Jones Beach West End, Mill Pond, Meroke Preserve

I spent most of the day at Jones Beach West End - in hindsight, it seemed to be Part 2 of 3 of the migration fallout.  Lots of Kinglets and Sparrows - seemed to be more Ruby Crowned than Golden Crowned this time.  Sparrows were on the side of the road everywhere as well as Juncos and Hermit Thrushes- got a great shot of a Lincoln's, a Field and some juvenile White Crowned Sparrows.  I spent a good time going around the "shrub area" in front of the Coast Guard entrance.  Got my lifer Pine Siskins early in the day - a few small flocks flew overhead - a few touched down briefly.  Another treat was seeing 2 Eastern Meadowlarks.  A Merlin flew in and tried to get some sparrows - it got one but dropped it - I assume the sparrow flew off.

I took a break from the west end and stopped at Meroke Preserve - I was pleasantly surprised  - saw a few Ruby Crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes and what I can best determine to me my first Purple Finch. 

I returned to the west end where I got good looks at 2 Marbled Godwits on the Coast Guard sandbar.  I believe these are the same individuals that have been around moving with a flock of ~250 Oystercatchers.  Also saw a group of Royal Terns, Dunlin, Black Bellied Plovers, and Sanderlings. (and the Brants are back)

Golden Crowned Kinglet

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

Lincoln's Sparrow

Lincoln's Sparrow

White Crowned Sparrow

Sparrow sp.

Field Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Palm Warbler - Eastern yellow

Eastern Meadowlark

Pine Siskins

Merlin - after diving over a group of sparrows - got one but dropped it

Marbled Godwit

Marbled Godwit - usual pose, with Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers with 2 Marbled Godwits on either side of the photo

Royal Terns with Black Bellied Plover and possible Dunlin

Royal Terns (14)

Shorebirds still present: Oystercatchers, Black Bellied Plovers, Dunlin, Sanderlings

Brants are back

Northern Pintail - Mill Pond

Bufflehead - Mill Pond

Purple Finch - Meroke Preserve