Massapequa/ Massapequa Preserve

 I had some time before work so went to the present for a while - went to my local birding "patch" by the Pittsburgh Ave entrance.  I was tired but heard an odd bird singing outside that motivated me getting outside even though it was chilly out.  Found the bird right away that turned out to be a House Wren checking out my 2 bird houses and feeder.  Hopefully it makes a home in one of them.

At the preserve I heard then eventually saw my FOS Yellow Warblers.  Also heard a Towhee and saw my FOS Catbird.  There was a swan on the pond that relentlessly chased down a Canada Goose - another Canada Goose also joined in picking on the goose - not nice.

When I got home, I heard and saw a Kingfisher fly over my house - might be a yard bird first, have to check a list I keep (if I can find it).

Massapequa

 I was planning on going birding to Jones Beach or somewhere like that before work, but was tired so delayed a bit.  I finally decided to get out and go to the preserve for a while since it was a bright sunny morning - not too much to report, saw some RedWinged Balckbirds squabbling - I assume over territory.  Also saw 2 Yellow Warblers  - one seemed to follow the other around.  The most notable "sighting" was hearing 1 or 2 Killdeer in the area - I've seen them nest at nearby Lockhart Elementary School (eggs on the roof)  I'm assuming they come back every year.

notes around my house in Massapequa

 I've been seeing a couple of crows in my neighborhood recently - can't help but think it might be same crows that built a nest around my area the last few years.  Also have been seeing 2 Mockingbirds around my house staking some territory I suppose.  The continuing resident Red Tailed Hawk seems to still be around.  I have also seen Mallard ducks flying around my neighborhood sometimes landing in yards - that's what they do (this time of year)

Massapequa Preserve today

 I stopped by the preserve briefly a few times today - started by the Pittsburgh Ave entrance - still decent amount of White Throated Sparrows around - I like looking at and trying to photograph the ones with a bright white streak with the yellow patch thing by their eye.  There were also about 6-8 Gadwall on the pond also.  Heard some goldfinches, a somewhat distant Raven and a Carolina Wren.  Best find over here was my FOS Gnatcatcher.  I also was alerted to a Cooper's Hawk thanks to some Blue Jays sounding off their alarm calls.  The Cooper Hawk did some posing so I was able to get a few decent photos.

I stopped by the "owl spot" by the LIRR parking lot/ Brady Park pond area - of course there was a continuing army of photographers camped out.  I could see one of the 2 baby owls there - kinda feel like the mom owl is getting annoyed at the never-stopping group of photographers.  I got a couple quick photos and moved on quickly to the pond.  I saw a Great Egret in the trees by the shoreline and was treated to 10 ! Osprey above the lake - saw one catch a fish.  Shortly after the gulls and Osprey scattered as a Bald Eagle came through.

Massapequa: Baltimore Oriole

 My car crapped out so I had to walk to the LIRR - along the way on Rhode Island Ave across from the preserve, I heard a Baltimore Oriole - didn't get great looks but saw it in a "fancy cherry tree".  From what I could tell, I'm the first birder to see one on Long Island this season. ebird screenshot below:

Gulls at Florence Beach, Massapequa

 The parking lot at Florence Beach aka Philip B. Healey Beach? is always a good spot to find gulls.  I saw my FOS Laughing Gulls as well as a Ringed Billed Gull with a weird deformed beak.

Massapequa Home Feeder

 I have been filling the feeder lately - was rainy today but had maybe that helped with a good turn out at the feeder.  first time I've seen Red Winged Blackbirds at my feeder, along with Grackles including a female?, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, Song Sparrows, White Throated Sparrows, House Sparrows, and House Finches.  (also a bunny) Nice to see a variety in my own backyard.