[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside.
Hi all. I walked the trails on Tuesday afternoon and looked over the place for the first time since Sandy. The staff and Town workers have cleaned the area so that it's almost as before, although it is a bit disconcerting to see seaweed at eye level in the shrubs along the trails. Storm surge was 8 to 10 feet above high tide. A number of trees have come down in the upland areas (now cleared). It remains to be seen how much damage 3-5 feet of salt water will do to the vegetation. The marshes appear fine. The trails lost a few inched of top soil but walking is good. The cinder block office and rest rooms are also open. As to birds, lots of activity at the feeders, but not much on the trails. Marsh Sparrows were not visible before the storm and certainly are not now. Last week, a Cooper's Hawk was flushed off a Clapper Rail kill. No sign of any rails since. Several hundred Greater Scaup are rafting in the channel. When work begins on the repairing or replacing the exhibit building behind the office, the facility will again be closed. In the meantime, enjoy. 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
Jones Beach West End 15 Feb Pleasant morning at the beach ushering in the coming Spring. Few birds, but lots of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Mixed in with one group were 3-4 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, all feeding together in a small pine near the turnaround. An adult male gray ghost NORTHERN HARRIER was hunting in the median. Two pair of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were working on pine cones oblivious to several of us as we walked up to them. We heard them before we saw them directly in from of us. In the shade, the females blended in appearing almost invisible while the males' red bodies were striking as the sun hit them. After poising for photos, the 4 took off flying east. A flock of SNOW BUNTINGS and a pair of HORNED LARKS were in front of the west end #2 parking lot and 2 KILLDEER were on the lawn surrounding the flag pole at the Nature Center. Early migrants were an AMERICAN ROBIN and a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 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 Common Teal
Hempstead Lake SP 21 Feb Cold partly sunny morning. A COMMON TEAL (North American subspecies, European full species) was with 20 GREEN-WINGED TEAL on the pond by parking lot #3. Other birds of interest; PIED-BILLED GREBE, BELTED KINGFISHER, 3 WINTER WREN,. BROWN CREEPER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET AND 2 FOX 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside, NY
Marine Nature Study Area 13 Mar The first OSPREY of the season circled over the nest platform this morning before drifting over to the east. Both REDWINGS and COMMON GRACKLES frequented the feeders; Northern Cardinals and Song Sparrows were singing. All--in-all it's a start for spring. The LONG-EARED OWL found yesterday, in the rain, continued, deeply hidden and very skittish. 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] Jamaica Bay WR
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 21 March Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to see the damage from Sandy. The path to Big Johns Pond is clear of debris, but most of the beautiful white birch trees are down and cut into logs. There were 3 male WOOD DUCKS on the pond. On the East Pond, the water level is very high and the entire shore line is beat down. Ducks are almost all RUDDY DUCKS. Over on the West Pond, the OSPREY has returned and was perched on the nest platform. Again there were more RUDDY DUCKS, but little else. Near the shore a group of NORTHERN PINTAIL were feeding. A GREAT EGRET was across the way on the far shore. The tide was low and there are extensive mud flats close to shore near what was bench 3, and extensive sand flats on the bay side. The cut into the pond is not excessively wide but appears to be quite deep. Not going to be an easy fix. Lots of speculation of what to do, but no definitive plan at present. Both ponds are salt water now and it remains to be seen as to what effect this will have on the wildlife and 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] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 6 April
At Jones Beach, the LAPLAND LONGSPUR continues near the gazebo with HORNED LARKS; all coming into breeding plumage. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS also continue. At Pl. Lookout, sixteen (16) PIPING PLOVER were on the beach to the west of the west jetty mixed in with SANDERLING, a few DUNLIN and Several AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. Buried in the rocks of the jetty were 2 PURPLE SANDPIPERS. Three HARLEQUIN DUCKS flew off to the west toward Long 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/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 6 April
A Longspur has been seen at this spot most of the winter. I have not heard of two there, nor have I ever personally seen more than one this winter,. However, the bird I saw today was about half way between the nonbreeding and breeding pictures as shown in Sibley. Steve's bird was in full plumage. We have either added a new migrant or the two birds don't like each other. Sy - Original Message - From: Steve Walter To: 'NYSBIRDS_L' Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2013 7:54 PM Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 6 April It turns out that there are two LAPLAND LONGSPURS, one in more advanced plumage than the one I think Sy referred to. At the risk of starting a stampede, I'm obligated to show a picture of it (http://www.stevewalternature.com/ , on the recent work page). I would think a lot of people have not seen a longspur looking like this. There are also some nice looking Horned Grebes to look at if the longspurs aren't around. Steve Walter Bayside, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead--Yellow-throated Warbler-NO
Hempstead Lake SP 9 April Palm, Pine, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Sapsucker, Flicker, Kinglets and Rusty Blackbirds FOS Chipping Sparrow, but no Yellow-throated. 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] Ruff displaying
Timber point east marina 19 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the 2 Ruffs together this morning (thanks Andrew for getting the word out after being alerted). The obvious male is molting into breeding plumage. Today there is much more black than in photos posted earlier. In addition, the bird is developing a ruff. This was quite evident when approached by the second bird. At that point, it put on a full display posture, bending down, fluffing up its feathers and showing ear flaps The barring was exceptionally noticeable and some reddish feathering was displayed in the back as the feathers went up. The breast ruff is not yet fully developed. None of this showed when the bird was feeding. The second bird does not appear to be a juvenile. It displays barred tertials, I believe a sign of maturity. . Could not find it much smaller than the male. Best judgment is a female, not yet in full breeding plumage I could not find any reference in the literature I have that the breeding display is is an aggression posture. So, both Joe and I find this extremely interesting as to how it reacted to an approaching female. I have lots of very poor distant photos, but lucked out on one picture of the display. 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] Hempstead Lake SP-Yellow-throated Warbleer
Hempstead Lake SP 20 April. The Yellow-throated Warbler continues, now singing loudly. Also, Pine, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white and FOS Yellow Warbler. A nice start for the migration season. 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 Yellow-throated Warbler--Yes
Hempstead Lake SP 26 April The Yellow-throated Warbler was relocated this morning by McDonald Pond, singing loudly and reasonably tame. Not a great many birds this morning, but a fair mixture:-- Blue-headed and Warbling Vireos; Northern Parula, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated, Pine, Prairie, Palm, Black-and-white Warblers and Northern Waterthrush. 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
Jones Beach April 28 The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues in the same place as yesterday. The two GULL-BILLED TERNS continue on the bar in front of the west end marina. 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] South Shore, Nassau Co.
Hempstead Lake SP 14 May After virtually no migrants, last Thursday brought the first relief. Friday was also productive and since then, things have gradually tapered off. However, each successive day did bring in a few new species. The warbler assortment has been so-so with nothing unusual. What is most noticeable is a lack of singing, so birding is difficult as the trees are mature, very tall and beginning to leaf out. We did have our first SOLITARY SANDPIPER this morning. Marine Nature Study Area 14 May Today we had a mix of shore birds consisting of SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, DUNLIN, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER and our breeding WILLETS. Unfortunately, we did not see a Clapper Rail, but the marsh birds were present, namely: SEASIDE SPARROW, SALTMARSH SPARROW and MARSH WREN. An almost all white LITTLE BLUE HERON was present (look the Snowy Egrets over carefully). FORSTER'S TERNS are seen both flying over and resting on the marsh puddle to the west of the pond. No Common Terns. They rarely come here, but stay on the marsh islands or further south on the barrier beaches, both areas where they breed . 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 SP Nickerson Beach
An orange, olive, yellow and some red SUMMER TANAGER showed up in Hempstead Lake SP this morning. A rather odd bizarre looking bird. I've never seen one in this transitional plumage before. Otherwise, the migration here is still slow. At Nickerson Beach, PIPING PLOVER and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER nests are circled by cages and roped off areas, No Skimmers yet. However, about 300+ COMMON TERNS are getting ready to set up housekeeping. No nesting yet since there were no dive bombing birds, a hazard a bit later in the season. 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 weekenf Boy Scout Jamboree
Hempstead Lake State Park 17 May PLEASE BE ADVISED, the Boy Scouts are taking over the park starting this afternoon through Sunday. Field #3 will be closed. With the noise, activities and limited access, birding there this weekend will be nil . Today was less successful than yesterday, but produced the FOS EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE. Other birds included WOOD DUCK, YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING, BLUE-HEADED AND RED-EYED VIREOS , GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, CEDAR WAXWING, a mix of warblers including a WILSON'S, LINCOLN SPARROW and BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Yesterday's Red-headed Woodpecker not found. 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
MNSA, Oceanside 23 May Arrived mid-morning. Three widely separated CLAPPER RAILS were calling, with one coming up for a photo op. Other shorebirds included SEMIPALMATED AND BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and WILLET, Most of the shorebirds were in breeding plumage and feeding in the marsh as opposed to the pool edges. Sandy's storm surge has flattened the vegetation, new now coming up, allowing us to see the birds that probably, in prior years, were hidden in the foliage. Earlier in the morning SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROWS were singing in the marsh. No MARSH WREN today. 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] Sea watch Robert Moses SP
Robert Moses SP. 28 May Joined by Bob Anderson; we spent about 2 hours sea watching at Field #2. The only dark sea birds (not counting scoters and cormorants that we saw) were some single small-dark-short-winged Storm-Petrel type birds whose flight patterns more closely matched Wilson's rather than anything else. At that distance, I'd hesitate to try and make anything else out of them. On a more positive note, all the beaches from Jones to Captree are open, repaired and charging for the season. Some repair work continues. Aesthetics, not so good, but the landscaping should eventually obscure the ugly fencing. Beautiful morning. Saw one mosquitoes at the west end; brought to my attention by it biting me. 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] Doodletown, Iona Island Mine Road
Doodletown, Iona Island, Mine Road: 1 June Assembling at the foot of Doodletown Rd, 11 Long Island birders, arriving within 5 minutes of the 7:30 AM time, enjoyed good birding and companionship as we explored this upstate (for us) area for breeding birds. Raptors included BLACK and TURKEY VULTURES, RED-SHOULDER and RED-TAIL HAWKS and a BALD EAGLE. As to the smaller birds,YELLOW-THROATED, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREOS were heard as we exited the car, a nice start for the day. We saw YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHERS,.SCARLET TANAGER and INDIGO BUNTINGS. Warblers were our prime target birds and included, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH, BLUE-WINGED, CERULEAN, HOODED,YELLOW and AMERICAN REDSTART. We stopped at Iona Island for lunch and found a CLIFF SWALLOW resting on a power line wire. At Mine Road, we found our target birds of GOLDEN-WINGED, BLUE-WINGED and more CERULEAN WARBLERS. The Golden-winged was heard but not seen after extensive looking. At the end of Mine Road, a CLIFF SWALLOW was gathering mud from a puddle at a house by the lake. 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] Doodletpwn Wildlfe
As an addendum to my earlier post on birds at Doodletown, I'd like to share other things seen. We saw 2 BLACK SNAKES, 1 GARTER SNAKE and a very large (4.5 to 5-ft) TIMBER RATTLESNAKE. The snake photos--not the snake--were carefully examined and eleven (11) rattles were counted. This was some big, really old snake that fortunately was quite docile and slowly moved off the trail into the leaves. Needless to say, we didn't follow. 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
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside June 2 This continues to be a prime location for breeding marsh birds. Today's list included all the target birds. Willet Clapper Rail Marsh Wren, heard not seen Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow In addition, visiting the marsh were both Egrets, Both Night-Herons and a fly-by LOUISIANA HERON. 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
Jones Beach West End 8 June I met Bob Anderson at the Coast Guard Station. The storm brought nothing to the site. We then walked out to the inlet. Ditto. There was an immature RING-NECKED PHEASANT on the lawn of the entrance road to the station. Presumably, we have a breeding pair on the west end. The swale, now a big lake, had about 40 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and 1 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER feeding on the east edge. . A female GADWALL flew out of the lake as we approached.The upper area is roped off and appears to have a Least Tern colony, as there were many resting on the sand. Down on the beach, there were 5-6 second? year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Nothing was visible over the ocean. Returning to the marina, we found 50 shorebirds on the bar, half and half SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER and RED KNOT. Other shorebirds seen today included PIPING PLOVER, KILLDEER, 1 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER and WILLET. 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
Nickerson Beach 15 June Arrived at 7:20 this morning. A half dozen photographers had proceeded me. Other than AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS with young and hundreds of COMMON TERNS, they had almost nothing else to take pictures of. A pair of GULL-BILLED TERNS was flying over the tern/skimmer colony and a pair of ROSEATE TERNS was sighted before I came. A lone SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER was feeding along the shore edge plus about 20 SANDERLING. A molting FORSTER'S TERN was momentarily among the resting terns, picked up by Brendan Fogarty as it landed just as he stopped to chat. LEAST TERNS are beginning to nest farther to the west. Both the Piping Plover and Tern/Skimmer colony was being monitored and counted today. There are still approx. 125 BLACK SCOTERS in the water off the beach, but the Surf Scoters and the single Common Eider were not present today. NO Arctic or Black Terns reported as of 10:30. 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 ARTIC TERN -YES
Nickerson Beach 19 June The immature ARCTIC TERN was sitting on the beach to the west when I arrived at 7:30 AM and was seen sporadically till 9:30 by a half dozen birders. There was a lot of movement, particularly when an OSPREY flew over.. ID made difficult separating the bird from a number of similar aged Common Terns interspersed with the group of birds. Most dispersed as low tide approached. 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
MNSA, Oceanside, 14 July. Just after low tide; hot and sultry this morning. A beginning of shorebird movement coupled with some visible marsh breeders. Today there was a KILLDEER, LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and WILLET. (also, Short-billed Dowitchers yesterday). There were 2 calling CLAPPER RAILS, 3 SALTMARSH SPARROWS and 1 SEASIDE SPARROW. All the sparrows were scattered, singing and visible on high perches in the marsh. The OSPREYS have fledged but return to the nest platform and are still being fed.. A phalanx of photographers were out capturing images of adults carrying fish.. 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] Nassau Co Beaches
Nassau Co. Beaches 24 July The Nickerson Beach tern/skimmer colony has simmered down now that most of the young have fledged and are flying. Except for one Great Black-backed Gull that was continually dive bombed till the tern gave up. Of course directly in the sun from my position, so no chance of a photo. Count of the east most colony:-4 to 500 Common Terns, 150 Black Skimmers and 100+ American Oystercatchers, but probably many more of each. The scouring of the beach by Sandy offered no grassy cover for nesting to the west and the prior colony there was abandoned this year by both terns and skimmers. Fewer Skimmers this Summer over all, but the terns seemed to have doubled up to the east. I arrived at Jones Beach West End just at a very high tide (2 days after full moon). The water was level with the marina board walk and the sand bar was completely under water. The island (Jones Island on the map) is about half the previous size; most of the channel side having been washed away by Sandy. Crowded on a small piece of sand at the base of the drowned sand bar were 1 Double-crested Cormorant, 1 imm. Forster's Tern, 2 Common Terns, several American Oystercatchers, 3 Ruddy Turnstone, 1 imm. Spotted Sandpiper, 1 Least Sandpiper and a group of 10 Semipalmated Sandpipers that flew in and quickly left with the Least and Spotted. The West End #2 lot had a dozen Semipalmated Plover and a half dozen Semipalmated Sandpipers. The swale is dry and completely vegetated with a mixture of phragmites, sedges and some sandy and grassy areas. No birds visible. 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
July 26, Oceanside Since Sandy, full moon high tides at the Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside have inundated the marshes. Consequently, nests in the marsh have on more than one occasion been washed away. As a result, nesting success has been poor. Today, turned out to be a notable surprise, Joining Mike Farina (staff biologist) for his daily survey, we encountered 3, 2 and 3 OR A TOTAL OF 8 SALTMARSH SPARROWS. No Seaside Sparrows in evidence for a few weeks now. A hasty photo of one cooperative bird showed a silver band on one leg and a black band on the other.This combination indicates the bird was banded in the nest this year by the group surveying breeding marsh sparrows on east coast marshes this summer. (If both bands were on one leg it indicates an adult). If you encounter any SALTMARSH SPARROWS, try to look for bands and report the info to the Oceanside staff. 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] Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 27 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started mid -morning at the north end. Except for a few short spots (6-inches deep mud), the west edge is completely passable. Today's goodies included a RUFF and a breeding plumage AMERICAN AVOCET. The latter found by Ken Feustel, who had us alerted via a string of phone calls. Otherwise, little diversity among the several thousand shorebirds Shorebirds included; Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plover, 3 American Oystercatchers, huge numbers of Semipalmated but only a few Least Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, at least one Long-billed, both Yellowlegs and a scattering of Stilt Sandpiper. All the shorebirds were seen from the north end except the Avocet, from the south end. A white-eyed Vireo sang on the north side of the gravel road as we approached the east Pond's north entrance and was answered by another from the south side. On the other side, the south marsh of the west pond included Glossy Ibis and an adult Little Blue Heron. 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 Coast Guard Station 28 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning overlooking the bar in front of the marina. As the tide increased, small numbers of shorebirds arrived till there were in excess of a hundred. The mix included a dozen Willet, both Semipalmated Plover and Sandpiper, a few Least Sandpiper, Sanderling with some still in bright breeding plumage and Short-billed Dowitchers. We watched Common Terns fishing and then feeding young with their catches. Other terns included Least Tern, a GULL-BILLED TERN hawking insects above the extensive low tide bar and an adult and young ROYAL TERN that dropped in momentarily until spooked by a pair of youngsters who landed on the island by floating raft. Others included the 4 common gull species, fly by Black Skimmer and over flying Osprey and Peregrine Falcon. The 16 Black Scoters continue. 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] South Shore Barrier Beaches
Barrier Beaches July 29 Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the marina bar at Jones Beach West End. Arriving a bit after low tide, we found the bar almost devoid of birds and a brief stay disclosed little change. The Black Scoter flock continues. We decided to see what was doing at Robert Moses SP, trying a sea watch at field #2. We stopped off at Oak Beach overlook on the way. If there was any damage from Sandy, it has been repaired . It is a lovely spot with a half dozen fishermen were taking advantage of the fishing piers. The sea watch turned out to be a bust with only Common Terns and a few gulls passing to the west. Returning west to the Jones marina, the island now had boats and their occupants encamped. Boating parties, 3; birds, 0. We decided to walk down to the ocean from West End #2. Again, a sea watch was futile. Little Terns still occupy the upper swale, but the rest is completely covered with vegetation. Down on the beach, there were a few Piping Plovers . 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
Marine Nature Study Area, August 2 Only about 2 dozen shorebirds, but they comprised 8 common species. So, it made the morning interesting. An imm. LITTLE BLUE HERON was feeding just down the path. Start checking the snowys carefully, easy to overlook a stranger. A SALTMARSH SPARROW was singing from the top of a grass clump near the pond, but no Seaside Sparrows while I was there. The good news was 1 (or possibly 2) MARSH WRENS actively gathering insects from the marsh just off the parking lot to the left of the boardwalk. This week has been the first evidence that nesting for the species was successful. 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] Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 4 August Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the north end on a falling tide. There were several hundred shorebirds, all of which flew off with the arrival of a Peregrine Falcon making a few runs through the group. When we left only a few dozen birds remained. Species numbers few and total numbers disappointing. The highlight was a group of 30-40 STILT SANDPIPERS in the NW corner when we arrived. Later, we saw a roosting BARN OWL No evidence of successful breeding but at least one bird is still around. -- 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-- Baird's yes (then gone)
Jones Beach pools between Nature Center and West End #2. About an hour after Dave left, the Baird's put in a brief appearance and was almost immediately spooked by the resident Peregrine Falcon which was active the entire morning. After this latest pass, the birds returned again, but no Baird's. Most of us missed it. However, it's still around. Note for those who want to visit: The east most viewing spot is approx. mid way between the Nature Center and West End #2. Therefore it's better to start at WE#2 and walk east checking the ponds and flats as you go. Much less of a hassle before you can start birding .Unfortunately, the viewing is into he sun, so the best viewing is looking back and as you return to WE#2. As for walking, there are no defined paths. The best thing is to follow the footprints from the SE corner of the lot which have begun to form a new path through the dunes and through some places in the phragmites. 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 30 Aug. A very late CLAPPER RAIL chick with parent made a brief appearance this morning . They posed for a quick photo before disappearing into the marsh. (Mike Farina, staff biologist, posted the picture on his blog.) Other birds of note were a pair of SALTMARSH SPARROWS, 2 GREEN HERONS and about two dozen SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS among the few shorebirds. 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] Birding Long Island
A full birding day: 4 September After a short walk around Alley Pond Park produced a smattering of birds, but nothing out of the ordinary, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled out to the riverhead sod fields. There at theOsborn/Sound Ave field we found 3 dozen KILLDEER, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and a tight group of 48 GOLDEN PLOVERS. We also saw a soaring TURKEY VULTURE. Since we live on the south shore, we elected to travel home that way. Once decided, it was a small detour to check in at the Pikes Beach bayside lot where we found a single ROYAL TERN on a bar. (Note: It's now past Labor Day and so no more parking fees). A short drive to Cupsogue and we were walking out through the camper lot and around to the bay. Across to the bar were a mix of shorebirds and a dozen ROYAL TERNS. To our right and across to the mud flats were 2 feeding MARBLED GODWITS. A third bird was way to our right feeding in the water on the far side of an island. 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 Wilson's Phalarope--yes
September 12. Slow day for land and shorebirds. The day started with a short visit with the South Shore Audubon at Hempstead Lake SP. Birds included. SOLITARY SANDPIPER, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, singing WARBLING VIREO, yellow green SCARLET TANAGER and 5 warblers, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and NORTHERN PARULA the most interesting. Five of us then went on to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, north end of the East Pond. Disappointing! There were only about 100 shorebirds, 3/4 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, 1/4 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. Also, a few LEAST SANDPIPERS, 2 LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER (a target bird for all) and the WILSON'S PHALAROPE (the reason for the trip). The Phalarope was feeding south of the island along the east edge of the pond, never venturing into the water, We saw and heard a WHITE-EYED VIREO singing as we walked from the parking lot to the pond entrance road. Quiet in the park; very quiet at Jamaica Bay. Still, 2 target birds for the day. Not so bad after all. 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] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 17 Sep Joe Giunta Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) started at the Winchester Blvd Parking Lot (entrance under the parkway). We walked towards the trees along the far side of the ball field where we finding a PHILADELPHIA and RED-EYED VIREO and a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. The few warblers in the trees were doing a great job of hiding. From there we walked to Little Alley Pond (not much doing there either) and then to the cleared area by the 76th Ave Parking Lot on the far side of the park. There, in the trees and waste high weed edges, we had a fall out of birds. In quick succession we saw among others SCARLET TANAGER, EASTERN PHOEBE, EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, 4 species of Woodpeckers, CEDAR WAXWING and TUFTED TITMOUSE. Twelve species of Warblers included Nashville Warbler, Northern Parula, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, Cape May, Black-throated Green, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, Black-and-white Warblers, American Redstart, Ovenbird and Common Yellowthroat. A nice finish for the morning. 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] Oceanside Preserve
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 29 Sept. Please note. Today is the last Sunday the facility is open till Spring. What was noteworthy this morning were adult and immature LITTLE BLUE and a TRICOLORED Heron. Some sparrows around the pond included a Swamp, the usual Song and a number of Savannah Sparrows. There were also several COMMON YELLOWTHROATS. Beautiful 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 2 October Did the Government also shut down Fall? Beautiful August type day and finally, what appears to be the start of a migration. For a change, a decent mix of shorebirds and sparrows. Starting with the shorebirds:-BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, PECTORAL, STILT AND LEAST SANDPIPERS,.GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. Land birds:- EASTERN PHOEBE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, the only warbler, but about 20 of them; WHITE-CROWNED, WHITE-THROATED, SONG, SWAMP and SAVANNAH 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] MNSA, Oceanside Preserve.
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 15 Oct A loud screeching Ca, Ca, Ca Ca caught my attention. As I turned toward the sound, a CLAPPER RAIL had burst out of the marsh, flew about 10 yards, calling all the time, and dove back in. This was followed by some GREATER YELLOWLEGS calling and flying by in the distance. Earlier, other Yellowlegs had been scattered about with only a pair of BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER as added shorebirds. An OSPREY is still hanging around and the BELTED KINGFISHER continues. A PALM WARBLER was on the path. Sparrows around the pond included:-SAVANNAH, SONG and SWAMP. A SALTMARSH SPARROW flew out from beneath the boardwalk and landed further into the marsh. The Seaside Goldenrod on site is just past its peak, but Fall color is not there yet. Otherwise a beautiful 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] Jones Beach
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station 23 Oct A cold and raw morning. Yesterday 24 ROYAL TERNS were reported on the bar. Today the same number were resting on pilings on the other side of the inlet. A large number so late in the season. 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] Vesper Sparrows at Jones Beach
Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 30 Oct Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) joined by Stan birded the marina bar, hedgerow and median Our first LONG-TAILED DUCKS were in the cove to the east of the marina (seen yesterday by others). The hedgerow had a scattered mix of White-throated, White-crowned, Swamp and Song Sparrows. The median was mostly bare except for Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yesterday, we saw our first fall Red-breasted Nuthatch. None today. There were 2 Killdeer in the swale. Leaving the parking lot by the far turnaround entrance, we saw more sparrows on the road sides plus a Field Sparrow on a shrub to our right. Also, a Hermit Thrush. At the extensive sandy area in the lawn there were 2 VESPER SPARROWS. Yesterday they fed together. Today they stayed apart. Joe and I went over to Pt. Lookout. We did not visit the inlet, but birded the ocean from the Town Park. Nothing there. On the shore were Black-bellied Plover, American Oystercatcher, Sanderling, Dunlin and 2 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER. At the rock pile we saw 2 Gray Catbirds, more Golden-crowned Kinglets, the usual sparrows and 4 Chipping Sparrows. 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 (shrike-Yes) and Pt. Lookout
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the NORTHERN SHRIKE to the north-west of the Jones Beach West End parking lot. While scoping for the shrike we saw a large flock of SNOW BUNTINGS flying along the beach. To the west a NORTHERN HARRIER was hunting and the sky contained a half dozen TREE SWALLOWS At Pt. Lookout, the west most jetty was surrounded by COMMON EIDER. A RUDDY TURNSTONE and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER were at the end. About 600 DUNLIN flew east as we looked. But, best of all was a late PIPING PLOVER intermixed with SANDERLING on the beach. -- 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] British birding
A small comment on birding in Britain, Back in the 60's, a defense contractor I worked for built a zero noise microwave amplifier, cooled by liquid helium. It was delivered to the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope in England by the Department Head of the group who developed it. This was cutting edge big, big-time science at the time. As a reward and celebration after its successful use, some of the staff twitchers took this non birder with them into the mountains to see the reported CHOUGH. Returning to London on his way home, a gregarious cabby asked him what he had been doing in England. He mentioned he had been up to see a CHOUGH. The cabby commented Oh, yes, very rare bird. The casual way it was said floored him. As he scene was described to me, he said, Everybody in England is a bird watcher. 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
16 Dec. Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) spent this morning at Jones Beach . Across the inlet, there were 20 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS; on this side DUNLIN and SANDERLING; in the water, both LOONS, BUFFLEHEAD, LONG-TAILED DUCK and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. BONAPARTE'S GULLS were feeding in the boat basin and close in along the marina board walk. Small birds were mostly lacking in the median. Moving over to the beach, we scoped 2 SNOWY OWLS, one east and one west of where we came onto the beach. A GREAT BLUE HERON flew east hugging the shoreline. That was a surprise. Returning via the swale, we encountered a flock of HORNED LARKS with a single LAPLAND LONGSPUR. A large flock (125+) of SNOW BUNTINGS swirled over the parking lot as we were leaving, briefly landing. In spite of the freezing temperature and brisk wind, this was Winter birding at its best. 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] Pt. Lookout
Pt. Lookout 18 Dec. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) drove into the town park and spooked a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS that flew over towards the beach. A GREAT BLUE HERON flew by as we got out of the car. There were SANDERLING, RUDDY TURNSTONES and a single RED KNOT on the rocks in the water at the base of the jetty. On top were about 50+ DUNLIN (the KNOT flew up and joined them) plus 9 PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the side. Later, returning from the inlet , a swirl of 1000+ shorebirds, almost all Dunlin, flew around the west most jetty and then across to the Jones Beach side, apparently taking the Purple Sandpipers with them. A DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was on the beach and a GREAT CORMORANT was on the jetty. Of interest, all of a sudden, HORNED GREBES were everywhere, both off the west most jetty and in the inlet, a minimum of 50-60. Also, on the water, were an adult male and female COMMON EIDER, RED-THROATED and COMMON LOONS, LONG-TAILED DUCKS, and NORTHERN GANNET over the ocean. On the far side of the inlet, a stream of BONAPARTE'S GULLS flew by heading out to sea. Cold, some ice on the paths and bright sunshine. Good to be out in the winter, 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 at the beach
Jones Inlet 21 Dec Birding on both sides of the inlet was and has been slow lately. However, key target birds are in the area and make up for this. This morning on the Pt. Lookout side, there were PURPLE SANDPIPERS, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, and 2 RED KNOT on the west most jetty. RED-NECKED GREBES and HARLEQUIN DUCKS were in the inlet close to the jetty. On the Jones Beach side, the West End parking lot and adjacent swale had a flock of HORNED LARKS with 1 and perhaps more LAPLAND LONGSPUR (the flock alternated between the swale and the parking lot), SNOW BUNTINGS were in the air between the parking lot and the dune line. A SNOWY OWL was atop a dune at the beach line and directly in front of the west section of the Nature Center parking lot. It's a big bird and easily seen in spite of the distance. Binoculars are good and a scope is better. One does not have to chase the bird to get a look. 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/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Info Request on Nassau County Black Guillemots and GPS Directions
There was a Black Guillemot reported flying east on the ocean at Jones Beach on Jan 4, 2006 early in the morning. Later that morning, I saw one (or the same bird) flying west from the same spot. I believe the report appeared in the Kingbird. Sy Schiff - Original Message - From: Corey Finger To: nysbirds-l@cornell.edu Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2013 12:03 PM Subject: [nysbirds-l] Info Request on Nassau County Black Guillemots and GPS Directions All, I looked through eBird records and in Bull's Birds and can find no reference to previous records of Black Guillemot in Nassau County. Bull mentions that in the last twenty years all records were from Suffolk County but does not specifically say that there are no records in Nassau County. He also mentions the record from Rye in Westchester and the one on Lake Champlain. Ebird has one record from Breezy Point and everything else is in Suffolk County. So, does anyone know of previous Nassau County Black Guillemots? It seems unlikely to me that one has never been in Nassau County before. Finally, for those who are going to chase this bird, the way I managed to get there is to use the intersection of The Boulevard and Cliff Way in the town of Sea Cliff as my destination with my GPS. Good Birding, Corey Finger http://1birds.com -- 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] Pre CBC check of Hempstead Lake SP
Hempstead Lake State Park' 24 Dec Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) did a pre CBC scouting trip this morning. After parking at field #3, we walked up to the traverse road and scanned the big pond. At the extreme north end we found our first target bird, an adult BALD EAGLE. In the pond were a dozen COMMON MERGANSERS. We proceeded to Smith Pond which exhibited the usual duck species. It included RING-NECKED DUCKS and a PIED-BILLED GREBE. On the shores we picked out 3 Great Blue Herons and 4 imm. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS. A BELTED KINGFISHER flew by. Next stop was the woods and ponds north of the parkway. Here we found a RED-TAILED HAWK and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK circling overhead. Land birds included 8 EASTERN TOWHEES, 6 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, 4 WOODPECKER species, BROWN CREEPER, a winter troop of woodland birds, CAROLINA WRENS, AMERICAN ROBINS and 2 FOX SPARROWS. The last species of the morning were a pair of COMMON RAVENS flying by pursued by an AMERICAN CROW.. You're welcome to join us Saturday to help us relocate and count these guys. 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] Jons Beach
Jones Beach 10 Feb Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) met at the Coast Guard Station. The lot was plowed out as were Fields 6 and 10, but West End 2 was not except for a path through the lot. Last night's snow was powdery and blowing in the sharp breeze. It covered a 6 inch remnant of prior storms. Moving about was for snow shoes or skis, certainly not mere mortals on foot. There were NO open grass patches anywhere, everything covered with snow except for the cleared roads. Land birds consisted of a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers seen from the car and separate flocks of House Finch and House Sparrows. On the water, there were Brant, Black Ducks, Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon and a female COMMON GOLDENEYE in the boat basin, the latter being very unusual at this spot. To the west of West End #2 we saw 3 Northern Harrier patrolling. Over at Field 6, there were Bonaparte's Gulls resting at the water's edge. No seals at Field 10 and few gulls. 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] Connetquot River SP
Connetquot River SP 112 Feb Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the large mill pond. While mostly frozen, there was a large stretch of open water. The far side of the pond contained open water and a pair of RED-NECKED GREBES were visible there, They gradually drifted to the left and ceased to be visible from our vantage point. First stop, first look and we had our target bird. We turned our attention to the feeding frenzy going on in front of us. It was almost too much of a good thing. The churning made it difficult to pick out some of the species It included a sizeable number of Wigeon including a male EURASIAN WIGEON, COMMON and HOODED MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, RUDDY DUCK, a single Northern Pintail and MALLARD. A GREAT BLUE HERON watched from the edge. A pair of RED-TAILED HAWKS circled overhead. A CAROLINA WREN came to the suet at the feeder by the hatchery. (We took advantage of the senior citizen permission to drive back there). The way home consisted at a number of stops starting with Lake Capri in West Islip where we added AMERICAN COOT, but struck out on the Redhead reported there. Driving home via the ocean beaches, we stopped by Captree SP, East Gilgo where we had a PEREGRINE FALCON on an Osprey nest and Jones Beach West End. At the Nature Center, all of us saw our FOS SAVANNA SPARROW. 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 East Rockaway
Jones Beach and Mill River, East Rockaway 17 February Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the Coast Guard Station where Steve Walter pointed us to the RED-NECKED GREBE in the boat basin. Great view! To the east an accipiter flew by and flushed 2 Killdeer off the lawn. In the 1-ft. bare strip of grass next to the board walk wall (every thing else covered with 6+ inches of snow), 18 HORNED LARKS were feeding. (no longspur mixed in). As we scoped the channel, a flock of Dunlin and Black-bellied Plover flew onto the bar. The balance of the birding was mainly from the car. At the Nature Center we saw an AMERICAN KESTREL perched in a tree back towards the Coast Guard Station and a SNOWY OWL along the dune line. While talking to Steve, he told us of some CANVASBACK in Mill River in East Rockaway. We took Ocean Avenue south from Merrick Road to the East Rockaway RR Station. We parked in the lot and trudged through the snow to a gazebo in a small park by the station on the edge of the river. In the water were:- GADWALL, MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, 3 CANVASBACK, BUFFLEHEAD, HOODED MERGANSER and RUDDY DUCK. 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 Longbeach
Jones Beach west End. and Long Beach 19 February Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) birded at the Coast Guard Station and then the median.. There were 7 COMMON LOONS in the inlet but no Red-throated Loon. The Red-necked Grebe was also missing. The edge of strip next to the boardwalk had 5 SNOW BUNTINGS today. Very difficult walking in the snow. In the median, a few sparrows and 1 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. No Yellow-rumps today. TREE SPARROWS were singing by the sign to the Coast Guard Station. We drove over to Long Beach, parking at Neptune Ave. Snow still on the boardwalk, partly melted and very slippery. The water was a maelstrom breaking over the jetties; completely wild water. Two surfers were braving the water. The third (or fourth) jetty to the east had 8 PURPLE SANDPIPERS sleeping on top. 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 Pt. Lookout
Jones Beach and Pt' Lookout 7 March Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded a barren landscape, cold, overcast, with east winds. There were virtually no birds except for a small flock of AMERICAN ROBINS that flew by. However, from the SW corner of west end #2 and looking SW, the NORTHERN SHRIKE was perched in the top of a distant bayberry clump. Scope required. We walked down the fisherman's path and got a better look, at which point it dropped down and disappeared. From the top of a nearby dune, we saw a single SNOWY OWL far off by the inlet. (The shrike and 3 owls were reported yesterday). Walking down to the shore, there were quite a few LONG-TAILED DUCKS in the ocean. Pt. Lookout was also quiet except for some DUNLIN along the shore and 11 COMMON EIDER to the west of the jetty. We did not walk to the inlet. 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] Addendum to Doug Futuyma's post
There was a singing FOX SPARROW at the Jones Beach West End turnaround. Responding to word of mouth for Doug's find of the ICELAND GULL at Field#10, a pair or calling SNOW GEESE flew low over the parking lot as I paused to take pictures of the gull from my car window.. 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
Jones Beach West End 21 Mar Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the first full day of Spring sunny but windy. In keeping with the new season, for a change, there were a fair number of birds to look through, The lawns along the road were covered with American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds and in places Killdeer..In the median there were a fair number of Yellow-rumped Warblers, as well as a considerably larger number than we have seen recently of the usual suspects, but nothing new. While looking over the West End #2 swale from the east side of the concession building, we located a small group of HORNED LARKS. Continuing our scan of the dunes far beyond the swale, we picked up a distant SNOWY OWL and then the lingering NORTHERN SHRIKE. In front of the the west side of the Nature Center parking lot at the first dune line, we counted 51 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Scurrying in the vegetation in front of them were 2 LAPLAND LONGSPURS. Along the far dune line toward the west, we picked up a second SNOWY OWL. Lots of much appreciated exercise on a lovely day; but all the good birds were all seen from the parking lots. Today a good scope trumped good walking shoes. 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 25 Mar Adding to Ken's report, this morning there were 14 PIPING PLOVER on the bar at the Coast Guard Station and 50+ TREE SWALLOWS resting on the West End #2 parking lot. The 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS continue along with a FOX SPARROW. 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
Hempstead Lake SP 27 Mar Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) took leave of the birding group at field #3 and drove to field #1, entering the lake shore at the entrance across from the lot. Far to the north in trees at the north edge of the pond was an imm. BALD EAGLE with a white tail and mostly white head. Walking north along the edge, we encountered 3 EASTERN PHOEBES. In the pond slightly to our south were a RED-NECKED GREBE and a RED-THROATED LOON. OSPREY have returned as evidence of one carrying a fish. Also, a GREAT EGRET was at the south end of South Pond. 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] Massapeua
Massapequa 5 Apr I stopped by and found the red phase Screech-Owl sunning itself in the nest hole clearly visible from the path. The path itself was full of bicyclist, joggers and walkers. I was amazed at how many of these regulars knew the owl was there and liked the whole idea of it, stopping to chat as I took a few pictures. One passerby mentioned the photo that appeared in Newsday under reader submissions. Didn't see any new migrants. But, beautiful day to be out. 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] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 7 Apr Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this morning and found Robins and Robins and more Robins everywhere. The few new arrivals we saw were all in their finest plumage. A pair of CHIPPING SPARROWS and 3 EASTERN TOWHEES appeared stunning against the drab background under overcast skies. A few scattered PHOEBES were by the kettle ponds. Also, a single RUSTY BLACKBIRD was at the edge. Walking on, we encountered a pair of GREAT HORNED OWLS. Little Alley Pond still has a small cattail patch, but is now almost completely choked with phragmites. A small bit of open water held a single MALLARD. Elsewhere, we had the usual suspects. 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] Southeern Nassau
Hempstead Lake SP 9 Apr Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this bright sunny morning . The rain followed by NW winds appeared to have moved everything out with little replacement. An OSPREY carrying a large fish flew north. A pair of WOOD DUCKS flew out of the inner pond. Other birds in the air were a few TREE SWALLOWS and a number of raucous FISH CROWS. A pair of CEDAR WAXWINGS, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH, NORTHERN FLICKER, DOWNY, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS and EASTERN PHOEBE were in the trees along with various blackbirds. (No rusty today). Our FOS consisted of 3 HERMIT THRUSHES. Warblers consisted of 1 PINE WARBLER and 4 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. Jones Beach West End The breeding plumage HORNED GREBE continues in the boat basin. Few birds in the water. We traveled over to the turnaround where we found 2 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, more EASTERN PHOEBES and unexpected, our first BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. 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
Marine Nature Study Area 11 Apr I stopped by this morning to look for GLOSSY IBIS. There were 5. They finally flew off towards the golf course. In the puddles to the left (east) of the pond, there were 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, shorebirds all with yellow legs, a color appropriate for the Spring. In the channel, a number of LAUGHING GULLS flew by, my FOS. In the channel were the usual BRANT, BUFFLEHEAD, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Special today there were 2 RED-NECKED GREBE. 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 Oceanside
Hempstead Lake SP 13 Apr A visit this morning (they are now charging on weekends to enter) was mostly a continuation of the last few days. Warblers included PINE, PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER made an appearance along with multiple TREE and BARN SWALLOWS and a lone CHIMNEY SWIFT. Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 13 Apr Birding is slowly beginning to pick up (now open on Sundays till late Fall). No Night-Herons seen today, but plenty of GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS with an adult LITTLE BLUE HERON. A CLAPPER RAIL was in a cut. A LEAST SANDPIPER and lots of GREATER YELLOWLEGS made up the shorebird contingent. In the channel a FOS FORSTER'S TERN flew by. 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] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 18 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this morning on an overcast day, It was good to be out. What wasn't good was the birding. No warblers, but a single BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Little Alley Pond. The only other birds of interest were the continuing pair of GREAT HORNED OWLS and 4 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS at the large kettle pond and 8 more on the lawn by the handball courts. We drove into Valley Stream SP on the way home. A HERMIT THRUSH was feeding like a Robin on the lawn just off the parking lot. Otherwise the park was dead. 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 20 April The NORTHERN SHRIKE made a brief appearance to the south of West End #2 lot this morning. It was at the top of a distant pine and very quickly flew off to the left (east). In the ponds between the two parking lots (WE #1 #2), there was a flock of approx 20 teal that included 1 and possibly more BLUE-WINGED TEAL, 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] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 25 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) had an interesting day. It started with a singing HOUSE WREN and ended with a singing YELLOW WARBLER. Both posed for pictures and both were FOS birds for us. In between, a bit slow. A dozen RUSTY BLACKBIRDS continue at several of the kettle ponds. A half dozen BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were scattered about with 5 considered to be on suitable nesting territory. Also, 2 separate EASTERN TOWHEES were briefly singing.. AMERICAN ROBINS were everywhere as were WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, the latter in much fewer numbers. These seamed to be the only confirmed migrants other tan the very few warblers. Other than the YELLOW WARBLER, a probable nester, there was a single PALM WARBLER and a single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.. But, it's good to be out. 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
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 27 April A FOS SEASIDE SPARROW was singing by the pond path, but failed to show itself. Other recently arriving summer birds seen today included GLOSSY IBIS, WILLET, 2 loudly calling and then posing CLAPPER RAILS , LAUGHING GULL and FORSTER'S TERN. 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- Cerulean Warbler
Hempstead Lake SP 7 May A slow day, but the CERULEAN WARBLER continues in the same place. 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 construction.
Hempstead Lake SP progress report Lots of construction going on. The entrance to the park from Peninsula Blvd is closed. Exit 18 West on the Southern State Pkwy is being rebuilt and you may or may not be able to exit there. The Exit East is OK. Eagle Ave through the park is udder construction and will be repaved starting with completion of the repaving within the park. The paths are mostly complete and Field #2 should be completed today. Just some inner roadways and finishing touches. I entered Eagle Ave through the city streets and drove south to field #1, not being sure if I could get there from the parkway going west.. I live to the east; there was no problem going east from exit 18.. Lovely day although the birding was a bit slow. It's going to take a bit before things straighten out---but, we'll be all set for the fall migration. 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] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 13 May There were 3 singing sparrows in the marsh around the pond, 1 SEASIDE SPARROW and 2 SALTMARSH SPARROWS. All popped up briefly before disappearing. Other birds included 2 CLAPPER RAILS, also briefly seen, FORSTER'S TERNS, a pair of LEAST TERNS and a GREEN HERON. 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
Hempstead Lake SP 14 May A slow birding morning with few migrants. There were singing White-eyed, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, calling Great-crested Flycatcher and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. It seemed more like early Summer than Mid May. NEWS ALERT: The Boy Scouts will arrive this afternoon and stay the weekend for their annual Jamboree. Not going to be a birding weekend. On a better note, refurbishing work within the park, depending on the weather, should be complete by mid week. At that point, all parking fields will be open. Repaving of Eagle Ave will take a bit longer. The entrance from Peninsula Blvd is still closed. Go to Southern State Exit 18. 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
Nickerson Beach 20 May A single BLACK SKIMMER flew into the tern colony (500+ birds there and on the beach). To the west on the beach, a pair of GULL-BILLED TERNS mated. Maybe they'll nest in the colony. SANDERLING were along the shore, an OSPREY was fishing just beyond the breakers and a PIPING PLOVER was in the vicinity of a cage on the upper beach. Windy, but a beautiful 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] Roseate and Gull-billed Terns
Nickerson Beach 4 June, late afternoon Alerted by Ed Becker, I went to Nickerson Beach, joined in the parking lot by Bob Anderson. We found Joe Viglietta, on the beach in front of the tern colony, looking at a pair of ROSEATE TERNS. One bird was a banded sub-adult and the other an adult. The adult had long streamers and a very faint pink blush that showed in the enlarged photos, but not noticed when we scoped the bird. There was a lot of movement with terns coming and going onto the beach along the wrack line. A look through them before we left found an adult GULL-BILLED TERN resting. 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] Lido Beach
Lido Beach Passive Nature Area, 12 July High tide. Other than breeding WILLETS, few shorebirds; namely 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and several SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. There was a continuous, sporadic movement of COMMON TERNS flying between the channel and the Nickerson Beach colony to the south. One tern, in opposition, flying west instead of north/south, turned out to be a GULL-BILLED TERN. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER called continuously as I approached the trail to the channel, but was silent on my return. There were BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES feeding in the marsh. The planted grass land in front of the parking lot has extensive wild flowers in bloom. Stopped to take some pictures while serenaded by the usual breeding 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] Shorebirds at Jones Beach today
Jones Beach West End 25 July While there were only a few species this morning, the bar in front of the marina and the adjacent bar behind the island running to the east hosted 700-800 shorebirds. They were mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers along with Semipalmated Plover, American Oystercatchers, Short-billed Dowitchers, Sanderling, Least Sandpiper (in the cove to the right), Ruddy Turnstones, Piping Plover and Killdeer on the lawn. Most of the peep were on the far bar, closely packed and too far to pick out other less common species. The swale was bone dry and bare of birds. In spite of the current comments recently, there are a few shorebirds to look at.. 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] Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay East Pond 28 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the north end around 1:30 and quickly found the 2 Avocets in the water way down toward the south end. Otherwise, for the afternoon, we saw about 100 shorebirds of 6 species. Not a very impressive experience. The water level is HIGH. There is virtually no edge, which, of course, explains the lack of shorebirds. A small flat (now an island) for a half dozen people lies just south of the north entrance on the other side of 8 feet of 4-6 inches of water. We waded through and scoped the Avocets. At the south end, but here are some open flats requiring a short walk through 3-5 inches of water. Hiking shoes are not going to cut it. There was an excuse for high water levels when the valves didn't work. Is there a new problem? 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] Oceanside Preserve
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 22 August The pools to the east of the pond have been full of waders and Laughing Gulls recently. Today, among the many egrets, there were a few white LITTLE BLUE HERONS and a TRICOLORED HERON. Included were a half dozen species of common shorebirds. Two marsh sparrows popped up in an area that had both SALTMARSH and SEASIDE SPARROWS this week, but neither stayed long enough to ID positively. A pair of cooperative YELLOW WARBLERS continues around the path. During the week, the marsh has been host to CLAPPER RAILS and a pair of ROYAL TERNS fishing in the pond, neither were seen this morning. 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] Avocet info.
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 29 August With the approaching high tide, the Avocet along with most of the birds in the pool west of the pond flew off. (High tide is 40 minutes past Jones Inlet). After a review with Mike Farina, staff Biologist, it appears that sightings in prior years were from 2 days to a month in one case. So, fair chance the Avocet will show tomorrow morning. Other birds of interest were a Cooper's Hawk, imm. Little Blue Heron and a SEASIDE SPARROW. 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
Jones Beach West End 5 September Joe G. , Joe V. Stan, and I (Sy Schiff) found a single GULL-BILLED TERN on the bar at the Coast Guard Station and a single SPOTTED SANDPIPER for shorebirds. The swale was empty except for Canada Geese. On the beach, the gulls to our right (west), consisted mainly of Great Black-backed Gulls and 6 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year types. Of interest, to me, was the number and age distribution of the Lessers. It almost seems that there is a close-by nesting colony, but where? Mosquitoes were manageable this morning in spite of a lack of wind. I was informed that mosquito control efforts are on-going and appear to be working. 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] Marbled Godwit and Caspian Tern
Jones Beach West End 17 Sep At 8:00 this morning there was a large reddish brown shorebird across the inlet on the Long Beach Side, presumably the MARBLED GODWIT seen lately. Shorebirds on the marina bars included 250-300 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, a dozen BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 4 RED KNOT and a sole SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER; RUDDY TURNSTONES continue on the Coast Guard breakwater After a short walk to the median we returned to the gazebo. Right on schedule at 10:30, the CASPIAN TERN arrived feeding in the cove to the right of the bridge, finally coming close and landing on the bar. It eventually flew off and landed out of sight behind the island while we waited for it to return. About 11:15 a PEREGRINE FALCON spooked all the birds and it flew up, again giving all great views. 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 Coast Guard Station
Jones Beach West End 21 Sep Arrived just after high tide (8:30). The bar was covered with shorebirds and skimmers. All but the oystercatchers and some of the skimmers left at 10:15. Both Osprey and Peregrine were about, but not near the shorebirds, so not sure what spooked them. But while there, we had things to search through. Fun morning. Numbers very conservative guesses as the birds were moving about and hard to count. . Black-bellied Plover ~150 all over the bar AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER-2, one near back edge, one near front edge American Oystercatcher--30, but many more behind the island Ruddy Turnstone-8 plus 4 on station breakwater Red Knot-50 scattered throughout Sanderling- 200 most in two tight knit groups Semipalmated Sandpiper-1 lost among the wandering Sanderling Dunlin-1 found, tucked its head in and virtually disappeared Short-billed Dowitcher-4 Black Skimmer-150, many young, some looked barely out of the nest Forster's Tern-3 flyby 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 and Kissena Park, Queens
Hempstead Lake SP. Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) joined the South Shore Audubon this morning in Hempstead. The walk produced several dozen species including lingering Wood Duck, Pied-bill Grebe, 8 species of warbler, 4 species of woodpecker, a Blue-headed Vireo, a few sparrows plus other usual common birds. Not necessarily a migration, but a pleasant increase from recent days. Kissena Park. After our tour of Hempstead, we went to Queens and birded the Kissena Community Garden. The garden was lush with late vegetables and bursting with planted flowers. There were lots of working gardeners who didn't seem to bother us or the few sparrows and half dozen Palm Warblers.. We went next door to he corridor where we found a pair of circling Red-tail Hawks, Red-eyed Vireo, another Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3 species of warbler and 5 species of sparrows. The birding here was a bit disappointing after the early morning at Hempstead, but the overall day was a lovely Fall experience, 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] South Shore Beaches
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) encountered the fallout at Jones Beach West End. Surprisingly, the number of species was modest, but some of the numbers made up for it. Starting with Quantity, TREE SWALLOW-3-5.000 (hard to count or guesstimate when the sky was covered and full of them); PINE SISKIN-400 (streaming through early in the morning in medium sized flocks); YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER-hundreds; BLACK SKIMMER-100+; NORTHERN FLICKER-scores;EASTERN PHOEBE-50+ (they were everywhere, there were 5 closely lined up on the Coast Guard fence at one time); only 6 species of warbler and 7 species of sparrows. Other birds included 3 widely scattered BLUE-HEADED VIREO, BROUN CREEPER, RUBY and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS and INDIGO BUNTING. Hawks were few but included TWO BALD EAGLES, adult and immature; a COOPER'S HAWK, PEREGRINE FALCONS and several MERLIN. (Eagles at the beach are always special.) We arrived at Robert Moses SP later in the morning where the activity had died down. Just before the turnaround to Field #2 we encountered Shai Mitra, who was focused on a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. We stopped to look.. The Hawk Watch counters starting earlier in the morning, reported few hawks, but much greater numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers and Pine Siskin than we had seen at the other end of the Jones strip. They had not seen any eagles. Beautiful Fall day, Great to be out. 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 12 Oct A birdy morning with lots to look at and an interesting mix of species. This is a composite list from the 7 or 8 of us enjoying the company and birding together. Raptors included OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED AND COOPER'S HAWK, MERLIN AND PEREGRINE FALCON plus a fly over GREAT BLUE HERON. Beside the lingering 100+ AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, there were only DUNLIN and RUDDY TURNSTONE. Three ROYAL TERNS joined them on the bar before flying off. The 7 LESSER BLACK-BACK GULLS reported by Peter Post seemed to be 3 first year and 4 second year. Only one of the ones that were standing had yellowish legs. The NORTHERN FLICKERS were joined by a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER (rare on the beach), a few BROWN CREEPERS and lots of EASTERN PHOEBE, RUBY and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. Some RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES continue in the pines. The few VIREOS included RED-EYED, WHITE EYED and BLUE-HEADED. Still many TREE SWALLOWS, but the enormous thousands of last week have moved on. Lots of warblers of the YELLOW-RUMPED persuasion but only a few PALM and PINE with a single BLACK-THROATED BLUE. There were 8 species of sparrow including CLAY-COLORED and WHITE-CROWNED plus EASTERN TOWHEE, DARK-EYED JUNCO, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, EASTERN GOLDFINCH and a few PINE SISKIN. 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
Jones Beach West End 13 Oct. There were many less birds today. Still, of interest were 422 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS (count cur testy of Paul Gildersleve), a MARBLED GODWIT on the bar, approx. 50 BLACK SKIMMER (mostly young), a dozen FORSTER'S TERNS feeding in the inlet, 13 LESSER BLACK-BACK GULLS on the east West End #2 parking lot (full adult to first year) , WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS including 2 breeding plumage males and a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW feeding with House Sparrows at the Coast Guard Parking Lot. 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
Jones Beach West End 14 Oct Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the west end this morning to find fewer birds but still 50+ species The bar still harbors a few hundred AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS plus an undetermined number of mostly hatching year BLACK SKIMMERS. As the tide increased, the dozen DUNLIN were joined by BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, RED KNOT, a few SANDERLING, more DUNLIN and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, Best additions were 2 ROYAL TERNS. A COMMON LOON was in the basin and moved out into the channel where FOSTER'S TERNS were feeding. RUDDY TURNSTONES continue on the Coast Guard breakwater. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS continue on West End #2 parking lot. Raptors included NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED, COOPER'S HAWKS, MERLIN and PEREGRINE FALCON (are falcons still raptors now that they've been classified as Parrots?---just a thought). A WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH (rare on the beach) joined RED-BREASTED in the median. We saw a PINE, a number of PALM, loads of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, a male BLUE-THROATED BLUE WARBLER and a BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Sparrow species were limited but WHITE-CROWNED were present. Briefly seen by others was the continuing CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. Also, a BLACK TERN was reported at the jetty. 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 addendum
Add Black-throated Blue Warbler. The Blue-throated Blue Warbler was last seen hiding between the keys on my key board. 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 17 October. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the west end at low tide this morning. Yesterday's rain and today's brisk W to WSW wind seems to have driven the birds away. Yellow-rumped warblers continue to dominate, but the Phoebes and Sparrows have moved on. We did see one each PALM and PINE WARBLER; also a BLUE-HEADED VIREO and a few Kinglets. We walked out to the inlet via the fisherman's Road and scanned the bar on the other side of the inlet. There were Black-bellied Plover, Oystercatchers, Sanderling and terns, lots of terns. Besides those feeding in the inlet, we estimated at least 300 FORSTER'S TERNS, in two separate groups, as they repeatedly picked up and settled back down on the bar . As I looked at a 2nd year LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the West End #2 lot, several Herring Gulls and 2 more 2nd year plus a 1st year Lesser flew in to join on the lot. 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
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) primarily birded the perimeter around the West End #2 (WE) lot venturing down to the beach. First, we perused the bar, by scope, from the Coast Guard Station lot, finding a mass of AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and 7 ROYAL TERNS. The base of the hedgerow had about 20 sparrows including a half dozen WHITE-CROWNED. We drove over to the SW corner of WE and then walked counter clockwise around the lot. On the east side of the swale, we paused to walk down to the ocean. On the beach there were a dozen LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS to our right (west) and 3 to our left (east), while back at the lot there were 3 more. A few SANDERLING mixed in with 100 DUNLIN moved by along the water's edge. Five HORNED LARKS, SAVANNAH and SONG SPARROWS were noted as we birded along with a PEREGRINE FALCON, several MERLIN and a hunting NORTHERN HARRIER. Also seen this morning were both KINGLETS, THRASHER, CATBIRD, TOWHEE, 7 species of SPARROWS, GOLDFINCH and loads of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS. 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 27 Oct The bar at the Coast Guard Station continues to harbor a MARBLED GODWIT and today, 5 ROYAL TERNS along with the 100 odd AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. There were a modest number of raptors moving through. The sky are still full of migrating YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS but in fewer numbers. Today there were a few AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PURPLE FINCH and some 400 PINE SISKIN. Some of each stopped for quick viewing, but a small group of Siskin landed in front of us and fed on pine cones while we took pictures. Sparrows in groups were all over on the edges of the roads retreating to the vegetation every time a car passed. WHITE-CROWN SPARROWS were in good numbers.There was 1 Saturday , 2 yesterday, and today, 3 VESPER SPARROWS along with a LINCOLN'S SPARROW, that was also found yesterday. The CLAY-COLORED SPARROW could not be relocated today. A modest number of blackbirds were on the move. Three EASTERN MEADOWLARKS were near the West End #2 parking lot east exit. 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
Jones Beach West End 28 Oct With the winds shifting to the SW, the previous day's migration tapered off. However, lots of sparrows continue along the edges, either the same remaining to feed or a new crop replacing them. A VESPER SPARROW was reported by others (we didn't look today) and 2 LINCOLN'S SPARROWS were found in different locations from the one seen yesterday. Today there were 3 ROYAL TERNS with the MARBLED GODWIT and AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. A RED KNOT was seen among the DUNLIN with RUDY TURNSTONES on the Coast Guard breakwater. About 75 FORSTER'S TERNS were resting and feeding across the inlet. The west end #2 lot held 16 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Looking by scope from the lot, we could see NORTHERN GANNET on the ocean. Again we saw a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. The RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are in, Some SISKIN and PURPLE FINCH flew by, mostly heard. A cooperative bright yellow tail-flipping warbler though to be an Eastern Palm was photographed. When we checked the pictures for quality surprise. It turned out to be a late PRAIRIE WARBLER. (You can't bird and photograph at the same time. Mistake would not have been made if we concentrated on ID rather than getting a good image). This unbelievable weather just goes on. It's great to be out. 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
Jones Beach West End 29 October Looking over the ocean, the sky was full of NORTHERN GANNETS, hundreds all moving west in a steady stream. Other than that spectacular, the migration has petered out. Three VESPER SPARROWS and the MARBLED GODWIT continue, 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
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin, Joe Viglietta, Ed Becker, Rick K, Bob Anderson and I (Sy Schiff) birded Jones Beach West End 31 October The migration is still on, with lots of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and large numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS covering the lawns. There were fewer other sparrows, but included WHITE-CROWNED, CHIPPING,SAVANNAH and FIELD. (we didn't look for the Vesper). Not too many Woodpeckers, but did find DOWNY, a rare on the beach HAIRY along with a diminished number of NORTHERN FLICKERS. Also, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and BROWN CREEPERS. Both KINGLETS, EASTERN PHOEBE, several HERMIT THRUSHES and a single PALM WARBLER were found in the median. Lots of Yellow-rumped Warblers, of course. Birds moving over included an estimated 300 PINE SISKIN (several flocks landed), a few PURPLE FINCHES, some EASTERN GOLDFINCH and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. A small number of raptors were moving through. Lingering water fowl included GREAT EGRET, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, LAUGHING GULL and 15 FORSTER'S TERNS. A single LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was on the lot. Larger numbers usually are found on the beach--we didn't go there, but scanned the ocean from the parking lot to find lots of NORTHERN GANNET. 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 3 November Arrived 5 minutes too late and wasn't invited to breakfast of raw squab. All of us who missed the dove today saw the last one seen at Captree. Consolation prizes: 5 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS on lot, WOODCOCK at the turnaround, GREAT HORNED OWL (it flew off with Crows chasing), EASTERN MEADOWLARK, a flock of PINE SISKINS flying over. So, not a bad day of birding. 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
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning at Jones Beach. A quiet day; DOWNY, HAIRY, FLICKER, BROWN CREEPER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in the pines. WHITE-THROATED, SONG and JUNCOS on the ground; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS everywhere.. So a bit slow today, if you're not a tree. The first RED-NECKED GREBE of the season appeared in the inlet. A COOPER'S HAWK seems to be hanging around. Small flocks of PINE SISKIN (about 150 in all) were in the air.and some landed at the turnaround. Others reported the lingering MARBLED GODWIT on the bar at the Coast Guard Station. A seawatch by Joe G. and I from field #6 mid-morning found NORTHERN GANNETS, about 600 per hour, streaming west; while small flocks of Scoters were moving east. Get together guys. No clouds to the north, but a lovely mackerel sky over the ocean. Rain is coming, but for today, weather was great. 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] Ponds and inlets, Nassau Co
Nassau Co, 5 November Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning checking ponds and inlets in Western Nassau Co. for early duck movements. We visited Grant Park, Bay Park, Pond X, East Rockaway RR Station and Mill Pond in Rockville Centre. Grant Park was the most interesting with species consisting of: GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, EURASIAN WIGEON, AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, MALLARD, BLACK DUCK X MALLARD hybrid, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSER and RUDDY DUCK, plus PIED-BILLED GREBE and a BELTED KINGFISHER. Pond X added GREEN-WINGED TEAL and NORTHERN PINTAIL. The other places had few ducks. Add BRANT, CANADA GOOSE and DOUBLE-CREASTED CORMORANT to round out the waterfowl for the morning. A nest box on an island off of Bay Park contained 2 resting PEREGRINE FALCONS while a pair of GREAT BLUE HERONS flew over the marsh. A MERLIN flew by the East Rockaway Station gazebo. 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] Heamstead Lake SP
Cool but bright sun and cumulous clouds; Fall color is still strong. Beautiful day. Two immature BALD EAGLES flew over Hempstead Lake SP this morning heading south. Nice Birthday present. Thanks guys for taking me out to lunch. 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 trip report.
Joe Giunta led a joint Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Bird Club field trip to Jones Beach and Pt Lookout. Starting at the Coast Guard Station, the bar was home to AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, DUNLIN and a MARBLED GODWIT. In the inlet were LONG-TAILED DUCK, COMMON and RED-THROATED LOONS, BONAPARTE'S and LAUGHING GULLS.. A VESPER SPARROW was on the lawn inside the Coast Guard Station lawn closest to the water, Just before the road there were HERMIT THRUSH, VARIOUS SPARROWS, JUNCOS and an EASTERN TOWHEE. The pines had PINE SISKIN, PURPLE FINCH and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Raptors included NORTHERN HARRIER and all three FALCON species. A COMMON GROUND DOVE was on the edge of the grass bordering the road just past the turn off to the Coast Guard Station being viewed by a large number of birders. The group proceeded to join them. When the dove flew off the group entered the median. Both KINGLETS were seen and Warblers included PALM, PINE, YELLOW-RUMPED and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. There were BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS in the RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD flock on the ground plus a single EASTERN MEADOWLARK.along the road. Walking through the West End #2 lot to the swale, we passed 6 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. The upper swale had a group of HORNED LARKS. At the water's edge, a sea watch found a line of BLACK SCOTERS and lots of NORTHERN GANNETS. At Pt. Lookout, the middle jetty had a single PURPLE SANDPIPER visible at the end and SANDERLING at the water's edge.. Again lots of GANNETS. Nine FORSTER'S TERNS flew by. Total species for the day - 60 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] Owl
The first Snowy Owl of the season made its appearance today almost immediately followed by the first idiot with a camera who spooked the bird. Some where between Brooklyn and Montauk Pt. This is for the record only. -- 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 16 Nov There were both BLACK and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS moving both east and west along the ocean. A male HARLEQUIN DUCK was at the end of the jetty. (Another Harlequin was reported from the Pt. Lookout side.) A flotilla of fishing boats was out on the horizon surrounded by a feeding frenzy of hundreds of sea birds too far out to ID, but presumably Gulls. Some GANNETS were closer in. In the median, PINE SISKIN, EASTERN GOLDFINCH and a few PURPLE FINCHES were feeding on pine cones. As reported earlier, the COMMON GROUND-DOVE continues. 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 West End
Jones Beach West End 30 Nov Quick summary: MARBLED GODWIT on the bar; Ground-Dove not found as of noon, numerous birders looking; COMMON EIDER flyby in the inlet; SNOW BUNTINGS and HORNED LARKS on the lawn by the Coast Guard lot before flying off toward the swale. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen in the swale among Horned Larks before I arrived. Warm and sunny, great to be out. 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/ --
