There was an incredible report of a Grey Breasted Martin for a few days in a neighborhood bordering a marsh in Staten Island - I didn't think I would have a chance to see it - although not a "pretty" bird it was the first time one has ever been recorded in the USA. Luck was on my side since my daughter and wife were going to a trip to Florida and my son was staying at his friends house - I dropped my wife at the airport/ LaGuardia and looked at the Waze App which said I was 30 minutes away from this lifer - yeah, I went. At first I met some other nice birders who pointed it out flying above in the sky - I "saw" it but not great, but luck struck again when it landed on some telephone wires and I got some nice looks and decent photos. First lifer for 2025!
"I'm sharing my photos and stories of my bird watching adventures on Long Island. I also feature my sightings from around the USA and other countries when I travel. I hope you enjoy them." - Rob (from Massapequa)
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Jones Beach West End - End of Winter
I took a look at Jones Beach West End, not expecting much. I refound a continuing/ cooperative Horned Grebe at the Coast Guard Station - got nice looks/ photos. Also got some good looks at a pair of Long Tailed Ducks, Loons and a Marsh Harrier on the ground by the fisherman's parking lot. Every year I feel like the the wintering birds are more settled in/ more cooperative at the end of the season right before they depart for their spring/ summer destinations.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Northern Lapwing, No Gulls, Red Headed Woodpecker
I had some time so took a trip out to Halsey Lane to find a continuing Northern Lapwing - I had seen one once before but only briefly/ in bad light near Santapogue Creek some years ago. After not seeing the bird for while it appeared on a horse farm where it had been previously reported - got some good views and better photos. I was the only one there for a while so posted the sighting on some chat. I went to Old Field Point to refind the previously reported "European Herring Gull" etc but didn't have any luck. I did see some Great Comorants which I sort of consider "uncommon". I checked up on the Sunken Meadow Red Headed Woodpecker and was able to see it.