[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to access the conditions in advance of several walks Joe is leading this weekend. The East Pond water level is HIGH, HIGH, HIGH. So high that the North end is inaccessible without very high boots and there is no edge. The entire north end of the pond is covered by a thick mat of algae, something I have never seen before. The South end has a sparse area of flat which held some shorebirds, but access was too close and they flushed when we came out of the reeds. The fence is clearly a "spite" fence as it appears to have no purpose other to obstruct passage It's a pain, but you can walk around it. To finish, there were shorebirds in the raunt area but too far off to view. There is no way one can bring a group to view shorebirds. I believe the walks will be cancelled. From my experience over the years, the "Shorebird Festival in a few weeks may not be a sure thing. I doubt the place can be put in shape in the short time till then. We'll see. But we did ID a few, namely: Semipalmated Plover, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated and Least Sandpiper. There was a flyby Glossy Ibis and a white Little Blue and Great Blue Heron. A Willow Flycatcher was near the Center. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Changes to the NYS List
The results of the 58th Supplement to the AOU List are in and awaiting publication. Rick Wright on his Web Site gave a summary of the results. For NY birders, the changes that effect our count are no more Thayer's Gull as previously reported but no other splits or lumps. We'll have to await the full report to get the reasoning behind the lack of movement. So net change is minus one. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Center , Oceanside,ny
MNSA, Oceanside SUNDAY 25 June The county leaders have unlocked the funding freeze and have allocated some money to allow Sunday access to the facility (hopefully for July and August). Anyway, it's open. Of note today was a continuing Clapper Rail, calling from the phragmites and a Saltmarsh Sparrow that posed for pictures Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Shawangunk Grasslands
Shawangunk Grasslands 7 June Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) visited at the site this morning, received some info when we arrived and quickly found the HENSLOW'S SPARROW. The DICKCISSEL was a bit further along the path into the grasslands near the blind. Both birds were singing in full sight and very cooperative. Several sparrows flew up and dove into the grass as we walked and were probably GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, heard briefly but not seen. A WILLOW FLYCATCHER was singing along the edge in the trees. As we were walking out, a pair of vultures flew by very high in the air, one of each, TURKEY and BLACK. BOBOLINK were every where, almost all males, except for a very cooperative female with a caterpillar in its bill. It is presumed the missing females are on nests. EASTERN MEADOWLARKS were singing but only a single one showed. Red-winged Blackbirds were also in fair numbers. . One male AMERICAN KESTREL was resting in a bare tree, in the grass land, A pair of SAVANNAH SPARROWS rounded out the morning as we approached the parking lot. A PURPLE MARTIN house, seen from the paring lot had a pair of birds clinging to the outside. Not a grassland bird, but a nice addition for the day. A note: the place is gorgeous and impeccably maintained. The wildflowers are stunning. You don't have to be a birder to enjoy this place. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Terns at Nickerson Beach
Nickerson Beach 3 June Sun turned to clouds and then rain as I walked down to the ocean in front of the main tern colony. On the beach resting were 4 ROSEATE TERN, a single GULL-BILLED TERN which flew off along with BLACK SKIMMERS, COMMON TERNS and AMERICAN OYSTER CATCHERS. One Roseate had an exceptionally bright pink breast. The rain stopped and I managed a distant photo. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
MNSA, Oceanside 26 May Yesterday's storm coupled with a new moon high tide completely flooded the marsh. It probably also washed out any nests already there. This morning the marsh was still mostly under water just after high tide when I arrived.. As a result the land birds normally in the marsh were mostly confined the the path edges. Around the pond marsh birds were calling and/or singing and also nicely visible. There were a number of shorebirds also feeding.. Of interest:-- Clapper Rail, 2 Saltmarsh Sparrow, several Seaside Sparrow, several Other birds in the marsh Osprey Black-crowned Night-Heron, 2 fly over Great Egret Snowy Egret Little Blue Heron, white imm still hanging out American Oystercatcher, 2 Ruddy Turnstone, 10 Least Sandpiper, a few Semipalmated Sandpiper, 25 Spotted Sandpiper, 2 Greater Yellowlegs Willet, many all over, any nesting undoubtedly washed away Forster's Terns -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Henslow's Sparrow
Henslow's Sparrow update This species was long a resident on the grass lands of the Saratoga Battlefields. The staff found that the birds needed to have the grass burned or cut for the habitat to be maintained and for them to continue to breed in the area. So they cut the grass at the proper time of year all over. And the sparrows disappeared. What subsequent research discovered was, the Henslow's Sparrows breed in second and third year growth. You can't cut the grass every year. You have to rotate your cutting. Attempts to reintroduce this species anywhere has been mostly a total failure. Hence, the sighting of a singing bird in the Shawangunk Grassland is an extraordinary event. They are doing every thing right. It's a great place to visit and it's a paradise for birders looking for grassland birds. They have parking, viewing platforms and blinds. The bird song is unique. They sing loudly from a clump top but are can be hard to see. Lets not go playing songs and chasing the bird. Be patient and look. This is a new breeding area and we need them to be successful now and for the future. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Gardiner County Park
Joe Giunta and I(Sy Schiff) birded Gardiner Co. Park, Suffolk Co. this morning. No migrants were found, but the walk to the marsh was a delightful expanse of singing, breeding birds. At the marsh, to our left were 4 SALTMARSH SPARROWS; to our right 3 SEASIDE SPARROWS. Just before the marsh, a WILLOW FLYCATCHER was singing high in the trees. Shorebirds were few but included SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LEAST SANDPIPER, WILLET and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. A lone GREAT EGRET was in the marsh. A pair of OSPREY were in the air. YELLOW WARBLERS were everywhere. (Joe counted 14--could have been more); vireos consisted of WARBLING, RED-EYED and WHITE-EYED; flycatchers--GREAT-CRESTED and WILLOW; woodpeckers--DOWNY, HAIRY and RED-BELLIED.There was RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, HOUSE WREN, CEDAR WAXWING, BLACK-and-WHITE WARBLER and a number of COMMON YELLOWTHROATS among other birds. A delightful morning. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Hempstead Lake SP 2 May Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) met there prior to heading for Jamaica Bay. A quick check before leaving turned up a SOLITARY SANDPIPER, WARBLING and RED-EYED VIREO, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (heard only), a few Warblers and a BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Although the facility is open (they have to be kidding--more later), the buildings, now, are only manned 5 days a week with Monday and Tuesday closed. (the bathrooms were open today). The trails are closed for construction a significant distance before the now closed breach. So, effectively you can't bird except in the gardens. Both West and East Ponds are not just filled, but appear to be overflowing. No margins of any kind and NO shorebirds except for a flyby calling WILLET. The South Marsh held 1 GREAT EGRET, and later 15 GLOSSY IBIS flew over. There was a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in Big Johns Pond along with a male WOOD DUCK. No Owl visible. The East Pond had a lone pair of GADWALL in a huge expanse of water.. The short walk to just before bench 3 and the STOP FOR CONSTRUCTION sign produced almost a dozen each of HOUSE WREN and YELLOW WARBLERS. A CLAPPER RAIL was calling loudly, but we could not find it in the dense reeds. Other birds also are all local breeders. Until what ever they're doing is finished, if you want to see water fowl and shorebirds, you have to go elsewhere. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park
Alley {Pond Park 28 April Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) started at the upper parking lot. This was the first truly lovely spring day. Our first notable bird (ignoring lots of Robins and House Sparrows) was a singing Yellow Warbler, the first of 10 warblers for the day; namely, 2 Ovenbird, 5 Northern Waterthrush, 12,Black-and-white Warbler, 1,Nashville Warbler, 2,Common Yellowthroat, 5,Northern Parula, 4,Yellow Warbler, 1,Pine Warbler, 50,Yellow-rumped Warbler, 1,Prairie Warbler. Other arrivals included Veery, Wood Thrush, House Wren, Blue Gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Gray Catbird and Eastern Towhee. A half dozen Rusty Blackbirds and the Great Horned Owl continue. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Clspper Rail at Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area 18 April A Clapper Rail was calling and running around by the Osprey nest. No marsh sparrows yet. Happy Tax Day. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Lido Beach
The Prothonotary and Orange-crowned Warblers continue. Both move around a bit, so requires patience. Both are very bright adults, the Prothonotary especially so. Seen till 11:00 when I left. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Baldwin Park, Nassau Co
Baldwin Park soccer parking lot 14 Apr Quick stop this morning. The flood lights on the adjacent ball field are covered with sticks. End light, has an OSPREY nest with bird on nest. Other lights contain MONK PARAKEET nests and noisy birds. Sy Schiff. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re:[nysbirds-l] Yard Bird (follow up)
New Yard Bird Follow-up Many birders got a kick out of my little story. But, there's a bit of background behind it. Sam Jannazzo has been telling our local birders that I have Pterodactyls on my life list based on the fact that I started birding long before many of them were born. So besides the April fool, it's an inside joke. I'm glad those who responded enjoyed it. And thanks for the kind words. Sy Schiff - Original Message - From: syschiff To: NYSBIRDS_L Sent: Saturday, April 01, 2017 8:41 AM Subject: Yard Bird New Yard Bird: April 1 Many of my friends have berated me because I have birds on my Life List that they can no longer get. Well the joke is on them, because this morning a PINK-STRIPED LESSER PTERODACTYL swooped down, took a squirrel, flew into a tree, swallowed it whole before it flew off to the East. Although not considered a bird by many, some experts group this family of flying reptiles just after the Grebes which is where I count it. I am reviewing some poor pictures taken. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Yard Bird
New Yard Bird: April 1 Many of my friends have berated me because I have birds on my Life List that they can no longer get. Well the joke is on them, because this morning a PINK-STRIPED LESSER PTERODACTYL swooped down, took a squirrel, flew into a tree, swallowed it whole before it flew off to the East. Although not considered a bird by many, some experts group this family of flying reptiles just after the Grebes which is where I count it. I am reviewing some poor pictures taken. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
MNSA 29 Mar The first SNOWY EGRET showed up yesterday afternoon. This morning there were 2. A recent GREAT EGRET continues and the resident OSPREYs have set up house keeping. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Allep Pond Park
Alley Pond Park, 25 Mar Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) parked at the upper lot. The morning started overcast, stayed that way, butt warmed up as the day progressed. Small birds were few and far between. Our successful target bird were 2 FOY EASTERN PHOEBE. We also saw 5 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS mixed with Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees. New migrants were probably the flock of mixed blackbirds on the ball field edge including: RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, COMMON GRACKLE and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD. We found other Rustles in their usual place by the kettle ponds, a total of at least 15 in all for the day. Raptors included a fly over RED-TAILED HAWK and the continuing resident GREAT HORNED OWL. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones beach strip
Jones Beach Strip; 24 March Overcast, blustery day. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the the Joes beach strip out to Captree Island. Starting at the Coast Guard Station, the bar contained a pair of AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and 7 PIPING PLOVER. Approx. 300 DUNLIN were flying about and landed on the far side of the inlet. Single BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES were seen here and a various stops all the way out to Captree SP and Captree Island. There we found a GREAT EGRET in the marsh. At Oak Beach, we missed the grebes, but found lots of LONG-TAILED DUCKS everywhere and both Loons. A GREAT CORMORANT was seen on the rocks in the far distance. Small birds were virtually absent in the blowing wind. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Notes from Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End, 20 February A RAZORBILL was feeding along the inlet rocks just before the = fisherman's parking lot. Beautiful close up views. Approaching the inlet walking along the ocean, the sky was filled with = NORTHERN GANNETS (about 150) fishing and plunging into the ocean. I = followed a half dozen flying closely in a line (a bit different from the = usual random movements), so I followed them. The lead bird suddenly = pulled up and dove into the water followed one by one by the next 5. An = amazing precision performance. Made my day. Drifting back to the parking lot, we heard a singing HORNED LARK in the = upper swale. The lark flocks have thinned out in the last week. When I = heard the song.I realized the birds are not gone, but are on the nest = now. Lark breeding begins the first of February in the upper dunes at = the West End lot and in front of the Nature Center.. Waiting patiently, = we finally located the bird and showing its signature horns. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area
MNSA 1 Feb. I stopped by Oceanside this morning. The usual uncommon wintering birds have been absent for a while, no Clapper Rail or Marsh Sparrows. However, there was a change yesterday continuing into today, American Robins have fond the holly tree (covered with berries) in front of the office. A big increase from yesterday. Over a hundred Robins were circling the tree and feeding`--maybe many more. A roaming flock or early migrants? If the latter, this is about 10 days early. The Peregrine Falcon box has been refurbished and fresh gravel has been placed on the floor. Today, the cam was showing a pair making breeding advances inside. Spring is on the way. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Cammanns Pond
Cammanns Pond 2 Jan On a break from the rain this morning. The Black-headed Gull continues along with a single Yellow-crowned Night-Heron across from the parking lot. No Great Egret or Iceland Gull seen. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Camanns Pond
Cammanns Pond 26 Dec As I was preparing to leave after striking out, Mike Zito pulled into the lot.. We chatted and the BLACK-HEADED GULL flew in. (He posted it). If I hadn't stopped to be sociable, I would have missed it. Traditionally, the island is a favorite wintering spot for herons. Today there was a GREAT BLUE HERON, a GREAT EGRET, 20 mixed age BLACK-CROWN NIGHT-HERONS and overlooking from the top of the large tree, a very relaxed PEREGRINE FALCON. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout
Pt. Lookout 3 Dec The town beach and jetties are undergoing major construction including today (Saturday). I checked the Gulls on the parking lot but didn't go toward the beach which is off limits. Heavy trucks carrying huge boulders were coming into the lot. The activity must have disturbed the 4 HARLEQUIN DUCKS since they were well into the inlet just opposite the "fireman's field". A slight interlude from watching today's CAVE SWALLOW at that spot. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach 2 Dec After checking the bar at the Coast Guard Station, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to the swale walking down to the water. Of interest were 40 RED KNOT on the bar with AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. On the beach,looking toward the jetty, almost at the end, there were 800-1000 DUNLIN. In the swale and on the beach were 75 SNOW BUNTINGS, 15 HORNED LARKS and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR with the larks. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End
Jones Beach West End 26 Nov Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to look for the Longspur reported. Upon arriving at the Coast Guard Station parking lot, we were alerted to a NORTHERN GOSHAWK. We walked down the road toward the turnaround, looking into the median where the bird was reported. We spotted the raptor in the large deciduous tree in the middle. Nice scope views and distance photos from the road Returning to our cars, we drove to West End #2.and walked down the swale. A large flock of HORNED LARKS was feeding, but no Longspur. A SNOWY OWL had been reported on the beach yesterday, so we turned towards the jetty. No luck by us or others converging on the beach, but we did turn up a flock of about 75 SNOW BUNTINGS, Meanwhile some one spotted the owl in the opposite direction. We looked, we saw, and called it a successful morning birding. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Chasing rarities, 11/14
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at Lido West Park at 9:00. The ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER had been seen at 8:00 and flew off. We waited and back it came a bit after we arrived. It landed on the snow fence adjacent to the lot and posed for viewing and photos. Very nice. First target, check! We drove over to Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream, walked on the East side to have the sun at our backs. A scan of the pond and across to the tennis courts did not turn up anything unusual. Bummer! While returning toward where we parked, about 30 gesso flew in landing just to our north.. They in included the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. Second target, check! Our third bird was the Eurasian Wigeon at the Marine Park in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, the Wigeon didn't arrive after we did. Here we struck out. But, it afforded some birding, so not a total loss. Of note were AMERICAN WIGEON, BUFFLEHEAD and PIED-BILL GREBE in the water; GREATER YELLOWLEGS and GREAT BLUE HERON on the shore. Upland, we had BROWN CREEPER and 2 TREE SPARROWS; in the air, AMERICAN KESTREL and RED-TAILED HAWK. Lovely day to be out, Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Joe Giunta, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) Birded Jones Beach West End on a cool, sunny, very windy day. The wind kept the birds down but the lawn at the bottom of the hedgerow and the shrubs just before the turn into the Coast Guard Station entrance held a number of sparrows. They did not venture very far out and were quite skittish. The variety was good, consisting of 8 species:CHIPPING, FIELD, WHITE-THROAT, WHITE-CROWN, SONG, LINCOLN, SWAMP, plus a SAVANNAH SPARROW behind the West End #2 concession stand. There were 3 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in the trees by the Coast Guard Station entrance, but flew off as we approached. The median harbored 8 EASTERN PHOEBE and 14 RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH among the usual birds, Cutting across the West End parking lot we notices 4 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS in the gull flock. One bird had exceptionally bright yellow legs There were at least 25 FORSTER'S TERNS flying on the far side of the inlet, but could have been twice as many. The wind made long distance viewing very difficult. The bar contained the usual suspects, 150 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS still lingering. The winds were right but only a few raptors moving through. A NORTHERN HARRIER may have been a migrant, -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP
At 10:35 this morning an ADULT BALD EAGLE made a lazy loop over Parking Lot #3 followed a bit later by an ADULT RED-TAILED HAWK. Pleasant end to the the morning's birding. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Croton Pt. Park
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning at Croton Pt. Park in Westchester. Our target bird was a Vesper Sparrow which we did not find. Otherwise, we toured the landfill for a few hours on a lovely sunny day with a splendid Fall color background. Birds on or over the landfill as follows-- The sparrows: SONG, WHITE-CROWNED and SAVANNAH; the raptors: OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, BALD EAGLE, RED-TAILED HAWK and AMERICAN KESTREL; others: 25 AMERICAN CROWS after a Red-tail, EASTER PHOEBE and PALM WARBLER. It's Summer all over again. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Kassina Corridore Park and Community Garden
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) picked a lovely day to bird. The birds for the most part kept to the shrubbery with few venturing out onto the paths.. Perhaps the presence of some accipiters kept everything under cover. A few EASTERN PHOEBES and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS accompanied the usual suspects. By far the best bird was a late BLUE-HEADED VIREO in the trees in the area of tall grass. There were more sparrows and some warblers in the Community Gardens. Here for a change, we looked down on SONG, SWAMP. WHITE-THROATED and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Warblers were YELLOW PALM. YELLOW-RUMPED and a cooperative BLACKPOLL WARBLER. that posed for pictures. A bright male RING-NECKED PHEASANT made a brief appearance. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Rufous Hummingbird at Oceanside
A Rufous Hummingbird was photographed at the Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside on Thursday morning Oct 6 in the spot where Ruby-throated have been seen and photographed for several weeks now. No Hummers of any kind were seen today in the morning nor afternoon, at least until 3:00, Mike is on vacation and will not be back until Tuesday. . Which is why he probably didn't get to alert the birding community. (Facility closed Sunday and Monday) A lot of people took a lot of photos there. Maybe the Rufous was there earlier. Take another look at your stuff to see if something might be different. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, NY
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 4 October Dismal overcast skies, although a welcome change was the first day of migrating sparrows. Just a few.but included were:-- Song, Savannah, Swamp, a marsh species (not identified) and a White-crowned Sparrow. Other birds were Green Heron, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Kestrel and a breeding plumage female Bobolink. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Kissena Corridor Park, Queens, New York
Kissena Corridor Park, 27 September Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at 9:30. After a short walk on macadam, we moved on to the wood chips covered paths. Not a lot of birds, but what there was was rather continuous. So we kept busy. Among the birds were: 2 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, AMERICAN KESTREL, EASTERN PHOEBE, EMPIDONAX FLYCATCHER (broke up the monotony while we speculated on ID, although we left it as is), RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, BLACK-AND-WHITE,YELLOWTHROAT,PARULA, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL, and BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS and INDIGO BUNTINGS. We then entered the adjacent Community Gardens. The area was a delight. Almost every plot had flowers in bloom. Here birding was a bit slow but all below eye level. We did manage a few YELLOWTHROATS, PALM WARBLERS, EASTERN GOLDFINCH and best of all, a perfect TENNESSEE WARBLER to end the morning. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, NY
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 21 Sep Finally a few migrants today, namely: several PALM WARBLERS and several SAVANNAH SPARROWS plus an EASTERN PHOEBE . A MARSH WREN that showed up yesterday and still here today is also probably a migrant along with a cooperative GREEN HERON. Shorebirds still not moving in; Forster's Terns lingering. The RED CANA LILIES continue to attract RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS. In a space of 17 minutes (digital cameras time stamp the images), I managed to take 60 photos with my point and shoot super zoom, a third presentable for ID and a few OK (Wings blurred in all cases). Review of the photos showed at least 2 different birds. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Barrier Islands
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station--3 ROYAL TERNS, 2 flyby and 1 on bar West End #2 Parking Lot--10 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, HY through adult Fire Island Hawk Watch for one hour--3 MERLIN and 3 OSPREY. Winds wrong, slow day Sy Schiff with Joe Giunta -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Falll Thrush
Baldwin 10 Sep Looking out my den window before preparing supper, a reddish tailed thrush landed on a branch. But it didn't seem right for a Hermit Thrush since it also was reddish elsewhere.. Fortunately, it spun in place so I could see the overall bird.. The bird perfectly matched the description of a Bicknell's Thrush (as of the time of the split from Gray-cheeked Thrush). Unfortunately, since then, it has been determined that the plumages overlap. This has been my first clear cut Bicknell's/Gray-cheeked can't tell them apart Thrush. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Oceanside 7 September Cloudy morning with not much activity. But, we managed to see both a SEASIDE and SALTMARSH SPARROW. A GREEN HERON popped up. a very pretty breeding plumage BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, some SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, a number of PEEP and a single AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER were present. A number of FORSTER'S TERNS are still around. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge -- No White-face this AM
Jamaica Bay WR, 9:00-11:00 AM 24 June Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to the south end, walking on a newly created path through the phragmites to reach a small mud flat that held us and a scope. (The water is coming down and for the first time in years, early enough for the beginning return shorebird flight). We spent the morning on the East Pond, first scanning north from the south end and then south from Big Johns Pond. Besides the Mallard and Black Ducks, there were a few Gadwall. Shorebirds consisted of Willet, American Oystercatchers and a pair of Greater Yellowlegs. A dozen + Forster's Terns were actively feeding in the pond. No other terns. Willow Flycatchers were calling at the South end, but we did not find an earlier reported Acadian Flycatcher. At Big Johns Pond, a Barn Owl looked out of the box watching the Snowy Egrets fishing while both Night-Herons (mostly Black-crowns) surrounded the pool. Catbirds and a Yellow Warbler flitted about. A tranquil and lovely view. A great summer birding morning on the East Pond with 38 Species seen. BUT, no white-faced ibis! Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay WR
Jamaica Bay WR 16 June Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) walked to Big Johns Pond and scanned the East Pond. Lots of feeding IBIS (25), all GLOSSY. We went to the south end for better looks, but still couldn't come up with a White-faced. The Barn Owl continues in the box. On the west pond, we walked to the breech, looked across and found a single GULL-BILLED TERN. (could the other one be on a nest?) Success for 1 of our 2 targets. While we concentrated on our target birds and did not bird the gardens, we managed to count 40 species of breeding birds. Of note wee 10 FORSTER'S TERNS, 2 BLACK SKIMMERS, 4 WILLOW FLYCATCHERS, 5 HOUSE WRENS, 15 YELLOW WARBLERS, 5 EASTERN TOWHEE and the usual numbers of other expected breeding birds. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, Nassau Co
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 7 June With the exception of Seaside Sparrow that hasn't been seen for a few weeks, all of the native marsh birds were heard this morning; namely:: WILLET, CLAPPER RAIL, MARSH WREN, SALTMARSH SPARROW and upland nesters YELLOW WARBLER and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT. In the marsh were: GREAT EGRET, SNOWY EGRET, GREAT BLUE HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON and GLOSSY IBIS. But the best was a sub-adult BALD EAGLE that flew over chased by an OSPREY until it left the premises. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Roseate Tern yesterday
Hi to all who gave me help on reporting the banded tern, especially Susan Elbin of NYC Audubon who put me in contact with Jeffery Spendelow of The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The bird was was banded as a chick at Eastern Egg Rock in Muscongus Bay, Maine. The year depends on whether the band letter was an E or an F. If you're birding there, try to confirm this, if the bird is still around. A good photo would also be appreciated. Again, thanks to all. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Roseate Tern at Nickerson Beach
An adult ROSEATE TERN was near the water at Nickerson Beach this morning (05/27/2016) opposite the Tern/Skimmer colony. It had a very lovely pink breast. The tern was banded with a silver band on its right leg and a square band on the left leg with the number F18. Can someone let me know where to report this info. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, Nassau Co
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 20 May A full complement of marsh birds this morning plus 11 shorebird species and 6 warblers in the upland area. Details:-- Clapper Rail, Marsh Wren, Saltmarsh and Seaside Sparrow. Semipalmated Plover, Black-bellied Plover, American Oystercatcher, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin and Short-billed Dowitcher. Northern Parula, Yellow, Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat. Other birds included Song and Swamp Sparrow. Northern Cardinal, Gray Catbird and a Baltimore Oriole sang in the upland areas. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] South Shore locations--and Marsh Sparrows
Joe Giunta, Stan and I (Sy Schiff) started birding at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station.bar There were a scattering of terns and shorebirds there and a few warblers at the parking lot. We moved on. We headed directly east to Gardiner County Park. The path to the bay was moderately birdy with YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, 8 species of WARBLER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and other breeding birds. At the bay, we turned left, crossed a shallow cut and moved back to the edge of the marsh. Here we found and photographed both SEASIDE and SALTMARSH SPARROWS and a pair of LEAST SANDPIPERS. Returning, we stopped at Captree Island. Here we found more of the same expected shorebirds with a nice addition. Four birds feeding together consisted of 2 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 2 exceedingly rare in spring STILT SANDPIPERS, Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
After a stop at Hempstead Lake SP, I went over to Oceanside and just missed a SEASIDE SPARROW. While going back to look for it, we found a SALTMARSH SPARROW. So, the sparrows are back along with a number of CLAPPER RAILS. A GREEN HERON showed, but not the recent Tricolored Heron. Shorebirds consisted of SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, WILLET, LESSER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SEMIPALMATED and LEAST SANDPIPERS plus SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. FORSTER'S TERNS continue and a LEAST TERN made a brief appearance. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
RE:[nysbirds-l] CP Hermit Warbler
My own experience with this species was an 11/29/2002 bird at Jones Beach and a 12/21/2010 bird at Sunken Meadow. Both were in winter plumage without black on the throat. The early bird had a bit of yellow on the throat where it would have been replaced by black in the Spring, the later one did not and this was specifically looked for by all to make certain.. NYSARC ruled the first bird a hybrid amid some controversy. (My take was Hybrid in the Fall, Hermit in the Sparing). As to the current bird, any YELLOW in the under parts would make this bird suspect. I hope there are photos as this species is a notorious hybridizer with Townsend's Warbler. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) accompanied by Mike Farina (staff biologist) birded Oceanside on an overcast windy morning. Breeding birds nesting or feeding in the marsh, consisted of OSPREY, GLOSSY IBIS, GREAT and SNOWY EGRETS, TRICOLORED HERON, CLAPPER RAIL (calling in the marsh), AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, WILLET, LAUGHING GULLS. PEREGRINE FALCON.and TREE SWALLOWS on their boxes. Migrants included GREATER YELLOWLEGS, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and LEAST SANDPIPER. Nice to be out in spite of the weather. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Not much doing other than an influx of shorebirds and Ibis. 13 Glossy Ibis, flying around, finally landing in the puddle to the west of the pond and fed with a Snowy Egret, Least Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and 3 Greater Yellowlegs. In the puddle on the east side there were 3 Short-billed Dowitchers. Elsewhere, the Willets are in and scattered about; 2 more Least Sandpipers were along the path. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP (Nass Co) and Alley Pond Park (Queens Co)
Joe Giunta and I birded Hempstead Lake SP. Still early in the season, but there are a few early migrants and breeding birds; namely CHIMNEY SWIFT, EASTERN KINGBIRD, WARBLING VIREO, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, OVENBIRD, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH, OVENBIRD, BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, YELLOW, PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. We then moved to Alley Pond Park. The usually more prolific (closer to the west) local was a disappointment. Birding was no where as good as at Hempstead. Here we found a BLUE-HEADED VIREO, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, , 5 YELLOW WARBLERS, YELLOW-RUMPED and our first BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Ocean beaches
Jones Beach strip to Robert Moses SP and Captree Island. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started at the Coast Guard Station and then to West End #2. Our prime interest were wet land birds. But we managed a Peregrine and a Merlin plus Field, Chipping, Song, Swamp and White-throated Sparrows. Thrasher and Towhee were singing. The Common Loon was in full breeding plumage and 3 Forster's terns were flying about on the far side of the inlet. We headed east to Robert Moses SP , Captree SP ( little success at both) and then Captree Island. Here there were both Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, both Egrets and Greater Yellowlegs At Cedar Beach Marina, we found another Forster's Tern on the pilings in front of the parking lot, few more Greater Yellowlegs.a pair of Oystercatcher.and our first Willet of the season. There were nests and Ospreys at every site. A pretty remarkable comeback for this raptor. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
Re: [nysbirds-l] Tern - swan River
I'll bite. You never know what these kids are smoking these days, - Original Message - From: "Rick" To: ; Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 8:13 PM Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] Tern - swan River The typo-pun opportunities here are too mind-boggling for response. I believe the correct reference in both instances is to "tern" -- just in case anyone was confused. :-) -Original Message- From: bounce-120410816-3714...@list.cornell.edu [mailto:bounce-120410816-3714...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of leorm...@gmail.com Sent: Friday, April 22, 2016 6:28 PM To: NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu Subject: [nysbirds-l] Tern - swan River I just observed a species of teen flying south along the swan River toward the great South Bay. Looked like a common term based on size but can't be certain. - Luke, east Patchogue -- -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 20 April Looking for my first SAVANNAH SPARROWS, I found 10 feeding along the edges on both sides of the road just before the turn into the Coast Guard Station. Also, a pair of DARK-EYED JUNCOS and a very tame PALM WARBLER. Other birds Included HERMIT THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE and a HOUSE FINCH pair. The water was choppy and difficult viewing. I did pick out the lingering BLACK SCOTER; add BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and DUNLIN on the bar. A very large (100+) DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT FLOCK FLEW OVER. At last, the beginning of the migration. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area
Marine Nature Study Area 13 Apr Cool, sunny, wind 11, gusts 17 MPH. Singing AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and SONG SPARROW, otherwise birds not out and about In the marsh:-- TURKEY VULTURE over golf course, GREAT EGRET, 5 SNOWY EGRET, (foy) TRICOLORED HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, 3 GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park, Queens
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) birded Alley Pond Park in Queens this morning under mixed clouds and sun. As we left the upper parking lot, a TURKEY VULTURE soared over. .A good start, but birding thereafter was slow and few birds were in evidence except for American Robins which were everywhere. The woods held a YELLOW-BELLIED WOODPECKER along with more common woodpeckers, Chickadees and Titmice. The only warbler was a single very pretty PALM WARBLER (our FOY). At the kettle ponds we found 10 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS along with a mix of other blackbirds.. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Kissena Park
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to Kissena Park to look for a RING-NECKED PHEASANT,. We saw 2 and an additional 5 were heard as we made our rounds. Other birds included 4 very bright PINE WARBLERS foraging together, 3 FOX SPARROWS and a RUSTY BLACKBIRD. At Kissena Corroder Park, we saw another 3 RING-NECKED PHEASANTS. In all it was a TEN PHEASANT day, 5 seen, 5 heard; the most either one has experienced in one day in all our years of birding. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP + jones Beach
Hempstead lake SP 24 Mar A COMMON RAVEN flew over chased by 2 Crows. The size difference usually not noticed particularly was extremely apparent. Big difference. We were all taken aback Other raptors included Cooper's, Sharp-shinned, Osprey and a Great Horned Owl. No new migrants, Jones Beach West End 24 Mar PIPING PLOVER in the swale Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP--Pine Warbler
Hempstead Lake SP 17 Mar First PINE WARBLER, a dingy drab bird. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside and Baldwin Park
Oceanside and Baldwin Park, 8 Mar The Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside was quiet. Of interest were a pair of fly-by Snow Geese and 2 Wood Ducks that landed at the entrance to Bedell Creek before taking off a bit later. I drove over to Baldwin Park, a small detour on the way home. I heard the screeching before I got out of the car. Three MONK PARAKEETS were resting and calling on top of the lights opposite the parking lot (the first nest). and at least another dozen were on the next 3 lights. A second small nests is now on the fourth light. The Osprey nest continues but it's too early for occupancy. I walked to the bay where there were 4 Red-throated Loons and a pair of fly-by Double-crested Cormorants Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Salt Marsh Preserve, Brooklyn
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled into Brooklyn after visiting Jones Beach to look for the European Wigeon and again had a miss for the day, But the Salt Marsh Preserve is a lovely place to visit with a mix of puddle and diving ducks and extensive grass lands. So, we took advantage of the beautiful setting and and a pleasant walk. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach strip
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) met at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station parking lot. The on-going species were observed in the water, namely both loons, Horned Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead, Long-tailed Duck and Black Scoter. Across the inlet almost to the far side a RAZORBILL drifted in with the incoming tide. We left going East and drove through the West End 2 lot where an adult KUMLIEN'S GULL was resting with other gulls. We arrived at the Oak Beach/Senior parking lot to look for the Eared Grebe, but had no luck. Continuing to Captree SP. we found 2 Killdeer our FOY and a Boat*tailed Grackle -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-fronted Goose, 17 Feb
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) visited Belmont Lake State Park late afternoon. We found 7 Wood Duck, 8 Common Mergansers, Hooded Merganser, Pied-bill Grebe, a Ruddy Duck, 2 Northern Pintail, many Mallard and Black Ducks, but only 5 Canada Geese. On the ice with other gulls was a single adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. So, we went over to St. Charles Cemetery where we found the huge flock of feeding geese in the SE corner. (We believe this is the flock that comes in the above lake for the night). In a gully from our vantage point, we found 2 WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. We found them when they finally picked up their heads, otherwise they were pretty well hidden, They eventually came out for a satisfactory view. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Pelham Bay Park , 15 Feb
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) visited Pelham Bay Park this morning to look for owls. We found the continuing Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl sitting on its nest, Among waterfowl were Brant, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Amer. Black Duck, Mallard, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. Land birds included Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, a Tree Sparrow among 20 Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal and a lone Rusty Blackbird feeding on the ground with the sparrow/junco flock. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
MNSA, Oceanside 29 Jan Other than "dune" area, all paths clear enough for walking. The MARSH WREN continues around the pond. Sparrows included. SONG, SWAMP, SAVANNAH and TREE. Fly over included 2 SNOW GEESE, NORTHERN HARRIER, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT and BELTED KINGFISHER In the channel WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and RED-THROATED LOON. A PEREGRINE FALCON was perched on the right most Osprey nest on the island on the other side of the channel. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Birding travelog 14 Jan time update
Time is wrong at the shawangunks. We got there at 3:30 not 4:30 and the birds at 3:50 Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Birding travelog; 14 Jan
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) decided to visit the Shawangunk Grasslands today. Since we were to arrive at dusk, we planed to bird from our haunts on Long Island to the site in Ulster Co as we traveled. We started at Hempstead Lake SP where we found the continuing female WOOD DUCK. From there we drove north to Croton Pt. Park. Our first stop was the gazebo and the DARK-EYED JUNCO flock feeding on the lawn. Included were TREE SPARROWS and the continuing LARK SPARROW. Walking toward the landfill, we spotted 2 GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS. Then an Imm. BALD EAGLE flew over. Next stop was the Croton train station. From that vantage point, there was no ice in the river and no eagles anywhere. The water afforded looks of some COMMON MERGANSERS and a few BUFFLEHEADS.The missing eagles were a disappointment and the single flyover at the park was a lucky save. Continuing north, we stopped at Rockefeller State Park Preserve where we ate lunch. Adjacent to the lot, there was lots of scattered seed on the ground that brought in a large contingent of feeder birds. We walked on one of the trails, finding PILEATED WOODPECKER borings in dead trees but no birds. Among the woodpeckers and nuthatches we found a BROWN CREEPER.. We arrived at the gunks at 4:30. You can now drive in and onto a parking lot, formerly part of one of the runways. Along side the lot is a ramp to a new platform over looking the grasslands. We went there and at 4:50, the first SHORT-EARED OWL showed along with a NORTHERN HARRIER, Until we left, the two species put on a nice show sometimes alone and sometimes interacting, Difficult to count because of the movement and disappearances in the grass. But we estimate there were at east 4 of each. A great close to our long day of birding. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] King Eider at Montauk
Posting for Joe Giunta KING EIDER directly south of the Montauk Lighthouse. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Great Egret and Osprey in Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 9 Jan There were 4 GREAT EGRETS in the marsh adjacent to the parking lot this morning. The continuing OSPREY flew off just before I arrived. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Continuing bird quest 1/7/16
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin, Harry Taylor and I (Sy Schiff) started at Hempstead Lake SP-with South Shore Audubon group-where we found a female WOOD DUCK with Mallards on the ground in the picnic area. Other birds of note:-3 HERMIT THRUSHES, 3 FOX SPARROWS and the usual winter birds. The last few days of frigid weather has left a thin sheet of ice on the ponds in Suffolk Co. where we went to continue our chase of target birds. At Byldenburgh Co. Park, we found the RED-HEADED WOODPECKER from the parking lot, but the Eurasian Wigeon was frozen out. We did see a BELTED KINGFISHER. At Millers Pond, we had similar lack of success with the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE although it had been seen very early in the morning. At Connetquot, again, ice covered the mill pond. Here the swans have kept a patch of open water at the far end. In the open were COMMON MERGANSER plus a nice assortment of ducks. We ended at Avon lake, Amityville which was filled with many duck species, but no ROSS'S GOOSE. .A mixed assortment of birds and success. Nice day, nice company . The birds come second to this. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Winter birding in South Nassau Co
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) started at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station where we found BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER and DUNLIN on the bar; LONG-TAILED DUCKS, BOTH LOONS and BONAPARTE'S GULLS were in the water. A huge flock of SANDERLING was resting on the other side of the channel. At the swale, there were SNOW BUNTINGS and HORNED LARKS. Four TREE SWALLOWS flew by. Down by the water we observe NORTHERN GANNET and more LONG-TAILED DUCKS. We drove north on the Wantagh Pkwy. to Mill Pond in Bellmore where we found an unexpected RED-SHOULDERED HAWK soaring overhead. With a mostly thin sheet of ice on the pond, the waterfowl were all concentrated at the NE corner. The usual puddle ducks included RING-NECKED DUCK, REDHEAD and PIED-BILLED GREBE plus the continuing male BLUE-WINGED TEAL. At Cammans Pond in Merrick, we found the usual BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS along with a group of ducks in the water. When we arrived, there was a very tame second year ICELAND GULL in the water opposite the parking lot. A GREAT EGRET flew alongside of the car on the Loop Pkwy. on our way to Point Lookout. There, a SURF SCOTER was off the west jetty. Four HARLEQUIN DUCKS, a BLACK SCOTER and a COMMON EIDER were in the inlet close to the jetty. Returning to Jones, we had a foraging NORTHERN HARRIER and a fly over NORTHERN FLICKER. Cold, but sunny. Lovely to be out. Sy. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP this morning 12/24
An adult BALD EAGLE flew north over parking field #3 heading north in the direction of Smith Pond. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Swainson's Hawk, Staten Island--NO
Joe Giunta, Ed Becher, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at Dick's parking lot at 10:00 AM shortly before the rain and stayed till 12:30, raining throughout. During the time, a large buteo flew low and skimmed over the top of the mound. Going away, it showed its nice red tail. Later a large buteo landed on the top of the mound, sat motionless and was still there when we left. This one displayed a lovely belly band. Both resulted in a bit of excitement, but unfortunately, no cigar. The sanitation workers were quite accommodating including a security guard who requested we move back about 6 feet to the bicycle path and thus off the property itself. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Acheiving 400 in NYS
Hi friends: I'm a bit overwhelmed by the outpouring of comments and support from all of you. Thank you all. After all it's only a number. You just have to be out there enjoying the hobby and looking for a very long time. But, with the state of Taxonomy, I can't just rest. They may lump Thayer's Gull, Nelson's Sparrow and who knows what. After all, in the past, I lost Audubon's Warbler, Bronze Grackle and others. Then again, Common Teal, Oregon Junco, Western Willet may (or may not) split. As an aside, a proposal to split the PAINTED BUNTING (that a bunch of us saw) into two species failed in the latest AOU proposal. It seems that both proposed new species could not be separated in the field. If it passed, we wouldn't know what we had. Shades of the recent Western Flycatcher. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and EPCAL
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff went to EPCAL via Ocean Pkwy stopping off at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station on the way, The bar held a nice mix of shorebirds inc. 75 DUNLIN, 20 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. 10 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 4 RED KNOT and a SANDERLING. There were 40 BONAPARTE'S GULLS feeding in the inlet. A pair of LAUGHING GULLS flew by beyond them.. At EPCAL, the continuing COMMON GALLINULE was swimming on the far side of the pond, across from the dirt road paralleling it. We birded the shrubbery and trees surrounding the pond and turned up 4 species of Woodpecker, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, TREE, WHITE-THROATED, CHIPPING and FIELD SPARROWS, plus several DARK-EYED JUNCO. Unexpected was a very late PRAIRIE WARBLER. Also 1 antlered Deer. As we were preparing to leave, an adult BALD EAGLE came low over the pond, flew around and put on a great show to end the morning birding. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Central Park Flycatcher--NO
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning in Central Park. We and other birders present did not find the Flycatcher. There is a lot of maintenance going on in the area and this may have spooked the bird. Last night's cold didn't help either. The Great Horned Owl and Red-headed Woodpecker were in their usual places. Sy+ -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge from Big Johns Pond. The WHITE PELICAN was at the very north end feeding with Mute Swans. From that vantage point a scope is a necessity. The Pelican is just a bit smaller than the swans and when facing away is virtually indistinguishable because of the distance. There are lots of ducks on the pond. Besides the CANADA GEESE, and SWANS, there were BRANT, MALLARD, BLACK DUCK, GADWALL, AMERICAN WIDGEON, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, SHOVELER, PINTAIL, REDHEAD, LESSER and GREATER SCAUP, RUDDY DUCK and PIED-BILLED GREBE. Other birds included GREAT BLUE HERON, DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, NORTHERN HARRIER AND SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 23 Oct I met Joe Giunta this morning on a lovely sunny day. And, the migrants have finally arrived. Sparrows were everywhere along the roads. They were 8 species of the usual variety with the exception of the continuing LARK SPARROW on the shrub edge of the far turnaround road to the west end parking lot. This is the same spot it has been for a number of days. Also along the road, there was an EASTERN MEADOWLARK. A most cooperative RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was found at the regular turnaround. Other birds included 400 TREE SWALLOW west of the parking lot, EASTERN PHOEBE, both KINGLETS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and a number of flocks of migrating RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS. There were a few raptors going by exciting the sparrows. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP
Hempstead Lake SP 22 Oct. After making the rounds, a group of us were talking in parking lot #3, when an adult BROAD-WINGED HAWK circled over. Odd place and odd date. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End--LARK SPARROW-yes
Jones Beach West End 16 Oct Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking in the previously seen LARK SPARROW locations without luck but finally came across it at the turnaround. It appeared on the lawn on both sides of the road.adjacent to the shrubbery to which it retreated when cars drove by. It was feeding with other sparrows and all disappeared for a while after a Sharp-shinned hawk passed over. Today was a fair flight day with a dozen or more MERLIN and SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS coming through. A male RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was among the migrating Flickers. Other birds:-- a number of EASTERN PHOEBE, lots of TREE SWALLOW, a CEDAR WAXWING flock, both KINGLETS, numerous YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 6 additional SPARROW species and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Dickcissel at Oceanside Nature Center
Marine Nature Study Area 7 Oct The marshes held a few GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 2 KILLDEER and both Egrets. There were about a dozen sparrows on the paths including SAVANNAH, SONG and SWAMP SPARROWS. In the dune area, a dozen YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were active. As I moved on, a DICKCISSEL popped up along with a HOUSE FINCH, both quickly flying off. Lovely day. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach Wwest End
Jones Beach 4 Oct Strong winds from the NE kept the small birds down, and buffeted the few migrating Ospreys. However, 2 BALD EAGLES went by flying high going west. They didn't seem to be in the least bit disturbed by the gale. On the West End parking lot there were 12 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside, 16 Sept A bit of a movement (finally). Along the walk, there were a half dozen COMMON YELLOWTHROATS, a YELLOW WARBLER, 6 PALM WARBLERS (western) and a SAVANNAH SPARROW. In the marsh were 2 SEASIDE SPARROWS and 6 SALTMARSH SPARROWS. Overhead a foraging NORTHERN HARRIER. Aside from a few LEAST SANDPIPERS and GREATER YELLOWLEGS, all the shorebirds were concentrated in the pool to the west of the pond. Shorebirds there were mostly BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (~30), both YELLOWLEGS, a few SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and some peep. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 15 Sept. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) returned to look for the PECTORAL SANDPIPER that we missed yesterday. A pair foraging, in the eastern most pond, in 7-inch grass made viewing difficult since they are probably only 5-inches high.Patience and persistence required. (probably why we missed it yesterday). Our search was postponed because we first birded the Fisherman's Road to the inlet first There we re-found the YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and PHILADELPHIA VIREO, both seen earlier this morning. A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO was in a shrub along the inlet. Much later, coming back from the ponds we also re-found the DICKCISSEL along the Coast Guard Station hedgerow. It's with the House Sparrow flock. Today, there was a widely scattered mix of species (42 total), not a lot of birds, but a change from the recent drought of birds. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 14 Sep. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for the Pectoral Sandpiper seen early in the morning in the ponds between the parking lots. Instead we saw the continuing BAIRD'S SANDPIPER and the anticipated AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER, our first in the West End this Fall.. There is a layer of water in the ponds now but the edges are still passable, so scope views inside are possible. When we first looked on the parking lot, there were 4 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS. Later, a group of gulls flew in and I counted 9 plus 2 possible suspects (they were tucked in). Tim Healy reported 10; I'll go with that. The present construction at the Coast Guard Station includes driving piles for a new bulkhead. The startup noise drove the shorebirds and the CASPIAN TERN off the bar, although they later returned. At various times (according to reports and observations) there were 1, 3, 4 and 2 of the big terns there at various times this morning. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park
Alley Pond Park 11Sept After the rain and, hopefully, an anticipating change in bird movements, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent this morning looking for warblers and found a disappointing total of 3, one each Blackpoll, Redstart and Black-and-white. Migrants were also absent. Nice walk ad good company as always. A number of the better birding side trails in the park are now fenced off with plantings in the middle of the paths (of obliterate them).. The notice says this is to eliminate confusing paths for visitors. Of course, better trail markings on existing paths might help. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 5 September Of interest this morning was a CLAPPER RAIL that flew onto the marsh edge and disappeared into the spartina. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time, The other Marsh denizen was an adult SALTMARSH SPARROW. This bird is unbanded and has been around for a few days. It's probably is a migrant, since as part of the ongoing field study, all the marsh sparrows and their young on the property have (hopefully) been banded, tested.and measured. The residents sparrows as well as the breeding WILLETS should all be mostly gone by now. Only a single adult Willet was seen this morning. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Buff-brested Sandpiper-yes
Jones Beach-mud flats between the West End parking lots. 31 Aug Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) met Bob as he was leaving about 1:15. The Buff-breasted had been moving around since it was found the "J" flat but was not there when we arrived. We spread out and walked through (meeting Robert Taylor on the way). They had flown off.just before we got there. We proceeded east through the three flats without luck and on our return found the two shorebirds feeding with a Killdeer on the edge just at the west entrance into the flats. There were Robins and Starlings on the ground. As we watched, something got all the birds up and the two Buff-breasted flew into the direction of the "J" field. This was at 2:50 PM. The birds fed in the cover of the vegetation never coming out into the open areas and were moving, not feeding in one spot. Patience and move slowly. The birds are easily spooked. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach 29 Aug Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went down to the West End after lunch. Low tide. The bar and surrounding beaches were covered with boaters and beach goers. We went over to the ponds between the two parking lots. They are now completely dried out. A week ago there was some wetness and 1,000+ shorebirds. Today we managed a grand total throughout of 5; one unidentified flying off, 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS (expected) and surprisingly, 2 WESTERN SANDPIPERS. The shorebirds wee feeding in same species pairs. Hope the Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay has better luck. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside
Marine Nature Study Area 25 Aug A pair of COMMON RAVENS flew over head circling as they drifted east. A CLAPPER RAIL chick was seen briefly and a MARSH WREN was chattering in the phragmites to the west of the office. The resident WILLETS are now mostly gone. Seen were a single, silent adult and 2 separate almost fully grown birds of the year. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 21 August With the passing of the front, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started and ended checking the sand bar at the marina. In the flats between the parking lots, the rain had softened the ground and produced some scattered pools. While the pools attracted a bit of a concentration, more than a 1,000 shorebirds were sprinkled across the flats from one end to the other. About half were SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (450), and the balance SEMIPALMATED (300) and LEAST SANDPIPERS (75). A lot of birds to look through. Among them were the continuing BAIRD'S SANDPIPER on the "J" field; 9 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS; and feeding in one of the puddles were 6 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and a sole WESTERN SANDPIPER that soon flew off. A single BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER flew in, probably from the group on the bar. The bar held a different grouping from mud flats, namely: 10 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, 75 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, some SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER, 10 RUDDY TURNSTONES, 3 RED KNOT, 5 SANDERLING, a few SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and 2 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. The edges of the fields are covered with a mass planting of the small purple flowers of Saltmarsh Fleabane. A nice bright touch to the marsh. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End 14 Aug Joe Giunta, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the flats (no water at all) between the Nature Center and West End #2 lot. There were about 500 shorebirds on the three adjacent fields with little diversity; 300 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, 100 LEAST SANDPIPER, 100 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, 2 KILLDEER and a SPOTTED SANDPIPER. As an added attraction in the dunes, 1 HOG-NOSED SNAKE. The sandbars at the marina added 1 PIPING PLOVER, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, SANDERLING, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER. It's a start, 10 species of shorebirds. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 13 August Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) visited the East Pond for shorebirds and to judge the walking conditions. There are mud flats at the south end and some at the north with shorebirds feeding in both places. However, at present, regular boots (5-6 in) will not get you over some of the bad spots. If you like to walk in sneakers, wait a bit. Right now knee boots are needed to be totally comfortable. The AMERICAN AVOCET continues and has been feeding with egrets rather with shorebirds. (Thanks Ken, otherwise we might have missed it). Shorebird diversity was poor, but we managed to find a single STILT SANDPIPER and a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER at the north end. Two GULL-BILLED TERNS appeared at the south end when Joe walked north to find the Avocet. A GADWALL family was feeding on the pond and presumably has bred there. There was an imm. LITTLE BLUE HERON feeding with a SNOWY EGRET. (I hope the photos come out good enough to use as a teaching aid). A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH rounded out the land birds. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach
Jones Beach West End, 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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] AviSys Birding Software
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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Red Phalarope -Yes
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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach ARCTIC TERN
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 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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach
Nickerson Beach 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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Franklin's Gull
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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Oceanside
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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Sudy Area, Oceanside
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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area
Oceanside 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 -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --