[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

2017-08-09 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Changes to the NYS List

2017-07-02 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Center , Oceanside,ny

2017-06-25 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Shawangunk Grasslands

2017-06-07 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Terns at Nickerson Beach

2017-06-03 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2017-05-26 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Henslow's Sparrow

2017-05-24 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Gardiner County Park

2017-05-21 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

2017-05-02 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2017-04-28 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Clspper Rail at Oceanside

2017-04-18 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Lido Beach

2017-04-16 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Baldwin Park, Nassau Co

2017-04-14 Thread syschiff
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. 
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Re:[nysbirds-l] Yard Bird (follow up)

2017-04-02 Thread syschiff
 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




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[nysbirds-l] Yard Bird

2017-04-01 Thread syschiff
 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




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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2017-03-29 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Allep Pond Park

2017-03-25 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones beach strip

2017-03-24 Thread syschiff
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
 
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[nysbirds-l] Notes from Jones Beach

2017-02-20 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2017-02-01 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Cammanns Pond

2017-01-02 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Camanns Pond

2016-12-26 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout

2016-12-03 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2016-12-02 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2016-11-26 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Chasing rarities, 11/14

2016-11-14 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2016-10-28 Thread syschiff
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,

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2016-10-20 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Croton Pt. Park

2016-10-18 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Kassina Corridore Park and Community Garden

2016-10-16 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Rufous Hummingbird at Oceanside

2016-10-07 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, NY

2016-10-04 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Kissena Corridor Park, Queens, New York

2016-09-27 Thread syschiff
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.
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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, NY

2016-09-21 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Barrier Islands

2016-09-20 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Falll Thrush

2016-09-10 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2016-09-07 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge -- No White-face this AM

2016-06-24 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay WR

2016-06-16 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, Nassau Co

2016-06-07 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] Roseate Tern yesterday

2016-05-28 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Roseate Tern at Nickerson Beach

2016-05-27 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside, Nassau Co

2016-05-20 Thread syschiff
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
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[nysbirds-l] South Shore locations--and Marsh Sparrows

2016-05-17 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2016-05-11 Thread syschiff
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

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RE:[nysbirds-l] CP Hermit Warbler

2016-05-01 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2016-04-29 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2016-04-27 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP (Nass Co) and Alley Pond Park (Queens Co)

2016-04-26 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Ocean beaches

2016-04-22 Thread syschiff
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

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Tern - swan River

2016-04-22 Thread syschiff

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
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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2016-04-20 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2016-04-13 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park, Queens

2016-04-08 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Kissena Park

2016-03-25 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP + jones Beach

2016-03-24 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP--Pine Warbler

2016-03-19 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 17 Mar

First PINE WARBLER, a dingy drab bird.

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside and Baldwin Park

2016-03-08 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Salt Marsh Preserve, Brooklyn

2016-03-01 Thread syschiff
 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.

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach strip

2016-03-01 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] White-fronted Goose, 17 Feb

2016-02-17 Thread syschiff
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.

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[nysbirds-l] Pelham Bay Park , 15 Feb

2016-02-15 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2016-01-29 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Birding travelog 14 Jan time update

2016-01-15 Thread syschiff
Time is wrong at the shawangunks. We got there at 3:30 not 4:30 and the birds 
at 3:50 

Sy


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[nysbirds-l] Birding travelog; 14 Jan

2016-01-14 Thread syschiff
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


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[nysbirds-l] King Eider at Montauk

2016-01-12 Thread syschiff
Posting for Joe Giunta

KING EIDER directly south of the Montauk Lighthouse.

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[nysbirds-l] Great Egret and Osprey in Oceanside

2016-01-09 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Continuing bird quest 1/7/16

2016-01-07 Thread syschiff
 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

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[nysbirds-l] Winter birding in South Nassau Co

2016-01-06 Thread syschiff
 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.

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP this morning 12/24

2015-12-24 Thread syschiff
An adult BALD EAGLE flew north over parking field #3 heading north in the 
direction of Smith Pond.
Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Swainson's Hawk, Staten Island--NO

2015-12-17 Thread syschiff
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. 

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[nysbirds-l] Acheiving 400 in NYS

2015-12-02 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and EPCAL

2015-11-25 Thread syschiff
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. 

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[nysbirds-l] Central Park Flycatcher--NO

2015-11-24 Thread syschiff
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+

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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond

2015-11-18 Thread syschiff
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.


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-10-23 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2015-10-22 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End--LARK SPARROW-yes

2015-10-16 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Dickcissel at Oceanside Nature Center

2015-10-07 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach Wwest End

2015-10-04 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2015-09-16 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-09-15 Thread syschiff
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



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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-09-14 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2015-09-11 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside

2015-09-05 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Buff-brested Sandpiper-yes

2015-08-31 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-08-29 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside

2015-08-25 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-08-21 Thread syschiff
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

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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2015-08-14 Thread syschiff

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.

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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay

2015-08-13 Thread syschiff
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.


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[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

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

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

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

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] AviSys Birding Software

2015-08-03 Thread syschiff
Hi All,  

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

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Red Phalarope -Yes

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

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach ARCTIC TERN

2015-06-09 Thread syschiff
Hi all,

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

Sy.
---

Hey Bob and Sy,

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

Best,
Shai

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

Shai,

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

Bob Anderson



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[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach

2015-06-09 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 9 July

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

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

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

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Franklin's Gull

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

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

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Oceanside

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

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

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

Sy

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Sudy Area, Oceanside

2015-05-15 Thread syschiff
Oceanside 15 May

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

Sy Schiff

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[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2015-05-09 Thread syschiff
Oceanside 9 May

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

Sy Schiff

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