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.

Massapequa: Pine Warbler? White Throated Sparrows

 MIGHT have heard a Pine Warbler near my house

I stopped by the preserve also - lots of White Throated Sparrows seemed like they were everywhere.  I always like looking at bright colored ones - however this time I was treated to one that had a beige tinge to it - very cool.

White Throated Sparrow that was posing for me

White Throated Sparrow with beige tinge

some notes about spring migration in March

 Mot birders consider March to be the dullest/ most uneventful month to go birding..even though we have a Painted Bunting still at HLSP and a Western Grebe continues between Staten Island and New Jersey (would be a lifer for me - might be my new nemesis bird)  Although there aren't pretty warblers and colorful birds migrating through now, it doesn't mean that it's not exciting - Grackles coming back in big flocks, Redwinged Blackbirds back staking out territories, Osprey and Laughing Gulls come back, Robins come out from the woods and are seen on lawns.  I have to say there isn't a lack of activity  - it's just a lot of more common birds are around now.