Lido Beach town parking lot. Here we saw the same sparrows (today was a good sparrow day), but no uncommon ones. We added Hermit Thrush, Palm Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and Purple Finch, a bright male, plus a few House Finches Joe and I walked out to the beach. At the west jetty there was a male Common Eider, our FOS. Two White-rumped Sandpipers and a Sanderling were feeding where the jetty meets the shore. A Surf Scoter was in the inlet. A continual stream of medium sized terns flew by in the ocean and inlet. All we could identify were Forster's Terns and we assumed the rest were also. A good bright sunny day. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach West End 20 October Land birding was slow except for the always present Yellow-rumped Warblers.. The interest, for me, was on the bar in front of the marina. Here there were some hundreds of shorebirds to look through:--~125 Black-bellied Plover; 1 Golden Plover, several passes before I found it; ~20 American Oystercatchers; ~40 Red Knot; a dozen Sanderling; 150 Dunlin; a dozen Short-billed Dowitchers, can't rule out a Long-billed as many had their heads tucked and offered unfavorable views. The eastern end of West End #2 lot had a small rain puddle which attracted gulls including a full plumaged adult Lesser Black-backed Gull with bright yellow legs. At the turnaround, a short flurry of raptors included a Northern Harrier, several Sharp-shinned Hawks including one that made a pass a larger Cooper's Hawk. As my grandson used to say, COOL. Close-up comparisons are always neat. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Barnacle Goose--NO
Belmont Lake SP 25 Oct The fall foliage is at its peak now and, with no wind, the lake was a mirror with golden reflections.. An extensive scan did not find the Barnacle Goose. So, I took advantage of what was there and photographed the scenery before returning to the car for my scope. It didn't help. Of interest was a pair of Wood Ducks and a dozen Ring-necked Ducks. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Rockland Lake and Hook Mt.
Rockland Lake SP; Hook Mt. 28 October Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the Hawk Watch this morning in Summer like weather. The two hours produced a dozen raptors of five species, 5 BLACK and 20 TURKEY VULTURES; but no Ravens. The foliage is lovely and just past peak on top. Nicer below.. We started and ended looking for the EURASIAN WIGEON. The wigeon has relocated from the small pond north of the north parking lot (last seen Tuesday by locals). This morning 40 GADWALL were in the pond. After coming down from the top we revisited it without success. A chance remark directed us to the south end of Rockland Lake (the south parking lot) where we FOUND THE WIGEON in a mixed flock of widely scattered puddle ducks. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Birding Long Island
Long Island: November 1. Sam Jannazzo, Pat Jones and I (Sy Schiff) stopped by Captree SP on our way east and on our return, finding the COMMON GROUND-DOVE both times. An AMERICAN PIPIT flew over in the morning. At Mecox we observed BONAPARTE'S and LAUGHING GULLS but NO BLACK-HEADED GULL. While driving from one side of Mecox to the other, we encountered a group of 5 CATTLE EGRETS flying by (fields near Mecox Rd and Jobs Ln, Watermill). At the fisherman's parking lot at the foot of the Ponquogue Bridge, a very cooperative male Eastern Bluebird posed for pictures. Then, driving along Dune Rd we flushed an AMERICAN BITTERN. Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes and Yellow-rumped Warblers were in great abundance. Lots to look at on a brisk lovely day. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Captree SP and Jones Beach Nature Center--YES to all
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) went to Captree SP this morning where a very cooperative group of birders shared sightings and assisted new arrivals to locate the three birds, namely, Dickcissel, Western Kingbird and Common Ground Dove. We were helped (thanks guys) and we helped others. Unfortunately, when our group found the Dove, it stayed just long enough to check the ID against a picture and phone Shai to get the word out. At that point a truck entering the boat ramp lot flushed it. We stayed an additional hour to try to help the others relocate it, but without success. A slight detour going home by the Jones Nature Center resulted in finding the very active Northern Shrike flying out from perches at the top of bare shrubs or medium sized pines. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach 9 Nov. Cold sunny day with a brisk wind. Our usual group with a few additions birded the west end. We are beginning to miss the pines and their screening from the wind, Still it was a good day. Sparrows, all common, were numerous with substantial numbers of Juncos. Overhead, Goldfinch and Siskins were streaming through, with many of the latter stopping to browse among the pine cones and Red-breasted Nuthatches. There were some blackbirds moving also with a few Flickers, Purple Finches, AMERICAN PIPIT and Sharp-shinned Hawks. . We still have Hermit Thrushes. Northern Harriers and Peregrine Falcons may be locals The bars held American Oystercatcher, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Willet, Red Knot, Sanderling, Dunlin, some gulls and a ROYAL TERN. We walked over to the Nature Center (closed on Mon and Tues) and found the NORTHERN SHRIKE on the boardwalk railing and then later in the field on the west side of the center. So, the bird is expanding its territory. A quick count of the ocean revealed 28 Northern Gannet. Today was good birding. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Massapequa Orange-crowned Warbler
Massapequa Preserve 17 Dec. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) followed up on Dave Klauber's report, arriving at Pittsburgh Ave. about 2:15. At the pond we saw a Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher .Walking north to where we believed was the spot, we heard a very vocal WINTER WREN across the stream and 2 BROWN CREEPERS on our side. No warblers. We then drove north to Massachusetts Ave (400 yds north) and parked on Parkside Blvd. next to the entrance path to the hiking trail. on the west side of the stream We walked north for 200 yards and returned, all without success. Five yards to the south at the junction to return to the car, as we were leaving the preserve, we spotted a small bird feeding on the white tuffs of goldenrod, the elusive ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. . Another WINTER WREN appeared on the short walk to the car. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Trumpeter Swans
I would like to add my thoughts on this situation as I personally see it The Ontario, Canada Records Committee has recognized the reintroduced Trumpeter Swan as an established breeding bird and as such is countable by Canadian birders in this new location. A vagrant from the population has been verified as being seen in NY. As such, by our rules, it becomes countable in NY as soon as the record is added to the NY list. This ought to be a mere formality. (Those who have seen the bird, please submit NYSARC reports). However, this will only happen if NYSARC accepts the Ontario findings or agrees with their logic. If they are going to second guess Ontario and apply NY rules to another Records Committee findings, then we may have a long wait. Let's hope not. To be fair, at a somewhat higher level, the AOU has declined to follow the British OU on certain taxonomy matters, so these jurisdictional things are not without president. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout
Pt. Lookout 20 Jan Eric Titcomb and I (Sy Schiff) birded the ocean beaches, jetties and the inlet this morning. A large group of COMMON EIDER was on the east side of the west jetty (counted 78) with a single male BLACK SCOTER. There were a few HORNED GREBE between the jetties and a single COMMON LOON. Turning into the inlet, we found 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS close to the wall. We walked north along the inlet and found 8-10 more Horned Grebes, a very large flock of BRANT and a single BONAPARTE'S GULL in the water at the very north end. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Thrush and Woodpecker in Central Park
Central Park, NYC 17 Feb Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the maintenance building at 11:00 AM and stayed till almost noon without seeing the VARIED THRUSH. . We then went to look for the RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and again struck out. (We saw the owl). Returning to the maintenance building, looking for half an hour; we finally saw the thrush fly in from our right and settle on the ground in front of us. At that moment an AMNH group came by. Joe paused to get the group on the bird. A quick look for all before the bird disappeared again. Timing is everything. Sy. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Redpolls at Jones Beach and Harlequins at Pt. Lookout
Jones Beach West End 18 Sep The group of approx. 50 COMMON REDPOLLS found yesterday by Ken Feustel were in the same place this morning at the end of the fisherman's trail, although they moved around a bit. They are very skittish. Also, in the area,were a number of HORNED LARKS. The Larks could be heard singing, a sure sign of Spring. At Pt. Lookout, 3 male and 2 female HARLEQUIN DUCKS continue along with about 40 COMMON EIDER. Some HORNED GREBES, but no loons. Loons in the Jones Beach vicinity have been exceptionally scarce this winter. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay WR
Jamaica Bay Wildlife refuge 3 Mar Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started on the West Pond where we found all 3 species of Merganser in the pond (nice) in addition to a the usual puddle ducks. On the far side the Common Teal was actively feeding with a group of Green-winged Teal. No evidence that it might be a hybrid. In the channel, we found a mere 3 Common Goldeneye and a smattering of Bufflehead, but NO Barrow's. On the East Pond, there were about 100 ducks consisting of Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ruddy Ducks and single Northern Pintail and American Wigeon. There were 2 Barn Owls in the nest box. Our take on the SNOW GEESE-- While on the west pond, there was a continuous movement of birds from our left towards the pond moving in groups of 2-10 at a time. Estimate about 100 total. In the marshes adjacent to he trail, to our left, at the north end, were an estimated 500 additional. We scoped till we found a Blue Goose. There could have been more, but we deferred to the weather and the predicted 10-12 degree wind chill. It felt it. Arctic birding is cool (or is that cold). The weather kept the small birds away. We heard one singing Carolina Wren by Big John's Pond, singing Red-winged Blackbirds and a few fly-by Crows. Absolutely nothing else to see or hear.. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Fw: Closeup view of redpolls
- Original Message - From: steve rosenthal smr...@gmail.com To: Sy Schiff icte...@optonline.net Cc: birdingd...@gmail.com Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2011 4:43 PM Subject: Closeup view of redpolls Sy, could you put this info. on the New York Birding list for anyone who might be interested At 3pm today while going to look for seashells at Jones Beach Field 10 I had closeup prolonged looks at a group of at least 4-10 redpolls. They were on the ground (among pine cones) and in the pine trees at the picnic area (tables/barbecues) which is at the NE corner of Field 10 parking area., near the kayak launch. Steve Rosenthal -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park, Queens 18 April Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) met at Hempstead Lake SP and after a short unproductive visit drove to Alley. We checked the progress of the 2 GREAT HORNED OWL chicks on the nest, now approaching full size The nest tree is adjacent to a marked trail with a stream of passers-by almost completely ignored by the youngsters. A nearby adult was mobbed for a short time by Crows, but they soon tired and flew off. In general birding was slow here also, but we did manage to see a few migrants in single to small numbers; namely: YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, PINE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER and a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH on the edge of a kettle pond by the blue trail. Others of interest were were BLUE-HEADED VIREO, HERMIT THRUSH and EASTERN TOWHEE. A FOY Yellow Warbler was in Hempstead before we assembled. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead and Alley Pond
Hempstead Lake SP Alley Pond Park 26 April The usual extended birding group gathered at Hempstead this morning. This is by far the best central Nassau Co birding local, so it draws the birders. A BLUE-WINGED WARBLER was new as was a WARBLING VIREO (only seen before most arrived). Otherwise, mostly more of the same as per the last few days. Activity slowed, so Joe Giunta and I went over to Alley. Birding in the Queens parks is always earlier than on the island. Today was no different. A fair number of woodland species have arrived. We came after Jeff Ritter who posted earlier. (We did not see him). Our list was slightly different with misses and adds. Except for the owl, most are FOY. Of note: GREEN HERON, the continuing GREAT HORNED OWL chick, WARBLING VIREO, EASTERN KINGBIRD, 12 warblers including WORM-EATING WARBLER, OVENBIRD and 2 LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, SCARLET TANAGER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] No Myrtle/Audubon split.
Hi all: For those who were awaiting the splitting of the Yellow-rumped Warbler complex--it ain't gona happen. The AOU records committee has voted the proposal down (results on the AOU web site).. This is not too surprising as it is completely consistent with their recent actions (teals and sparrows among others). The comments are there to read, but the names of the individuals are not. Therefore, I can't tell if there are specific members of the committee who have just not acquired and/or accepted the background and knowledge of the new modern technology or whether there is something I'm missing. In the last several years, it seems to me, every proposal to split that relies primarily on DNA studies, appears to get voted down. Other than this one point, they do a great job. I may be wrong, but when we get a new committee of young experts, I expect to pick up a few birds Sy Schiff -- 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] Lesser Black-backed Gull and Nickerson Beach Colonies.
Nickerson Beach 13 June. A group of about 25 gulls were on the beach early this morning consisting of several adult Great Black-backed Gulls, a breeding plumage LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (very dark, almost the same color as its larger neighbors with a bright almost orange yellow bill that was much more striking in color than its bright yellow legs), several additional 2nd year Lesser and the balance, immature of Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls. Many of the immature were typical summer non descript bleached and molting birds, the kind most birders don't bother with and with good reason. But, including in this group was one I cannot ID. Photos have been disbursed for comment and help. Stay tuned. If you go, look very carefully at the immature gulls. There may be a surprise waiting. I got distracted by the gulls . I came for the nesting birds. The TERN/ SKIMMER colonies are in full swing with at least 150 pair of SKIMMERS and at least half as many COMMON TERNS, a score of AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS; all milling around on the ground and in the air. Birds are now sitting on eggs. I did not see any young skimmers or terns, yet. Sy Schiff -- 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] Fw: for the NY birding list
Subject: for the NY birding list Hello Sy, could you put this on the NY birding list for me? maybe some will find it of interest? thanks FYI birders, while hiking/butterflying at Stillwell Woods county park today in Woodbury/Syosset (Nassau County) I noticed immediately that the VERY large open field is now largely unmowed by the county (except for the RC airplane area). There is a covering of grasses and Queen Annes Lace that is shoulder high or less. I dont know if this has the potential to attract grassland birds or not (I dont know much about birds), but I ran into birders Jim Osterlund and his wife, and they were wondering the same thing. Another friend who is a birder thought high weeds may actually discourage birds, but it may be worth checking out if you are in the area. Jim said Indigo Bunting was the only interesting bird they had seen. The butterflies definitely like the change though. Steve Rosenthal -- 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] Gray-hooded Gull
Coney Island, Aug 1 Amazing what planning and the internet will do for chasing rarities. Under the guidance of Joe Giunta, who reasoned 1). The weekend would be a zoo; 2). the gull would find plenty to eat on the beach after the weekend throngs; 3) the afternoon would be most reliable based on prior sightings; 4). we should leave so as to return to LI around 3:00 PM. Consequently we arrived about 2:30, immediately found the gull where the internet said it was, viewed and photographed it (from appropriate distances) for a half hour, stopped at Nathans for refreshments and were on our way. Sy Schiff with Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and Pat Jones -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay WR Godwit-Yes
Jamaica Bay WR 2 Aug. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) met Ken Thomson and Steve D'Amato in the parking lot. They had just returned from a successful Gull sighting at Coney Island. We walked down the Big Johns Pond Trail to the edge of the East Pond where Ken picked out a sleeping bird on the far shore that turned out to be the lingering HUDSONIAN GODWIT. It took a while before the godwit stirred enough for all to see the bill and silhouette of the shorebird. One no longer needs a boat at the south end; instead it is now a quagmire. At the north end, a submarine is still in order. Waders or pack boots are a must. Shore birding is limited because of the lack of suitable habitat. There were about 400 shorebirds on the east pond and about 200 on the west pond. Nothing of note beyond the godwit. The East Pond outlet piping system has now been examined, but the depth of the inspection is not known. The results and action required have not yet been passed down. The short term requirement is to get the water flow initiated; the long term solution seems to be a new piping and valve system. Sy -- 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] Shorebirding at Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout
Jones Inlet and Vicinity August 10. The bar at the marina held a large group of shorebirds with a mix of near adults and new young. One Black-bellied Plover and a few Red Knot were in the former group; the latter group contained western Willets. The swale is completely covered with vegetation. A quick look turned up nothing. We may have grass land migrants rather than shorebirds. The town has completed the sand pumping in the inlet on the Pt. Lookout side. The north end is a large sand beach. However, the large mud flat just north of the overlook is still viable. It had an assortment of shorebirds including a Piping Plover. There were about 200 Laughing Gulls there. The bar parallel to the jetty wall was just coming out of the water as the tide lowered. So, in spite of the disruption of the environment and shore, birding appears not to be affected. I went over to the Lido Beach Nature Area. Quiet. Sy Schiff -- 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] Marbled Godwits, Jones Beach sand Bar
Jones Beach West End 17 Aug Arrived at the Coast Guard Station arriving about 8:30. A Peregrine Falcon promptly flew by and about 2-300 small shorebirds promptly scattered and flew off. None of the larger shorebirds moved. About 9:00, one of the half dozen or so birders noticed the MARBLED GODWIT among the large group of remaining AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and WILLET. It had been sleeping, bill tucked in, and obscured by the mass of birds. As I scoped, it picked up its head, showed its bill and stretched its wings showing no upper wing stripe and lovely rusty under wing coverts. It promptly went back to sleep and all but disappeared into the mass of birds. As previously reported, the swale is a lake. I went over to see if the missing shorebirds went there. No such luck. I returned to the Coast Guard Station, scanned the bar and found TWO MARBLED GODWIT. Sy Schiff -- 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] Jones Beach Hudsonian Godwit
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station. 20 Aug Today's Godwit was a Hudsonian molting into basic plumage. It has a fair amount of warm brown on it and because of the distance requires care to make sure which species is actually there. Both today's bird and the prior one flew showing the wing patterns. So ID was not a problem. But the bird, usually seen sleeping with head tucked in, is a considerable challenge. Sy Schiff -- 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] Tropical Tern
Nickerson Beach, Nassau Co, NY 31 Aug. About 7:30 this morning, while I was surveying the beach, a tern came out of the morning sun flying down the middle of the beach and almost directly overhead. It looked a bit different and I followed with my bins until it landed in one of the numerous puddles near the upper beach. As I put my scope on where it landed behind a group of resting birds. It took off almost immediately; but I got excellent looks of both the upper and lower plumages as it wheeled in the air before it continued west down the beach Follow up at home and a lot of research convinced me that my first impression of BRIDLED TERN was correct. This sighting is of interest because of the number of days after the hurricane. Could this be one of the birds reported in New England? Sy Schiff -- 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] Nickerson Beach-Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Nickerson Beach, Nassau Co, NY 4 September Whereas Wednesday, the beach was covered with shorebirds in and around tidal pools, today, except for Sanderlings and a few Oystercatchers, the beaches were barren except for a single BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (the 4-500 Skimmers were also gone this morning). The Buff-breast was foraging along the wrack line and has apparently been there for the last three days. The bird is located to the west of the entrance of the parking lot and is remarkably tame.. Sy Schiff -- 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] Hecksher SP
Hecksher SP 12 Sep Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) went directly to Field 7 where the rains have left a large puddle on the parking lot and several more in the surrounding grassy areas. Shorebirds moved around in groups flying away and coming back while moving from puddle to puddle. NO PHALAROPE today, but the estimated 40 shorebirds contained an interesting mix including BUFF-BREASTED, PECTORAL, WHITE-RUMPED, SEMIPALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS along with both YELLOWLEGS while KILLDEER flew over calling.. -- 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] Hecksher SP-date correction
This should read 13 Sep - Original Message - From: Sy Schiff To: NYSBIRDS_L Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 1:06 PM Subject: [nysbirds-l] Hecksher SP Hecksher SP 12 Sep Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) went directly to Field 7 where the rains have left a large puddle on the parking lot and several more in the surrounding grassy areas. Shorebirds moved around in groups flying away and coming back while moving from puddle to puddle. NO PHALAROPE today, but the estimated 40 shorebirds contained an interesting mix including BUFF-BREASTED, PECTORAL, WHITE-RUMPED, SEMIPALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS along with both YELLOWLEGS while KILLDEER flew over calling.. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: Welcome and Basics Rules and Information Subscribe, Configuration and Leave Archives: The Mail Archive Surfbirds BirdingOnThe.Net Please submit your observations to eBird! -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Barrier Beachs
Robert Moses SP and Jones Beach Coast Guard Station 16 Sep Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) went to the Fire Island Hawk watch. Merlins continue to exceed Kestrels, a recent phenomenon for September. (In past years, Kestrel predominated in Sep and Merlins in Oct.). We paused to chase a reported Blue Grosbeak at Robert Moses Field #2 without success. While there we picked up the internet report of LARK SPARROWS at Jones Beach and found them along the Coast Guard hedgerow where they had been reported. We then walked out to the end of the marina and checked the island. Of note were AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, 2 MARBLED GODWIT and a ROYAL TERN. A nice breeze kept the mosquitoes at bay. Without repellent, the grassy areas are daunting. Be prepared. Sy -- 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] Fire Island to Central Park
September 30 , A Long Island / New York City excursion. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the Fire Island Hawkwatch this morning on SE winds, the wrong kind. The only raptors who don't mind this are falcons. And, we saw a few Merlin and Peregrines. Of note a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, but virtually no land birds. At Jones Beach Marina we were met by Sam Jannazzo. The bar had a resting MARBLED GODWIT and a CASPIAN TERN along with the usual hoard of AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, DUNLIN, SANDERLING, RUDDY TURNSTONE, RED KNOT and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. There were 4 SURF SCOTERS in the water to the left of the island. Cathy Drake called from Central Park while we were admiring the tern. We drove straight into the city from Jones Beach, immediately found a parking spot, as someone pulled out (on 75th off Fifth Ave--I though this only happens in movie scripts). A police officer directed us to the 72nd street entrance, the only one not sealed off for the concert tonight. (As described in a post to ebirdsnyc, in the Ramble, near the SW corner of Mugger's Woods and just S of the Humming Tombstone) A short walk brought us to the BARRED OWL. This is the first downstate.sighting for all of us. Sy -- 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] Jones Beach West End: Godwits, Golden-Plover and Terns
Jones Beach West End 2 Oct Quick summary. Caspian and Royal Terns flying in the inlet; 3 Hudsonian and 2 Marbled Godwit huddled together with Willets on the bar by the marina; 2 American Golden-Plover in the swale and a Juv. Lesser Black-backed Gull on the beach in front of the swale..Gorgeous sunny Fall day. Sy Schiff -- 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] Kissena Park
Kissena Corridor Community Garden Kissena Corridor Park, Queens, NY 11 October Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) revisited the Community Gardens. Today, most of the activity in the garden was toward the opposite end. Of interest was a MONK PARAKEET in a flock of Starlings, both KINGLETS, a fleeting ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and a BLUE GROSBEAK seen momentarily, the latter two only by Sam.. Total warbler species five. The area was visited by a SHARP-SHINNED and COOPER'S HAWK and a KESTREL. There were lots of sparrows in the corridor park, but all of the common variety. Of the 8 potential Connecticut warblers seen today, 4 were Common Yellowthroats and 4 were Nashville Warblers. The day was lovely, a fitting end of the summer. Sy -- 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] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End; 18 October Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) joined by Steve Shellenger started at the marina. The usual Fall gathering of migrant water fowl found 100+ American Oystercatchers on the bar, 500 + Double-crested Cormorants resting on a sand bar on the other side of the inlet along with 75 Forster's Terns. There were 41 Scoters in the inlet just off Jones Island, almost all SURF SCOTERS with a few BLACK SCOTERS mixed in. No Willets or Godwits today. The hedge row held a few dozen Yellow-rumped Warblers, an EASTERN WOOD PEWEE, PALM WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW and a fall ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK among other birds. Later when walking towards the median we saw a number of fly-by EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. Raptors included an OSPREY and a few MERLIN. Sy -- 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] Kisena Park
Kissena Corridor Park and Gardens 23 October Joe Giunta I (Sy Schiff) spent 2 hours on a lovely Fall afternoon. Not much diversity, but lots of birds. The most common bird, in groups everywhere, was CHIPPING SORROW with an estimated 200+, closely followed by YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Nothing unusual, but lots and lots to look at. Of interest were a number of BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, a NASHVILLE WARBLER, PALM WARBLERS, EASTERN PHOEBES and HERMIT THRUSHES. Sy -- 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] Target Sparrows in Brooklyn
Plumb Beach Floyd Bennett Field 24 Oct Joe Giunta I (Sy Schiff) went to Plumb Beach and after a bit of trying brought up 3 NELSON'S SPARROWS. Otherwise the marsh was quiet except for a Great Egret, some Savannah Sparrows and a soaring Peregrine Falcon. We stopped at Floyd Bennett Field on the way home and found a large group of sparrows in the field north of the Cricket Field. Among the half dozen species was a VESPER SPARROW. We watched an AMERICAN KESTREL using a sign along the runway as a perch, fly off, hover, dive and return to the sign to feast. It continued the routine while we watched; and it didn't miss once. Hopefully, my distance pictures will tell me what the prey was, most likely grasshoppers. Sy -- 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] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach West End; 25 October Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) started at the bar in front of the marina. Among the 800-1,000 shorebirds, were an AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, 2 MARBLED GODWIT, a WILLET and a ROYAL TERN hidden among the resting gulls. FORSTER'S TERNS continue fishing in the inlet. The N wind started mild, picking up and moving to the NW as the morning progressed. With the winds came a modest hawk flight; 2 dozen SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, a dozen MERLIN, OSPREY, COOPER'S HAWK and a KESTREL. Land birds included .8 species of sparrows with WHITE-CROWN and CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, INDIGO BUNTING, PHOEBE, both KINGLETS and HERMIT THRUSH. Joe and I stopped off at the Pt. Lookout rock pile on the way home. There, we added EASTERN WOOD PEWEE and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. There was a modest SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and MERLIN flight there also. Sy. -- 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] Jones Beach--Dickcissel YES
Jones Beach. 18 Nov. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) parked at the Coast Guard Station. The DICKCISSEL was in its usual spot in the House Sparrow flock.. There were only a few shorebirds on the bar, but the far shore across the inlet was covered with them, all too far to make out except for the Oystercatchers. Very few land birds today. In the median we found 2 late PINE WARBLERS, a FOX SPARROW and a male fly over PURPLE FINCH. There were 100 SNOW BUNTINGS on the West End 2 parking lot. At least 100+ NORTHERN GANNET were fishing off of parking field #6. (We missed the fly over BALD EAGLE seen and photographed from the median by Paul Gildersleeve before we came) Sy -- 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] Target Birds
Joe Giunta and I (SY Schiff) reviewed a list of target birds to get Joe over 300 NYS Birds for 2011. Success and then some!!! So, we started in Brooklyn, finding the ROSS'S GOOSE at Floyd Bennett Field. Arriving at Jones Beach West End, we searched and found the ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER as previously reported. Thanks Shai (at the spot) and Andrew.(for the phone call). At West Lake in Patchogue, we found the EURASIAN WIGEON at the far north end (thanks to directions from Shai). And it only rained when we were driving, never when we left the car to look. Three for three (Yeah). Sy -- 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] Jones Beach
Posted as requested - Original Message - Hello Sy- Could you post this to the NY Birding list for methanks. Jones Beach State Park Sat. 11/26: There was a late season common egret east of the fishing piers on the bayside of Jones Beach State Park (Parking Field 10) a little before 4pm today (Saturday). It was subsequently also seen by Paul and Martha Horman. This was in addition to several nice looks at the ash throated flycatcher along the fishermen's road at the previously noted location around 12:30PM or so. After roosting in a small tree it flew off to the east, one of the other birders present said it looked like it was heading back to the Coast Guard Station. I did not linger in the area so I cant comment further on that. FYI- for anybody interested in late season butterflies there were several orange sulphurs nectaring on the dandelions in the fenced in yard of the Coast Guard Station. Steve Rosenthal -- 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] Oriole in CP
Hi all, There is only a single photo on Ardith's web site. But, the gray back and yellow on the breast looks suspicious. Can't tell from one picture. However, the possibility of a Bullock's Oriole should be investigated. They are late migrants. They have even shown up on the South Nassau CC. Sy Schiff -- 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] Brooklyn birding
Brooklyn beaches 20 Dec Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) ventured into Brooklyn from Long Island to follow up on the Brooklyn CBC. Ft. Tilden: At Seagull Club, nothing of note except for large numbers of NORTHERN GANNET. (Glaucous Gull not there). Breezy Pt.: COOPER'S HAWK while returning to the car, PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the jetty, 2nd winter GLAUCOUS GULL in a flock of Red-breasted Mergansers and a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS near the jetty. No Snowy Owl. Floyd Bennett Field: AMERICAN KESTREL and RED-NECKED GREBE in the channel. No Shrike. -- 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] Jones Beach, t. Lookout
Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout Joe Giunta, Cathy Drake and I (Sy Schiff) found the morning cold without wind. Jones Inlet was a sheet of glass. In the cove to our right from the end of the marina boardwalk, we found 2 COMMON GOLDENEYE and a PIED-BILLED GREBE, the latter totally unexpected. Walking down the fisherman's road to the inlet we found a single TREE SPARROW among a few YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. There were a number of SEALS in the inlet along with both loons and LONG-TAILED DUCKS. There were a few HORNED LARKS on the West end #2 parking lot and a SNOW BUNTING flock toward the Nature Center. A PEREGRINE FALCON preened atop a Keep off the Dunes sign in front of the Nature Center. Nothing of interest at fields #6 and #10. A large flock of gulls on the Pt. Lookout parking lot included a 2nd cycle GLAUCOUS GULL. (It was not among the gulls when we returned from the beach). To the west of the west jetty were 2 female HARLEQUIN and a single COMMON EIDER between the jetties. Sy -- 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] Grace's Warbler-yes; Mountain Bluebird-no
After Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) saw the GRACE'S WARBLER and SNOWY OWL, we headed East to the Mountain Bluebird site. No luck there. While scanning, we saw an AMERICAN KESTREL and 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS. Sy -- 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] Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park, 4 January 2012 Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) braved the cold (fortunately no wind) and ventured into the woods. While most birds were scarce, we managed a mix of woodland birds: Red-tailed Hawk, 4 Woodpecker species, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch and a large number of flying birders, namely Blue Jays, who found us a Long-eared Owl. In the water were Black Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Canada Geese and a lone Brant. Good birding, Sy -- 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] Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay
Brooklyn Queens 9 January Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to Floyd Bennett Field, checked for the shrike without success and headed over to the boat ramp. There we found 2 RED-NECKED GREBE out in the bay. A birder we met at the site came by as we drove scanning the edges for the shrike and pointed us to a COOPER'S HAWK (thanks). When we got back to the original spot, the NORTHERN SHRIKE was perched on top of the bird box with the broken raccoon shield. It stayed long enough for us to study it before dropping into the shrubbery behind. Our next stop was Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. A lone male COMMON MERGANSER on the East Pond was interesting We could only find LESSER SCAUP on the East Pond. Lots of GREATER on both ponds. A V of SNOW GEESE flew over the West Pond and latter we saw some flying around on the East Pond. We missed both Goldeneye species and the Eared Grebe (seen earlier) that had drifted too far out in the bay to ID. While cold, it didn't' seem like a Winter day, what with the shimmering heat waves of light off the water. Good birding. Sy -- 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] Razorbills in Jones Inlet
Jones Beach West End and Point Lookout; 11 January Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, and I (Sy Schiff) started at the bar in front of the marina. High tide; what was left of the bar was covered with BRANT intermixed with HERRING GULLS, 12+ AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. plus a few DUNLIN. We walked down the Fisherman's Road (now closed to cars) to the inlet and continued past the parking lot. Looking across the inlet we saw a GREAT EGRET on shore and an ALCID off the rocks drifting toward the ocean on the falling tide. (Google earth shows the inlet to be 1/2 mile wide at this point). We drove over to the Pt. Lookout side hoping to catch the bird as it drifted out to sea arriving at three different spots along the inlet. Meanwhile two, not one, RAZORBILLS had drifted out toward the center of the inlet and immediately flew off as they arrived at the ocean. The HARLEQUIN DUCKS continue, but we did not see any Eiders today. Sy -- 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] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach West End, 26 January Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started at the Coast Guard Marina at high tide. Among the Brant covering the bar were AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and DUNLIN. Single AMERICAN and SURF SCOTERS plus LONG-TAILED DUCKS were in the water. Driving to West End #2, we passed a flock of TREE SPARROWS on the far turnaround. IPSWICH SPARROWS were in the SE corner of the lot. HORNED LARKS flew over. Lots of COMMON and RED*THROATED LOONS were scattered over the inlet and in the ocean. Walking to the jetty and scanning the ocean as we went (a scope is required), we saw NORTHERN GANNET, some resting on the water, approx. 75 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and 200 COMMON EIDERS. But the best was an INCREDIBLE 100+ RAZORBILLS. If there were Scoters, we would have thought we were at Montauk. -- 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] Croton and Shawangunk Grasslands
Croton RR Station, Croton Pt. Park and Shawangunk Grasslands 1 Feb Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to the Croton RR station looking for eagles. No luck. We then went over to Croton Pt. Park and managed to find a GOLDEN-CROWN KINGLET. Returning to the RR station, we found off in the distance (via scope), a kettle consisting of 2 RED-TAILED HAWKS, 2 TURKEY VULTURES and an imm. BALD EAGLE. Speaking to local people, they informed us that there are virtually no eagles this year, a phenomenon probably due to the warm weather and almost complete lack of ice in the river. However, we were advised that eagles roost at Georges Island (about 10 miles north) coming in toward dusk. We stopped by, but it was too early in the day. Our prime destination was the Shawangunk Grasslands, parking at the Municipal park (the lower gazebo) rather than the Federal Refuge parking lot on the other side. Arriving before dusk, by dark we had been treated to 1 RED-TAILED HAWK, 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 11 SHORT-EARED OWLS and 15 NORTHERN HARRIERS plus 6 White-tailed Deer. Sy -- 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] Back to birding: Jamaica Bay and Floyd Bennett Field
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 7 February Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the West Pond at 7:05 AM to find Debbie Martin focused on the BARROW'S GOLDENEYE. Soon joined by others for great looks, the Goldeneyes took off at 7:18. There had been at least 50 COMMON GOLDENEYES on the pond with a dozen still remaining. Walking back to the car, we found our FOS RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD singing from the top of a tree. Floyd Bennett Field The target Bluebird Box had an adult AMERICAN KESTREL perched on it, but the Northern Shrike was not found. Extensive looks from along the shore (Archery and Fisherman Fields) failed to locate the Eurasian Wigeon among the 100+ AMERICAN WIGEON scattered throughout. While driving about we saw our FOS COMMON GRACKLE. Sy -- 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
March 13 As the clouds began to break up, I went to the Marine Nature Study Area in Oceanside. Lots of Red-winged Blackbirds calling and singing. Other birds of interest:-- Clapper Rail, calling Osprey, a single bird inspecting the nest Peregrine Falcon, continues at its nest box in the marsh Greater Yellowlegs Tree Swallows Boat-tailed Grackle -- 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] Pt. Lookout Harlequins
Jones Inlet from Pt. Lookout side, 18 March. There were 2 male and 2 female Harlequin Ducks seen by the first inlet house, and after they drifted north, looking south from the field just past the second house. Otherwise, my afternoon beach walk produced little else except for some noisy Oystercatchers. Sy Schiff -- 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] MNSA, Oceanside and Baldwin Park
20 March Stopped by MNSA, Oceanside after the fog began to lift. A calling CLAPPER RAIL came out into a ditch and gave us a show. Baldwin Park has several lighted Baseball fields. One light bank by the soccer parking lot has an OSPREY nest on top with resident tenant on it and a second light bank out in left field holds a MONK PARAKEET nest. One bird came out and posed for pictures. Sy Schiff -- 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] Hempstead Lake SP: Chat plus Pine Warblers
Hempstead Lake SP. 30 March Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent a pleasant, but still cool morning finding few migratory birds. However, 2 EASTERN PHOEBE were seen along with ten (10) PINE WARBLERS, in groups of 2, 6 and 2. Most were very bright and singing loudly, a number at the same time. A single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER joined the larger group. The lingering YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT feeding on bittersweet berries by the west side of McDonald Pond offered a scant inadequate sighting before dropping down and disappearing. We waited silently, walked into the path at the SW corner, waited and looked some more. Gradually we detected movement in the dense vegetation, A bird slowly moved about while completely hidden. Frustrating. Then, it flew up into the center of a a small tree 15 ft. away and posed for us.. WOW! The bright yellow under parts were dazzling in the morning sun. Other birds included an OSPREY over McDonald Pond and 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. Sy -- 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] Floyd Bennett Field- Grasspipers--NO
Floyd Bennett Field, 5 Sept Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) birded the puddles and surrounding areas without any success this morning. We did see a male RING-NECKED PHEASANT that popped out along the runway edge, wandered back and out again several times. We stopped by the Community Gardens, many butterfly bushes and loads of butterflies, There we found 5 species of warblers including MOURNING WARBLER and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH. Sy -- 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] Alley Pond and Kesenna Parks
Alley Pond Park and Kissena Park 11 Sep. Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) started at Alley and quickly found a TENNESSEE WARBLER. From that point it was downhill all the way. Birding was slow until we found a PHILADELPHIA VIREO in the trees across from the ball field. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO flew over and disappeared into the trees. On the way back to the car we found an additional pair of PHILADELPHIA VIREOS. Having found our 3 target birds (previously reported yesterday) and little else we moved over to Kissena Community Gardens, lush with flowers and vegetables, but lacking in birdlife. The Corridor was next where we ran into a mixed flock of warblers of 4 species including another TENNESSEE and a NASHVILLE. They moved through and were gone from sight, A slow morning with good results. Sy -- 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] Pike's Beach Cupsogue Co. Park
Pike's Beach and Cupsogue County Park 13 September Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) parked in the bay side parking lot of Pike's Beach and walked out to the bay. Directly across on the bar were 12 ROYAL TERNS and a CASPIAN TERN among the gulls. The Caspian flew off to the west as we looked. It was not subsequently relocated. At Cupsogue, we parked by the road to the trailer campgrounds and walked the sand road to the path leading to the bay. This is longer, but a lot easier than wading through the march. Directly across on the front of the bar were 3 MARBLED GODWIT among the gulls, shorebirds and cormorants. We then moved a way to our right (east) along the edge to a spot that appeared appropriate. There in a small area of the marsh, we called up 2 SEASIDE SPARROWS and 2 SALTMARSH SPARROWS. Except for the sparrows which came fairly close, the other birds required a fairly high powered scope even though they are pretty large birds. Sy -- 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] Kissena Park
Kissena Park 25 September Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) birder the Community Garden, Corridor Park and then the Velodrome section. Visiting the latter area was a first for us and we stopped to watch the bicycle riders on the track and admire the the model helicopters being flown on a nearby field.. The birds today were all tucked in and viewing was difficult in spite of the lack of wind. A Kestrel was on the top of a bare tree in the middle of the garden, flying off and returning to its perch. Birds were virtually absent except for Corridor Park. There we saw 6 species of warblers, Magnolia, Palm, Blackpoll, Ovenbird, Yellowthroat and a Northern Waterthrush. Other birds included Yellow-breasted Sapsucker, Cedar Waxwings, Swainson's Thrush, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting. But best of all were two bronze colored BLUE GROSBEAKS. Sy -- 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] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Joe Giunta's Brooklyn Botanical Garden birding class visited the West Pond , the South Garden and Big Johns Pond and trail. Birding was medium; vegetation is still dense and the birds slow to find. They did move slow enough for all to catch sight of and study. All in all, a diverse group of species, starting with 9 species of duck including. BLUE-WINGED TEAL and 2 early GREATER SCAUP. Herons inc. LITTLE BLUE HERON, GREAT BLUE HERON, BLACK-BACKED NIGHT-HERON, and both EGRETS. Several GLOSSY IBIS flu over. (No chance to ID a white-face}. Raptors inc. NORTHERN HARRIER, OSPREY, MERLIN and the cruising PEREGRINE. We saw an early BROWN CREEPER in the South Garden and overall, 7 species of WARBLER. Sparrows inc. FIELD, SONG, SAVANNAH, SWAMP, WHITE-THROATED and WHITE-CROWNED. Also, PIED-BILLED GREBE, CEDAR WAXWINGS, INDIGO BUNTING and BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE. NO Pelican and only GREATER YELLOWLEGS from the Big Johns Pond path overlook of the East Pond. Total species-58; a good day. --Sy Schiff for the group. -- 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] Riis Park and Ft. Tilden
Joe Giunta's Brooklyn Botanical Garden birding class visited Riis Park and Ft. Tilden on a bright sunny (started out cold) day. The hedge rows around the Riis Park parking lot were full of moving birds as we arrived. Mostly Yellow-rumped Warblers, but included other species as we birded. The vegetation is still lush and many birds managed to hide. The grass along the edges was also high, partially obscuring the sparrows. Still a good day. Waterfowl were flyovers--Brant, Canada Goose and Cormorants. Just a few hawks--Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's and Merlin. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was among the numerous Northern Flickers; lots of Eastern Phoebe; Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets; Cedar Waxwings. Also, Gray Catbird; Brown Creeper; a Marsh Wren, away from the marsh; Hermit Thrush; a solitary ( I couldn't avoid this) Blue-headed Vireo; 6 warbler species-- Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped, Palm Warblers, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat; Eastern Towhee and 8 Sparrows including our first FOX SPARROW. --Sy Schiff for the group. -- 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] Jones Beach Oct 16
Jones Beach West End, Yesterday 16 Oct The wind was very strong, NW and kept the small birds down. The hedgerow at the Coast Guard Station did have 9 species of sparrows inc. CLAY-COLORED and LINCOLN'S. Moving migrants consisted of early PINE SISKINS, GOLDFINCH and hundreds of TREE SWALLOWS. YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS and RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continue. This was the first of the big hawk flights at the beach that I've seen this Fall. At 11:00 , as seen looking east into the median from the turnaround, the early MERLIN movement accelerated with the addition of SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and then approaching noon, a significant number of AMERICAN KESTREL. For the hour I was there, hawks were moving through continuously. It will be interesting to see what the FI hawkwatch reports. A COOPER'S HAWK and NORTHERN HARRIER.were hunting in the area and did not seem to have joined the flight. Sy Schiff -- 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] Jones Beach Vesper Sparrows-Yes
Jones Beach West End 25 Oct Joe Giunta, Sam Jam Jannazzo, Pat Jones and I (Sy Schiff) birded the west side snow fence along the West End #2 parking lot, then along the south side fence entering the swale area in front of the concession stand. We then moved left (East) across the field toward the east side snow fence. At the base of the fence, on the swale side, were THREE VESPER SPARROWS feeding together. Two flew off and one moved up onto the fence and stayed while we looked at it. Birds are skittish and a scope is necessary. For the record: the first Northern Saw-whet Owl was found 23 Oct at Jones, and not relocated since. Sy -- 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] Hempsted Lake SP
Hempstead Lake SP 10 Nov. Out early to try for gas. At 7:30 AM the line appeared to be 2 hrs. So, went over to Hempstead as the web site said field 3 was open. There are trees down everywhere and large branches snapped off and littering the ground. Much of the area is roped off. The aftermath looks more like a tornado than a hurricane with trees down in all directions rather in one line. It's a mess. Birding was slow. Dozens of Robins are everywhere. Of interest, AMERICAN WIGEON, 6 on South Pond; YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER; HAIRY and DOWNY WOODPECKER; RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER; GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, 2: HERMIT THRUSH, several; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER; FOX SPARROW, 2; a single imm or female PURPLE FINCH feeding with White-throated Sparrows Sy Schiff. -- 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] Jones Beach report (Sandy results)
Jones Beach West End 16 Nov Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) stopped by the Coast Guard Station parking lot, now open for visitors. No bathrooms open. A Sandy high water line in the concession stand shows the level about two feet. So there was a pretty strong wash over. The main glass door facing the bay is smashed. Lots of debris. The board walk is ripped loose from the concession stand to the Coast Guard property, most boards and sections tossed and piled in front of the hedge row. The gazebo appears untouched with the usual picnic tables underneath. I suspect the staff had cleaned up a bit. The landscape is changed. The close bar and far bar through which you can access the island at low tide are gone.The island is very much smaller. We were there at high tide, so it remains to be seen how much sand, if any, will be exposed at low tide. The drifting of sand in the area has become a problem. No dredging is now required, but the sand may come back eventually. The medium is OK, but sections of bayberry shrubs have brown leaves while others are still green. Looks like salt water came in. The pines weathered the storm, but obviously are still not healthy. BIRDS. On the island edge were about 200 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS with DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS mixed in.. In the inlet, there were 3 RED-THROATED and 6 COMMON LOONS; 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS flew by. The best bird was a very late immature COMMON TERN resting on a piling and then flying around.. The median had many RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and a few other species. Some winter finches flew over (unidentified). Raptors included a COOPER'S HAWK, 2 SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS and a NORTHERN HARRIER. As to be expected the swale is a lake. No birds noticed, but a fair number of fishermen and a group of surfers going out to the ocean . Sy -- 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] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End: 3 December The beach fauna appears to be in a winter pattern. Except for a single flock of winter finches moving through, things appear to be settling down. Shorebirds on the bar (it's silting in again) consist of about 20 Oystercatchers, 250 Dunlin, 150 Black-bellied Plover and 4 Red Knot. Close in to the marina were several Common Loons, a Red-throated Loon, half dozen Red-breasted Mergansers and 4 Long-tailed Ducks. The usual land birds were mostly absent, Sparrows particularly. In the medium, there is the continuing 4 Black-capped Chickadees, lots of Red-breasted Nuthatches, a few Yellow-rumped Warblers and a wandering flock of mixed Crossbills feeding on pine cones. These were mostly RED CROSSBILLS with a few WHITE-WINGED mixed in; the flock appears to be hanging out. Yesterday, Pipits and Snow Buntings were reported, but not seen by me today. I didn't go down onto the beach, Sy Schiff -- 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] Jones Beach and Pt Lookout
Jones Beach West End; Pt. Lookout. 5 December Joe Giunta's 200 Challenge Club looked for early winter birds along the South Shore of LI.Starting at Jones Beach, we looked into the inlet and birded the exposed bar at the marina. The number of shorebirds increased as high tide approached, so we returned before leaving. At that point, there were some 4-500 birds consisting mainly of Dunlin and Black-bellied Plover American Oystercatchers continue along with a few Red Knot. A flock of Sanderling joined. There were Common and Red-throated Loons, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Mergansers, a Black Scoter and a single BONAPARTE'S GULL in the water. A GREAT CORMORANT was perched on a marker sign in the water behind the Coast Guard Station. In the medium, we encountered a group of BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES with RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. A group of predominantly red plumaged, male RED CROSSBILLS perched in the top of a bare deciduous tree. SNOW BUNTINGS were on West End #2 parking lot and HORNED LARKS flew over as we made our way to the ocean where we picked up a peregrine falcon and a number of distant adult NORTHERN GANNETS. At Pt. Lookout, the town parking lot is open, but large sand piles impede access to the beach. There we saw COMMON EIDER, SURF SCOTER, LONG-TAILED DUCK and HORNED GREBE. No harlequin today. Sy Schiff for the group -- 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] Lido Beach Passive Nature Area
Lido Beach Passive Nature Area 19 Dec. This bay side salt marsh to the west of the Pt. Lookout marinas now shows little damage from the effects of Sandy except for 4 medium sized downed trees at the beginning of the trail leading to the bay. These trees were a favorite perch for Boat-tailed Grackles in spring and summer. Where the marsh previously was an almost solid expanse of marsh grass, there is now a significant increase in the number of pools of water scoured out by the hurricane. This looks positive for shore birding this coming spring. One of the 2 Bay houses on the west side of Meadow Island, directly across the bay from the preserve, is gone, the other has damage. Several houses on Cinder Island, the island to the west of Meadow, also appear to be gone, but without a scope, I couldn't assess the damage Because of the high winds, there was little in the way of birds except for a friendly Black-capped Chickadee. Out in the marsh were Mallards, Black Ducks and a single SNOW GOOSE. A wind buffeted COOPER'S HAWK flew over. Following the sign to the Rest Rooms from the parking lot, you go by the maintenance yard which has a significant pile of clam shells. The pile was covered with gulls this morning, but nothing beyond Herring Gulls and a single Great Black-backed Gull. Worth a look. . -- 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] Massapequa Preserve
Massapequa Preserve 23 Dec The two male Eurasian Wigeon were with a small group of American Wigeon on the upper pond. The lower pond (at Pittsburgh Ave.) had a number of Gadwall and 2 Ruddy Ducks. The stream between the ponds had group of Mallards and Wigeon feeding in the stream. Included was the male hybrid wigeon. This bird has the buff colored forehead, gray body and a red face except for the American Wigeon's green eye patch. A good blend of features of both species, but, to my eye, not as pretty as either one. Sy Schiff -- 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] Post New Year Birding
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) started the new year (2 Jan) with a comprehensive birding day on Long Island. We started in Hempstead Harbor before dark and saw the TUFTED DUCK after the sun arrived. From there we went to Caumsett SP to look for Pipit without success, but did see a single SNOW GOOSE in the Canada Goose Flock. A RED-TAILED HAWK flew by. Moving to the South Shore and Hecksher SP, we struck out on the Longspur but did see RED CROSSBILLS, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and a single COMMON REDPOLL near closed field #7. Also, a small flock of TREE SPARROWS was feeding by the side of the road nearby. Heading west via Robert Moses causeway and Ocean Parkway, we arrived at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station and found LONG-TAILED DUCK, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, RED-THROATED and COMMON LOON and a HORNED GREBE in the water. Driving to West End #2 lot, we put up an adult RED-SHOULDER HAWK. Buteos on the barrier beaches are uncommon and this species is unprecedented. Between Captree and the west end, we observed 5 NORTHERN HARRIERS, a good number. At the Nature Center we saw SNOW BUNTINGS flying off to the west and a single HORNED LARK on the lawn. Six AMERICAN PIPIT were on the grass divider in front of closed field #1. After lunch at Pt. Lookout (in the car because of the cold), we went over to the west jetty and found LONG-TAILED DUCK, BLACK and SURF SCOTER, 17 COMMON EIDER plus BRANT in the water and 2 GREAT CORMORANT, 2 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, DUNLIN and SANDERLING on the rocks. A most satisfactory birding day in the cold and wind. SY -- 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] Target Birds---Barnacle Goose at St, Charles Cemetery
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for target birds this morning (Jan 4), first stopping at the upper pond at Massapequa Preserve. Unexpectantly as we entered the preserve 2 RAVEN flew over calling. A nice surprise.The 2 EURASIAN WIGEON were above the pond and below the dam in the creek. At that point the creek runs along the far side of the path and becomes obscured by the Phragmites. The wigeon came out of the creek and then disappeared back downstream.. We then went to St. Charles Cemetery where we met Pat Jones. There was a single SNOW GOOSE among the Canadas, A large flock of HORNED LARKS were on the grounds, (no longspurs noted). Splitting up, Joe and I went to Massapequa and located the REDHEAD that Pat had reported previously. While there, Pat called about our target birds at Colonial Springs Golf Course. We stopped to pick him up and headed there. The geese were gone, so we returned to St. Charles. The farthest geese flock now numbered about 300 birds. The BARNACLE GOOSE was hiding in the midst of the birds and virtually impossible to see, With patience we managed decent scope views. No White-fronted Goose. A PEREGRINE FALCON flew by while we searched, Very cold and windy, but a successful birding day. Sy -- 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] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout
Jones Beach West End Pt. Lookout 9 Jan Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) joined by Richard Porricelli went looking for Harlequin Ducks without success. Along the way, we picked up a few interesting winter birds. Meeting at the Coast Guard Station we observed the lone LAPLAND LONGSPUR feeding along the boardwalk edge of the field to the east of the parking lot. AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS were barely visible on the bar on the other side of the inlet (it was low tide). A single gull graced the West End #2 lot--no Iceland gull. Without wind, the walk to the jetty was pleasant, without either incident or birds. When we arrived the area was barren, so we scanned the inlet and found a few BONAPARTE'S GULLS close in and a RAZORBILL on the other side of the inlet. Turning our attention back to the end of the jetty, a COMMON LOON, 2 RAZORBILLS, LONG-TAILED DUCKS and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS appeared before moving back into the inlet. A NORTHERN FLICKER was feeding on the lawn as we left the lot and a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD was in the starling flock. At Pt. Lookout, the 2 dozen COMMON EIDER continue along with both loons, long-tailed ducks and mergansers. Mixed in with the eider was a single WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Both Sam and I observed a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK perched on a light pole south of Merrick road on the Meadowbrook Pkwy on the way to the meeting place. Sy -- 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/ --
