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

2013-01-31 Thread syschiff
Hi all. I walked the trails on Tuesday afternoon and looked over the place for the first time since Sandy. The staff and Town workers have cleaned the area so that it's almost as before, although it is a bit disconcerting to see seaweed at eye level in the shrubs along the trails. Storm

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-02-15 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 15 Feb Pleasant morning at the beach ushering in the coming Spring. Few birds, but lots of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Mixed in with one group were 3-4 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEES, all feeding together in a small pine near the turnaround. An adult male gray ghost NORTHERN HARRIER

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP Common Teal

2013-02-21 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 21 Feb Cold partly sunny morning. A COMMON TEAL (North American subspecies, European full species) was with 20 GREEN-WINGED TEAL on the pond by parking lot #3. Other birds of interest; PIED-BILLED GREBE, BELTED KINGFISHER, 3 WINTER WREN,. BROWN CREEPER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET

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

2013-03-13 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area 13 Mar The first OSPREY of the season circled over the nest platform this morning before drifting over to the east. Both REDWINGS and COMMON GRACKLES frequented the feeders; Northern Cardinals and Song Sparrows were singing. All--in-all it's a start for spring. The

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay WR

2013-03-21 Thread syschiff
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 21 March Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went to see the damage from Sandy. The path to Big Johns Pond is clear of debris, but most of the beautiful white birch trees are down and cut into logs. There were 3 male WOOD DUCKS on the pond. On the East Pond, the water

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 6 April

2013-04-06 Thread syschiff
At Jones Beach, the LAPLAND LONGSPUR continues near the gazebo with HORNED LARKS; all coming into breeding plumage. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS also continue. At Pl. Lookout, sixteen (16) PIPING PLOVER were on the beach to the west of the west jetty mixed in with SANDERLING, a few DUNLIN and

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 6 April

2013-04-06 Thread syschiff
A Longspur has been seen at this spot most of the winter. I have not heard of two there, nor have I ever personally seen more than one this winter,. However, the bird I saw today was about half way between the nonbreeding and breeding pictures as shown in Sibley. Steve's bird was in full

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead--Yellow-throated Warbler-NO

2013-04-09 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 9 April Palm, Pine, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Sapsucker, Flicker, Kinglets and Rusty Blackbirds FOS Chipping Sparrow, but no Yellow-throated. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES

[nysbirds-l] Ruff displaying

2013-04-19 Thread syschiff
Timber point east marina 19 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the 2 Ruffs together this morning (thanks Andrew for getting the word out after being alerted). The obvious male is molting into breeding plumage. Today there is much more black than in photos posted earlier. In addition,

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP-Yellow-throated Warbleer

2013-04-20 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 20 April. The Yellow-throated Warbler continues, now singing loudly. Also, Pine, Palm, Yellow-rumped, Black-and-white and FOS Yellow Warbler. A nice start for the migration season. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Yellow-throated Warbler--Yes

2013-04-26 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 26 April The Yellow-throated Warbler was relocated this morning by McDonald Pond, singing loudly and reasonably tame. Not a great many birds this morning, but a fair mixture:-- Blue-headed and Warbling Vireos; Northern Parula, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Yellow-throated, Pine,

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-04-28 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach April 28 The RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues in the same place as yesterday. The two GULL-BILLED TERNS continue on the bar in front of the west end marina. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME

[nysbirds-l] South Shore, Nassau Co.

2013-05-14 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 14 May After virtually no migrants, last Thursday brought the first relief. Friday was also productive and since then, things have gradually tapered off. However, each successive day did bring in a few new species. The warbler assortment has been so-so

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead SP Nickerson Beach

2013-05-15 Thread syschiff
An orange, olive, yellow and some red SUMMER TANAGER showed up in Hempstead Lake SP this morning. A rather odd bizarre looking bird. I've never seen one in this transitional plumage before. Otherwise, the migration here is still slow. At Nickerson Beach, PIPING PLOVER and AMERICAN

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP weekenf Boy Scout Jamboree

2013-05-17 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake State Park 17 May PLEASE BE ADVISED, the Boy Scouts are taking over the park starting this afternoon through Sunday. Field #3 will be closed. With the noise, activities and limited access, birding there this weekend will be nil . Today was less successful than yesterday, but

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-05-23 Thread syschiff
MNSA, Oceanside 23 May Arrived mid-morning. Three widely separated CLAPPER RAILS were calling, with one coming up for a photo op. Other shorebirds included SEMIPALMATED AND BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, SEMIPALMATED and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, DUNLIN, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and WILLET, Most of the

[nysbirds-l] Sea watch Robert Moses SP

2013-05-28 Thread syschiff
Robert Moses SP. 28 May Joined by Bob Anderson; we spent about 2 hours sea watching at Field #2. The only dark sea birds (not counting scoters and cormorants that we saw) were some single small-dark-short-winged Storm-Petrel type birds whose flight patterns more closely matched Wilson's rather

[nysbirds-l] Doodletown, Iona Island Mine Road

2013-06-01 Thread syschiff
Doodletown, Iona Island, Mine Road: 1 June Assembling at the foot of Doodletown Rd, 11 Long Island birders, arriving within 5 minutes of the 7:30 AM time, enjoyed good birding and companionship as we explored this upstate (for us) area for breeding birds. Raptors included BLACK and TURKEY

[nysbirds-l] Doodletpwn Wildlfe

2013-06-01 Thread syschiff
As an addendum to my earlier post on birds at Doodletown, I'd like to share other things seen. We saw 2 BLACK SNAKES, 1 GARTER SNAKE and a very large (4.5 to 5-ft) TIMBER RATTLESNAKE. The snake photos--not the snake--were carefully examined and eleven (11) rattles were counted. This was some

[nysbirds-l] MNSA-Oceanside

2013-06-02 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside June 2 This continues to be a prime location for breeding marsh birds. Today's list included all the target birds. Willet Clapper Rail Marsh Wren, heard not seen Saltmarsh Sparrow Seaside Sparrow In addition, visiting the marsh were both Egrets, Both

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-06-08 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 8 June I met Bob Anderson at the Coast Guard Station. The storm brought nothing to the site. We then walked out to the inlet. Ditto. There was an immature RING-NECKED PHEASANT on the lawn of the entrance road to the station. Presumably, we have a breeding pair on the west

[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach

2013-06-15 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 15 June Arrived at 7:20 this morning. A half dozen photographers had proceeded me. Other than AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS with young and hundreds of COMMON TERNS, they had almost nothing else to take pictures of. A pair of GULL-BILLED TERNS was flying over the tern/skimmer colony

[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach ARTIC TERN -YES

2013-06-19 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 19 June The immature ARCTIC TERN was sitting on the beach to the west when I arrived at 7:30 AM and was seen sporadically till 9:30 by a half dozen birders. There was a lot of movement, particularly when an OSPREY flew over.. ID made difficult separating the bird from a number

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-07-14 Thread syschiff
MNSA, Oceanside, 14 July. Just after low tide; hot and sultry this morning. A beginning of shorebird movement coupled with some visible marsh breeders. Today there was a KILLDEER, LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS and WILLET. (also, Short-billed Dowitchers yesterday).

[nysbirds-l] Nassau Co Beaches

2013-07-24 Thread syschiff
Nassau Co. Beaches 24 July The Nickerson Beach tern/skimmer colony has simmered down now that most of the young have fledged and are flying. Except for one Great Black-backed Gull that was continually dive bombed till the tern gave up. Of course directly in the sun from my position, so no

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-07-26 Thread syschiff
July 26, Oceanside Since Sandy, full moon high tides at the Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside have inundated the marshes. Consequently, nests in the marsh have on more than one occasion been washed away. As a result, nesting success has been poor. Today, turned out to be a notable surprise,

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay

2013-07-27 Thread syschiff
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 27 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started mid -morning at the north end. Except for a few short spots (6-inches deep mud), the west edge is completely passable. Today's goodies included a RUFF and a breeding plumage AMERICAN AVOCET. The latter found by Ken

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2013-07-28 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station 28 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning overlooking the bar in front of the marina. As the tide increased, small numbers of shorebirds arrived till there were in excess of a hundred. The mix included a dozen Willet, both Semipalmated Plover and

[nysbirds-l] South Shore Barrier Beaches

2013-07-29 Thread syschiff
Barrier Beaches July 29 Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the marina bar at Jones Beach West End. Arriving a bit after low tide, we found the bar almost devoid of birds and a brief stay disclosed little change. The Black Scoter flock continues. We decided to see what was doing at Robert

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-08-02 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, August 2 Only about 2 dozen shorebirds, but they comprised 8 common species. So, it made the morning interesting. An imm. LITTLE BLUE HERON was feeding just down the path. Start checking the snowys carefully, easy to overlook a stranger. A SALTMARSH SPARROW was

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay

2013-08-04 Thread syschiff
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 4 August Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the north end on a falling tide. There were several hundred shorebirds, all of which flew off with the arrival of a Peregrine Falcon making a few runs through the group. When we left only a few dozen birds remained.

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach-- Baird's yes (then gone)

2013-08-24 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach pools between Nature Center and West End #2. About an hour after Dave left, the Baird's put in a brief appearance and was almost immediately spooked by the resident Peregrine Falcon which was active the entire morning. After this latest pass, the birds returned again, but no

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-08-30 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 30 Aug. A very late CLAPPER RAIL chick with parent made a brief appearance this morning . They posed for a quick photo before disappearing into the marsh. (Mike Farina, staff biologist, posted the picture on his blog.) Other birds of note were a pair of

[nysbirds-l] Birding Long Island

2013-09-04 Thread syschiff
A full birding day: 4 September After a short walk around Alley Pond Park produced a smattering of birds, but nothing out of the ordinary, Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) traveled out to the riverhead sod fields. There at theOsborn/Sound Ave field we found 3 dozen KILLDEER, 2 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS

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

2013-09-12 Thread syschiff
September 12. Slow day for land and shorebirds. The day started with a short visit with the South Shore Audubon at Hempstead Lake SP. Birds included. SOLITARY SANDPIPER, GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, singing WARBLING VIREO, yellow green SCARLET TANAGER and 5 warblers, NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and

[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2013-09-17 Thread syschiff
Alley Pond Park 17 Sep Joe Giunta Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) started at the Winchester Blvd Parking Lot (entrance under the parkway). We walked towards the trees along the far side of the ball field where we finding a PHILADELPHIA and RED-EYED VIREO and a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. The few

[nysbirds-l] Oceanside Preserve

2013-09-29 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 29 Sept. Please note. Today is the last Sunday the facility is open till Spring. What was noteworthy this morning were adult and immature LITTLE BLUE and a TRICOLORED Heron. Some sparrows around the pond included a Swamp, the usual Song and a number of

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2013-10-02 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 2 October Did the Government also shut down Fall? Beautiful August type day and finally, what appears to be the start of a migration. For a change, a decent mix of shorebirds and sparrows. Starting with the shorebirds:-BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, PECTORAL, STILT

[nysbirds-l] MNSA, Oceanside Preserve.

2013-10-15 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 15 Oct A loud screeching Ca, Ca, Ca Ca caught my attention. As I turned toward the sound, a CLAPPER RAIL had burst out of the marsh, flew about 10 yards, calling all the time, and dove back in. This was followed by some GREATER YELLOWLEGS calling and flying

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-10-23 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach Coast Guard Station 23 Oct A cold and raw morning. Yesterday 24 ROYAL TERNS were reported on the bar. Today the same number were resting on pilings on the other side of the inlet. A large number so late in the season. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info:

[nysbirds-l] Vesper Sparrows at Jones Beach

2013-10-30 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach and Pt. Lookout 30 Oct Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) joined by Stan birded the marina bar, hedgerow and median Our first LONG-TAILED DUCKS were in the cove to the east of the marina (seen yesterday by others). The hedgerow had a scattered mix of White-throated,

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

2013-12-03 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the NORTHERN SHRIKE to the north-west of the Jones Beach West End parking lot. While scoping for the shrike we saw a large flock of SNOW BUNTINGS flying along the beach. To the west a NORTHERN HARRIER was hunting and the sky contained a half dozen TREE

[nysbirds-l] British birding

2013-12-15 Thread syschiff
A small comment on birding in Britain, Back in the 60's, a defense contractor I worked for built a zero noise microwave amplifier, cooled by liquid helium. It was delivered to the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope in England by the Department Head of the group who developed it. This was cutting

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2013-12-16 Thread syschiff
16 Dec. Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) spent this morning at Jones Beach . Across the inlet, there were 20 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS; on this side DUNLIN and SANDERLING; in the water, both LOONS, BUFFLEHEAD, LONG-TAILED DUCK and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. BONAPARTE'S GULLS were feeding

[nysbirds-l] Pt. Lookout

2013-12-18 Thread syschiff
Pt. Lookout 18 Dec. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) drove into the town park and spooked a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS that flew over towards the beach. A GREAT BLUE HERON flew by as we got out of the car. There were SANDERLING, RUDDY TURNSTONES and a single RED KNOT on the rocks in the water at the

[nysbirds-l] Target birds at the beach

2013-12-21 Thread syschiff
Jones Inlet 21 Dec Birding on both sides of the inlet was and has been slow lately. However, key target birds are in the area and make up for this. This morning on the Pt. Lookout side, there were PURPLE SANDPIPERS, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, and 2 RED KNOT on the west most jetty. RED-NECKED GREBES

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

2013-12-22 Thread syschiff
There was a Black Guillemot reported flying east on the ocean at Jones Beach on Jan 4, 2006 early in the morning. Later that morning, I saw one (or the same bird) flying west from the same spot. I believe the report appeared in the Kingbird. Sy Schiff - Original Message - From:

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

2013-12-24 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake State Park' 24 Dec Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) did a pre CBC scouting trip this morning. After parking at field #3, we walked up to the traverse road and scanned the big pond. At the extreme north end we found our first target bird, an adult BALD EAGLE. In the pond were a dozen

[nysbirds-l] Jons Beach

2014-02-10 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach 10 Feb Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo and I (Sy Schiff) met at the Coast Guard Station. The lot was plowed out as were Fields 6 and 10, but West End 2 was not except for a path through the lot. Last night's snow was powdery and blowing in the sharp breeze. It covered a 6 inch remnant of

[nysbirds-l] Connetquot River SP

2014-02-12 Thread syschiff
Connetquot River SP 112 Feb Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the large mill pond. While mostly frozen, there was a large stretch of open water. The far side of the pond contained open water and a pair of RED-NECKED GREBES were visible there, They gradually

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and East Rockaway

2014-02-17 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach and Mill River, East Rockaway 17 February Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the Coast Guard Station where Steve Walter pointed us to the RED-NECKED GREBE in the boat basin. Great view! To the east an accipiter flew by and flushed 2 Killdeer off the lawn. In the 1-ft. bare

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach and Longbeach

2014-02-19 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach west End. and Long Beach 19 February Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) birded at the Coast Guard Station and then the median.. There were 7 COMMON LOONS in the inlet but no Red-throated Loon. The Red-necked Grebe was also missing. The edge of strip next to

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach Pt. Lookout

2014-03-07 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach and Pt' Lookout 7 March Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded a barren landscape, cold, overcast, with east winds. There were virtually no birds except for a small flock of AMERICAN ROBINS that flew by. However, from the SW corner of west end #2 and looking SW, the NORTHERN SHRIKE

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

2014-03-15 Thread syschiff
There was a singing FOX SPARROW at the Jones Beach West End turnaround. Responding to word of mouth for Doug's find of the ICELAND GULL at Field#10, a pair or calling SNOW GEESE flew low over the parking lot as I paused to take pictures of the gull from my car window.. Sy Schiff --

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-03-21 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 21 Mar Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) found the first full day of Spring sunny but windy. In keeping with the new season, for a change, there were a fair number of birds to look through, The lawns along the road were covered with American Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds and

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-03-25 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach 25 Mar Adding to Ken's report, this morning there were 14 PIPING PLOVER on the bar at the Coast Guard Station and 50+ TREE SWALLOWS resting on the West End #2 parking lot. The 2 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS continue along with a FOX SPARROW. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info:

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2014-03-27 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 27 Mar Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) took leave of the birding group at field #3 and drove to field #1, entering the lake shore at the entrance across from the lot. Far to the north in trees at the north edge of the pond was an imm. BALD EAGLE with a white

[nysbirds-l] Massapeua

2014-04-05 Thread syschiff
Massapequa 5 Apr I stopped by and found the red phase Screech-Owl sunning itself in the nest hole clearly visible from the path. The path itself was full of bicyclist, joggers and walkers. I was amazed at how many of these regulars knew the owl was there and liked the whole idea of it,

[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-07 Thread syschiff
Alley Pond Park 7 Apr Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this morning and found Robins and Robins and more Robins everywhere. The few new arrivals we saw were all in their finest plumage. A pair of CHIPPING SPARROWS and 3 EASTERN TOWHEES appeared stunning against the drab

[nysbirds-l] Southeern Nassau

2014-04-09 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 9 Apr Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this bright sunny morning . The rain followed by NW winds appeared to have moved everything out with little replacement. An OSPREY carrying a large fish flew north. A pair of WOOD DUCKS flew out of the inner pond.

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area

2014-04-11 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area 11 Apr I stopped by this morning to look for GLOSSY IBIS. There were 5. They finally flew off towards the golf course. In the puddles to the left (east) of the pond, there were 2 LEAST SANDPIPERS and 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, shorebirds all with yellow legs, a color

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake Oceanside

2014-04-13 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 13 Apr A visit this morning (they are now charging on weekends to enter) was mostly a continuation of the last few days. Warblers included PINE, PALM and YELLOW-RUMPED. A BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER made an appearance along with multiple TREE and BARN SWALLOWS and a lone CHIMNEY

[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-18 Thread syschiff
Alley Pond Park 18 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) went looking for migrants this morning on an overcast day, It was good to be out. What wasn't good was the birding. No warblers, but a single BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Little Alley Pond. The only other birds of interest were the continuing

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-04-20 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach 20 April The NORTHERN SHRIKE made a brief appearance to the south of West End #2 lot this morning. It was at the top of a distant pine and very quickly flew off to the left (east). In the ponds between the two parking lots (WE #1 #2), there was a flock of approx 20 teal that

[nysbirds-l] Alley Pond Park

2014-04-25 Thread syschiff
Alley Pond Park 25 April Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) had an interesting day. It started with a singing HOUSE WREN and ended with a singing YELLOW WARBLER. Both posed for pictures and both were FOS birds for us. In between, a bit slow. A dozen RUSTY BLACKBIRDS continue at several of the

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2014-04-27 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 27 April A FOS SEASIDE SPARROW was singing by the pond path, but failed to show itself. Other recently arriving summer birds seen today included GLOSSY IBIS, WILLET, 2 loudly calling and then posing CLAPPER RAILS , LAUGHING GULL and FORSTER'S TERN. Sy Schiff

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP- Cerulean Warbler

2014-05-07 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 7 May A slow day, but the CERULEAN WARBLER continues in the same place. Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead lake SP construction.

2014-05-12 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP progress report Lots of construction going on. The entrance to the park from Peninsula Blvd is closed. Exit 18 West on the Southern State Pkwy is being rebuilt and you may or may not be able to exit there. The Exit East is OK. Eagle Ave through the park is udder

[nysbirds-l] Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside

2014-05-13 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 13 May There were 3 singing sparrows in the marsh around the pond, 1 SEASIDE SPARROW and 2 SALTMARSH SPARROWS. All popped up briefly before disappearing. Other birds included 2 CLAPPER RAILS, also briefly seen, FORSTER'S TERNS, a pair of LEAST TERNS and a

[nysbirds-l] Hempstead Lake SP

2014-05-16 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP 14 May A slow birding morning with few migrants. There were singing White-eyed, Warbling and Red-eyed Vireos, Gray Catbird, Northern Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, calling Great-crested Flycatcher and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. It seemed more like early Summer than Mid May. NEWS

[nysbirds-l] Nickerson Beach

2014-05-20 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 20 May A single BLACK SKIMMER flew into the tern colony (500+ birds there and on the beach). To the west on the beach, a pair of GULL-BILLED TERNS mated. Maybe they'll nest in the colony. SANDERLING were along the shore, an OSPREY was fishing just beyond the breakers and a

[nysbirds-l] Roseate and Gull-billed Terns

2014-06-04 Thread syschiff
Nickerson Beach 4 June, late afternoon Alerted by Ed Becker, I went to Nickerson Beach, joined in the parking lot by Bob Anderson. We found Joe Viglietta, on the beach in front of the tern colony, looking at a pair of ROSEATE TERNS. One bird was a banded sub-adult and the other an adult. The

[nysbirds-l] Lido Beach

2014-07-12 Thread syschiff
Lido Beach Passive Nature Area, 12 July High tide. Other than breeding WILLETS, few shorebirds; namely 3 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and several SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. There was a continuous, sporadic movement of COMMON TERNS flying between the channel and the Nickerson

[nysbirds-l] Shorebirds at Jones Beach today

2014-07-25 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 25 July While there were only a few species this morning, the bar in front of the marina and the adjacent bar behind the island running to the east hosted 700-800 shorebirds. They were mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers along with Semipalmated Plover, American Oystercatchers,

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay

2014-07-28 Thread syschiff
Jamaica Bay East Pond 28 July Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) arrived at the north end around 1:30 and quickly found the 2 Avocets in the water way down toward the south end. Otherwise, for the afternoon, we saw about 100 shorebirds of 6 species. Not a very impressive experience. The water

[nysbirds-l] Oceanside Preserve

2014-08-22 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 22 August The pools to the east of the pond have been full of waders and Laughing Gulls recently. Today, among the many egrets, there were a few white LITTLE BLUE HERONS and a TRICOLORED HERON. Included were a half dozen species of common shorebirds. Two

[nysbirds-l] Avocet info.

2014-08-29 Thread syschiff
Marine Nature Study Area, Oceanside 29 August With the approaching high tide, the Avocet along with most of the birds in the pool west of the pond flew off. (High tide is 40 minutes past Jones Inlet). After a review with Mike Farina, staff Biologist, it appears that sightings in prior years

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-09-05 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 5 September Joe G. , Joe V. Stan, and I (Sy Schiff) found a single GULL-BILLED TERN on the bar at the Coast Guard Station and a single SPOTTED SANDPIPER for shorebirds. The swale was empty except for Canada Geese. On the beach, the gulls to our right (west), consisted

[nysbirds-l] Marbled Godwit and Caspian Tern

2014-09-17 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 17 Sep At 8:00 this morning there was a large reddish brown shorebird across the inlet on the Long Beach Side, presumably the MARBLED GODWIT seen lately. Shorebirds on the marina bars included 250-300 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, a dozen BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 4 RED KNOT and

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach Coast Guard Station

2014-09-21 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 21 Sep Arrived just after high tide (8:30). The bar was covered with shorebirds and skimmers. All but the oystercatchers and some of the skimmers left at 10:15. Both Osprey and Peregrine were about, but not near the shorebirds, so not sure what spooked them. But while

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

2014-10-09 Thread syschiff
Hempstead Lake SP. Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin and I (Sy Schiff) joined the South Shore Audubon this morning in Hempstead. The walk produced several dozen species including lingering Wood Duck, Pied-bill Grebe, 8 species of warbler, 4 species of woodpecker, a Blue-headed Vireo, a few

[nysbirds-l] South Shore Beaches

2014-10-10 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) encountered the fallout at Jones Beach West End. Surprisingly, the number of species was modest, but some of the numbers made up for it. Starting with Quantity, TREE SWALLOW-3-5.000 (hard to count or guesstimate when the sky was covered and full of them); PINE

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2014-10-12 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 12 Oct A birdy morning with lots to look at and an interesting mix of species. This is a composite list from the 7 or 8 of us enjoying the company and birding together. Raptors included OSPREY, NORTHERN HARRIER, SHARP-SHINNED AND COOPER'S HAWK, MERLIN AND PEREGRINE FALCON

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-13 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 13 Oct. There were many less birds today. Still, of interest were 422 AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS (count cur testy of Paul Gildersleve), a MARBLED GODWIT on the bar, approx. 50 BLACK SKIMMER (mostly young), a dozen FORSTER'S TERNS feeding in the inlet, 13 LESSER BLACK-BACK

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-14 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 14 Oct Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the west end this morning to find fewer birds but still 50+ species The bar still harbors a few hundred AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS plus an undetermined number of mostly hatching year BLACK SKIMMERS. As the tide increased, the dozen

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach addendum

2014-10-14 Thread syschiff
Add Black-throated Blue Warbler. The Blue-throated Blue Warbler was last seen hiding between the keys on my key board. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-17 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach 17 October. Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) birded the west end at low tide this morning. Yesterday's rain and today's brisk W to WSW wind seems to have driven the birds away. Yellow-rumped warblers continue to dominate, but the Phoebes and Sparrows have moved on. We did see one each

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-24 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) primarily birded the perimeter around the West End #2 (WE) lot venturing down to the beach. First, we perused the bar, by scope, from the Coast Guard Station lot, finding a mass of AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS and 7 ROYAL TERNS. The base of

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-27 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 27 Oct The bar at the Coast Guard Station continues to harbor a MARBLED GODWIT and today, 5 ROYAL TERNS along with the 100 odd AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS. There were a modest number of raptors moving through. The sky are still full of migrating YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS but in

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-28 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 28 Oct With the winds shifting to the SW, the previous day's migration tapered off. However, lots of sparrows continue along the edges, either the same remaining to feed or a new crop replacing them. A VESPER SPARROW was reported by others (we didn't look today) and 2

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-29 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 29 October Looking over the ocean, the sky was full of NORTHERN GANNETS, hundreds all moving west in a steady stream. Other than that spectacular, the migration has petered out. Three VESPER SPARROWS and the MARBLED GODWIT continue, Sy Schiff -- NYSbirds-L List Info:

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-10-31 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Debbie Martin, Joe Viglietta, Ed Becker, Rick K, Bob Anderson and I (Sy Schiff) birded Jones Beach West End 31 October The migration is still on, with lots of WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and large numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS covering the lawns. There were fewer other sparrows, but

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-03 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach 3 November Arrived 5 minutes too late and wasn't invited to breakfast of raw squab. All of us who missed the dove today saw the last one seen at Captree. Consolation prizes: 5 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS on lot, WOODCOCK at the turnaround, GREAT HORNED OWL (it flew off with Crows

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-04 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta, Sam Jannazzo, Joe Viglietta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning at Jones Beach. A quiet day; DOWNY, HAIRY, FLICKER, BROWN CREEPER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in the pines. WHITE-THROATED, SONG and JUNCOS on the ground; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS everywhere.. So a bit slow today, if you're

[nysbirds-l] Ponds and inlets, Nassau Co

2014-11-05 Thread syschiff
Nassau Co, 5 November Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) spent the morning checking ponds and inlets in Western Nassau Co. for early duck movements. We visited Grant Park, Bay Park, Pond X, East Rockaway RR Station and Mill Pond in Rockville Centre. Grant Park was the most interesting with species

[nysbirds-l] Heamstead Lake SP

2014-11-07 Thread syschiff
Cool but bright sun and cumulous clouds; Fall color is still strong. Beautiful day. Two immature BALD EAGLES flew over Hempstead Lake SP this morning heading south. Nice Birthday present. Thanks guys for taking me out to lunch. Sy -- NYSbirds-L List Info:

[nysbirds-l] Jones ?Beach trip report.

2014-11-08 Thread syschiff
Joe Giunta led a joint Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Bird Club field trip to Jones Beach and Pt Lookout. Starting at the Coast Guard Station, the bar was home to AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHERS, DUNLIN and a MARBLED GODWIT. In the inlet were LONG-TAILED DUCK, COMMON and RED-THROATED LOONS,

[nysbirds-l] Owl

2014-11-16 Thread syschiff
The first Snowy Owl of the season made its appearance today almost immediately followed by the first idiot with a camera who spooked the bird. Some where between Brooklyn and Montauk Pt. This is for the record only. -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach

2014-11-16 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 16 Nov There were both BLACK and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS moving both east and west along the ocean. A male HARLEQUIN DUCK was at the end of the jetty. (Another Harlequin was reported from the Pt. Lookout side.) A flotilla of fishing boats was out on the horizon surrounded by

[nysbirds-l] Jones Beach West End

2014-11-30 Thread syschiff
Jones Beach West End 30 Nov Quick summary: MARBLED GODWIT on the bar; Ground-Dove not found as of noon, numerous birders looking; COMMON EIDER flyby in the inlet; SNOW BUNTINGS and HORNED LARKS on the lawn by the Coast Guard lot before flying off toward the swale. A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was seen

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