[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay NY - Walkie Talkie with Don Riepe on Sat. 9/30/23

[russ]

 Westernmost of the marshy estuaries on Long Island’s south shore, Jamaica Bay 
ebbs and flows between Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau County at the head of the 
bay. It’s an important area for an estimated 330 species of birds, over 100 
fish species, 90 butterflies, 29 marine invertebrates, 14 reptiles and 
amphibians, and 16 terrestrial mammals. Around 90 native or naturalized trees 
and plants provide food and shelter for the wildlife here. 




 On Saturday, Sept. 30 2023, LEGENDARY JAMAICA BAY GUARDIAN, DON RIEPE will be 
leading a walk and talk at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The purpose is to get 
together to discuss the summer's issues around Jamaica Bay and to review some 
of Don’s on-site concerns at JBWR in advance of the next Jamaica Bay Task Force 
Roundtable (tentatively to be held in November). 


 THIS IS NOT A BIRD-WATCHING WALK, and it isn’t open to the general public. 
This walk is intended for officers or conservation directors of bird clubs, 
nature societies or environmental organizations concerned with Jamaica Bay. 
Also, for unaffiliated individuals active in the local environmental community. 


 Do you want to hear what Don Riepe has to say about Jamaica Bay? Do you want 
to get together with your peers among leading local environmental advocates? Do 
you want to review the present status and discuss desired future outcomes for 
the wildlife welfare, wildlife habitat management and wildlife-viewing at JBWR 
and the islands, creeks and other parts of Jamaica Bay managed by NPS or NYC 
Parks? Then this walkie-talkie is for you. 


 Persons that are eligible and desire to be part of this group walk, kindly 
call, text or email me at (928) 614-9186 or r...@ssaudubon.org 
 for more information. 


 Please only 1-2 attendees per organization. The walk is limited to 20 people 
maximum. 


 *FURTHER DETAILS, MEETING TIME AND A LIST OF TOPICS will be provided to 
attendees in advance of the date of the walk, so that they can come up with 
questions they may want to ask. 


 Thank you for caring so much about our beloved Jamaica Bay and its urban 
wildlife. 


 Hope to see you there. 


 Russ Comeau, President 
South Shore Audubon Society | Freeport NY 
 (928) 614-9186 | r...@ssaudubon.org  


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations,The East Pond water level is looking very good and at the moment we are likely to meet our drawdown goals. However, I want to warn folks that we may not see the levels we did last season as it was drier. What does that mean you ask? Well, it means that you may not likely see the expansive dried out shorelines like we did last season.I began trail maintenance about a week ago with some work on the South-end and I will continue to work on the South-end and start the North-end soon. It is still very early for Shorebird migration but some birds are trickling in. Short-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, and a handful of peeps so far.I would not take this post as an invitation to make the schlep out there just yet. Just as a heads up that all is looking good for Shorebirding on the pond.Trial maintenance images here: https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1673149122147123201?s=46=yCd8zvCt5vAwEYLwhkC5ww“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our mind.” ~ Bob Marley“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass風　Swift as the wind林　Quiet as the forest火　Conquer like the fire山　Steady as the mountainSun Tzu  The Art of War(\__/)(= '.'=)                                            (") _ (")                                     Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! Andrew Bakshwww.birdingdude.blogspot.com

			--
		
			NYSbirds-L List Info:
		
			Welcome and Basics 
		
			Rules and Information 
		
			Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
		
			Archives:
		
			The Mail Archive
		
			Surfbirds
		
			ABA
		
			Please submit your observations to eBird!
		
			--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Northend Valve digout kicked off…

[Andrew Baksh]

Taking advantage of the good weather, I joined a team of NPS employees in digging out the valve on the Northend of the East Pond. This is one of many digouts that we will likely do this season. The water is extremely high and will take several months of draining; the good news is we are off to an early start.See some footage of today’s effort here.We started with the valve completely covered and then got a flow going. Great team work with staff from @JBWRNYC #conservation #NYC #forthebirds #wildife #volunteering #birds #jamaicabay #queensAndrew Baksh (Bacchus)襁twitter.comhttps://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1641810807448125440?s=46=yCd8zvCt5vAwEYLwhkC5ww“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our mind.” ~ Bob Marley“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass風　Swift as the wind林　Quiet as the forest火　Conquer like the fire山　Steady as the mountainSun Tzu  The Art of War(\__/)(= '.'=)                                            (") _ (")                                     Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! Andrew Bakshwww.birdingdude.blogspot.com

			--
		
			NYSbirds-L List Info:
		
			Welcome and Basics 
		
			Rules and Information 
		
			Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
		
			Archives:
		
			The Mail Archive
		
			Surfbirds
		
			ABA
		
			Please submit your observations to eBird!
		
			--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East & West Pond Shorebird Updates…

[Andrew Baksh]

Alas, my plans to up my Kings County list went awry as none of the shorebird 
rarities seen on the Brooklyn side of the West Pond was there today. And so I 
must remain patient. Shane Blodgett, came to mind today as I finally understood 
his persistence in waiting for a 2010 West Pond Black-bellied Whistling-Duck to 
cross over into Brooklyn’s territory 

As for the East Pond. Well, I decided to take a crack at the Northend this 
afternoon and it was a good decision. 22 species of Shorebirds is not too 
shabby.

The highlights were: 

HUDSONIAN GODWIT (2)
MARBLED GODWIT (2)
WILSON’s PHALAROPE (2 - adult and juvenile)
WHIMBREL (flyover) my second flyover bird of the season, also seen by Eric 
Miller and Jean Loscalzo. The bird was last seen heading across the road 
towards the West Pond.

Shorebird numbers have tailed off as to be expected; however, the diversity is 
increasing. Juvenile Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers numbers are up. Though, 
I have not seen any juvenile Western Sandpiper as of yet and it has been awhile 
since I was able to pull out any adult from the mass of “brown jobs” that now 
dominate the peep scene. Watch out for those big billed Semis.

Greater Yellowlegs remain sparse in numbers. Lesser Yellowlegs numbers are way 
down but counts remain somewhat decent, with several juveniles. Stilt 
Sandpipers are still showing in double digits but well down from weeks ago. A 
few juveniles are present as well.

White-rumped Sandpipers seem to favor the south east side of the pond but a few 
were up north this afternoon. Often heard as the flock of shorebirds wheeled in 
flight to avoid being a Peregrine snack. Be prepared for this when visiting; 
the Peregrines are known to make several passes and will disrupt the peace. 
Sometimes, ruining a good morning or afternoon if things up and leave the pond 
even if only temporary.

The Black-headed and Bonaparte’s Gulls are still around. Also many crisp 
looking juvenile Laughing, Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls as well.

Good August Shorebirding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East & West Pond Shorebird Updates…

[Andrew Baksh]

Alas, my plans to up my Kings County list went awry as none of the shorebird 
rarities seen on the Brooklyn side of the West Pond was there today. And so I 
must remain patient. Shane Blodgett, came to mind today as I finally understood 
his persistence in waiting for a 2010 West Pond Black-bellied Whistling-Duck to 
cross over into Brooklyn’s territory 

As for the East Pond. Well, I decided to take a crack at the Northend this 
afternoon and it was a good decision. 22 species of Shorebirds is not too 
shabby.

The highlights were: 

HUDSONIAN GODWIT (2)
MARBLED GODWIT (2)
WILSON’s PHALAROPE (2 - adult and juvenile)
WHIMBREL (flyover) my second flyover bird of the season, also seen by Eric 
Miller and Jean Loscalzo. The bird was last seen heading across the road 
towards the West Pond.

Shorebird numbers have tailed off as to be expected; however, the diversity is 
increasing. Juvenile Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers numbers are up. Though, 
I have not seen any juvenile Western Sandpiper as of yet and it has been awhile 
since I was able to pull out any adult from the mass of “brown jobs” that now 
dominate the peep scene. Watch out for those big billed Semis.

Greater Yellowlegs remain sparse in numbers. Lesser Yellowlegs numbers are way 
down but counts remain somewhat decent, with several juveniles. Stilt 
Sandpipers are still showing in double digits but well down from weeks ago. A 
few juveniles are present as well.

White-rumped Sandpipers seem to favor the south east side of the pond but a few 
were up north this afternoon. Often heard as the flock of shorebirds wheeled in 
flight to avoid being a Peregrine snack. Be prepared for this when visiting; 
the Peregrines are known to make several passes and will disrupt the peace. 
Sometimes, ruining a good morning or afternoon if things up and leave the pond 
even if only temporary.

The Black-headed and Bonaparte’s Gulls are still around. Also many crisp 
looking juvenile Laughing, Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls as well.

Good August Shorebirding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 7/26

[Kathryn Heintz]

Andrew,

Huge THANK YOU to YOU for all of your efforts at the East Pond.  You deserve 
enormous credit for keeping this issue front and center and for this year’s 
success.  Heroic effort IMO.

NPS deserves a lot of flack for the many shortcomings at JBWR.  In particular 
THEY should be leading the charge to maintain the East Pond.  They should be 
leading the charge to protect this special place, instead they need to be 
prodded constantly by you and Don and so many others who represent the members 
of organizations that care about and/or use this treasured space.  They should 
heed to calls to pro-actively protect the Refuge rather then avoid them or 
worse, resent them.

Kathryn

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 26, 2022, at 7:38 AM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
> 
> Salutations all,
> 
> I am delighted to report that we are almost at our target mark for the East 
> Pond water level. We will close the valve upon hitting the target but 
> continue monitoring. NPS has received a lot of flack for a number of things 
> related to the Refuge. Some legit, some just bollocks. Take a moment when 
> visiting, to let the Rangers at the Visitors Center know how happy you are 
> with the condition of the East Pond. While those you speak to may not have 
> been involved in the water level management, the message will get across and 
> reach the “proper” party.
> 
> Now that pond is attracting visitors from far and wide. I feel the need to 
> remind folks to please be mindful of your conduct. 
> 
> Voices carry and it adds to many of the variables that make birds jumpy. 
> Avoid excessive chatting while out there. 
> Don’t push the birds around to get photos. 
> If a photographer has position, wait or ask to if you could move; don’t 
> barrel past and flush the subject (s) as it takes patience and time to get 
> into position. The reverse applies when birders are in position before a 
> photographer gets on site.
> Remember to credit finders for your birds in your checklists, it’s a nice 
> thing to do.
> For those of you leading walks; be mindful of your party size.
> No littering 
> I could go on but you by now should get my drift. And now for the birds. I 
> will only mention highlights. The Hudsonian Godwit, Bonaparte’s Gull, 
> Black-headed Gull and White-faced Ibis (1 of 2) continue. The latter getting 
> harder to pick out as it is almost in full basic plumage and often times the 
> light makes it very tricky. Here is a Digiscoped image taken yesterday for 
> reference. 
> https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1551725685416366081?s=21=48be0O8kkF6a6pkHEPWm-g
> 
> Gull-billed, Royal and Caspian Terns also continue but not consistent. Recent 
> uncommon sightings include Piping Plover and Whimbrel (flyby/flyover). We 
> will begin seeing the volume of birds drop off but the diversity will pick 
> up. An early Dunlin was observed yesterday and a flock of Sanderlings dropped 
> in for a bit.
> 
> Several Long-billed Dowitchers (LBDO) continue; I noted 4 yesterday. Please 
> be wary of Hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher as there are a few 
> in play and are often confused with LBDO. A couple of Western Sandpipers also 
> are in play but losing their color fast so a keen sorting of the peeps is 
> required. 
> 
> Adult and immature Peregrine Falcons have been straffing the pond so be 
> prepared for some frustrating moments. I fondly remembered the late Bobby 
> Kurtz yesterday as yelled at an immature Peregrine for its shenanigans 
> 
> The hose is setup near the visitors center to wash up after your visit. Try 
> and keep it in the shade as the metal piece on the nozzle will get very hot. 
> Lastly, please try and stay hydrated. The pond gets very, very hot. On days 
> when there is no breeze it could be very stifling.
> 
> Get out there and enjoy the East Pond and the birds. Not since Hurricane 
> Sandy has it looked this good.
> 
> Happy Shorebird Birding!
> 
> “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
> mind.” ~ Bob Marley
> 
> “Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
> manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran
> 
> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule 
> of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ 
> Frederick Douglass
> 
> 風　Swift as the wind
> 林　Quiet as the forest
> 火　Conquer like the fire
> 山　Steady as the mountain
> Sun Tzu  The Art of War
> 
>> (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>> (") _ (") 
>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 
> 
> Andrew Baksh
> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
> The Mail Archive
> Surfbirds
> ABA
> Please submit your observations to eBird!
> --

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 7/26

[Kathryn Heintz]

Andrew,

Huge THANK YOU to YOU for all of your efforts at the East Pond.  You deserve 
enormous credit for keeping this issue front and center and for this year’s 
success.  Heroic effort IMO.

NPS deserves a lot of flack for the many shortcomings at JBWR.  In particular 
THEY should be leading the charge to maintain the East Pond.  They should be 
leading the charge to protect this special place, instead they need to be 
prodded constantly by you and Don and so many others who represent the members 
of organizations that care about and/or use this treasured space.  They should 
heed to calls to pro-actively protect the Refuge rather then avoid them or 
worse, resent them.

Kathryn

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 26, 2022, at 7:38 AM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
> 
> Salutations all,
> 
> I am delighted to report that we are almost at our target mark for the East 
> Pond water level. We will close the valve upon hitting the target but 
> continue monitoring. NPS has received a lot of flack for a number of things 
> related to the Refuge. Some legit, some just bollocks. Take a moment when 
> visiting, to let the Rangers at the Visitors Center know how happy you are 
> with the condition of the East Pond. While those you speak to may not have 
> been involved in the water level management, the message will get across and 
> reach the “proper” party.
> 
> Now that pond is attracting visitors from far and wide. I feel the need to 
> remind folks to please be mindful of your conduct. 
> 
> Voices carry and it adds to many of the variables that make birds jumpy. 
> Avoid excessive chatting while out there. 
> Don’t push the birds around to get photos. 
> If a photographer has position, wait or ask to if you could move; don’t 
> barrel past and flush the subject (s) as it takes patience and time to get 
> into position. The reverse applies when birders are in position before a 
> photographer gets on site.
> Remember to credit finders for your birds in your checklists, it’s a nice 
> thing to do.
> For those of you leading walks; be mindful of your party size.
> No littering 
> I could go on but you by now should get my drift. And now for the birds. I 
> will only mention highlights. The Hudsonian Godwit, Bonaparte’s Gull, 
> Black-headed Gull and White-faced Ibis (1 of 2) continue. The latter getting 
> harder to pick out as it is almost in full basic plumage and often times the 
> light makes it very tricky. Here is a Digiscoped image taken yesterday for 
> reference. 
> https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1551725685416366081?s=21=48be0O8kkF6a6pkHEPWm-g
> 
> Gull-billed, Royal and Caspian Terns also continue but not consistent. Recent 
> uncommon sightings include Piping Plover and Whimbrel (flyby/flyover). We 
> will begin seeing the volume of birds drop off but the diversity will pick 
> up. An early Dunlin was observed yesterday and a flock of Sanderlings dropped 
> in for a bit.
> 
> Several Long-billed Dowitchers (LBDO) continue; I noted 4 yesterday. Please 
> be wary of Hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher as there are a few 
> in play and are often confused with LBDO. A couple of Western Sandpipers also 
> are in play but losing their color fast so a keen sorting of the peeps is 
> required. 
> 
> Adult and immature Peregrine Falcons have been straffing the pond so be 
> prepared for some frustrating moments. I fondly remembered the late Bobby 
> Kurtz yesterday as yelled at an immature Peregrine for its shenanigans 
> 
> The hose is setup near the visitors center to wash up after your visit. Try 
> and keep it in the shade as the metal piece on the nozzle will get very hot. 
> Lastly, please try and stay hydrated. The pond gets very, very hot. On days 
> when there is no breeze it could be very stifling.
> 
> Get out there and enjoy the East Pond and the birds. Not since Hurricane 
> Sandy has it looked this good.
> 
> Happy Shorebird Birding!
> 
> “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
> mind.” ~ Bob Marley
> 
> “Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
> manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran
> 
> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule 
> of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ 
> Frederick Douglass
> 
> 風　Swift as the wind
> 林　Quiet as the forest
> 火　Conquer like the fire
> 山　Steady as the mountain
> Sun Tzu  The Art of War
> 
>> (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>> (") _ (") 
>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 
> 
> Andrew Baksh
> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
> The Mail Archive
> Surfbirds
> ABA
> Please submit your observations to eBird!
> --

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 7/26

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations all,

I am delighted to report that we are almost at our target mark for the East 
Pond water level. We will close the valve upon hitting the target but continue 
monitoring. NPS has received a lot of flack for a number of things related to 
the Refuge. Some legit, some just bollocks. Take a moment when visiting, to let 
the Rangers at the Visitors Center know how happy you are with the condition of 
the East Pond. While those you speak to may not have been involved in the water 
level management, the message will get across and reach the “proper” party.

Now that pond is attracting visitors from far and wide. I feel the need to 
remind folks to please be mindful of your conduct. 

Voices carry and it adds to many of the variables that make birds jumpy. Avoid 
excessive chatting while out there. 
Don’t push the birds around to get photos. 
If a photographer has position, wait or ask to if you could move; don’t barrel 
past and flush the subject (s) as it takes patience and time to get into 
position. The reverse applies when birders are in position before a 
photographer gets on site.
Remember to credit finders for your birds in your checklists, it’s a nice thing 
to do.
For those of you leading walks; be mindful of your party size.
No littering 
I could go on but you by now should get my drift. And now for the birds. I will 
only mention highlights. The Hudsonian Godwit, Bonaparte’s Gull, Black-headed 
Gull and White-faced Ibis (1 of 2) continue. The latter getting harder to pick 
out as it is almost in full basic plumage and often times the light makes it 
very tricky. Here is a Digiscoped image taken yesterday for reference. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1551725685416366081?s=21=48be0O8kkF6a6pkHEPWm-g

Gull-billed, Royal and Caspian Terns also continue but not consistent. Recent 
uncommon sightings include Piping Plover and Whimbrel (flyby/flyover). We will 
begin seeing the volume of birds drop off but the diversity will pick up. An 
early Dunlin was observed yesterday and a flock of Sanderlings dropped in for a 
bit.

Several Long-billed Dowitchers (LBDO) continue; I noted 4 yesterday. Please be 
wary of Hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher as there are a few in 
play and are often confused with LBDO. A couple of Western Sandpipers also are 
in play but losing their color fast so a keen sorting of the peeps is required. 

Adult and immature Peregrine Falcons have been straffing the pond so be 
prepared for some frustrating moments. I fondly remembered the late Bobby Kurtz 
yesterday as yelled at an immature Peregrine for its shenanigans 

The hose is setup near the visitors center to wash up after your visit. Try and 
keep it in the shade as the metal piece on the nozzle will get very hot. 
Lastly, please try and stay hydrated. The pond gets very, very hot. On days 
when there is no breeze it could be very stifling.

Get out there and enjoy the East Pond and the birds. Not since Hurricane Sandy 
has it looked this good.

Happy Shorebird Birding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 7/26

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations all,

I am delighted to report that we are almost at our target mark for the East 
Pond water level. We will close the valve upon hitting the target but continue 
monitoring. NPS has received a lot of flack for a number of things related to 
the Refuge. Some legit, some just bollocks. Take a moment when visiting, to let 
the Rangers at the Visitors Center know how happy you are with the condition of 
the East Pond. While those you speak to may not have been involved in the water 
level management, the message will get across and reach the “proper” party.

Now that pond is attracting visitors from far and wide. I feel the need to 
remind folks to please be mindful of your conduct. 

Voices carry and it adds to many of the variables that make birds jumpy. Avoid 
excessive chatting while out there. 
Don’t push the birds around to get photos. 
If a photographer has position, wait or ask to if you could move; don’t barrel 
past and flush the subject (s) as it takes patience and time to get into 
position. The reverse applies when birders are in position before a 
photographer gets on site.
Remember to credit finders for your birds in your checklists, it’s a nice thing 
to do.
For those of you leading walks; be mindful of your party size.
No littering 
I could go on but you by now should get my drift. And now for the birds. I will 
only mention highlights. The Hudsonian Godwit, Bonaparte’s Gull, Black-headed 
Gull and White-faced Ibis (1 of 2) continue. The latter getting harder to pick 
out as it is almost in full basic plumage and often times the light makes it 
very tricky. Here is a Digiscoped image taken yesterday for reference. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1551725685416366081?s=21=48be0O8kkF6a6pkHEPWm-g

Gull-billed, Royal and Caspian Terns also continue but not consistent. Recent 
uncommon sightings include Piping Plover and Whimbrel (flyby/flyover). We will 
begin seeing the volume of birds drop off but the diversity will pick up. An 
early Dunlin was observed yesterday and a flock of Sanderlings dropped in for a 
bit.

Several Long-billed Dowitchers (LBDO) continue; I noted 4 yesterday. Please be 
wary of Hendersoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher as there are a few in 
play and are often confused with LBDO. A couple of Western Sandpipers also are 
in play but losing their color fast so a keen sorting of the peeps is required. 

Adult and immature Peregrine Falcons have been straffing the pond so be 
prepared for some frustrating moments. I fondly remembered the late Bobby Kurtz 
yesterday as yelled at an immature Peregrine for its shenanigans 

The hose is setup near the visitors center to wash up after your visit. Try and 
keep it in the shade as the metal piece on the nozzle will get very hot. 
Lastly, please try and stay hydrated. The pond gets very, very hot. On days 
when there is no breeze it could be very stifling.

Get out there and enjoy the East Pond and the birds. Not since Hurricane Sandy 
has it looked this good.

Happy Shorebird Birding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond BHGU, BOGU, WESA, LBDO, GBTE ++

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations all,

By now most of you should be aware that the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife 
Refuge is open for business. All the trails on the South and Northend are 
cleared and the pond water level is fantastic for this time of the year. All 
that work to begin draining early on has paid off. Please remember to continue 
to exercise caution as you make your way around the pond. To clean up after 
your pond visit, look for the hose near the visitor center.

And now, onto the birds. There were an estimated 5,000 shorebirds on the pond 
with the majority being Short-billed Dowitchers with Least Sandpipers also with 
very good numbers. The highlights are as follows.

Black-headed Gull (BHGO) - continuing 
Bonaparte’s Gull (BOGU) - continuing
Gull-billed Tern (GBTE) - continuing, I had 9 birds today all up by the 
Northend.
Long-billed Dowitcher (LBDO) - continuing + 1. I had one bird on 7/6 on the 
Northend and today I added another one.
Western Sandpiper (WESA) new for me today for the season. Sorting through the 
peeps with care, I noted 5 today. I managed several Digiscoped images of 
several, with a few already showing scapular moult.
White-faced Ibis (continuing) not seen by me but reported by Cesar Castillo and 
seen by others at the Northend.
Pectoral Sandpiper (continuing).
Stilt Sandpiper (continuing) - numbers are building. Note: they tend to get 
lost among the Dowitcher flocks.

Other notables include Purple Martins and Green-winged Teals.

Good East Pond Birding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond BHGU, BOGU, WESA, LBDO, GBTE ++

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations all,

By now most of you should be aware that the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife 
Refuge is open for business. All the trails on the South and Northend are 
cleared and the pond water level is fantastic for this time of the year. All 
that work to begin draining early on has paid off. Please remember to continue 
to exercise caution as you make your way around the pond. To clean up after 
your pond visit, look for the hose near the visitor center.

And now, onto the birds. There were an estimated 5,000 shorebirds on the pond 
with the majority being Short-billed Dowitchers with Least Sandpipers also with 
very good numbers. The highlights are as follows.

Black-headed Gull (BHGO) - continuing 
Bonaparte’s Gull (BOGU) - continuing
Gull-billed Tern (GBTE) - continuing, I had 9 birds today all up by the 
Northend.
Long-billed Dowitcher (LBDO) - continuing + 1. I had one bird on 7/6 on the 
Northend and today I added another one.
Western Sandpiper (WESA) new for me today for the season. Sorting through the 
peeps with care, I noted 5 today. I managed several Digiscoped images of 
several, with a few already showing scapular moult.
White-faced Ibis (continuing) not seen by me but reported by Cesar Castillo and 
seen by others at the Northend.
Pectoral Sandpiper (continuing).
Stilt Sandpiper (continuing) - numbers are building. Note: they tend to get 
lost among the Dowitcher flocks.

Other notables include Purple Martins and Green-winged Teals.

Good East Pond Birding!

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife East Pond Update…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations Everyone,

Yesterday, I competed clearing out the overgrown areas at Calidrid Crossing on 
the East Pond, making enough room for visitors to navigate easily without 
worrying too much about brushing up on Poison Ivy. Still, please exercise 
caution when traversing that area.

The trails leading up and to the East Pond at the Southend are completely cut 
back and easy to navigate. I am collaborating with NPS (National Park Service) 
to try and get some signage in place. As far as the Northend, I will be trail 
clearing both East and West sides next week. I am also organizing one final 
digout of the valve, date to be determined.

Overall, we are in terrific shape in terms of the water level and all that 
remains is for the birds to show up and we continue to see the exposed flats 
dry out. As a reminder, please do not attempt to walk the pond if you are not 
familiar with the areas. There are some tricky spots where one could get stuck. 
As the water continues to drain out it gets a bit easier to see where you are 
stepping but as of right now, folks unfamiliar with the layout should refrain 
from solo efforts. Especially so on the Northend.

As far as note worthy birds on the pond. Purple Martins, The Black-headed Gull 
(now 2nd Cycle), Bonaparte’s Gull, Eurasian X American Wigeon hybrid and 
Gull-billed Terns all continue. For shorebirds, the numbers are small as it is 
still early. White-rumped Sandpiper (1), Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, 
American Oystercatcher, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer (with young), Least, 
Semipalmated and Spotted Sandpiper were present through today. I am looking 
forward and hoping for a terrific summer of Shorebirding on the East Pond.

Here is a lucky trifecta digiscope shot I pulled off yesterday showing a few of 
the Pond’s current stars. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1540862490606817282?s=21=TbVnczFq3XBs9zbohg_O5A

Bless up!


Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife East Pond Update…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations Everyone,

Yesterday, I competed clearing out the overgrown areas at Calidrid Crossing on 
the East Pond, making enough room for visitors to navigate easily without 
worrying too much about brushing up on Poison Ivy. Still, please exercise 
caution when traversing that area.

The trails leading up and to the East Pond at the Southend are completely cut 
back and easy to navigate. I am collaborating with NPS (National Park Service) 
to try and get some signage in place. As far as the Northend, I will be trail 
clearing both East and West sides next week. I am also organizing one final 
digout of the valve, date to be determined.

Overall, we are in terrific shape in terms of the water level and all that 
remains is for the birds to show up and we continue to see the exposed flats 
dry out. As a reminder, please do not attempt to walk the pond if you are not 
familiar with the areas. There are some tricky spots where one could get stuck. 
As the water continues to drain out it gets a bit easier to see where you are 
stepping but as of right now, folks unfamiliar with the layout should refrain 
from solo efforts. Especially so on the Northend.

As far as note worthy birds on the pond. Purple Martins, The Black-headed Gull 
(now 2nd Cycle), Bonaparte’s Gull, Eurasian X American Wigeon hybrid and 
Gull-billed Terns all continue. For shorebirds, the numbers are small as it is 
still early. White-rumped Sandpiper (1), Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, 
American Oystercatcher, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer (with young), Least, 
Semipalmated and Spotted Sandpiper were present through today. I am looking 
forward and hoping for a terrific summer of Shorebirding on the East Pond.

Here is a lucky trifecta digiscope shot I pulled off yesterday showing a few of 
the Pond’s current stars. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1540862490606817282?s=21=TbVnczFq3XBs9zbohg_O5A

Bless up!


Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond - update on preparing for the 2022 Shorebird Season…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations,

I trust everyone is doing well.

I am pleased to share with you all, that a team consisting of NPS staff and 
myself executed an East Pond outflow valve digout on Monday.

The goal was to follow up the success we had last year and that begins with an 
early start. There is a nice flow ongoing and I will be monitoring the outflow 
and keeping NPS updated on the drawdown progress.

Last year it took at least 6 dig outs to keep things at optimum and maybe we 
will have to do the same this year or maybe not. The good news is that we are 
off to an early start. In other good news, the superintendent Jennifer 
Nersesian shared with me that efforts to replace the outflow infrastructure on 
the East Pond continues to make progress and is now in the design stage.

I have no timeline on when sign off and construction will begin but I am hoping 
that we are in the final stages to finally seeing something implemented that 
would make it easier to manage the water level on the East Pond. Digging out 
that valve is back breaking work and it does not get easier with each season.

Once the water level allows it, I will be on the Pond clearing and preparing 
trails. Updates will be shared as I deem necessary.

Here is a link to the work effort on Monday that I tweeted out.

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1503500374136832007?s=21

Cheers,


“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond - update on preparing for the 2022 Shorebird Season…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations,

I trust everyone is doing well.

I am pleased to share with you all, that a team consisting of NPS staff and 
myself executed an East Pond outflow valve digout on Monday.

The goal was to follow up the success we had last year and that begins with an 
early start. There is a nice flow ongoing and I will be monitoring the outflow 
and keeping NPS updated on the drawdown progress.

Last year it took at least 6 dig outs to keep things at optimum and maybe we 
will have to do the same this year or maybe not. The good news is that we are 
off to an early start. In other good news, the superintendent Jennifer 
Nersesian shared with me that efforts to replace the outflow infrastructure on 
the East Pond continues to make progress and is now in the design stage.

I have no timeline on when sign off and construction will begin but I am hoping 
that we are in the final stages to finally seeing something implemented that 
would make it easier to manage the water level on the East Pond. Digging out 
that valve is back breaking work and it does not get easier with each season.

Once the water level allows it, I will be on the Pond clearing and preparing 
trails. Updates will be shared as I deem necessary.

Here is a link to the work effort on Monday that I tweeted out.

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1503500374136832007?s=21

Cheers,


“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves could free our 
mind.” ~ Bob Marley

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Hudsonian Godwits

[Adrian Burke]

3 Hudsonian Godwits continue now at the south end of the East Pond in
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens. currently resting with Dunlin flock

Adrian Burke
NYC

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Hudsonian Godwits

[Adrian Burke]

3 Hudsonian Godwits continue now at the south end of the East Pond in
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens. currently resting with Dunlin flock

Adrian Burke
NYC

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond update post IDA…

[Andrew Baksh]

In preparation for IDA, a team consisting of NPS staff and I, worked on the 
outflow valve yesterday AM.  We cleared out built up silt and Ulva and got a 
good flow going.

As expected, Ida did a number on us and the water level mark showed we jumped 
back up to 1.88 this AM when I checked just around low tide. This recent storm 
once again set us back but we are not throwing in the towel. By doing the work 
we did yesterday, we prevented a complete shut down of the outflow and the pond 
was draining at a good clip when I checked it earlier.

I will continue to monitor the water level and communicate with NPS when 
necessary. I will post, hopefully a positive update in a week or so. For now, 
please note that there is no shoreline and won’t be for a while.

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond update post IDA…

[Andrew Baksh]

In preparation for IDA, a team consisting of NPS staff and I, worked on the 
outflow valve yesterday AM.  We cleared out built up silt and Ulva and got a 
good flow going.

As expected, Ida did a number on us and the water level mark showed we jumped 
back up to 1.88 this AM when I checked just around low tide. This recent storm 
once again set us back but we are not throwing in the towel. By doing the work 
we did yesterday, we prevented a complete shut down of the outflow and the pond 
was draining at a good clip when I checked it earlier.

I will continue to monitor the water level and communicate with NPS when 
necessary. I will post, hopefully a positive update in a week or so. For now, 
please note that there is no shoreline and won’t be for a while.

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond update post Hurricane Henri rains…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations:

Worrying about the East Pond water level given the rains and also eager to see 
if any storm related birds were on the East Pond, I visited this AM. My fears 
were realized as I witnessed that all the open flats we had at the southend is 
now under several inches of water. I would wager at least 4-5 inches. One could 
only imagine what the Northend is like.

I immediately contacted NPS, requesting that they ensure that the outflow is 
operating at maximum capacity to get the water down as fast as possible. Given 
that we are smack in the midst of juvenile shorebirds migrating in numbers, 
this is critical. I will monitor the outflow and water level and post updates 
as I see progress.

I wanted to let folks know for those of you who might have been planning to 
visit the pond. 

I tweeted images out early today, which could be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1429826680017899524?s=21

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond update post Hurricane Henri rains…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations:

Worrying about the East Pond water level given the rains and also eager to see 
if any storm related birds were on the East Pond, I visited this AM. My fears 
were realized as I witnessed that all the open flats we had at the southend is 
now under several inches of water. I would wager at least 4-5 inches. One could 
only imagine what the Northend is like.

I immediately contacted NPS, requesting that they ensure that the outflow is 
operating at maximum capacity to get the water down as fast as possible. Given 
that we are smack in the midst of juvenile shorebirds migrating in numbers, 
this is critical. I will monitor the outflow and water level and post updates 
as I see progress.

I wanted to let folks know for those of you who might have been planning to 
visit the pond. 

I tweeted images out early today, which could be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1429826680017899524?s=21

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Report August 9th 2021…

[Andrew Baksh]

Following my full coverage of the pond on Saturday. Today, I decided that I 
would give it another crack with the hopes of less foot traffic. It worked out 
well enough to get a decent snapshot of the birds on and around the pond. In 
short, there seemed to be less shorebirds on the pond today than Saturday.

The 6 Phalaropes continued today on the pond with all of them favoring the 
southend. The Wilson’s were spotted near shore and later in the southwest cove. 
The 3 Red-necked Phalaropes were moving around a bit but also stayed on the 
Southend.

The continuing Black-bellied Whistling-duck which sometimes goes missing, was 
also in the southwest cove on the southend of the Pond. In that same area is a 
continuing Greater Scaup and the rarer over summering Lesser Scaup. The latter 
is the “ratty” looking one not to be confused with the Greater which is in much 
better shape.

Since I am covering ducks, I should add that today, I had my first of the 
season Northern Pintail (female). That along with Pied-billed Grebe, increased 
numbers of Northern Shovelers (a few have been here for a week or more), Hooded 
Merganser (female) seems to suggest that waterfowl are already on the move. 

More about shorebirds: White-rumped Sandpiper numbers have increased the last 
few days and hold steady. Today, it seemed you could not scan a small flock of 
peeps without running into one.

Stilt Sandpiper numbers on the other hand nose dived. From Saturday to today, 
the numbers have dropped significantly.

1 Long-billed Dowitcher continued up at the Northend today. Also, more juvenile 
Short-billed Dowitchers were present today and it is expected that we will see 
more in the coming weeks.

Juvenile Least Sandpipers are increasing nicely, with over 50 counted today.

Several juvenile spotted Sandpipers continue today along with a couple of adult 
birds. Look for them near the Raunt on the west side of the Pond as they 
frequent that area.

I have only seen 1 juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper so far, which was on 
Saturday. I expect that will change soon as more juveniles show up. Two flagged 
Semis were observed today and frustratingly, I was only able to read one.

Lesser Yellowlegs numbers have dropped with more juveniles around than adults. 
Greater Yellowlegs are also down from a few weeks ago.

1 Pectoral seen today. A juvenile that quickly absconded once the Peregrines 
came though on one of their many passes.

1 juvenile Eastern Willet was also seen at the Raunt today but that bird also 
took off once the Peregrines began “strafing” the pond and I did not see it 
again.

I did not see any Western Sandpipers today. I have only seen 1 thus far this 
season and that was a few weeks ago.

Semipalmated Plovers are building, with quite a few adults around. I have not 
seen any juveniles as yet.

Other notables on the pond include: 1 Sora, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 4 Gull-billed 
Terns - we had as many as 9 on the pond a few weeks ago. Also a couple of 
flyover Royal Terns. 

The plethora of Bank Swallows continue along with a leucistic one which is neat 
to see in flight. 1 Purple Martín early on at the southend and 1 oddly plumaged 
peep.

The pond looks really good at the moment and even with the bit of rain it is 
spot on for this time of the year. That last bit of clearing out of the outflow 
valve last Thursday, should allow us to make our target with plenty of 
Shorebird season left.  I am very happy to see the juvenile shorebirds that are 
imprinting the East Pond as a stopover site.

Plead keep in mind that COVID protocols are still in effect. Especially so with 
the various mutations. Enjoy the birds but be safe while doing so!

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Report August 9th 2021…

[Andrew Baksh]

Following my full coverage of the pond on Saturday. Today, I decided that I 
would give it another crack with the hopes of less foot traffic. It worked out 
well enough to get a decent snapshot of the birds on and around the pond. In 
short, there seemed to be less shorebirds on the pond today than Saturday.

The 6 Phalaropes continued today on the pond with all of them favoring the 
southend. The Wilson’s were spotted near shore and later in the southwest cove. 
The 3 Red-necked Phalaropes were moving around a bit but also stayed on the 
Southend.

The continuing Black-bellied Whistling-duck which sometimes goes missing, was 
also in the southwest cove on the southend of the Pond. In that same area is a 
continuing Greater Scaup and the rarer over summering Lesser Scaup. The latter 
is the “ratty” looking one not to be confused with the Greater which is in much 
better shape.

Since I am covering ducks, I should add that today, I had my first of the 
season Northern Pintail (female). That along with Pied-billed Grebe, increased 
numbers of Northern Shovelers (a few have been here for a week or more), Hooded 
Merganser (female) seems to suggest that waterfowl are already on the move. 

More about shorebirds: White-rumped Sandpiper numbers have increased the last 
few days and hold steady. Today, it seemed you could not scan a small flock of 
peeps without running into one.

Stilt Sandpiper numbers on the other hand nose dived. From Saturday to today, 
the numbers have dropped significantly.

1 Long-billed Dowitcher continued up at the Northend today. Also, more juvenile 
Short-billed Dowitchers were present today and it is expected that we will see 
more in the coming weeks.

Juvenile Least Sandpipers are increasing nicely, with over 50 counted today.

Several juvenile spotted Sandpipers continue today along with a couple of adult 
birds. Look for them near the Raunt on the west side of the Pond as they 
frequent that area.

I have only seen 1 juvenile Semipalmated Sandpiper so far, which was on 
Saturday. I expect that will change soon as more juveniles show up. Two flagged 
Semis were observed today and frustratingly, I was only able to read one.

Lesser Yellowlegs numbers have dropped with more juveniles around than adults. 
Greater Yellowlegs are also down from a few weeks ago.

1 Pectoral seen today. A juvenile that quickly absconded once the Peregrines 
came though on one of their many passes.

1 juvenile Eastern Willet was also seen at the Raunt today but that bird also 
took off once the Peregrines began “strafing” the pond and I did not see it 
again.

I did not see any Western Sandpipers today. I have only seen 1 thus far this 
season and that was a few weeks ago.

Semipalmated Plovers are building, with quite a few adults around. I have not 
seen any juveniles as yet.

Other notables on the pond include: 1 Sora, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 4 Gull-billed 
Terns - we had as many as 9 on the pond a few weeks ago. Also a couple of 
flyover Royal Terns. 

The plethora of Bank Swallows continue along with a leucistic one which is neat 
to see in flight. 1 Purple Martín early on at the southend and 1 oddly plumaged 
peep.

The pond looks really good at the moment and even with the bit of rain it is 
spot on for this time of the year. That last bit of clearing out of the outflow 
valve last Thursday, should allow us to make our target with plenty of 
Shorebird season left.  I am very happy to see the juvenile shorebirds that are 
imprinting the East Pond as a stopover site.

Plead keep in mind that COVID protocols are still in effect. Especially so with 
the various mutations. Enjoy the birds but be safe while doing so!

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wilson’s Phalarope

[akmi...@aol.com]

There’s a Wilson’s Phalarope on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay, between Dead 
Man’s Cove and the small island in the North End. It flew once all the way to 
the north end and then returned to the original spot a few minutes later. Still 
there when I left at 3:30.
Karlo Mirth
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wilson’s Phalarope

[akmi...@aol.com]

There’s a Wilson’s Phalarope on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay, between Dead 
Man’s Cove and the small island in the North End. It flew once all the way to 
the north end and then returned to the original spot a few minutes later. Still 
there when I left at 3:30.
Karlo Mirth
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond summary and PSA…

[Andrew Baksh]

Following my report earlier today of a Long-billed Dowitcher (LBDO) on the 
Southend. I found another 2 LBDOs as I covered the Pond from the south to the 
northend and back.

Additional highlights included, 31 STILT SANDPIPERS, 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER, 3 
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. 23 KILLDEERS (including fledglings), 1 CASPIAN TERN, 1 
GULL-BILLED TERN, 3 PURPLE MARTINS, 1 ADULT BALD EAGLE and the continuing 
WHITE-FACED IBIS.

Both Yellowlegs continue with decent numbers. Least Sandpiper numbers are 
building and Semipalmated Sandpipers are trickling in. With the water level it 
is, we might get one of those seasons where the Dowitcher numbers build nicely. 
Today’s Short-billed Dowitcher number was 397 which saw a nice jump since my 
last visit.
 
The Duckage numbers seemed quite low but Blue-winged Teal and Ruddy Ducks are 
still around.

And now for a PSA: I am seeing a lot of new faces venturing out onto the East 
Pond. This is all great but I get the sense that many of these new visitors are 
not privy to some of the dodgy areas on the Pond. Today, through my scope I 
watched an older gentleman taking a spill near the Raunt. This, even though he 
was in close proximity to veteran users of the Pond. To the admins of the 
various messaging groups, please encourage your members to exercise caution 
when visiting the Pond. Do not wander around casually.

I also cannot emphasize enough. Knee High boots unless you are feeling brave or 
immune like Steve Walter. 

I have opened up more trails on the south end to allow visitors to avoid 
walking the edge of Schriber’s Slew. I’ll widen those trails sometime during 
the week as well as filling in some more of the holes at the Southend edge.

Good East Pond Birding!


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond summary and PSA…

[Andrew Baksh]

Following my report earlier today of a Long-billed Dowitcher (LBDO) on the 
Southend. I found another 2 LBDOs as I covered the Pond from the south to the 
northend and back.

Additional highlights included, 31 STILT SANDPIPERS, 1 WESTERN SANDPIPER, 3 
PECTORAL SANDPIPERS. 23 KILLDEERS (including fledglings), 1 CASPIAN TERN, 1 
GULL-BILLED TERN, 3 PURPLE MARTINS, 1 ADULT BALD EAGLE and the continuing 
WHITE-FACED IBIS.

Both Yellowlegs continue with decent numbers. Least Sandpiper numbers are 
building and Semipalmated Sandpipers are trickling in. With the water level it 
is, we might get one of those seasons where the Dowitcher numbers build nicely. 
Today’s Short-billed Dowitcher number was 397 which saw a nice jump since my 
last visit.
 
The Duckage numbers seemed quite low but Blue-winged Teal and Ruddy Ducks are 
still around.

And now for a PSA: I am seeing a lot of new faces venturing out onto the East 
Pond. This is all great but I get the sense that many of these new visitors are 
not privy to some of the dodgy areas on the Pond. Today, through my scope I 
watched an older gentleman taking a spill near the Raunt. This, even though he 
was in close proximity to veteran users of the Pond. To the admins of the 
various messaging groups, please encourage your members to exercise caution 
when visiting the Pond. Do not wander around casually.

I also cannot emphasize enough. Knee High boots unless you are feeling brave or 
immune like Steve Walter. 

I have opened up more trails on the south end to allow visitors to avoid 
walking the edge of Schriber’s Slew. I’ll widen those trails sometime during 
the week as well as filling in some more of the holes at the Southend edge.

Good East Pond Birding!


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations everyone:

I just wanted to provide an update on the East Pond trails and water level. The 
Southend trail to access the Pond on the East side is all cleared up and all 
that remains is a widening of the path on the west side as you access the Pond. 

Please note, for those of you who are not on Twitter and likely missed my 
tweet. The fence on the Southend was moved and you no longer have to clamber or 
walk around the fence to access the Pond on the Southend. Ongoing litigation 
continues on that area but I will not get into the details here.

The trail on the Northend west side of the East Pond, is cleared. I will try 
and open up an area further into the phragmites to widen the end of the path 
thus allowing visitors to avoid the soft mud as you enter the Pond. Remember to 
stay on your left as you enter the Pond when using that trail. The middle is 
very soft mud which will cause you to get stuck if you are not careful.

I almost finished the Northend East side trail on Monday but rain interrupted. 
I will attempt to wrap that up, hopefully by next week.

 See progress here: 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1404498240662343691?s=21

Since our last East Pond digout on the 7th of June, we regained the 1.8 inches 
that was accumulated due to heavy rainfalls. We are now back on target and in 
excellent shape. Just to give you a perspective on how good it looks. As of 
Monday, we were a little under 1.40. Compare that to 1.80 which is where we 
were on August 9th, 2020 gives you an idea of how much better shape we are in 
terms of the drawdown of the Pond.

I will continue to monitor the water levels and tweak the trails to make them 
accessible as well as work with NPS to get signage in places where required. 
Additionally, I will work with NPS to have the boot washing station available 
as we get closer to Shorebird season.

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update…

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations everyone:

I just wanted to provide an update on the East Pond trails and water level. The 
Southend trail to access the Pond on the East side is all cleared up and all 
that remains is a widening of the path on the west side as you access the Pond. 

Please note, for those of you who are not on Twitter and likely missed my 
tweet. The fence on the Southend was moved and you no longer have to clamber or 
walk around the fence to access the Pond on the Southend. Ongoing litigation 
continues on that area but I will not get into the details here.

The trail on the Northend west side of the East Pond, is cleared. I will try 
and open up an area further into the phragmites to widen the end of the path 
thus allowing visitors to avoid the soft mud as you enter the Pond. Remember to 
stay on your left as you enter the Pond when using that trail. The middle is 
very soft mud which will cause you to get stuck if you are not careful.

I almost finished the Northend East side trail on Monday but rain interrupted. 
I will attempt to wrap that up, hopefully by next week.

 See progress here: 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1404498240662343691?s=21

Since our last East Pond digout on the 7th of June, we regained the 1.8 inches 
that was accumulated due to heavy rainfalls. We are now back on target and in 
excellent shape. Just to give you a perspective on how good it looks. As of 
Monday, we were a little under 1.40. Compare that to 1.80 which is where we 
were on August 9th, 2020 gives you an idea of how much better shape we are in 
terms of the drawdown of the Pond.

I will continue to monitor the water levels and tweak the trails to make them 
accessible as well as work with NPS to get signage in places where required. 
Additionally, I will work with NPS to have the boot washing station available 
as we get closer to Shorebird season.

Cheers,


“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level Update 2021

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations,

I trust everyone is doing well.

I have held off on posting any update until I felt that the water level on the 
East Pond was just about right on schedule.

I am pleased and excited to share with you that the Water level on the East 
Pond is right on target. Perhaps, even better than some of the years when it 
was quite good on the pond.

This is a result of coordinated efforts by a bunch of us, including NPS staff 
along with Don Riepe and a few of his volunteers. We did the outflow valve 
digout in March and and subsequently monitored the outflow and water level. 
This led to clearing out any buildup when necessary.

We may do one more digout out due to the high tides pushing in silt and Ulva 
build up but our early work has clearly paid off.

I have discussed with NPS maintenance staff and trail clearing will also begin 
soon. This will include the Northend East side trail as it has not been 
maintained for a few seasons.

I’ll probably post an update one more time once we hit our water level target. 
Stay well everyone and be safe!

For anyone interested here are a few links to tweets from our March work. 

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375489316026253316?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375559246419537920?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375560556048945155?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1376674603024723973?s=21

Cheers,

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level Update 2021

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations,

I trust everyone is doing well.

I have held off on posting any update until I felt that the water level on the 
East Pond was just about right on schedule.

I am pleased and excited to share with you that the Water level on the East 
Pond is right on target. Perhaps, even better than some of the years when it 
was quite good on the pond.

This is a result of coordinated efforts by a bunch of us, including NPS staff 
along with Don Riepe and a few of his volunteers. We did the outflow valve 
digout in March and and subsequently monitored the outflow and water level. 
This led to clearing out any buildup when necessary.

We may do one more digout out due to the high tides pushing in silt and Ulva 
build up but our early work has clearly paid off.

I have discussed with NPS maintenance staff and trail clearing will also begin 
soon. This will include the Northend East side trail as it has not been 
maintained for a few seasons.

I’ll probably post an update one more time once we hit our water level target. 
Stay well everyone and be safe!

For anyone interested here are a few links to tweets from our March work. 

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375489316026253316?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375559246419537920?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1375560556048945155?s=21

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1376674603024723973?s=21

Cheers,

“Tenderness and Kindness are not signs of weakness and despair but 
manifestations of strength and resolution” ~ Khalil Gibran

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond 10-5 & Breezy Point 10-6 Queens Co.

[Andrew Baksh]


East Pond 10-5:

As shorebird season winds down, the duckage numbers have begun to increase 
substantially on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Greater Scaup and Northern Pintails are starting to increase from the one and 
twos from a week earlier. Blue-winged Teal numbers have dropped and 
Green-winged Teal numbers have increased.

4 Brant and 1 Snow Goose was a sign that Geese are on the move. Canada Geese 
numbers are also showing an uptick. As I schelped up the pond from south to 
north I had a nice tally of Swamp Sparrows but no Sparrow surprises.

The shorebird highlights of my East Pond foray are as follows: White-rumped 
Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpipers (favoring the northend), Long-billed Dowitcher (1) 
(favoring the northend and called too), Pectoral Sandpipers, Dunlins, Greater 
and Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers - one with a leg injury.

It seems that one of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons that were terrorizing the 
shorebirds have gotten better at hunting. I witnessed a Lesser Yellowlegs 
(LEYE) getting clipped which sadly made me adjust my LEYE totals.

Peeps are still in somewhat decent numbers this late on the pond. They tend to 
hug the Phragmites while feeding which is good strategy with Falco Peregrinus 
around.

NO SIGN of the American Avocet, which has not been reported for a few days. Any 
Western Sandpiper candidate should be scrutinized very carefully. I have not 
seen a Western Sandpiper on the pond since early September and the few photos 
sent to me recently by some for review were all long billed SESAs.

Breezy Point 10-6

A trip to Breezy Point was marred by off leashed dogs and heavy machinery at 
work on the beach.

The massive gathering of Tree Swallows observed on the beach a few weeks ago 
was non existent. Nevertheless, a few thousand were still around wheeling 
around and feeding on Bayberries.

Sanderlings in good numbers are still around. Within the flocks, I managed to 
pick out Red Knot and a few Semipalmated Sandpiers.

Gull numbers are down and I only managed 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (LBBG). 
This year has been a good one for LBBGs at Breezy.

Let’s hope for more good stuff showing up late on the pond and elsewhere. 
Shorebirding is not done until I have seen the last peep leave the pond 邏

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond 10-5 & Breezy Point 10-6 Queens Co.

[Andrew Baksh]


East Pond 10-5:

As shorebird season winds down, the duckage numbers have begun to increase 
substantially on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Greater Scaup and Northern Pintails are starting to increase from the one and 
twos from a week earlier. Blue-winged Teal numbers have dropped and 
Green-winged Teal numbers have increased.

4 Brant and 1 Snow Goose was a sign that Geese are on the move. Canada Geese 
numbers are also showing an uptick. As I schelped up the pond from south to 
north I had a nice tally of Swamp Sparrows but no Sparrow surprises.

The shorebird highlights of my East Pond foray are as follows: White-rumped 
Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpipers (favoring the northend), Long-billed Dowitcher (1) 
(favoring the northend and called too), Pectoral Sandpipers, Dunlins, Greater 
and Lesser Yellowlegs and Spotted Sandpipers - one with a leg injury.

It seems that one of the juvenile Peregrine Falcons that were terrorizing the 
shorebirds have gotten better at hunting. I witnessed a Lesser Yellowlegs 
(LEYE) getting clipped which sadly made me adjust my LEYE totals.

Peeps are still in somewhat decent numbers this late on the pond. They tend to 
hug the Phragmites while feeding which is good strategy with Falco Peregrinus 
around.

NO SIGN of the American Avocet, which has not been reported for a few days. Any 
Western Sandpiper candidate should be scrutinized very carefully. I have not 
seen a Western Sandpiper on the pond since early September and the few photos 
sent to me recently by some for review were all long billed SESAs.

Breezy Point 10-6

A trip to Breezy Point was marred by off leashed dogs and heavy machinery at 
work on the beach.

The massive gathering of Tree Swallows observed on the beach a few weeks ago 
was non existent. Nevertheless, a few thousand were still around wheeling 
around and feeding on Bayberries.

Sanderlings in good numbers are still around. Within the flocks, I managed to 
pick out Red Knot and a few Semipalmated Sandpiers.

Gull numbers are down and I only managed 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (LBBG). 
This year has been a good one for LBBGs at Breezy.

Let’s hope for more good stuff showing up late on the pond and elsewhere. 
Shorebirding is not done until I have seen the last peep leave the pond 邏

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 9-14-20

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations:

Shorebird numbers have dipped on the East Pond. Today, the peep numbers were 
definitely much lower than in previous visits. I could not pull out any 
Westerns from South to North but came across several large billed SESAs that 
presented a good study sample.

As expected, the peep numbers were dominated by Semipalmated Sandpipers with a 
handful of Least Sandpipers.

Stilt Sandpipers were again favoring the Northend with a total of 11 counted. 
Lesser Yellowlegs continue in very good numbers, mostly juveniles, with most of 
them up North as well. I picked up my first juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper of 
the season, counting 3 in total; the other 2 were adults.

Duckage numbers have exploded on the pond with an incredible number of 
Blue-winged Teals (BWTE), Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers. For 
example, I counted just under a hundred BWTEs prior to the Raunt and did rough 
estimates for the rest of the schelp, ending up with nearly 300 in total. Many 
of the Blue-winged Teals were stacked up against the Phragmites on the west 
side of the pond with many Green-winged Teals, whose numbers have also 
increased.

Of the duck species, Northern Shovelers were the ones that saw a massive jump. 
I roughly estimated about 600 on the pond and I was being conservative.

Of the duckage, the highlight was a drake Eurasian Wigeon in eclipse plumage. 
Observed first in Sora corner on the south end and then again midway up the 
pond.

The two juvenile Peregrine Falcons continue to wreak havoc on the pond. Many of 
the shorebirds have adapted the strategy of retreating into the Phragmites but 
the Peregrines are unto to that and they team up to flush and pick off the ones 
that fall into the trap. 

They execute the plan as, one bird would make a sudden dive near where they 
suspect birds might have retreated. Those who held their nerve stayed but there 
are always a few that panic and take to the skies. That is where the other 
rascal comes in, swooping in for the kill. Thankfully they missed the few times 
I watched them.

One other item of note on the pond. I felt the water level was higher than it 
was last Monday. I did not think we had that much rain and I am wondering about 
back flow especially with the North winds yesterday. It’s something I will look 
into as I continue to push for a working solution to the drainage issues we 
have had with the East Pond.

I hope everyone stays safe and enjoying the fall birds as best as you can given 
the circumstances. Remember to check in on each other from time to time.

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Report 9-14-20

[Andrew Baksh]

Salutations:

Shorebird numbers have dipped on the East Pond. Today, the peep numbers were 
definitely much lower than in previous visits. I could not pull out any 
Westerns from South to North but came across several large billed SESAs that 
presented a good study sample.

As expected, the peep numbers were dominated by Semipalmated Sandpipers with a 
handful of Least Sandpipers.

Stilt Sandpipers were again favoring the Northend with a total of 11 counted. 
Lesser Yellowlegs continue in very good numbers, mostly juveniles, with most of 
them up North as well. I picked up my first juvenile White-rumped Sandpiper of 
the season, counting 3 in total; the other 2 were adults.

Duckage numbers have exploded on the pond with an incredible number of 
Blue-winged Teals (BWTE), Green-winged Teals and Northern Shovelers. For 
example, I counted just under a hundred BWTEs prior to the Raunt and did rough 
estimates for the rest of the schelp, ending up with nearly 300 in total. Many 
of the Blue-winged Teals were stacked up against the Phragmites on the west 
side of the pond with many Green-winged Teals, whose numbers have also 
increased.

Of the duck species, Northern Shovelers were the ones that saw a massive jump. 
I roughly estimated about 600 on the pond and I was being conservative.

Of the duckage, the highlight was a drake Eurasian Wigeon in eclipse plumage. 
Observed first in Sora corner on the south end and then again midway up the 
pond.

The two juvenile Peregrine Falcons continue to wreak havoc on the pond. Many of 
the shorebirds have adapted the strategy of retreating into the Phragmites but 
the Peregrines are unto to that and they team up to flush and pick off the ones 
that fall into the trap. 

They execute the plan as, one bird would make a sudden dive near where they 
suspect birds might have retreated. Those who held their nerve stayed but there 
are always a few that panic and take to the skies. That is where the other 
rascal comes in, swooping in for the kill. Thankfully they missed the few times 
I watched them.

One other item of note on the pond. I felt the water level was higher than it 
was last Monday. I did not think we had that much rain and I am wondering about 
back flow especially with the North winds yesterday. It’s something I will look 
into as I continue to push for a working solution to the drainage issues we 
have had with the East Pond.

I hope everyone stays safe and enjoying the fall birds as best as you can given 
the circumstances. Remember to check in on each other from time to time.

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay historical note

[Sy Schiff]

Jamaica Bay Historical note.
On September10,1978, Al Wollin and I (Sy Schiff) birded Jamaica Bay. The water 
levels were perfect and flats were easily available for walking and viewing on 
both the East and West ponds. The flats were covered with shorebirds. A super 
grand total of 28 species of shorebirds were seen that day. Al and I both saw 
27 missing only a Wilson’s Phalarope that was at the north end when we were 
south and at the south end when we went north. The highlite was a RED PHALAROPE 
pointed out to us by Jim Ash. It was my only lifer that day and seen just 
before we left. 
Not every day was that incredible, but very close during those years. This was 
the reason Jamaica Bay obtained its fabulous birding reputation.


Sent from Mail for Windows 10


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay historical note

[Sy Schiff]

Jamaica Bay Historical note.
On September10,1978, Al Wollin and I (Sy Schiff) birded Jamaica Bay. The water 
levels were perfect and flats were easily available for walking and viewing on 
both the East and West ponds. The flats were covered with shorebirds. A super 
grand total of 28 species of shorebirds were seen that day. Al and I both saw 
27 missing only a Wilson’s Phalarope that was at the north end when we were 
south and at the south end when we went north. The highlite was a RED PHALAROPE 
pointed out to us by Jim Ash. It was my only lifer that day and seen just 
before we left. 
Not every day was that incredible, but very close during those years. This was 
the reason Jamaica Bay obtained its fabulous birding reputation.


Sent from Mail for Windows 10


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20

[Larry Trachtenberg]

Thanks Andrew for your always illuminating and informative shorebird reports 
and your work in general at JBNWR.  I hope at some point to deign to leave 
Northern Westchester, cross the Whitestone and gulp, hit the Van Wyck and the 
Belt for Long Island (perhaps something I should have attempted in these less 
trafficked Covid days), so that I may either misidentify many shorebirds or 
leave them unidentified!

Best

L. Trachtenberg
Ossining, NY

From: bounce-124925514-26736...@list.cornell.edu 
 On Behalf Of Andrew Baksh
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 4:33 PM
To: NYSBIRDS 
Cc: Nyc ebirds 
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20


-CAUTION: EXTERNAL EMAIL



Hi all,

I spent a good 7+ hours on the East Pond yesterday and finally got in a full 
survey.

The shorebird highlights included: Baird’s Sandpiper (reported by Corey Finger) 
and Wilson’s Phalarope (reported by Karlo Mirth).

The Baird’s was not seen again by me after it flushed near the Raunt during one 
of several passes by two young Peregrine Falcons. The shorebirding was fun 
until those two showed up and they kept on putting up the birds all morning. I 
spotted the two perched near Calidrid Crossing and I had words with them. I 
don’t think they were too concerned and gave me that smug look of theirs. A 
couple of Punks I say!

But I digress: The Wilson’s Phalarope which was reported from the Northend was 
still there into the afternoon. Although the light looking Northwest from the 
East side of the pond was savage, I managed to find it and even got video. A 
cautionary note about the Northend. The water there is still around 6 inches 
high and in some places even higher. Venturing onto the pond from the Northend 
should only be attempted by seasoned Northend visitors and even thenPlease 
use extreme caution if you must go in from that end.

Stilt Sandpipers, which have been tough to get on the pond this season 
apparently might be favoring the North. I had 19 feeding near where the 
Wilson’s Phalarope was. To that point, I had only recorded 2 while schelping 
from the South and only seen as many as 4 in previous visits.

Western Sandpipers continue to show well on the Pond;  I was one shy from 
scoring another double digit day this season. Keep an eye out for a one-legged 
critter.

Pectoral Sandpipers: as many as 8 counted with 4 favoring near the Raunt for 
most of the morning. While near the Raunt, keep an eye and ear for Least 
Bittern. There were two calling back and forth near there. Also observed by a 
Photographer (cousin) who shared the intel.

A juvenile Ruddy Turnstone, one species that always gets me excited to see on 
the pond was favoring the Raunt. Steve Walter was enjoying himself getting 
shots of the bird.

Semipalmated Sandpipers, mostly juveniles, continue in good numbers. It is a 
delight to see them feeing and cavorting around on the open flats.

Least Sandpipers numbers have dropped significantly. Less than a 100 on the 
pond.

Only two White-rumped Sandpipers. Both adults with one bird having a slight 
limp.

Lesser Yellowlegs outnumber the Greater Yellowlegs. Most of the Lessers are 
juveniles and were doing a lot of in your face flexing with each other.

Small numbers of Dowitchers. All juveniles and all Short-billed. There was one 
interesting bird up at the Northend that could have possibly been a Long-billed 
(LBDO); however, the look was just too far and not convincing enough for me to 
clinch for LBDO.

Other non shorebird highlights include: adult Bald Eagle. I have seen this bird 
at least 3 times in previous visits but I have yet to snag a digiscope photo. 
It tends to perch in one of the blind spots on the pond and once you come into 
view, it bolts.

3 Purple Martins, all near the southend. Many Barn, Tree and a few Bank 
Swallows were feeding throughout the morning.

2 CASPIAN Terns. One adult (Banded) and one juvenile. Sadly, I was unable to 
read the band on the adult before it relocated into deeper water where I could 
no longer see the band.

Duckage numbers are up. Blue-winged Teals (225), Green-winged Teals (50), 
Northern Shovelers (75), American Wigeons (9) are all building along with the 
usual suspects.

The pond has shaped up quite nicely; especially on the Southend. While some 
nice flats opened have up on the east side there are still areas where the 
water is up to your calves. For example the area just before the Raunt has a 
spot that can be tricky. A birder who I will not name, once got a nasty cut in 
that spot. Since then, I have cut a trail into the Phragmites to get past that 
area. Look for it on your right as you walk towards the Raunt.

Remember, knee high boots and please keep your talking to a minimum so as not 
to disturb the birds. Before the Peregrines showed up, not even the air brakes 
on the nearby A train spooked the birds. Now, they are are quite jumpy.

Good East Pond Birding!


"I prefer to be true to myself,

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20

[Larry Trachtenberg]

Thanks Andrew for your always illuminating and informative shorebird reports 
and your work in general at JBNWR.  I hope at some point to deign to leave 
Northern Westchester, cross the Whitestone and gulp, hit the Van Wyck and the 
Belt for Long Island (perhaps something I should have attempted in these less 
trafficked Covid days), so that I may either misidentify many shorebirds or 
leave them unidentified!

Best

L. Trachtenberg
Ossining, NY

From: bounce-124925514-26736...@list.cornell.edu 
 On Behalf Of Andrew Baksh
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 4:33 PM
To: NYSBIRDS 
Cc: Nyc ebirds 
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20


-CAUTION: EXTERNAL EMAIL



Hi all,

I spent a good 7+ hours on the East Pond yesterday and finally got in a full 
survey.

The shorebird highlights included: Baird’s Sandpiper (reported by Corey Finger) 
and Wilson’s Phalarope (reported by Karlo Mirth).

The Baird’s was not seen again by me after it flushed near the Raunt during one 
of several passes by two young Peregrine Falcons. The shorebirding was fun 
until those two showed up and they kept on putting up the birds all morning. I 
spotted the two perched near Calidrid Crossing and I had words with them. I 
don’t think they were too concerned and gave me that smug look of theirs. A 
couple of Punks I say!

But I digress: The Wilson’s Phalarope which was reported from the Northend was 
still there into the afternoon. Although the light looking Northwest from the 
East side of the pond was savage, I managed to find it and even got video. A 
cautionary note about the Northend. The water there is still around 6 inches 
high and in some places even higher. Venturing onto the pond from the Northend 
should only be attempted by seasoned Northend visitors and even thenPlease 
use extreme caution if you must go in from that end.

Stilt Sandpipers, which have been tough to get on the pond this season 
apparently might be favoring the North. I had 19 feeding near where the 
Wilson’s Phalarope was. To that point, I had only recorded 2 while schelping 
from the South and only seen as many as 4 in previous visits.

Western Sandpipers continue to show well on the Pond;  I was one shy from 
scoring another double digit day this season. Keep an eye out for a one-legged 
critter.

Pectoral Sandpipers: as many as 8 counted with 4 favoring near the Raunt for 
most of the morning. While near the Raunt, keep an eye and ear for Least 
Bittern. There were two calling back and forth near there. Also observed by a 
Photographer (cousin) who shared the intel.

A juvenile Ruddy Turnstone, one species that always gets me excited to see on 
the pond was favoring the Raunt. Steve Walter was enjoying himself getting 
shots of the bird.

Semipalmated Sandpipers, mostly juveniles, continue in good numbers. It is a 
delight to see them feeing and cavorting around on the open flats.

Least Sandpipers numbers have dropped significantly. Less than a 100 on the 
pond.

Only two White-rumped Sandpipers. Both adults with one bird having a slight 
limp.

Lesser Yellowlegs outnumber the Greater Yellowlegs. Most of the Lessers are 
juveniles and were doing a lot of in your face flexing with each other.

Small numbers of Dowitchers. All juveniles and all Short-billed. There was one 
interesting bird up at the Northend that could have possibly been a Long-billed 
(LBDO); however, the look was just too far and not convincing enough for me to 
clinch for LBDO.

Other non shorebird highlights include: adult Bald Eagle. I have seen this bird 
at least 3 times in previous visits but I have yet to snag a digiscope photo. 
It tends to perch in one of the blind spots on the pond and once you come into 
view, it bolts.

3 Purple Martins, all near the southend. Many Barn, Tree and a few Bank 
Swallows were feeding throughout the morning.

2 CASPIAN Terns. One adult (Banded) and one juvenile. Sadly, I was unable to 
read the band on the adult before it relocated into deeper water where I could 
no longer see the band.

Duckage numbers are up. Blue-winged Teals (225), Green-winged Teals (50), 
Northern Shovelers (75), American Wigeons (9) are all building along with the 
usual suspects.

The pond has shaped up quite nicely; especially on the Southend. While some 
nice flats opened have up on the east side there are still areas where the 
water is up to your calves. For example the area just before the Raunt has a 
spot that can be tricky. A birder who I will not name, once got a nasty cut in 
that spot. Since then, I have cut a trail into the Phragmites to get past that 
area. Look for it on your right as you walk towards the Raunt.

Remember, knee high boots and please keep your talking to a minimum so as not 
to disturb the birds. Before the Peregrines showed up, not even the air brakes 
on the nearby A train spooked the birds. Now, they are are quite jumpy.

Good East Pond Birding!


"I prefer to be true to myself,

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20

[Andrew Baksh]


Hi all,

I spent a good 7+ hours on the East Pond yesterday and finally got in a full 
survey.

The shorebird highlights included: Baird’s Sandpiper (reported by Corey Finger) 
and Wilson’s Phalarope (reported by Karlo Mirth).

The Baird’s was not seen again by me after it flushed near the Raunt during one 
of several passes by two young Peregrine Falcons. The shorebirding was fun 
until those two showed up and they kept on putting up the birds all morning. I 
spotted the two perched near Calidrid Crossing and I had words with them. I 
don’t think they were too concerned and gave me that smug look of theirs. A 
couple of Punks I say!

But I digress: The Wilson’s Phalarope which was reported from the Northend was 
still there into the afternoon. Although the light looking Northwest from the 
East side of the pond was savage, I managed to find it and even got video. A 
cautionary note about the Northend. The water there is still around 6 inches 
high and in some places even higher. Venturing onto the pond from the Northend 
should only be attempted by seasoned Northend visitors and even thenPlease 
use extreme caution if you must go in from that end.

Stilt Sandpipers, which have been tough to get on the pond this season 
apparently might be favoring the North. I had 19 feeding near where the 
Wilson’s Phalarope was. To that point, I had only recorded 2 while schelping 
from the South and only seen as many as 4 in previous visits.

Western Sandpipers continue to show well on the Pond;  I was one shy from 
scoring another double digit day this season. Keep an eye out for a one-legged 
critter.

Pectoral Sandpipers: as many as 8 counted with 4 favoring near the Raunt for 
most of the morning. While near the Raunt, keep an eye and ear for Least 
Bittern. There were two calling back and forth near there. Also observed by a 
Photographer (cousin) who shared the intel.

A juvenile Ruddy Turnstone, one species that always gets me excited to see on 
the pond was favoring the Raunt. Steve Walter was enjoying himself getting 
shots of the bird.

Semipalmated Sandpipers, mostly juveniles, continue in good numbers. It is a 
delight to see them feeing and cavorting around on the open flats.

Least Sandpipers numbers have dropped significantly. Less than a 100 on the 
pond.

Only two White-rumped Sandpipers. Both adults with one bird having a slight 
limp.

Lesser Yellowlegs outnumber the Greater Yellowlegs. Most of the Lessers are 
juveniles and were doing a lot of in your face flexing with each other.

Small numbers of Dowitchers. All juveniles and all Short-billed. There was one 
interesting bird up at the Northend that could have possibly been a Long-billed 
(LBDO); however, the look was just too far and not convincing enough for me to 
clinch for LBDO.

Other non shorebird highlights include: adult Bald Eagle. I have seen this bird 
at least 3 times in previous visits but I have yet to snag a digiscope photo. 
It tends to perch in one of the blind spots on the pond and once you come into 
view, it bolts.

3 Purple Martins, all near the southend. Many Barn, Tree and a few Bank 
Swallows were feeding throughout the morning.

2 CASPIAN Terns. One adult (Banded) and one juvenile. Sadly, I was unable to 
read the band on the adult before it relocated into deeper water where I could 
no longer see the band.

Duckage numbers are up. Blue-winged Teals (225), Green-winged Teals (50), 
Northern Shovelers (75), American Wigeons (9) are all building along with the 
usual suspects.

The pond has shaped up quite nicely; especially on the Southend. While some 
nice flats opened have up on the east side there are still areas where the 
water is up to your calves. For example the area just before the Raunt has a 
spot that can be tricky. A birder who I will not name, once got a nasty cut in 
that spot. Since then, I have cut a trail into the Phragmites to get past that 
area. Look for it on your right as you walk towards the Raunt. 

Remember, knee high boots and please keep your talking to a minimum so as not 
to disturb the birds. Before the Peregrines showed up, not even the air brakes 
on the nearby A train spooked the birds. Now, they are are quite jumpy.

Good East Pond Birding!


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) 

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond report 9-7-20

[Andrew Baksh]


Hi all,

I spent a good 7+ hours on the East Pond yesterday and finally got in a full 
survey.

The shorebird highlights included: Baird’s Sandpiper (reported by Corey Finger) 
and Wilson’s Phalarope (reported by Karlo Mirth).

The Baird’s was not seen again by me after it flushed near the Raunt during one 
of several passes by two young Peregrine Falcons. The shorebirding was fun 
until those two showed up and they kept on putting up the birds all morning. I 
spotted the two perched near Calidrid Crossing and I had words with them. I 
don’t think they were too concerned and gave me that smug look of theirs. A 
couple of Punks I say!

But I digress: The Wilson’s Phalarope which was reported from the Northend was 
still there into the afternoon. Although the light looking Northwest from the 
East side of the pond was savage, I managed to find it and even got video. A 
cautionary note about the Northend. The water there is still around 6 inches 
high and in some places even higher. Venturing onto the pond from the Northend 
should only be attempted by seasoned Northend visitors and even thenPlease 
use extreme caution if you must go in from that end.

Stilt Sandpipers, which have been tough to get on the pond this season 
apparently might be favoring the North. I had 19 feeding near where the 
Wilson’s Phalarope was. To that point, I had only recorded 2 while schelping 
from the South and only seen as many as 4 in previous visits.

Western Sandpipers continue to show well on the Pond;  I was one shy from 
scoring another double digit day this season. Keep an eye out for a one-legged 
critter.

Pectoral Sandpipers: as many as 8 counted with 4 favoring near the Raunt for 
most of the morning. While near the Raunt, keep an eye and ear for Least 
Bittern. There were two calling back and forth near there. Also observed by a 
Photographer (cousin) who shared the intel.

A juvenile Ruddy Turnstone, one species that always gets me excited to see on 
the pond was favoring the Raunt. Steve Walter was enjoying himself getting 
shots of the bird.

Semipalmated Sandpipers, mostly juveniles, continue in good numbers. It is a 
delight to see them feeing and cavorting around on the open flats.

Least Sandpipers numbers have dropped significantly. Less than a 100 on the 
pond.

Only two White-rumped Sandpipers. Both adults with one bird having a slight 
limp.

Lesser Yellowlegs outnumber the Greater Yellowlegs. Most of the Lessers are 
juveniles and were doing a lot of in your face flexing with each other.

Small numbers of Dowitchers. All juveniles and all Short-billed. There was one 
interesting bird up at the Northend that could have possibly been a Long-billed 
(LBDO); however, the look was just too far and not convincing enough for me to 
clinch for LBDO.

Other non shorebird highlights include: adult Bald Eagle. I have seen this bird 
at least 3 times in previous visits but I have yet to snag a digiscope photo. 
It tends to perch in one of the blind spots on the pond and once you come into 
view, it bolts.

3 Purple Martins, all near the southend. Many Barn, Tree and a few Bank 
Swallows were feeding throughout the morning.

2 CASPIAN Terns. One adult (Banded) and one juvenile. Sadly, I was unable to 
read the band on the adult before it relocated into deeper water where I could 
no longer see the band.

Duckage numbers are up. Blue-winged Teals (225), Green-winged Teals (50), 
Northern Shovelers (75), American Wigeons (9) are all building along with the 
usual suspects.

The pond has shaped up quite nicely; especially on the Southend. While some 
nice flats opened have up on the east side there are still areas where the 
water is up to your calves. For example the area just before the Raunt has a 
spot that can be tricky. A birder who I will not name, once got a nasty cut in 
that spot. Since then, I have cut a trail into the Phragmites to get past that 
area. Look for it on your right as you walk towards the Raunt. 

Remember, knee high boots and please keep your talking to a minimum so as not 
to disturb the birds. Before the Peregrines showed up, not even the air brakes 
on the nearby A train spooked the birds. Now, they are are quite jumpy.

Good East Pond Birding!


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) 

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond update...we have Shorebirds!

[Andrew Baksh]

Never say Never!

Yesterday and today I visited the East Pond to check on the water level. The 
good news is that some flats have begun opening up on the Southend. The water 
level is still way too high for this time of the year but with the opening up 
of some flats, there were shorebirds.

A few hundred Least Sandpipers mostly all juveniles, 25 Semipalmated Sandpipers 
mostly juveniles, a few Semipalmated Plovers, a few Stilt Sandpipers, 1 
Solitary Sandpiper, a few Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpipers 
(11), and a few Short-billed Dowitchers rounded out the species list.

Before people get too excited, please let me remind folks that with the water 
level as it is, there is not much room for the birds to feed. Please keep that 
in mind if you decide to try the pond and avoid pushing the birds around.

If you are not familiar with the pond, I highly recommend waiting for another 
week or two where the water should be lower, allowing for easier navigation. 
The East Pond has many cuts, holes and soft spots that can make some areas 
quite treacherous. With the water level as it is, one could easily misstep.

Between Don Riepe and his volunteers and I, we have cleared the trails on the 
Southend so we are ready.

As always, knee high boots will be required. Remember good birding etiquete 
also includes, keeping your voice down (I prefer no talking) and have your mask 
handy.

I will keep checking and letting you all know how the pond is looking by the 
weekend.

Here is a link to a short clip taken today on the pond that I tweeted earlier. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1295390840928575489?s=21

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond update...we have Shorebirds!

[Andrew Baksh]

Never say Never!

Yesterday and today I visited the East Pond to check on the water level. The 
good news is that some flats have begun opening up on the Southend. The water 
level is still way too high for this time of the year but with the opening up 
of some flats, there were shorebirds.

A few hundred Least Sandpipers mostly all juveniles, 25 Semipalmated Sandpipers 
mostly juveniles, a few Semipalmated Plovers, a few Stilt Sandpipers, 1 
Solitary Sandpiper, a few Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpipers 
(11), and a few Short-billed Dowitchers rounded out the species list.

Before people get too excited, please let me remind folks that with the water 
level as it is, there is not much room for the birds to feed. Please keep that 
in mind if you decide to try the pond and avoid pushing the birds around.

If you are not familiar with the pond, I highly recommend waiting for another 
week or two where the water should be lower, allowing for easier navigation. 
The East Pond has many cuts, holes and soft spots that can make some areas 
quite treacherous. With the water level as it is, one could easily misstep.

Between Don Riepe and his volunteers and I, we have cleared the trails on the 
Southend so we are ready.

As always, knee high boots will be required. Remember good birding etiquete 
also includes, keeping your voice down (I prefer no talking) and have your mask 
handy.

I will keep checking and letting you all know how the pond is looking by the 
weekend.

Here is a link to a short clip taken today on the pond that I tweeted earlier. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1295390840928575489?s=21

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Andrew Baksh]

I was there yesterday during low tide. According to my notes taken of the 
marker, It has drained just about .60 since July 13th. While that indicates a 
good flow, it could be a little too late as we have a long way to go and with 
rain in the forecast, it is going to be touch and go. I am keeping my fingers 
crossed for those juveniles. As a side note, I had a few Spotted Sandpipers 
doing their stutter flights from the south end so they must be thriving 
(breeding?) on the pond where the water level has reached into the Phragmites. 
Something positive?? Okay, maybe I am reaching but I got to get Steve off that 
ledge. I need to see that man ankle deep with sneakers on that pond.

As far as the trails both ends definitely need cutting back and usually, I 
would take a crack at them rather than waiting on NPS whose strategy these days 
seem to be centered around the Shorebird Festival. This heat has been 
oppressive so you’ll forgive me for not having the trails ready for you 
Monsieur Walter 

Keep the faith my good man. I have not given up on the season just yet.

Cheers,



"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Jul 25, 2020, at 7:27 PM, Steve Walter  wrote:
> 
> 
> So whatever hope I took out of Andrew’s post has evaporated – which is not 
> something that’s happening on the East Pond. I didn’t have great 
> expectations, but I hadn’t been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime in over two 
> months. So I had a look for myself today. Granted there’s been  some rain in 
> recent days, but the water level had to have still been bad before the rain. 
> I don’t know exactly how the pond level was when the valve was addressed on 
> July 13, but I have to wonder if it helped at all. It is deep, with no 
> shoreline whatsoever. I’ve seen years when long legged shorebirds could at 
> least find spots to hang out. But there was nothing of that sort today. And I 
> would say that it’s worse than last year at this time. My records show that 
> at least Lesser Yellowlegs were present on August 4 last year, and that by 
> early September the pond was actually in a good state. I now feel quite 
> pessimistic about getting anything out of this season.
>  
> On a side note, the trail at the south end got overgrown with Phragmites. I 
> did have pruners with me, and started cutting my way through. I stopped when 
> I got to a point in the trail where it had turned to deep mud. So now 
> comfortable access may become a problem – even if we get something to access. 
> Maybe someone can talk me off the ledge, but I’m really discouraged and 
> fearing that the East Pond will never be what it was. Unless there’s a 
> complete replacement of the valve, or a change in management of the pond that 
> can perpetually keep it lower. And one note I’ll add is that when I finally 
> got out to the Raunt last September, I noted that the water level was 
> noticeably higher when I left than when I arrived. That may indicate that the 
> problem at the valve is more than just blockage. But what do I know? Just 
> calling it the way I see it, and it doesn’t look good.
>  
> Steve Walter  
>  
> From: Steve Walter [mailto:stevewalt...@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2020 6:45 PM
> To: swalte...@verizon.net
> Subject: Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
>  
>  
> -- Forwarded message -
> From: Andrew Baksh 
> Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2020, 1:25 PM
> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
> To: nysbirds-l 
> Cc: Nyc ebirds 
>  
> 
> 
> The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It 
> was an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the 
> outflow on the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was 
> buried and hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.
>  
> It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
> but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded 
> with a plan to dig out the valve this AM.
>  
> I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and 
> this AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, 
> myself and NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow 
> unimpeded.
>  
> As you

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Andrew Baksh]

I was there yesterday during low tide. According to my notes taken of the 
marker, It has drained just about .60 since July 13th. While that indicates a 
good flow, it could be a little too late as we have a long way to go and with 
rain in the forecast, it is going to be touch and go. I am keeping my fingers 
crossed for those juveniles. As a side note, I had a few Spotted Sandpipers 
doing their stutter flights from the south end so they must be thriving 
(breeding?) on the pond where the water level has reached into the Phragmites. 
Something positive?? Okay, maybe I am reaching but I got to get Steve off that 
ledge. I need to see that man ankle deep with sneakers on that pond.

As far as the trails both ends definitely need cutting back and usually, I 
would take a crack at them rather than waiting on NPS whose strategy these days 
seem to be centered around the Shorebird Festival. This heat has been 
oppressive so you’ll forgive me for not having the trails ready for you 
Monsieur Walter 

Keep the faith my good man. I have not given up on the season just yet.

Cheers,



"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Jul 25, 2020, at 7:27 PM, Steve Walter  wrote:
> 
> 
> So whatever hope I took out of Andrew’s post has evaporated – which is not 
> something that’s happening on the East Pond. I didn’t have great 
> expectations, but I hadn’t been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime in over two 
> months. So I had a look for myself today. Granted there’s been  some rain in 
> recent days, but the water level had to have still been bad before the rain. 
> I don’t know exactly how the pond level was when the valve was addressed on 
> July 13, but I have to wonder if it helped at all. It is deep, with no 
> shoreline whatsoever. I’ve seen years when long legged shorebirds could at 
> least find spots to hang out. But there was nothing of that sort today. And I 
> would say that it’s worse than last year at this time. My records show that 
> at least Lesser Yellowlegs were present on August 4 last year, and that by 
> early September the pond was actually in a good state. I now feel quite 
> pessimistic about getting anything out of this season.
>  
> On a side note, the trail at the south end got overgrown with Phragmites. I 
> did have pruners with me, and started cutting my way through. I stopped when 
> I got to a point in the trail where it had turned to deep mud. So now 
> comfortable access may become a problem – even if we get something to access. 
> Maybe someone can talk me off the ledge, but I’m really discouraged and 
> fearing that the East Pond will never be what it was. Unless there’s a 
> complete replacement of the valve, or a change in management of the pond that 
> can perpetually keep it lower. And one note I’ll add is that when I finally 
> got out to the Raunt last September, I noted that the water level was 
> noticeably higher when I left than when I arrived. That may indicate that the 
> problem at the valve is more than just blockage. But what do I know? Just 
> calling it the way I see it, and it doesn’t look good.
>  
> Steve Walter  
>  
> From: Steve Walter [mailto:stevewalt...@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2020 6:45 PM
> To: swalte...@verizon.net
> Subject: Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
>  
>  
> -- Forwarded message -
> From: Andrew Baksh 
> Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2020, 1:25 PM
> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
> To: nysbirds-l 
> Cc: Nyc ebirds 
>  
> 
> 
> The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It 
> was an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the 
> outflow on the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was 
> buried and hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.
>  
> It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
> but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded 
> with a plan to dig out the valve this AM.
>  
> I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and 
> this AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, 
> myself and NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow 
> unimpeded.
>  
> As you

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Steve Walter]

So whatever hope I took out of Andrew’s post has evaporated – which is not 
something that’s happening on the East Pond. I didn’t have great expectations, 
but I hadn’t been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime in over two months. So I had a 
look for myself today. Granted there’s been  some rain in recent days, but the 
water level had to have still been bad before the rain. I don’t know exactly 
how the pond level was when the valve was addressed on July 13, but I have to 
wonder if it helped at all. It is deep, with no shoreline whatsoever. I’ve seen 
years when long legged shorebirds could at least find spots to hang out. But 
there was nothing of that sort today. And I would say that it’s worse than last 
year at this time. My records show that at least Lesser Yellowlegs were present 
on August 4 last year, and that by early September the pond was actually in a 
good state. I now feel quite pessimistic about getting anything out of this 
season.

 

On a side note, the trail at the south end got overgrown with Phragmites. I did 
have pruners with me, and started cutting my way through. I stopped when I got 
to a point in the trail where it had turned to deep mud. So now comfortable 
access may become a problem – even if we get something to access. Maybe someone 
can talk me off the ledge, but I’m really discouraged and fearing that the East 
Pond will never be what it was. Unless there’s a complete replacement of the 
valve, or a change in management of the pond that can perpetually keep it 
lower. And one note I’ll add is that when I finally got out to the Raunt last 
September, I noted that the water level was noticeably higher when I left than 
when I arrived. That may indicate that the problem at the valve is more than 
just blockage. But what do I know? Just calling it the way I see it, and it 
doesn’t look good.

 

Steve Walter  

 

From: Steve Walter [mailto:stevewalt...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2020 6:45 PM
To: swalte...@verizon.net
Subject: Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

 

 

-- Forwarded message -
From: Andrew Baksh mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com> >
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2020, 1:25 PM
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
To: nysbirds-l mailto:NYSbirds-L@cornell.edu> >
Cc: Nyc ebirds mailto:ebirds...@yahoogroups.com> >

 



The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It was 
an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the outflow on 
the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was buried and 
hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.

 

It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded with 
a plan to dig out the valve this AM.

 

I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and this 
AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, myself and 
NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow unimpeded.

 

As you can imagine, wearing full waders on a hot day was not easy but the work 
was done nevertheless. A link to a short video clip which I posted on twitter 
can be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1282716449744838662?s=21

 

If you want to be kept updated on the pond and the level draw down, please send 
me a note offline. I will provide intermittent updates to the list serve but 
wait for some movement of the water level before doing so.

 

Many thanks to those of you who show a genuine interest in the management of 
the East Pond water. We are doing all we can to salvage the Shorebird season.

 

Cheers, 

 



"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

 

風　Swift as the wind

林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain

 <http://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu> Sun Tzu   
<http://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War> The Art of War

 

(\__/)
(= '.'=)

(") _ (") 

Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

 

Andrew Baksh

www.birdingdude.blogspot.com <http://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com> 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm> Welcome and Basics 

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm> Rules and Information 

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm> 
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
<http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html> 

 <http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L> Surfbirds

 <http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01> ABA

Please submit your ob

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Steve Walter]

So whatever hope I took out of Andrew’s post has evaporated – which is not 
something that’s happening on the East Pond. I didn’t have great expectations, 
but I hadn’t been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime in over two months. So I had a 
look for myself today. Granted there’s been  some rain in recent days, but the 
water level had to have still been bad before the rain. I don’t know exactly 
how the pond level was when the valve was addressed on July 13, but I have to 
wonder if it helped at all. It is deep, with no shoreline whatsoever. I’ve seen 
years when long legged shorebirds could at least find spots to hang out. But 
there was nothing of that sort today. And I would say that it’s worse than last 
year at this time. My records show that at least Lesser Yellowlegs were present 
on August 4 last year, and that by early September the pond was actually in a 
good state. I now feel quite pessimistic about getting anything out of this 
season.

 

On a side note, the trail at the south end got overgrown with Phragmites. I did 
have pruners with me, and started cutting my way through. I stopped when I got 
to a point in the trail where it had turned to deep mud. So now comfortable 
access may become a problem – even if we get something to access. Maybe someone 
can talk me off the ledge, but I’m really discouraged and fearing that the East 
Pond will never be what it was. Unless there’s a complete replacement of the 
valve, or a change in management of the pond that can perpetually keep it 
lower. And one note I’ll add is that when I finally got out to the Raunt last 
September, I noted that the water level was noticeably higher when I left than 
when I arrived. That may indicate that the problem at the valve is more than 
just blockage. But what do I know? Just calling it the way I see it, and it 
doesn’t look good.

 

Steve Walter  

 

From: Steve Walter [mailto:stevewalt...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2020 6:45 PM
To: swalte...@verizon.net
Subject: Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

 

 

-- Forwarded message -
From: Andrew Baksh mailto:birdingd...@gmail.com> >
Date: Mon, Jul 13, 2020, 1:25 PM
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...
To: nysbirds-l mailto:NYSbirds-L@cornell.edu> >
Cc: Nyc ebirds mailto:ebirds...@yahoogroups.com> >

 



The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It was 
an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the outflow on 
the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was buried and 
hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.

 

It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded with 
a plan to dig out the valve this AM.

 

I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and this 
AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, myself and 
NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow unimpeded.

 

As you can imagine, wearing full waders on a hot day was not easy but the work 
was done nevertheless. A link to a short video clip which I posted on twitter 
can be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1282716449744838662?s=21

 

If you want to be kept updated on the pond and the level draw down, please send 
me a note offline. I will provide intermittent updates to the list serve but 
wait for some movement of the water level before doing so.

 

Many thanks to those of you who show a genuine interest in the management of 
the East Pond water. We are doing all we can to salvage the Shorebird season.

 

Cheers, 

 



"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

 

風　Swift as the wind

林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain

 <http://refspace.com/quotes/Sun_Tzu> Sun Tzu   
<http://refspace.com/quotes/The_Art_of_War> The Art of War

 

(\__/)
(= '.'=)

(") _ (") 

Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

 

Andrew Baksh

www.birdingdude.blogspot.com <http://www.birdingdude.blogspot.com> 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm> Welcome and Basics 

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm> Rules and Information 

 <http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm> 
Subscribe, Configuration and Leave

Archives:

The Mail Archive 
<http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html> 

 <http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L> Surfbirds

 <http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01> ABA

Please submit your ob

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Andrew Baksh]


The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It was 
an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the outflow on 
the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was buried and 
hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.

It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded with 
a plan to dig out the valve this AM.

I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and this 
AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, myself and 
NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow unimpeded.

As you can imagine, wearing full waders on a hot day was not easy but the work 
was done nevertheless. A link to a short video clip which I posted on twitter 
can be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1282716449744838662?s=21

If you want to be kept updated on the pond and the level draw down, please send 
me a note offline. I will provide intermittent updates to the list serve but 
wait for some movement of the water level before doing so.

Many thanks to those of you who show a genuine interest in the management of 
the East Pond water. We are doing all we can to salvage the Shorebird season.

Cheers, 


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond Update...

[Andrew Baksh]


The RBA on Friday, mentioned a problem with the East Pond water level.  It was 
an understatement. On Independence Day, Don Riepe and I visited the outflow on 
the bayside to check on the drainage and found that the valve was buried and 
hardly a trickle of water leaving the pond.

It would have been easy to give up on the Season given how high the water is 
but no!  I subsequently sent out an e-mail to NPS management who responded with 
a plan to dig out the valve this AM.

I am pleased to report that today, an NPS crew was on site as planned and this 
AM dug out the valve. The water is flowing quite well and we (Don, myself and 
NPS) will be keeping an eye on it to ensure it continues to flow unimpeded.

As you can imagine, wearing full waders on a hot day was not easy but the work 
was done nevertheless. A link to a short video clip which I posted on twitter 
can be viewed here. 
https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1282716449744838662?s=21

If you want to be kept updated on the pond and the level draw down, please send 
me a note offline. I will provide intermittent updates to the list serve but 
wait for some movement of the water level before doing so.

Many thanks to those of you who show a genuine interest in the management of 
the East Pond water. We are doing all we can to salvage the Shorebird season.

Cheers, 


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Alicia Williams]

 Thanks all for sharing the info! I just called, filled in the website
form, and a letter is going in the mail tomorrow.
Here's the address in case anyone is interested -
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Power to the birders!
Alicia

On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 9:49 AM Nancy Shamban 
wrote:

> FYI to all.  You cannot email directly from that website.  Go to the
> website at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
> 
>  and
> fill in the form with this or another letter.  There is no actual email to
> use to the governor.  So call or go thru the website.  Both easy to do.
> Thanks Joshua
>
> On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 8:52 AM Joshua Malbin 
> wrote:
>
>> Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
>> sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
>> compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.
>>
>>
>> I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
>> bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
>> hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.
>>
>> The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged
>> and respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the
>> bay itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish
>> in its waters year-round.
>>
>> The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
>> portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
>> long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
>> threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
>> various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
>> sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
>> more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
>> portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
>> would cease to exist should they be filled in.
>>
>> Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Joshua Malbin
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> 
>>> Dear All,
>>>
>>> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
>>> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and
>>> urge him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
>>> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
>>> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>>>
>>> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either
>>> call
>>> 518-474-8390 or email to
>>> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
>>> 
>>> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill
>>> 4165 which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>>>
>>> Thank You.
>>>
>>> --
>>> 
>>> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
>>> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
>>> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>>>
>>> 風 Swift as the wind
>>> 林 Quiet as the forest
>>> 火 Conquer like the fire
>>> 山 Steady as the mountain
>>> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
>>> 
>>>
>>> (\__/)
>>> (= '.'=)
>>>
>>> (") _ (")
>>>
>>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>>>
>>>
>>> Andrew Baksh
>>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>>> --
>>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>>> Welcome and Basics 
>>> Rules and Information
>>> 
>>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>>> 
>>> *Archives:*
>>> The Mail Archive
>>> 
>>> Surfbirds 
>>> ABA 
>>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>>> *!*
>>> --
>>>
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Alicia Williams]

 Thanks all for sharing the info! I just called, filled in the website
form, and a letter is going in the mail tomorrow.
Here's the address in case anyone is interested -
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Power to the birders!
Alicia

On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 9:49 AM Nancy Shamban 
wrote:

> FYI to all.  You cannot email directly from that website.  Go to the
> website at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
> 
>  and
> fill in the form with this or another letter.  There is no actual email to
> use to the governor.  So call or go thru the website.  Both easy to do.
> Thanks Joshua
>
> On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 8:52 AM Joshua Malbin 
> wrote:
>
>> Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
>> sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
>> compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.
>>
>>
>> I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
>> bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
>> hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.
>>
>> The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged
>> and respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the
>> bay itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish
>> in its waters year-round.
>>
>> The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
>> portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
>> long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
>> threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
>> various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
>> sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
>> more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
>> portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
>> would cease to exist should they be filled in.
>>
>> Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.
>>
>> Thank you,
>>
>> Joshua Malbin
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> 
>>> Dear All,
>>>
>>> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
>>> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and
>>> urge him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
>>> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
>>> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>>>
>>> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either
>>> call
>>> 518-474-8390 or email to
>>> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
>>> 
>>> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill
>>> 4165 which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>>>
>>> Thank You.
>>>
>>> --
>>> 
>>> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
>>> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
>>> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>>>
>>> 風 Swift as the wind
>>> 林 Quiet as the forest
>>> 火 Conquer like the fire
>>> 山 Steady as the mountain
>>> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
>>> 
>>>
>>> (\__/)
>>> (= '.'=)
>>>
>>> (") _ (")
>>>
>>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>>>
>>>
>>> Andrew Baksh
>>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>>> --
>>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>>> Welcome and Basics 
>>> Rules and Information
>>> 
>>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>>> 
>>> *Archives:*
>>> The Mail Archive
>>> 
>>> Surfbirds 
>>> ABA 
>>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>>> *!*
>>> --
>>>
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Nancy Shamban]

FYI to all.  You cannot email directly from that website.  Go to the
website at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

and
fill in the form with this or another letter.  There is no actual email to
use to the governor.  So call or go thru the website.  Both easy to do.
Thanks Joshua

On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 8:52 AM Joshua Malbin 
wrote:

> Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
> sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
> compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.
>
>
> I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
> bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
> hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.
>
> The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged and
> respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the bay
> itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish in
> its waters year-round.
>
> The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
> portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
> long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
> threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
> various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
> sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
> more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
> portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
> would cease to exist should they be filled in.
>
> Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Joshua Malbin
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh 
> wrote:
>
>> 
>> Dear All,
>>
>> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
>> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and
>> urge him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
>> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
>> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>>
>> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either
>> call
>> 518-474-8390 or email to
>> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
>> 
>> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill
>> 4165 which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>>
>> Thank You.
>>
>> --
>> 
>> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
>> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
>> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>>
>> 風 Swift as the wind
>> 林 Quiet as the forest
>> 火 Conquer like the fire
>> 山 Steady as the mountain
>> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
>> 
>>
>> (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>>
>> (") _ (")
>>
>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>>
>>
>> Andrew Baksh
>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 
>> Rules and Information 
>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>> 
>> *Archives:*
>> The Mail Archive
>> 
>> Surfbirds 
>> ABA 
>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>> *!*
>> --
>>
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> 

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Nancy Shamban]

FYI to all.  You cannot email directly from that website.  Go to the
website at https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

and
fill in the form with this or another letter.  There is no actual email to
use to the governor.  So call or go thru the website.  Both easy to do.
Thanks Joshua

On Sat, Nov 16, 2019 at 8:52 AM Joshua Malbin 
wrote:

> Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
> sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
> compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.
>
>
> I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
> bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
> hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.
>
> The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged and
> respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the bay
> itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish in
> its waters year-round.
>
> The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
> portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
> long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
> threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
> various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
> sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
> more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
> portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
> would cease to exist should they be filled in.
>
> Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Joshua Malbin
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh 
> wrote:
>
>> 
>> Dear All,
>>
>> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
>> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and
>> urge him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
>> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
>> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>>
>> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either
>> call
>> 518-474-8390 or email to
>> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
>> 
>> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill
>> 4165 which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>>
>> Thank You.
>>
>> --
>> 
>> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
>> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
>> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>>
>> 風 Swift as the wind
>> 林 Quiet as the forest
>> 火 Conquer like the fire
>> 山 Steady as the mountain
>> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
>> 
>>
>> (\__/)
>> (= '.'=)
>>
>> (") _ (")
>>
>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>>
>>
>> Andrew Baksh
>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>> --
>> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
>> Welcome and Basics 
>> Rules and Information 
>> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
>> 
>> *Archives:*
>> The Mail Archive
>> 
>> Surfbirds 
>> ABA 
>> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
>> *!*
>> --
>>
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> 

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Joshua Malbin]

Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.


I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged and
respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the bay
itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish in
its waters year-round.

The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
would cease to exist should they be filled in.

Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.

Thank you,

Joshua Malbin


On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh  wrote:

> 
> Dear All,
>
> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and urge
> him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>
> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either call
>
> 518-474-8390 or email to
> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
> 
> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill 4165
> which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>
> Thank You.
>
> --
> 
> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>
> 風 Swift as the wind
> 林 Quiet as the forest
> 火 Conquer like the fire
> 山 Steady as the mountain
> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
> 
>
> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
>
> (") _ (")
>
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>
>
> Andrew Baksh
> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Joshua Malbin]

Here is a sample letter I just wrote that copies heavily from the bill's
sponsor for its content. I know it is much easier to copy and paste than to
compose your own letter, so feel free to do so.


I am writing to urge you to sign S.4165/A.5767 into law. This important
bill would extend permanently protections for Jamaica Bay against dumping
hazardous dredged material that are currently set to expire in 2022.

The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is one of the most widely acknowledged and
respected bird sanctuaries in the Northeastern United States, and the bay
itself is an ecological treasure all New Yorkers can enjoy. People fish in
its waters year-round.

The constant threat from city, state and federal agencies to use the deep
portions of Jamaica Bay as a garbage dump for contaminated sediment has
long been one of the biggest threats to the future of the bay. While these
threats started to appear decades ago, they have found new supporters as
various dredging projects around the city have created a need to get rid of
sediment that is often contaminated. In addition, the research that has
more recently come to light highlights the amazing role that the deep
portions of the bay play in supporting massive amounts of marine life that
would cease to exist should they be filled in.

Please sign sign S.4165/A.5767.

Thank you,

Joshua Malbin


On Fri, Nov 15, 2019 at 10:12 PM Andrew Baksh  wrote:

> 
> Dear All,
>
> I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the
> Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and urge
> him to pass the Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the
> dumping of harmful contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is
> awaiting his signature and if he does not call it up it will die.
>
> If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either call
>
> 518-474-8390 or email to
> https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
> 
> and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill 4165
> which will protect Jamaica Bay. M
>
> Thank You.
>
> --
> 
> "I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the
> ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own
> abhorrence." ~ Frederick Douglass
>
> 風 Swift as the wind
> 林 Quiet as the forest
> 火 Conquer like the fire
> 山 Steady as the mountain
> Sun Tzu   *The Art of War*
> 
>
> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
>
> (") _ (")
>
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device!
>
>
> Andrew Baksh
> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Andrew Baksh]


Dear All,

I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the Jamaica Bay 
Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and urge him to pass the 
Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the dumping of harmful 
contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is awaiting his signature and if 
he does not call it up it will die. 

If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either call 
518-474-8390 or email to 
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill 4165 
which will protect Jamaica Bay. M

Thank You.

-- 

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Legislation

[Andrew Baksh]


Dear All,

I hope I would count on your support. I am writing on behalf of the Jamaica Bay 
Ecowatchers. We need folks to contact Governor Cuomo and urge him to pass the 
Jamaica Bay Bill which would protect the bay from the dumping of harmful 
contaminants into its deep sections. The bill is awaiting his signature and if 
he does not call it up it will die. 

If you want to protect Jamacia Bay please take a few minutes to either call 
518-474-8390 or email to 
https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
and request that he pass assembly bill 5767 which is also Senate bill 4165 
which will protect Jamaica Bay. M

Thank You.

-- 

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Update

[Steve Walter]

The White Pelican was not seen today, as far as I know. The 2 Avocets were
present around the Raunt for some time during the early to mid-afternoon,
being easily visible from the East Pond overlook (when not behind geese or
other large birds). They eventually took off toward the north end. The
Eurasian Wigeon continues at the south end, as do Long-billed Dowitchers. I
can't say how many due to another issue with big bird blockage. A Redhead
and some Pintails headline the rest of the increasing duck variety and
numbers. Now up to a whopping count of 4 Snow Geese. Can they not see that
winter is coming? 

 

Steve Walter

Bayside, NY  


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Update

[Steve Walter]

The White Pelican was not seen today, as far as I know. The 2 Avocets were
present around the Raunt for some time during the early to mid-afternoon,
being easily visible from the East Pond overlook (when not behind geese or
other large birds). They eventually took off toward the north end. The
Eurasian Wigeon continues at the south end, as do Long-billed Dowitchers. I
can't say how many due to another issue with big bird blockage. A Redhead
and some Pintails headline the rest of the increasing duck variety and
numbers. Now up to a whopping count of 4 Snow Geese. Can they not see that
winter is coming? 

 

Steve Walter

Bayside, NY  


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Godwits (NO)

[Andrew Baksh]


As to be expected (but there is always hope), the rain driven Hudsonian and 
single Marbled Godwits were a no show today on the East Pond. It also looks 
like the lone Hudsonian that had stayed around for a bit might have departed 
with yesterday’s flock.

The 3 American Avocets continue up at the north end and 4 Long-billed 
Dowitchers were seen up that end as well.

Other shorebirds included, 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 4 Least Sandpipers, 1 
Semipalmated Sandpiper, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 1 Stilt Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2 
White-rumped Sandpipers, 9 Greater Yellowlegs and 8 Lesser Yellowlegs.

Duck numbers continue to build with Ruddy Ducks and American Wigeons seeing the 
largest increase. Greater Scaup have arrived as well.  Other notables were the 
4 Glossy Ibis that were still near the Southend.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Godwits (NO)

[Andrew Baksh]


As to be expected (but there is always hope), the rain driven Hudsonian and 
single Marbled Godwits were a no show today on the East Pond. It also looks 
like the lone Hudsonian that had stayed around for a bit might have departed 
with yesterday’s flock.

The 3 American Avocets continue up at the north end and 4 Long-billed 
Dowitchers were seen up that end as well.

Other shorebirds included, 2 Semipalmated Plovers, 4 Least Sandpipers, 1 
Semipalmated Sandpiper, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers, 1 Stilt Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2 
White-rumped Sandpipers, 9 Greater Yellowlegs and 8 Lesser Yellowlegs.

Duck numbers continue to build with Ruddy Ducks and American Wigeons seeing the 
largest increase. Greater Scaup have arrived as well.  Other notables were the 
4 Glossy Ibis that were still near the Southend.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond 8-30

[Andrew Baksh]

After a few weeks of being back in the area, I finally made it to the East 
Pond. Upon arriving at the South End, I was quite saddened to see that the 
water level was still high but decided to give the pond a crack.

I managed to do a complete survey of the pond, spending just over 7 hours 
making the schelp from South to the North end. Note, the water in many areas 
continue to be over the ankle for my waders and several spots require careful 
navigating. However, overall it was not too bad for me and there are some spots 
where peeps were comfortably feeding. A very pleasing sight!

And now for the birds. Shorebirds: 12 species totaling just over 200 hundred 
birds with Short-billed Dowitchers being the high number. Highlights included 
multiple Western Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers and Pectoral Sandpipers. However, 
the low numbers of juvenile Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers was disheartening.

Non shorebird highlights, included an adult Caspian Tern which was on the Raunt 
early on but took off as I made my up north. Several American Oystercatchers 
also on the Raunt did not stick around as I moved further up the pond.

A couple of Cliff Swallows and a lone Raven were the other notables. Among the 
“Duckage” mass, there were several Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals. 5 Wood 
Ducks in drab plumage were also noted.

While the shorebird numbers were not spectacular, it was quite nice to be out 
on the East Pond. For those intrepid folks willing to take on the challenge of 
the pond in the state that it is in, please note that “Calidrid Crossing” has 
overgrown a bit with Poison Ivy in abundance. I managed to get through that 
“sticky wicket” to get up north on Friday but plan to get back in there 
sometime next week in order to cut back the Poison Ivy for easier access.

Lastly, I and others have begun discussions with NPS about the pond and 
drainage. An update on the progress of that conversation will be made available 
when I have something of note to report. As of now, please know that there are 
eyes on the situation and we will get to the bottom of the issue if there is 
one. Many thanks to those of you who have written to me offering their help and 
support.

For now, get out to the Pond and see the birds as best as you can.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge East Pond 8-30

[Andrew Baksh]

After a few weeks of being back in the area, I finally made it to the East 
Pond. Upon arriving at the South End, I was quite saddened to see that the 
water level was still high but decided to give the pond a crack.

I managed to do a complete survey of the pond, spending just over 7 hours 
making the schelp from South to the North end. Note, the water in many areas 
continue to be over the ankle for my waders and several spots require careful 
navigating. However, overall it was not too bad for me and there are some spots 
where peeps were comfortably feeding. A very pleasing sight!

And now for the birds. Shorebirds: 12 species totaling just over 200 hundred 
birds with Short-billed Dowitchers being the high number. Highlights included 
multiple Western Sandpipers, Stilt Sandpipers and Pectoral Sandpipers. However, 
the low numbers of juvenile Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers was disheartening.

Non shorebird highlights, included an adult Caspian Tern which was on the Raunt 
early on but took off as I made my up north. Several American Oystercatchers 
also on the Raunt did not stick around as I moved further up the pond.

A couple of Cliff Swallows and a lone Raven were the other notables. Among the 
“Duckage” mass, there were several Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals. 5 Wood 
Ducks in drab plumage were also noted.

While the shorebird numbers were not spectacular, it was quite nice to be out 
on the East Pond. For those intrepid folks willing to take on the challenge of 
the pond in the state that it is in, please note that “Calidrid Crossing” has 
overgrown a bit with Poison Ivy in abundance. I managed to get through that 
“sticky wicket” to get up north on Friday but plan to get back in there 
sometime next week in order to cut back the Poison Ivy for easier access.

Lastly, I and others have begun discussions with NPS about the pond and 
drainage. An update on the progress of that conversation will be made available 
when I have something of note to report. As of now, please know that there are 
eyes on the situation and we will get to the bottom of the issue if there is 
one. Many thanks to those of you who have written to me offering their help and 
support.

For now, get out to the Pond and see the birds as best as you can.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East pond shore?

[Andrew Baksh]

The latest update I had from NPS was that the pond level was still quite high.

If there are any flats opening up, my guess is that it would be on the south 
end but not by much, given the water mark level that was shared with me.

Quite a shame that the East Pond is not ready for the shorebird season.




"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Aug 15, 2019, at 8:20 PM, Ajit Antony  wrote:
> 
> Can someone let us know by tomorrow the level of water or rather the amount 
> of shore available for shorebirds and locations (North and South) of the East 
> Pond at Jamaica Bay NWR. We are interested in the Jamaica Bay shorebird 
> festival on Saturday.
> Ajit I. Antony
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for Android
> 
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
> The Mail Archive
> Surfbirds
> ABA
> Please submit your observations to eBird!
> --

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East pond shore?

[Andrew Baksh]

The latest update I had from NPS was that the pond level was still quite high.

If there are any flats opening up, my guess is that it would be on the south 
end but not by much, given the water mark level that was shared with me.

Quite a shame that the East Pond is not ready for the shorebird season.




"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Aug 15, 2019, at 8:20 PM, Ajit Antony  wrote:
> 
> Can someone let us know by tomorrow the level of water or rather the amount 
> of shore available for shorebirds and locations (North and South) of the East 
> Pond at Jamaica Bay NWR. We are interested in the Jamaica Bay shorebird 
> festival on Saturday.
> Ajit I. Antony
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for Android
> 
> --
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> Welcome and Basics
> Rules and Information
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> Archives:
> The Mail Archive
> Surfbirds
> ABA
> Please submit your observations to eBird!
> --

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East pond shore?

[Ajit Antony]

Can someone let us know by tomorrow the level of water or rather the amount of 
shore available for shorebirds and locations (North and South) of the East Pond 
at Jamaica Bay NWR. We are interested in the Jamaica Bay shorebird festival on 
Saturday.


Ajit I. Antony






Get Outlook for Android




--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East pond shore?

[Ajit Antony]

Can someone let us know by tomorrow the level of water or rather the amount of 
shore available for shorebirds and locations (North and South) of the East Pond 
at Jamaica Bay NWR. We are interested in the Jamaica Bay shorebird festival on 
Saturday.


Ajit I. Antony






Get Outlook for Android




--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay and Caspian Terns

[Steve Walter]

I hadn't been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime since May. Despite not having
current information on the East Pond water level, I figured it was time to
go to JBWR - so long as I had a backup plan (like learning to identify
goldenrods to species). And anyway, I could still check out the Odonata
situation on the pond. So the water is still high, with only a tiny bit of
exposed shore at the south end. At one point, 3 Least Sandpipers occupied
it. Conventional wisdom is that the species is named for being the world's
smallest shorebird. But another theory is that it needs the least amount of
shoreline. Other shorebirds were only a few Yellowlegs of both species, with
a  little water no problem for their long legs. Not that there weren't good
birds. 3 Caspian Terns flew over me, continuing southward away from the
pond. And a Purple Martin paid a surprise visit.

 

As for the Odonata, I found a male Needham's Skimmer holding territory on
the pond - the first time I've seen that since before Sandy. A bunch of Blue
Dashers and Eastern Pondhawks were present, and even an Eastern Amberwing.
One Pondhawk was seen laying eggs. The point here (to placate those that
don't care about dragonflies) is that this suggests to me that the pond is
at its lowest salinity since before Sandy. So something positive from all
the rain.  One can only hope that there'll be more when the waters finally
recede.

 

There was one other thing that I wanted to check out -- the under
construction Sunset Cove Park in Broad Channel (where the Burrowing Owl
was). On a spring visit there, there were hundreds of shorebirds present.
And that was the case again today. The cove itself might prove to be a good
feeding spot, but at the stage of the tide that I was there, they were all
roosting within the fenced in area (where hard to see). Id's were only
possible on birds flying in or out (mostly the two Semis). I'd bet against
that being a viable roosting spot when the park eventually opens to the
public. Hopefully, the East Pond becomes a more reliable high tide refuge by
then.

 

Steve Walter

Bayside, NY  

 

 


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay and Caspian Terns

[Steve Walter]

I hadn't been to Jamaica Bay in the daytime since May. Despite not having
current information on the East Pond water level, I figured it was time to
go to JBWR - so long as I had a backup plan (like learning to identify
goldenrods to species). And anyway, I could still check out the Odonata
situation on the pond. So the water is still high, with only a tiny bit of
exposed shore at the south end. At one point, 3 Least Sandpipers occupied
it. Conventional wisdom is that the species is named for being the world's
smallest shorebird. But another theory is that it needs the least amount of
shoreline. Other shorebirds were only a few Yellowlegs of both species, with
a  little water no problem for their long legs. Not that there weren't good
birds. 3 Caspian Terns flew over me, continuing southward away from the
pond. And a Purple Martin paid a surprise visit.

 

As for the Odonata, I found a male Needham's Skimmer holding territory on
the pond - the first time I've seen that since before Sandy. A bunch of Blue
Dashers and Eastern Pondhawks were present, and even an Eastern Amberwing.
One Pondhawk was seen laying eggs. The point here (to placate those that
don't care about dragonflies) is that this suggests to me that the pond is
at its lowest salinity since before Sandy. So something positive from all
the rain.  One can only hope that there'll be more when the waters finally
recede.

 

There was one other thing that I wanted to check out -- the under
construction Sunset Cove Park in Broad Channel (where the Burrowing Owl
was). On a spring visit there, there were hundreds of shorebirds present.
And that was the case again today. The cove itself might prove to be a good
feeding spot, but at the stage of the tide that I was there, they were all
roosting within the fenced in area (where hard to see). Id's were only
possible on birds flying in or out (mostly the two Semis). I'd bet against
that being a viable roosting spot when the park eventually opens to the
public. Hopefully, the East Pond becomes a more reliable high tide refuge by
then.

 

Steve Walter

Bayside, NY  

 

 


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Andrew Baksh]

Thank you to those who have shown an interest and offered suggestions and 
support for the East Pond management.

Angus, your thoughts echo some of what I had submitted in my comments on the 
GNRA General Management Plan a few years ago. As I suggested  before, it may be 
time to have that discussion with NPS for a comprehensive plan to address the 
drainage issues and also to review the health of the Pond.

I recall a few seasons ago NPS Biologist George Frame and someone (his name I 
noted in one of my field notebooks) were doing some mud sampling of the Pond. I 
had asked to be included in the findings but do not recall ever receiving any 
reports.

Last night, I sent off an e-mail to George asking for the data and l have also 
reached out to other NPS sources for assistance.

Bob, there is no doubt that the shorebirds are not sticking to the Pond as 
before. Whether it is due to the health of the Pond or that better feeding 
areas have become available is anyone’s guess at this point.

I will share whatever I learn with the community as information becomes 
available and continue to do what I can in getting some much needed attention 
for a long term solution. It is no longer acceptable to scramble every season 
to get the water level right. Whatever the drainage problems are we need a fix 
not a patch.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Jul 8, 2019, at 8:00 AM, Grover, Bob  wrote:
> 
> Having worked as a wetland delineator for the past four-plus decades, 
> slogging through mud has become too much more like work than recreation, so I 
> have largely stopped going to the East Pond, However, on my past few visits I 
> have seen green paint-colored water in the pond, and the likely culprit is 
> the cyanobacterium Microcystis, which is highly toxic, at least to mammals.  
> Unfortunately, it has become prevalent during warm weather in fresh and 
> brackish water bodies throughout Long Island and beyond.  Could the 
> shorebirds be favoring the cleaner tidal waters and mudflats of the adjacent 
> bay instead of the pond?
> Bob Grover
>  
> 
> Bob Grover
> d +1 (631) 761-7369 | c +1 (516) 318-8536
> An Equal Opportunity Employer
>  
> From: bounce-123728941-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
>  On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
> Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2019 11:51 AM
> To: nysbirds-l 
> Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson 
> sandpiper ID
>  
> Andrew, 
>  
> Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and 
> tactful dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond 
> has declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and roosting 
> site. There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits this personal 
> impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more extensive spring 
> clean so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often called scapes) is 
> a fairly advanced science involving periodic draining, freshwater flushing 
> and remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often construct multiple 
> impoundments to allow some to be kept flooded whilst others are drained and 
> then refilled. Similarly, isolated roost islands or shingle bars need to be 
> maintained so that birds can sit out the high tide undisturbed. The Raunt, 
> for example, has crumbled away and is now barely separated from the eastern 
> margin. It used to be the most important site on the pond. Drawing down the 
> water level on schedule is one thing but maybe more needed? I appreciate the 
> Park Service and the refuge are under tight fiscal constraints but maybe 
> birders can help through fundraising, donations of materials or if necessary, 
> with manual labor.  Has anyone sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to 
> monitor productivity? 
>  
> I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level on 
> the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
> Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South 
> End which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the 
> water is right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn 
> right to access the last bit heading towards the pond.
> Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
> on s

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Andrew Baksh]

Thank you to those who have shown an interest and offered suggestions and 
support for the East Pond management.

Angus, your thoughts echo some of what I had submitted in my comments on the 
GNRA General Management Plan a few years ago. As I suggested  before, it may be 
time to have that discussion with NPS for a comprehensive plan to address the 
drainage issues and also to review the health of the Pond.

I recall a few seasons ago NPS Biologist George Frame and someone (his name I 
noted in one of my field notebooks) were doing some mud sampling of the Pond. I 
had asked to be included in the findings but do not recall ever receiving any 
reports.

Last night, I sent off an e-mail to George asking for the data and l have also 
reached out to other NPS sources for assistance.

Bob, there is no doubt that the shorebirds are not sticking to the Pond as 
before. Whether it is due to the health of the Pond or that better feeding 
areas have become available is anyone’s guess at this point.

I will share whatever I learn with the community as information becomes 
available and continue to do what I can in getting some much needed attention 
for a long term solution. It is no longer acceptable to scramble every season 
to get the water level right. Whatever the drainage problems are we need a fix 
not a patch.

Cheers,

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Jul 8, 2019, at 8:00 AM, Grover, Bob  wrote:
> 
> Having worked as a wetland delineator for the past four-plus decades, 
> slogging through mud has become too much more like work than recreation, so I 
> have largely stopped going to the East Pond, However, on my past few visits I 
> have seen green paint-colored water in the pond, and the likely culprit is 
> the cyanobacterium Microcystis, which is highly toxic, at least to mammals.  
> Unfortunately, it has become prevalent during warm weather in fresh and 
> brackish water bodies throughout Long Island and beyond.  Could the 
> shorebirds be favoring the cleaner tidal waters and mudflats of the adjacent 
> bay instead of the pond?
> Bob Grover
>  
> 
> Bob Grover
> d +1 (631) 761-7369 | c +1 (516) 318-8536
> An Equal Opportunity Employer
>  
> From: bounce-123728941-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
>  On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
> Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2019 11:51 AM
> To: nysbirds-l 
> Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson 
> sandpiper ID
>  
> Andrew, 
>  
> Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and 
> tactful dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond 
> has declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and roosting 
> site. There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits this personal 
> impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more extensive spring 
> clean so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often called scapes) is 
> a fairly advanced science involving periodic draining, freshwater flushing 
> and remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often construct multiple 
> impoundments to allow some to be kept flooded whilst others are drained and 
> then refilled. Similarly, isolated roost islands or shingle bars need to be 
> maintained so that birds can sit out the high tide undisturbed. The Raunt, 
> for example, has crumbled away and is now barely separated from the eastern 
> margin. It used to be the most important site on the pond. Drawing down the 
> water level on schedule is one thing but maybe more needed? I appreciate the 
> Park Service and the refuge are under tight fiscal constraints but maybe 
> birders can help through fundraising, donations of materials or if necessary, 
> with manual labor.  Has anyone sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to 
> monitor productivity? 
>  
> I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level on 
> the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
> Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South 
> End which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the 
> water is right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn 
> right to access the last bit heading towards the pond.
> Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
> on s

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Grover, Bob]

Having worked as a wetland delineator for the past four-plus decades, slogging 
through mud has become too much more like work than recreation, so I have 
largely stopped going to the East Pond, However, on my past few visits I have 
seen green paint-colored water in the pond, and the likely culprit is the 
cyanobacterium Microcystis, which is highly toxic, at least to mammals.  
Unfortunately, it has become prevalent during warm weather in fresh and 
brackish water bodies throughout Long Island and beyond.  Could the shorebirds 
be favoring the cleaner tidal waters and mudflats of the adjacent bay instead 
of the pond?
Bob Grover

[cid:image001.png@01D53563.96974C70]
Bob Grover
d +1 (631) 761-7369 | c +1 (516) 318-8536
An Equal Opportunity Employer

From: bounce-123728941-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
 On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2019 11:51 AM
To: nysbirds-l 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson 
sandpiper ID

Andrew,

Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and tactful 
dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond has 
declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and roosting site. 
There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits this personal 
impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more extensive spring clean 
so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often called scapes) is a fairly 
advanced science involving periodic draining, freshwater flushing and 
remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often construct multiple impoundments to 
allow some to be kept flooded whilst others are drained and then refilled. 
Similarly, isolated roost islands or shingle bars need to be maintained so that 
birds can sit out the high tide undisturbed. The Raunt, for example, has 
crumbled away and is now barely separated from the eastern margin. It used to 
be the most important site on the pond. Drawing down the water level on 
schedule is one thing but maybe more needed? I appreciate the Park Service and 
the refuge are under tight fiscal constraints but maybe birders can help 
through fundraising, donations of materials or if necessary, with manual labor. 
 Has anyone sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to monitor productivity?

I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level on 
the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South End 
which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the water is 
right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn right to 
access the last bit heading towards the pond.
Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.
No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I have a 
hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same situation - it 
seems year after year.

Changing subject slightly, I'm puzzled about the BAIRD's SANDPIPER reported 
from Nickerson Beach (Nassau Co.) yesterday. The few photos I've seen are 
marginal (seemingly distant and partly obscured by grasses) but are suggestive 
of an adult alternate plumaged Baird's/White-rumped Sandpiper. However, the 
descriptions in several eBird checklists are either inconclusive or strongly 
suggestive of White-rumped Sandpiper. I don't think leg color is useful (both 
should be blackish) and at least two reports mention a white-rump, which of 
course is damning for Baird's! Not sure anyone commented on the color of the 
lower mandible at the base. Did the dryish habitat play a part in the ID?

Was wondering if there are better photos or if observers have changed their 
minds after reviewing online photos and other reference materials?

--
Angus Wilson
New York City
--
NYSbirds-L List Info:
Welcome and Basics<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm>
Rules and Information<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm>
Subscribe, Configuration and 
Leave<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm>
Archives:
The Mail 
Archive<http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html>
Surfbirds<http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L>
ABA<http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01>
Please submit your observations to eBird<http://ebird.org/content/ebird/>!
--
This communication and any attachments are intended only for the use of the 
individual or entity named as the addressee. It may contain information which 
is privileged and/or confidential under applicable law. If you are not the 
intended recipient or such recipient's employee or agent, you are hereby 
notified that any dissemination, copy or disclosure of this communication is 
strictly prohibited and to notify the sender immediately.

--

NYSbird

RE: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Grover, Bob]

Having worked as a wetland delineator for the past four-plus decades, slogging 
through mud has become too much more like work than recreation, so I have 
largely stopped going to the East Pond, However, on my past few visits I have 
seen green paint-colored water in the pond, and the likely culprit is the 
cyanobacterium Microcystis, which is highly toxic, at least to mammals.  
Unfortunately, it has become prevalent during warm weather in fresh and 
brackish water bodies throughout Long Island and beyond.  Could the shorebirds 
be favoring the cleaner tidal waters and mudflats of the adjacent bay instead 
of the pond?
Bob Grover

[cid:image001.png@01D53563.96974C70]
Bob Grover
d +1 (631) 761-7369 | c +1 (516) 318-8536
An Equal Opportunity Employer

From: bounce-123728941-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
 On Behalf Of Angus Wilson
Sent: Sunday, July 07, 2019 11:51 AM
To: nysbirds-l 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson 
sandpiper ID

Andrew,

Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and tactful 
dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond has 
declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and roosting site. 
There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits this personal 
impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more extensive spring clean 
so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often called scapes) is a fairly 
advanced science involving periodic draining, freshwater flushing and 
remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often construct multiple impoundments to 
allow some to be kept flooded whilst others are drained and then refilled. 
Similarly, isolated roost islands or shingle bars need to be maintained so that 
birds can sit out the high tide undisturbed. The Raunt, for example, has 
crumbled away and is now barely separated from the eastern margin. It used to 
be the most important site on the pond. Drawing down the water level on 
schedule is one thing but maybe more needed? I appreciate the Park Service and 
the refuge are under tight fiscal constraints but maybe birders can help 
through fundraising, donations of materials or if necessary, with manual labor. 
 Has anyone sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to monitor productivity?

I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level on 
the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South End 
which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the water is 
right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn right to 
access the last bit heading towards the pond.
Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.
No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I have a 
hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same situation - it 
seems year after year.

Changing subject slightly, I'm puzzled about the BAIRD's SANDPIPER reported 
from Nickerson Beach (Nassau Co.) yesterday. The few photos I've seen are 
marginal (seemingly distant and partly obscured by grasses) but are suggestive 
of an adult alternate plumaged Baird's/White-rumped Sandpiper. However, the 
descriptions in several eBird checklists are either inconclusive or strongly 
suggestive of White-rumped Sandpiper. I don't think leg color is useful (both 
should be blackish) and at least two reports mention a white-rump, which of 
course is damning for Baird's! Not sure anyone commented on the color of the 
lower mandible at the base. Did the dryish habitat play a part in the ID?

Was wondering if there are better photos or if observers have changed their 
minds after reviewing online photos and other reference materials?

--
Angus Wilson
New York City
--
NYSbirds-L List Info:
Welcome and Basics<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm>
Rules and Information<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm>
Subscribe, Configuration and 
Leave<http://www.northeastbirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm>
Archives:
The Mail 
Archive<http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html>
Surfbirds<http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L>
ABA<http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01>
Please submit your observations to eBird<http://ebird.org/content/ebird/>!
--
This communication and any attachments are intended only for the use of the 
individual or entity named as the addressee. It may contain information which 
is privileged and/or confidential under applicable law. If you are not the 
intended recipient or such recipient's employee or agent, you are hereby 
notified that any dissemination, copy or disclosure of this communication is 
strictly prohibited and to notify the sender immediately.

--

NYSbird

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Angus Wilson]

Andrew,

Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and
tactful dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond
has declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and
roosting site. There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits
this personal impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more
extensive spring clean so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often
called scapes) is a fairly advanced science involving periodic draining,
freshwater flushing and remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often
construct multiple impoundments to allow some to be kept flooded whilst
others are drained and then refilled. Similarly, isolated roost islands or
shingle bars need to be maintained so that birds can sit out the high tide
undisturbed. The Raunt, for example, has crumbled away and is now barely
separated from the eastern margin. It used to be the most important site on
the pond. Drawing down the water level on schedule is one thing but maybe
more needed? I appreciate the Park Service and the refuge are under tight
fiscal constraints but maybe birders can help through fundraising,
donations of materials or if necessary, with manual labor.  Has anyone
sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to monitor productivity?


> I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level
> on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
> Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South
> End which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the
> water is right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you
> turn right to access the last bit heading towards the pond.
> Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again
> behind on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.
> No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I
> have a hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same
> situation - it seems year after year.
>

Changing subject slightly, I'm puzzled about the BAIRD's SANDPIPER reported
from Nickerson Beach (Nassau Co.) yesterday. The few photos I've seen are
marginal (seemingly distant and partly obscured by grasses) but are
suggestive of an adult alternate plumaged Baird's/White-rumped Sandpiper.
However, the descriptions in several eBird checklists are either
inconclusive or strongly suggestive of White-rumped Sandpiper. I don't
think leg color is useful (both should be blackish) and at least two
reports mention a white-rump, which of course is damning for Baird's! Not
sure anyone commented on the color of the lower mandible at the base. Did
the dryish habitat play a part in the ID?

Was wondering if there are better photos or if observers have changed their
minds after reviewing online photos and other reference materials?

-- 
Angus Wilson
New York City

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019 & Nickerson sandpiper ID

[Angus Wilson]

Andrew,

Thanks once again for your updates on this important shorebird site and
tactful dialogue with the refuge staff. My impression is that the East Pond
has declined significantly over the years as a shorebird feeding and
roosting site. There could be many many reasons (assuming the data fits
this personal impression) but I wonder if the pond doesn't need a more
extensive spring clean so to speak? Maintaining this type of habitat (often
called scapes) is a fairly advanced science involving periodic draining,
freshwater flushing and remodeling. Shorebird focused refuges often
construct multiple impoundments to allow some to be kept flooded whilst
others are drained and then refilled. Similarly, isolated roost islands or
shingle bars need to be maintained so that birds can sit out the high tide
undisturbed. The Raunt, for example, has crumbled away and is now barely
separated from the eastern margin. It used to be the most important site on
the pond. Drawing down the water level on schedule is one thing but maybe
more needed? I appreciate the Park Service and the refuge are under tight
fiscal constraints but maybe birders can help through fundraising,
donations of materials or if necessary, with manual labor.  Has anyone
sampled invertebrates in the surface mud to monitor productivity?


> I wanted to share with anyone interested, an an update on the water level
> on the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.
> Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South
> End which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the
> water is right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you
> turn right to access the last bit heading towards the pond.
> Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again
> behind on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.
> No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I
> have a hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same
> situation - it seems year after year.
>

Changing subject slightly, I'm puzzled about the BAIRD's SANDPIPER reported
from Nickerson Beach (Nassau Co.) yesterday. The few photos I've seen are
marginal (seemingly distant and partly obscured by grasses) but are
suggestive of an adult alternate plumaged Baird's/White-rumped Sandpiper.
However, the descriptions in several eBird checklists are either
inconclusive or strongly suggestive of White-rumped Sandpiper. I don't
think leg color is useful (both should be blackish) and at least two
reports mention a white-rump, which of course is damning for Baird's! Not
sure anyone commented on the color of the lower mandible at the base. Did
the dryish habitat play a part in the ID?

Was wondering if there are better photos or if observers have changed their
minds after reviewing online photos and other reference materials?

-- 
Angus Wilson
New York City

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019

[Andrew Baksh]

I trust everyone had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

I wanted to share with anyone interested, an   an update on the water level on 
the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.

Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South End 
which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the water is 
right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn right to 
access the last bit heading towards the pond.

Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.

No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I have a 
hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same situation - it 
seems year after year.

It just so happened that on my way to the pond, I ran into the refuge manager, 
Rick Jenkins. Apparently, he was also checking on the trail conditions and 
water level. You should also know that the trails are not cleared and according 
to Rick, it probably is because  they are muddy and maintenance would be unable 
to get their machines in there to cut. I have urged the trails to be cleared as 
well as the boot washing station to be setup even if the situation on the pond 
is dismal.

Those of us who have worked with NPS over the years with regards to the pond 
drainage know that we have an aging outflow that has reportedly incurred some 
sort of collapsing.

That, coupled with the usual build up of silt over the winter with tides 
require a constant monitoring of the outflow and clearing of the drainage both 
on the bayside and on the pond. Rick assured me that they have been draining 
the pond since March. I did not ask for monthly statistics on the progress of 
the drainage since then but there is no doubt that there is work to be done. 
Rick is going to work with maintenance to see what if anything can be done to 
speed up the drainage.

With all that said, I think it is time to call on NPS for a comprehensive plan 
to address the issue with drainage on the East Pond. We have talked about this 
in the past see my blog post from 2011 
https://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2011/08/tough-shorebirding-season-at-jamaica.html?m=1

But we have yet to really put the pressure on NPS for a “proper” solution. It 
might just be time to get that comprehensive plan in writing from them.

Keeping the faith as alway!

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay East Pond Water Level 2019

[Andrew Baksh]

I trust everyone had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

I wanted to share with anyone interested, an   an update on the water level on 
the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens Co.

Unfortunately, the news is not good. The water is quite high. On the South End 
which is the where the first bit of mudflats would begin to show, the water is 
right up to the phragmites on the edge of the trail before you turn right to 
access the last bit heading towards the pond.

Based on my record keeping of water level and dates, we are once again behind 
on schedule. I do not see any kind of flats opening up until August.

No doubt, the weather has not helped with the excessive rainfall but I have a 
hard time reconciling why we seem to have a repeat of the same situation - it 
seems year after year.

It just so happened that on my way to the pond, I ran into the refuge manager, 
Rick Jenkins. Apparently, he was also checking on the trail conditions and 
water level. You should also know that the trails are not cleared and according 
to Rick, it probably is because  they are muddy and maintenance would be unable 
to get their machines in there to cut. I have urged the trails to be cleared as 
well as the boot washing station to be setup even if the situation on the pond 
is dismal.

Those of us who have worked with NPS over the years with regards to the pond 
drainage know that we have an aging outflow that has reportedly incurred some 
sort of collapsing.

That, coupled with the usual build up of silt over the winter with tides 
require a constant monitoring of the outflow and clearing of the drainage both 
on the bayside and on the pond. Rick assured me that they have been draining 
the pond since March. I did not ask for monthly statistics on the progress of 
the drainage since then but there is no doubt that there is work to be done. 
Rick is going to work with maintenance to see what if anything can be done to 
speed up the drainage.

With all that said, I think it is time to call on NPS for a comprehensive plan 
to address the issue with drainage on the East Pond. We have talked about this 
in the past see my blog post from 2011 
https://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2011/08/tough-shorebirding-season-at-jamaica.html?m=1

But we have yet to really put the pressure on NPS for a “proper” solution. It 
might just be time to get that comprehensive plan in writing from them.

Keeping the faith as alway!

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Sat. June 22, 2019: Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireo, Barn Owl

[Deborah Allen]

Jamaica Bay
Saturday June 22, 2019
OBS: Robert DeCandido, PhD, Deborah Allen, m.ob.


Highlights: Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireo, Barn Owl


Canada Goose - 2 family groups West Pond Trail, many on opposite shore
Mute Swan - many
Gadwall - flyover flock of 4
Mallard
Mourning Dove - a few
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 Garden Area north of Visitors' Center
Black-billed Cuckoo - 2 seen together Garden Area north Visitors' Center
Clapper Rail - heard West Pond Trail (C.K.)
Willet - 2 West Pond Trail near repaired breach
Laughing Gull - 50+
Herring Gull - not many
Forster's Tern - 2 fishing near repaired breach on West Pond Trail (Ryan Serio)
Double-crested Cormorant - a few flyovers
Great Egret - 1 seen from West Pond Trail
Snowy Egret - flyover
Green Heron - 2 Big John's Pond
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 3 Big John's Pond
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 4 or 5 (Ryan Serio) seen from West Pond Trail
Glossy Ibis - flyover West Pond Trail (C. K.)
Osprey - 2 active nests with adults & young
Barn Owl - visible in nest box at Big John's Pond (Ryan Serio)
Great Crested Flycatcher - pair near crossing for Big John's Pond
Willow Flycatcher - 3 
White-eyed Vireo - near blind at Big John's Pond
Crow - silent flyover
Tree Swallow - many
Barn Swallow - near repaired breach on West Pond Trail
House Wren - 4 or 5 (3 pairs occupying nest boxes)
Carolina Wren - pair in Garden
American Robin - several
Gray Catbird - many
Brown Thrasher - 1 West Pond Trail
Northern Mockingbird - 2 or 3
Cedar Waxwing - 6
House Finch - male & female near Visitors' Center
American Goldfinch - male & female
Eastern Towhee - 3 (pair & singing male)
Song Sparrow - 3
Red-winged Blackbird - many
Brown-headed Cowbird - 3 (2 males, 1 female)
Common Grackle - 2
Boat-tailed Grackle - 4 to 6 (including 1 male close to Visitors' Center)
Common Yellowthroat - 3 or 4
American Redstart - 3 to 5 including first-summer male collecting food for young
Yellow Warbler - many
Northern Cardinal - 2 males near Visitors' Center

Butterflies: Monarch laying eggs on milkweed, Snout.

Deb Allen
Follow us on twitter @BirdingBobNYC & @DAllenNYC





--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Sat. June 22, 2019: Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireo, Barn Owl

[Deborah Allen]

Jamaica Bay
Saturday June 22, 2019
OBS: Robert DeCandido, PhD, Deborah Allen, m.ob.


Highlights: Yellow- and Black-billed Cuckoos, White-eyed Vireo, Barn Owl


Canada Goose - 2 family groups West Pond Trail, many on opposite shore
Mute Swan - many
Gadwall - flyover flock of 4
Mallard
Mourning Dove - a few
Yellow-billed Cuckoo - 1 Garden Area north of Visitors' Center
Black-billed Cuckoo - 2 seen together Garden Area north Visitors' Center
Clapper Rail - heard West Pond Trail (C.K.)
Willet - 2 West Pond Trail near repaired breach
Laughing Gull - 50+
Herring Gull - not many
Forster's Tern - 2 fishing near repaired breach on West Pond Trail (Ryan Serio)
Double-crested Cormorant - a few flyovers
Great Egret - 1 seen from West Pond Trail
Snowy Egret - flyover
Green Heron - 2 Big John's Pond
Black-crowned Night-Heron - 3 Big John's Pond
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron - 4 or 5 (Ryan Serio) seen from West Pond Trail
Glossy Ibis - flyover West Pond Trail (C. K.)
Osprey - 2 active nests with adults & young
Barn Owl - visible in nest box at Big John's Pond (Ryan Serio)
Great Crested Flycatcher - pair near crossing for Big John's Pond
Willow Flycatcher - 3 
White-eyed Vireo - near blind at Big John's Pond
Crow - silent flyover
Tree Swallow - many
Barn Swallow - near repaired breach on West Pond Trail
House Wren - 4 or 5 (3 pairs occupying nest boxes)
Carolina Wren - pair in Garden
American Robin - several
Gray Catbird - many
Brown Thrasher - 1 West Pond Trail
Northern Mockingbird - 2 or 3
Cedar Waxwing - 6
House Finch - male & female near Visitors' Center
American Goldfinch - male & female
Eastern Towhee - 3 (pair & singing male)
Song Sparrow - 3
Red-winged Blackbird - many
Brown-headed Cowbird - 3 (2 males, 1 female)
Common Grackle - 2
Boat-tailed Grackle - 4 to 6 (including 1 male close to Visitors' Center)
Common Yellowthroat - 3 or 4
American Redstart - 3 to 5 including first-summer male collecting food for young
Yellow Warbler - many
Northern Cardinal - 2 males near Visitors' Center

Butterflies: Monarch laying eggs on milkweed, Snout.

Deb Allen
Follow us on twitter @BirdingBobNYC & @DAllenNYC





--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge ducks

[John Mora]

4 redhead ducks in east pond.  3 males one female.

Male wood duck at blind - John’s Pond.

Large concentrations of Rudy ducks on east pond.

Did not see barn owl in the box.


Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 14, 2019, at 3:17 PM, Joseph DiCostanzo  wrote:
> 
> Currently at feeders, Evodia Field
> 
> Joe DiCostanzo
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> --
> 
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm
> 
> ARCHIVES:
> 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
> 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
> 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01
> 
> Please submit your observations to eBird:
> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
> 
> --


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge ducks

[John Mora]

4 redhead ducks in east pond.  3 males one female.

Male wood duck at blind - John’s Pond.

Large concentrations of Rudy ducks on east pond.

Did not see barn owl in the box.


Sent from my iPhone

> On Apr 14, 2019, at 3:17 PM, Joseph DiCostanzo  wrote:
> 
> Currently at feeders, Evodia Field
> 
> Joe DiCostanzo
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> --
> 
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm
> 
> ARCHIVES:
> 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
> 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
> 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01
> 
> Please submit your observations to eBird:
> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
> 
> --


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Revised: nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay - Sora - Yes

[Robert Taylor]

2 soras, one on southeast, one on southwest

On Sun, Sep 16, 2018 at 7:31 AM Long Island Birding 
wrote:

> Currently being seen with Robert Taylor at previously posted location.
> Mike Z
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Revised: nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay - Sora - Yes

[Robert Taylor]

2 soras, one on southeast, one on southwest

On Sun, Sep 16, 2018 at 7:31 AM Long Island Birding 
wrote:

> Currently being seen with Robert Taylor at previously posted location.
> Mike Z
> --
> *NYSbirds-L List Info:*
> Welcome and Basics 
> Rules and Information 
> Subscribe, Configuration and Leave
> 
> *Archives:*
> The Mail Archive
> 
> Surfbirds 
> ABA 
> *Please submit your observations to **eBird*
> *!*
> --
>

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay - Sora - Yes

[Long Island Birding]

Currently being seen with Robert Taylor at previously posted location.
Mike Z

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay - Sora - Yes

[Long Island Birding]

Currently being seen with Robert Taylor at previously posted location.
Mike Z

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival 2018 Recap - BirdCallsRadio

[Mardi Dickinson]

Birders et al,

Thought many of you would be interested in my interview/recap of Jamaica Bay 
Shorebird Festival 2018  https://bit.ly/2akUsxp Enjoy!

Cheers,
Mardi Dickinson
Visit my website at https://kymrygroup.com/
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival 2018 Recap - BirdCallsRadio

[Mardi Dickinson]

Birders et al,

Thought many of you would be interested in my interview/recap of Jamaica Bay 
Shorebird Festival 2018  https://bit.ly/2akUsxp Enjoy!

Cheers,
Mardi Dickinson
Visit my website at https://kymrygroup.com/
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Todd Olson]

This discussion prompted me to dig.  I had a Black Swan at JBWR on
7/18/93.  A write-in on the printed refuge checklist with notation,
"escapee".

Todd Olson, Greater NYC

On Sep 6, 2018 8:32 AM, "Shaibal Mitra"  wrote:

Hi Jim and all,

I have three records of Black Swan at Jamaica Bay:

13 Aug 2000
29 Aug 2009
2 Oct 2009

If this is the same individual reappearing on the East Pond in late summer
at nine-year intervals, one must wonder where such a large, conspicuous
bird could be hiding in between. In any case, this situation is an
excellent reminder of the importance of recording observations of
apparently wild non-native birds, even at a cost of gently abusing the Hot
100.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

___

Date: Mon Sep 3 2018 16:18 pm
From: birdingdude AT gmail.com

Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:

It's likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he's seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Todd Olson]

This discussion prompted me to dig.  I had a Black Swan at JBWR on
7/18/93.  A write-in on the printed refuge checklist with notation,
"escapee".

Todd Olson, Greater NYC

On Sep 6, 2018 8:32 AM, "Shaibal Mitra"  wrote:

Hi Jim and all,

I have three records of Black Swan at Jamaica Bay:

13 Aug 2000
29 Aug 2009
2 Oct 2009

If this is the same individual reappearing on the East Pond in late summer
at nine-year intervals, one must wonder where such a large, conspicuous
bird could be hiding in between. In any case, this situation is an
excellent reminder of the importance of recording observations of
apparently wild non-native birds, even at a cost of gently abusing the Hot
100.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

___

Date: Mon Sep 3 2018 16:18 pm
From: birdingdude AT gmail.com

Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:

It's likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he's seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Jim Osterlund]

Well, then, for what it’s worth:  there’s a Black Swan on Oyster Pond,  
Montauk, Suffolk County
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Jim Osterlund]

Well, then, for what it’s worth:  there’s a Black Swan on Oyster Pond,  
Montauk, Suffolk County
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re:[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Shaibal Mitra]

Hi Jim and all,

I have three records of Black Swan at Jamaica Bay:

13 Aug 2000
29 Aug 2009
2 Oct 2009

If this is the same individual reappearing on the East Pond in late summer at 
nine-year intervals, one must wonder where such a large, conspicuous bird could 
be hiding in between. In any case, this situation is an excellent reminder of 
the importance of recording observations of apparently wild non-native birds, 
even at a cost of gently abusing the Hot 100.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

___

Date: Mon Sep 3 2018 16:18 pm
From: birdingdude AT gmail.com
 
Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:

It's likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he's seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re:[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Shaibal Mitra]

Hi Jim and all,

I have three records of Black Swan at Jamaica Bay:

13 Aug 2000
29 Aug 2009
2 Oct 2009

If this is the same individual reappearing on the East Pond in late summer at 
nine-year intervals, one must wonder where such a large, conspicuous bird could 
be hiding in between. In any case, this situation is an excellent reminder of 
the importance of recording observations of apparently wild non-native birds, 
even at a cost of gently abusing the Hot 100.

Shai Mitra
Bay Shore

___

Date: Mon Sep 3 2018 16:18 pm
From: birdingdude AT gmail.com
 
Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:

It's likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he's seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Queens Co. Godwits, Phalarope +

[Andrew Baksh]

First, many thanks to all of you who continue to post to the list serve. 

I finally got out to the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge this 
afternoon and enjoyed some of the recent good birds. Both Godwit species 
continue along with the Wilson’s Phalarope.

In addition, I also had a Long-billed Dowitcher (not sure if this was reported 
already). The bird was first detected north of “Dead Man’s Cove”, then south of 
the cove and again much later observed north of the cove with birder Peter Paul.

Multiple White-rumped and Western Sandpipers continue. The latter numbers are 
up as expected. Still a good number of juvenile Semipalmated Sandpipers around.

Several juvenile Stilt Sandpipers (13) along with a single Pectoral Sandpiper 
brought the total shorebird species count to 15.

14 Skimmers taking a bath on the pond was also notable. 

Late in the afternoon a mixed flock of Swallows, swarmed the pond. The light 
had then begun to fade so I could not spend enough time sorting through the lot 
as well as I would have liked.

For those of you interested. Here is a link to a few phonescoped images of the 
Long-billed Dowitcher.

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1036772179273293826?s=21

“The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America 
was always great” ~ Meghan McCain


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Queens Co. Godwits, Phalarope +

[Andrew Baksh]

First, many thanks to all of you who continue to post to the list serve. 

I finally got out to the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge this 
afternoon and enjoyed some of the recent good birds. Both Godwit species 
continue along with the Wilson’s Phalarope.

In addition, I also had a Long-billed Dowitcher (not sure if this was reported 
already). The bird was first detected north of “Dead Man’s Cove”, then south of 
the cove and again much later observed north of the cove with birder Peter Paul.

Multiple White-rumped and Western Sandpipers continue. The latter numbers are 
up as expected. Still a good number of juvenile Semipalmated Sandpipers around.

Several juvenile Stilt Sandpipers (13) along with a single Pectoral Sandpiper 
brought the total shorebird species count to 15.

14 Skimmers taking a bath on the pond was also notable. 

Late in the afternoon a mixed flock of Swallows, swarmed the pond. The light 
had then begun to fade so I could not spend enough time sorting through the lot 
as well as I would have liked.

For those of you interested. Here is a link to a few phonescoped images of the 
Long-billed Dowitcher.

https://twitter.com/birdingdude/status/1036772179273293826?s=21

“The America of John McCain has no need to be made great again because America 
was always great” ~ Meghan McCain


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Andrew Baksh]

Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:
> 
> It’s likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
> regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he’s seen it recently.
> --
> 
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm
> 
> ARCHIVES:
> 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
> 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
> 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01
> 
> Please submit your observations to eBird:
> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
> 
> --
> 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

Re: [nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Andrew Baksh]

Hello Jim,

As far as I know, the Black Swan has not been seen for quite a few years.

Cheers,


"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of 
others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence." ~ Frederick 
Douglass

風　Swift as the wind
林　Quiet as the forest
火　Conquer like the fire
山　Steady as the mountain
Sun Tzu  The Art of War

> (\__/)
> (= '.'=)
> (") _ (") 
> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

> On Sep 3, 2018, at 2:42 PM, Jim Osterlund  wrote:
> 
> It’s likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
> regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he’s seen it recently.
> --
> 
> NYSbirds-L List Info:
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
> http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm
> 
> ARCHIVES:
> 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
> 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
> 3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01
> 
> Please submit your observations to eBird:
> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
> 
> --
> 

--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Jim Osterlund]

It’s likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he’s seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay Black Swan

[Jim Osterlund]

It’s likely that the Black Swan that inhabited the east pond has become too 
regular to report, but I wonder if anyone can say he’s seen it recently.
--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--

[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay.

[Sy Schiff]

Joe Giunta and I (Sy Schiff) started at the South end of the East Pond. There 
is a flat that you can walk out on. In the water, 25 + SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS 
were feeding in the water close up. Mixed in and a bit on the periphery were 2 
WESTERN SANDPIOPERS and 4 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS. On the mud flat just beyond 
were 3 LEAST SANDPIPERS. There were 10 BLUE-WINGED TEAL aways back  in the 
water. Other species but no Godwits seen, so we left for the North end.

It’s underwater. Knee boots required. STILT SANDPIPER and 3 SHORT-BILLED 
DOWITCHERS feeding at the entrance. The HUDSONIAN GODWIT (they’re large) can be 
seen from the entrance with a scope. Joe walked up to the cove where the 
Godwits were (12-15-inches deep in places) and saw the WILSON’S PHALAROPE.  No 
Marble this morning.
Sy

Sent from Mail for Windows 10


--

NYSbirds-L List Info:
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm
http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm

ARCHIVES:
1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html
2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L
3) http://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01

Please submit your observations to eBird:
http://ebird.org/content/ebird/

--