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
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
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
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
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
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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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,
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
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
--
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
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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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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hempstead Lake SP 7 May
A slow day, but the CERULEAN WARBLER continues in the same place.
Sy Schiff
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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
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
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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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
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
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
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
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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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,
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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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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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,
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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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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
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
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.
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
Hi all,
As an addition to my earlier post I am attaching the following. Suspect ARCTIC
TERN confirmed by expert.
Sy.
---
Hey Bob and Sy,
Yes, that's a first-summer Arctic Tern! Nice.
Best,
Shai
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
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
--
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
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