[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wilson's Phalarope--yes

2013-09-12 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2013-09-17 Thread syschiff
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.

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside Preserve

2013-09-29 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-10-02 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] MNSA, Oceanside Preserve.

2013-10-15 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-10-23 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Vesper Sparrows at Jones Beach

2013-10-30 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach (shrike-Yes) and Pt. Lookout

2013-12-03 Thread syschiff
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.

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[nysbirds-l] British birding

2013-12-15 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-12-16 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout

2013-12-18 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Target birds at the beach

2013-12-21 Thread syschiff
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

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Info Request on Nassau County Black Guillemots and GPS Directions

2013-12-22 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Pre CBC check of Hempstead Lake SP

2013-12-24 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Snowy Owls this winter

2014-01-24 Thread syschiff
If you think we had some Snowy Owls, take a look at the "preliminary" numbers 
reported from the NYC and LI CBC counts comprising NYSOA Region 10. By early 
January a number of owls had moved on, but lots still around. This is a most 
impressive total.  We'll have to wait for confirmed Region and State totals 
while the compilers finish and the the lists are edited.  Sy Schiff

Montauk 11
Brooklyn 15

Queens 5

Captree 14

Staten island 1

Central Park 0 (NYC only for Lower Hudson)

Northern Nassau 0

Central Suffolk 1

Smithtown 2 CW

Southern Nassau 7

Orient 2

Bronx/Westchester 0 (Bronx only)




TOTAL 58

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[nysbirds-l] Jons Beach

2014-02-10 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Connetquot River SP

2014-02-12 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and East Rockaway

2014-02-17 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Longbeach

2014-02-19 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach & Pt. Lookout

2014-03-07 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout

2014-03-10 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach & Pt Lookout 10 Mar

After scanning from the Coast Guard Station, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) then 
walked to the inlet. That's when the blizzard arrived. We returned to our cars 
and drove over to WE #2. A crowd (50+) of SNOW BUNTINGS erupted in the driving 
snow along the parking lot edge. Land birds at the west end; 2 YELLOW-RUMPED 
WARBLERS and 2 AMERICAN ROBINS
   
The snow stopped and we went over to the Nature Center. Three KILLDEER were on 
the grass by the flag pole. In the red cedars in front of the building, 20 
CEDAR WAXWINGS were feeding on cedar berries.  (Snow Buntings in the snow and 
Cedar Waxwings in the cedars---kind of cool).

At Pt. Lookout west jetty (closest to the parking lot), there were approx. 10 
COMMON EIDER, 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, RED-THROATED LOON, 
COMMON LOON, HORNED GREBE and 6 PURPLE SANDPIPER that flew in, landed 
momentarily and continued west toward Long Beach. No Long-tailed Ducks were 
seen today either place.

Good birding.  Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Addendum to Doug Futuyma's post

2014-03-15 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-03-21 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-03-25 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2014-03-27 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2014-04-02 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 2 April

Both GREAT EGRET and SNOWY EGRET were feeding in the marsh this morning. An 
adult LITTLE BLUE HERON flew by in the distance. A few GREATER YELLOWLEGS were 
scattered around. OSPREY pairs were seen on two nest platforms and a PEREGRINE 
FALCON was seen atop the nest box in the marsh (there are now 4 eggs visible in 
the cam).   Little else of note.

Work on the replacement boardwalk continues as well as for the display sign 
housings destroyed by Sandy. (Fortunately the displays themselves were removed 
in advance of the storm).  Looking forward to an improved updated facility.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Massapeua

2014-04-05 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-07 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Southeern Nassau

2014-04-09 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2014-04-11 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake & Oceanside

2014-04-13 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-18 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-04-20 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-25 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2014-04-27 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP- Cerulean Warbler

2014-05-07 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 7 May

A slow day, but the CERULEAN WARBLER continues in the same place.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead lake SP construction.

2014-05-12 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2014-05-13 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2014-05-16 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach

2014-05-20 Thread syschiff
 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

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[nysbirds-l] Roseate and Gull-billed Terns

2014-06-04 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Lido Beach

2014-07-12 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside.

2014-07-19 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 19 July

Overcast day at very low tide. A few shorebirds were present, namely 
Semipalmated Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpiper and Short-billed 
Dowitcher.  I observed 5 widely scattered Saltmarsh Sparrows. After the 
spring/summer high tides, Seaside Sparrow nests were flooded and the sparrows 
seemed to have left. I also didn't see or hear any Clapper Rails this morning.  
 Forster's Terns, Egrets and Night-Herons continue. There was a female or young 
Yellow Warbler along the trail by the pond.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Shorebirds at Jones Beach today

2014-07-25 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay

2014-07-28 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Other summering Little Gulls

2014-08-11 Thread syschiff
Little Gulls in the summer on Long Island.

In the early 90's storms had breached Cedar Beach leaving large pools between 
the sand beach and the dunes. In late July 1990, 8 summering Bonaparte's Gulls 
were joined for an extended period by a Little Gull in plumage similar to the 
current bird.

The easy access birding there produced Godwits, Whimbrel, Stints and loads of 
the more common shorebirds. Until the park personnel closed the breach because 
of water flowing through the widening gap and the rip currents that were 
produced, this was the best shore birding location on Long Island.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside Preserve

2014-08-22 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Avocet info.

2014-08-29 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2014-09-02 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area 2 September

Hot, muggy slow day with only a half dozen shorebird species. Both a GREEN 
HERON and a CLAPPER RAIL moved lazily and posed for pictures along with a 
non-spotted SPOTTED SANDPIPER. A ROYAL TERN also flew by and posed,

A YELLOW WARBLER and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT continued around the path. A marsh 
sparrow also continues in the marsh but got away before we could get its id The 
first migrants for the upland location were a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and EASTER 
TOWHEE.

There are a number of community garden boxes on the property full of lovely 
flowers with EASTERN GOLDFINCH adding color to the plants. Take a look at 
Mike's Face book page.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-09-05 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marbled Godwit and Caspian Tern

2014-09-17 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach Coast Guard Station

2014-09-21 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP and Kissena Park, Queens

2014-10-09 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] South Shore Beaches

2014-10-10 Thread syschiff
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 

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2014-10-12 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-13 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-14 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach addendum

2014-10-14 Thread syschiff
Add Black-throated Blue Warbler.  The Blue-throated Blue Warbler was last seen 
hiding between the keys on my key board.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-17 Thread syschiff
 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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-24 Thread syschiff
 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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-27 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-28 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-29 Thread syschiff
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 

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-31 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-03 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-04 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Ponds and inlets, Nassau Co

2014-11-05 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Heamstead Lake SP

2014-11-07 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones ?Beach trip report.

2014-11-08 Thread syschiff
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)

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[nysbirds-l] Owl

2014-11-16 Thread syschiff
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.

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-16 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hemostead Lake SP-Bald Eagle

2014-11-28 Thread syschiff
An uneventful day at the park except for an Imm. BALD EAGLE over the big pond. 
Seen on and off for the last week, it appears to have come for the winter. 
{Bald Eagles wintered here last year).

Very unusual here was a NORTHERN HARRIER that flew over the trees. Meanwhile 
the resident RED-TAILED HAWK also made its appearance.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2014-11-30 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Longspur

2014-12-09 Thread syschiff
A lovely day to catch up on my research.  Last Sunday, when I left the 
Ground-Dove feeding on the west portion of the lot, I found a large group of 
Horned Larks on the east side. Scanning through, I found a first year LONGSPUR. 
I originally picked it out by shape. Usually one looks for a darker bird. 
Studying it, the bird appeared to look bland. It bothered me then, but they all 
flew off before I could get a picture.

I spent some time studying up on Longspurs this morning. I kept thinking about 
the prior Chestnut-collared Longspur, and now I'm not absolutely positive it 
was a Lapland, although it may very well be one.

I think that any Longspurs at Jones Beach should be looked over very carefully.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Brookln Birds

2014-12-17 Thread syschiff
Various Brooklyn Sites; 17 December

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) did a preliminary survey of Joe's Brooklyn CBC 
territory (within count period time).  Pleasant morning birding but with few 
land birds, There were a few  CORMORANTS scattered about, both GREAT and 
DOUBLE-CRESTED.  Very unusual, we did not see a single Red-breasted merganser 
anywhere.

The most interesting birds were in the water as seen from the parks on Coney 
Island Creek. From Coney Island Creek Park, 200 BONAPARTE'S GULLS in the were 
towards the Verrazano Bridge; from Kaiser Park, a RED-NECKED GREBE. Several 
PURPLE SANDPIPERS were on the rocks along the shore just west of the Verrazano 
Bridge.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] South Shore target birds

2015-01-16 Thread syschiff
Jan 16, 2014

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff)  started at Belmont Lake SP. and quickly found the 
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. A bit of help from visitors from Mass. found us the 
BARNACLE GOOSE.

We proceeded to Massapequa Preserve and struck out on the EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, 
but went back and found it before we left. Joined by others and walking north, 
we found the two warblers feeding in the cattail stalks. The birds quickly 
disappeared. We waited and wandered a bit and as we were getting ready to 
leave, the NASHVILLE and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS flew up into the top of a bare 
tree giving good looks before flying off.

Joe and I stopped at CAMMANNS POND and found 12 BLACK-CROWNED and 1 GREAT BLUE 
HERON on our way to Pt. Lookout. The wind was blowing a gale, kicking up sand 
with wild surf. A quick look found no Eiders today. About 75 BONAPARTE'S GULLS 
were on the beach and feeding in the surf. Also there were many LONG-TAILED 
DUCKS in the water and flying about.Too windy, too cold. We left without 
proceeding down the beach.

Sy.


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[nysbirds-l] Central Suff. Co.

2015-01-21 Thread syschiff
Shinnecock Inlet, Dune Rd. & EPCAL 21 Jan 15

Joe, Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Rick Kopitsch and I (Sy Schiff) went to Shinnecock 
Inlet and scoped the bay. Distant views found BLACK, SURF, WHITE-WING SCOTERS, 
a male KING EIDER,  many COMMON EIDERS and a number of seals.

We went looking for Bittern and Redpolls along Dune Road. At Tiana, we found a 
juvenile and a 3rd winter Iceland Gull on the ocean beach. We continued west, 
finally turning around and retracing our route. We appeared to have missed our 
target birds, but In a 5-minute period, as we approached the Ponquogue Bridge, 
we found an AMERICAN BITTERN and at Ave K we found a flock of 25 COMMON REDPOLL 
that came to drink in a puddle before flying off.

After stopping to pick up sandwiches, we drove to EPCAL. There, just as we 
arrived, someone flying a parachute got off the ground and scared a SHORT-EARED 
OWL and several EASTERN MEADOWLARKS.   In 10 minutes birding, ignoring the 
driving time between places, we got 4 of our target birds.  Pleasant day with 
good company.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach strip to Robert Moses SP

2015-02-09 Thread syschiff
Feb 9, 2015

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) took an afternoon drive along the parkway to 
Captree. The roads were clear and all parking lots were free of ice and snow. 
At Captree we fond a dozen BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES in the shrubbery on the side of 
the parking lot just past the boats. Form there we went over to Robert Moses SP 
and found approx. 40 HORNED LARKS, 2 LAPLAND LONGSPUR and 1 SNOW BUNTING 
feeding on the traffic circle as you enter field #5.. 

Traveling home (west) along the strip, we saw 2 NORTHERN HARRIES and a hovering 
dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, It was just east of Jones Beach field #6..

We stopped by Pt. Lookout on our way, but never left the  4-wheel SUV.  The 
entire parking lot was a sheet of ice and totally impassible on foot. Looked 
for but: did not find the Zamboni. 

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Snipe ad other birds

2015-02-17 Thread syschiff
17 Feb 2015

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) cased some target birds today with mixed results. 
We went to the World's Fair Mania in Queens to look for Canvasback reported 
there. A small patch of open water held Black, Mallard, Gadwall, Rudy, a Lesser 
Scaup, Bufflehead, Coot and Canada Geese, but not our target.

We next went to the "U" street Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center in 
Brooklyn. Behind the center, the  water's edge held feeding Black-bellied 
Plover, Killdeer, Greater Yellowlegs, Dunlin and our target Wilson's Snipe. 
Plus a mix of ducks including a pair of Pintail and Shoveler.  We walked the 
path along  the marsh and observed 3 Northern Harriers, 2 Red-tailed Hawks, a 
light morph Rough-legged Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk.  Sparrows included 
Song, White-throated, Tree, Fox and Savannah.

At present, this relatively new city park is a worthy alternate to Jamaica Bay 
and deserves a bit more attention. When all the plantings are complete it may 
supplant it unless the fresh water ponds are returned to their former condition.

Sy.

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[nysbirds-l] Brooklyn birds

2015-02-18 Thread syschiff
18 Feb 2015
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) joined by Debbie Martin continued our chase for 
target birds. Still after the elusive Canvasback, we went to Prospect Park and 
were again disappointed. Several COMMON MERGANSERS were among the ducks.  At 
the feeders we saw Downy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Song Sparrow, 
Red-winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch and our target PURPLE FINCH.

Next, at Bush Terminal Park.  we stopped  for the wigeon and grebe. Here we 
found our EURASIAN WIGEON, AMERICA WIGEON, COMMON GOLDENEYE, WHITE-WINGED 
SCOTER,  BUFFLEHEAD, our RED-NECKED GREBE, HORNED GREBE, COMMON and 
RED-THROATED LOONS and a GREAT CORMORANT,

Travelling east on the Belt Pkwy we stopped at the first parking lot past the 
bridge, looked over onto the rocks and found a PURPLE SANDPIPER.

After a pause at Nathan's for a lunch break, we went to Coney Island Creek. 
Surprise! Amidst the ducks were 2 CANVASBACKS. Among others were GREATER and 
LESSER SCAUP, HOODED and RED-BREASTED MERGANSER and BUFFLEHEAD.

The WILSON'S SNIPE, KILLDEER and DUNLIN continue at Marine Park Salt Marsh 
Nature Center. Only a KESTREL for raptors. A PIED-BILLED GREBE completed the 
grebe family for the day.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Staten Island

2015-03-02 Thread syschiff

2 March, 2015

Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) went to Moravian Cemetery on Staten 
Is. and found the BARROW'S GOLDENEYE among an interesting cluster of dabbling 
and diving ducks.ducks in the pond. This included:--
MALLARD, BLACK DUCK, GADWALL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN PINTAIL, COMMON 
GOLDENEYE, CANVASBACK, RING-NECKED DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER and HOODED MERGANSER.

We then drove into Great Kills Park down to Crook's Pt. On the way we saw TREE 
SPARROWS  and a perched RED-SHOULDERED and RED-TAILED HAWK. At the entrance to 
the last parking lot we saw a large flock of RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS in a tree 
and a flock of HORNED LARKS feeding in the snow. Several COMMON GOLDENEYE and a 
flock of BUFFLEHEAD were out in the water as seen from the lot.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Nassau Co parks

2015-03-09 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for early Spring 
migrants this morning. First, the snow is still deep and it's very slick in 
places making for difficult walking. The macadam paths are a mixed bag, clear 
in some parks, partially open in others with black ice on them everywhere. Be 
careful out there.   Furthermore, there ain't no migrants yet. 

We started at Hempstead Lake SP, quickly noticed a BROWN CREEPER, tested the 
terrain and left. The Cardinals and Carolina Wrens were singing. Nice start for 
the season.

At Walker St., Massapequa Park, the parking lot is a mess of ice, mud and ruts. 
 We walked north to the cattails and found the lingering ORANGE-CROWNED 
WARBLER.  A COMMON GRACKLE high in a tree may be a migrant.

At Pittsburg, the pond, mostly free of ice held MALLARD, BLACK DUCK, 2 NORTHERN 
SHOVELER, RUDDY DUCK, male RING-NECKED DUCK,1 male and 5 female COMMON 
MERGANSER and an AMERICAN COOT. South along the stream mid way to Clark St. a 
male WOOD DUCK was feeding with a dozen Mallards.

Good to be out.  Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout

2015-03-12 Thread syschiff
Following up on a report, we went to the West Marina at Pt. Lookout and found 
the BREEDING PLUMAGE RED-NECKED GREBE. The bird was within the breakwater and 
we walked out along the floating walkways to get closer for an increasable 
photo opt.

At Jones Beach a distant flying large raptor may have been the Goshawk.  At the 
turn to the loop pkwy to Pt. Lookout, there was a BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE and 2 
ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, 1 perched and another hovering.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2015-03-23 Thread syschiff
23 March 2015

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded Hempstead Lake SP this cold, sunny morning. 
Migrants included Osprey, Great Egret, Eastern Phoebe and the singing 
blackbirds,  But none of other anticipated early arrivals.

We then stopped by Mill River in Rockville Centre to look for the Cackling 
Goose seen yesterday, but not found this morning.

March is still a lion. Where's the lamb?

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2015-03-29 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake sp 29 March

I stopped by before lunch on a sunny but cold day. Still, there must have been 
a hatch as South Pond was covered with a dozen+ TREE SWALLOWS hawking along 
with a number of EASTERN PHOEBES along side of them. Altogether, there must 
have been at least 40-50 if not more PHOEBES in the limited area I covered. 
They were everywhere, 8 in one spot, 4 in another and pairs all over, in 
addition to the singles. .

PINE WARBLERS have returned. I saw 1 bright spring and a dull and bright pair. 
The pair were with a bright colored CAROLINA WREN. Nice contrast.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Looking for early migrants

2015-03-31 Thread syschiff
 Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants, starting at Hempstead 
Lake SP. On a short walk north along the stream, we found 7 PINE WARBLERS, 1 
PALM WARBLER, 2 NORTHERN FLICKERS, many EASTERN PHOEBES and a YELLOW-BELLIED 
SAPSUCKER among other birds..

Having found our target warblers first thing, we headed for Alley Pond Park. 
Again there were Pine Warblers and Eastern Phoebes, but only 3 grackles and a 
cowbird and Redwing for blackbirds. There were no groups of redwings and no 
redwing song at either place. Strange for a bright, sunny, almost spring day. 
Again we had an assortment of resident/winter birds.

A phone call hastened our return with a stop at Valley Stream SP. There, with 
on site birding help, we saw more PINE WARBLERS and the YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER 
along the "Valley Stream" for which the park is named.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Early Yellow-throated Warbler record

2015-03-31 Thread syschiff
On 1 Apr 1979, a small bird flew into a dumpster at Hecksher SP in East Islip. 
Manny Levine called it and we all looked in at a Yellow-throated Warbler. At 
that time, the bird was extremely rare anywhere in the NE, so It made a great 
April Fools story. Since Manny edited the last state book, I  was surprised 
that he didn't pick up the oversight. However, the species account was written 
by Dominic Sherony, an upstate birder who wouldn't necessarily have know of the 
record.  Our collective reporting is much improved these days.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP.

2015-04-13 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 13 Apr

We finally had a small wave of warblers this morning consisting of PINE, PALM, 
YELLOW-RUMPED and BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERS. Other recent additions were 
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. Surprising was the lack of any 
sparrow movement. While the Tree Swallows came down over South Pond, for he 
most part, they were foraging way up in the air.

A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK posed in the woods close to the stream path until driven 
off by the Blue Jays, then settling not far off. It seems everyone has a camera 
these days. Before the jays got too rambunctious, there was a great photo-op 
going. Not to be overlooked, a pair of brilliant male WOOD DUCKS livened the 
parking lot pond.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area and Hempstead Lake SP

2015-04-21 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside  and Hempstead Lake SP.21 April

Arrived at Area after lunch. The reported BLUE-WINGED TEALS were resting in a 
cut, the male periodically lifting its head up so it could be IDed. Meantime, 
the TRICOLORED HERON was flying about. FORSTER'S TERNS were fishing in the pond 
and there were a number of LAUGHING GULLS were flying over. The FOS for the 
site was a SEASIDE SPARROW along the pond edge by the first bridge.

Singing LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH this morning at Hempstead while CHIMNEY SWIFTS 
joined the high flying TREE SWALLOWS.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Yellow-throated Warbler

2015-04-23 Thread syschiff
A Yellow-throated Warbler made a brief appearance at Hempstead Lake SP this 
morning.  The overall numbers in the NY area are very unusual this Spring.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Barrier Beaches

2015-05-01 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) stopped at the Jones Beach Coast 
Guard Station to view the GULL-BILLED TERN and then traveled out to Robert 
Moses SP and found the two BLUE GROSBEAKS.

We then went over to Captree Island and parked at the entrance to the community 
overlooking the marsh. There we found WILLET, GREATER and LESSER YELLOWLEGS, 
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and a pair of LITTLE BLUE HERONS.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2015-05-09 Thread syschiff
Oceanside 9 May

When leaving the property at noon, an immature BALD EAGLE flew by over the 
houses going east.  Otherwise, not too much fog, but a persistent mist that 
drove me indoors. The CLAPPER RAILS have returned and are calling in the marsh.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Sudy Area, Oceanside

2015-05-15 Thread syschiff
Oceanside 15 May

A MARSH WREN showed up yesterday and was heard singing  as I got out of my car 
in the parking lot. Shorebirds consisted of SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LEAST and 
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, WILLET, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, GREATER and LESSER 
YELLOWLEGS. Also one calling CLAPPER RAIL.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside

2015-05-19 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area 19 May

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) walked around on a foggy day.  The west side of 
the pond harbored the birds associated with a marsh environment; namely, 2 
CLAPPED RAILS, 2 MARSH WRENS and 2 singing SEASIDE SPARROWS in the phragmites 
along the trail. Saltmarsh Sparrows have not arrived yet.   A few hundred 
shorebirds of  the 6 commoner species gave us some things to do..

There was no breeze and the "no-see-ums" were very annoying. Bring bug-juice.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Franklin's Gull

2015-05-28 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Bill and I (Sy Schiff) found the FRANKLIN'S GULL, 
looking east from Plumb Beach, on the sandy beach across Gerritsen Inlet. It 
was mixed in with about 15 Laughing Gulls about 4-500 yards away.  At that 
distance it was a very difficult call to ID the target bird. However, one gull 
picked itself up and landed on top of a Laughing Gull slowly flapping its wings 
as appeared to mate. The wing pattern as seen through the scopes was perfect. 
The gull also showed a pale pink blush on the breast. . I could not find any 
quick reference to this paring, but maybe it's something new and we'll have the 
visitor stay for the summer.

We checked the marsh for sparrows without success, but did have a fly over 
LITTLE BLUE hERON.

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach

2015-06-09 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 9 July

A group of us had a productive morning for terns. COMMON, ROSEATE, GULL-BILLED, 
BLACK and ROYAL. Also, there were a number of first summer Common Terns, quite 
rare and interesting to view.

In addition, a first year tern with short legs that hinted at ARCTIC TERN was 
on the beach.  This one was photographed from a great distance and is under 
review before seeking advice.

FYI.  They have not started charging to visit Nickerson Beach during the week, 
so it's free (probably till July 4th. Don't have the weekend schedule)

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach ARCTIC TERN

2015-06-09 Thread syschiff
Hi all,

As an addition to my earlier post I am attaching the following.  Suspect ARCTIC 
TERN  confirmed by expert.

Sy.
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Hey Bob and Sy,

Yes, that's a first-summer Arctic Tern! Nice.

Best,
Shai

From: Bob Anderson [park...@optonline.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2015 3:45 PM
To: Shaibal Mitra
Subject: Possible Arctic Tern at Nickerson 5/9/15

Shai,

Sy Schiff asked me to forward to you these pictures for your thoughts.

Bob Anderson



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[nysbirds-l] Red Phalarope -Yes

2015-07-11 Thread syschiff
Park at the Nature Center and walk west about 350 yards to the blind. In 
addition to the RED PHALAROPE in the pool,  there was a continual movement of 
shorebirds landing on the flats and then going west. A GULL-BILLED TERN made a 
brief appearance and the fly by COMMON TERNS repeatedly spooked the shorebirds 
(but not the phalarope--it does appear to be missing a foot).

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] AviSys Birding Software

2015-08-03 Thread syschiff
Hi All,  

A birder reported on a National List Serv that due to  " a very serious, and 
unexpected health issue" that AviSys birding software is shutting down. I 
checked and the notice is on their web site.  There is no mention of 
continuity. I guess we will hear more in due course. 

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-08-04 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End,  4 Aug.

The bar at the marina had a small mix of shorebirds this morning., namely; 
American Oystercatcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, 
Short-billed Dowitcher and a "Western" Willet.

There is a (I believe 2nd Summer) Lesser Black-backed Gull on the West End 
parking lot.  The Least Tern colony on the upper swale is still very active, 
Otherwise, no birds except for a few blackbirds. I did not continue down to the 
beach.  It's hot out there.

Sy Schiff

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