Year End Summary for 2016

At least as far as birding was concerned this last year, I have to say it was a helluva year.  I realized that sometimes it's easier to find birds if I travel a couple of hours to seek them out.  I did a couple of trips to the Adirondacks, one that was a 24+hour round trip.  Although I didn't see my main target bird, the Grey Jay, I did see Ruffed Grouse, a Sandhill Crane and saw where all those Blackburnian Warblers go during the summer.  My lifer Yellow Headed Blackbird in Broome County deserves mentioning also.

It was a good year for lifer warblers especially Yellow Breasted Chats, Worm Eating Warbler and one of my new favorite birds, the Black Throated Green Warbler.

It was also a good year for birds that a few years ago I wasn't so sure I would ever see such as Bobwhite, Least Bittern (New Jersey) and a Bicknell's Thrush.  I also got to see a bird I never knew about before, the Yellow-throated Vireo.  After a few failed attempts I found and got great views of another new favorite, the Nelson's Sparrow.

I found 2 Common Gallinules in Massapequa Lake which are uncommon for Nassau County.  It was nice finding something on my own - I feel like I've been chasing other birder's reports too much.

There's a lot more stories I could mention but there was one day in July that I can only describe as "EPIC!".  I went to Edwin Forsythe Refuge in New Jersey and saw a reported Red Necked Phalarope.  I returned the next day with my birding buddy Snouty and although we didn't refind it, we had the best birding day ever.  Our first "consolation" prize was a lifer Ruff, followed by nice views of Gull Billed Terns, Whimbrel, Clapper Rails, Caspian Tern, Orchard Oriole and Blue Grosbeak.  To end the day, we came face to face with a Prothonotary Warbler and had a Whip Poor Whil almost land on my head.

I had 41 life birds this year so my life list is now up to 331 "countable" birds seen in the continental US and 316 life birds for New York State.

Hamptons, Northport

I thought a change of scenery was in order so Snouty and I went to Dune Road/ Shinnecock Inlet to look for gulls, Snowy Owls, and Bitterns.  One the way driving past Connetquot State Park we saw an immature Bald Eagle flying over Sunrise Highway.  Once we got to Dune Road we battled wind and showers and found the typical sea ducks as well as a female Harlequin Duck, Great White Egret, Great Blue Heron, Snow Buntings and the best birds of the day were a juvenile Lesser Black Backed Gull and an Iceland Gull.  We tried looking for owls at Fuchs Pond but came up empty.  We had a possible Cackling Goose in the neighboring golf course. 

Cammaan's Pond, Merrick

Earlier in the week someone posted a photo of a Black Headed Gull on the Facebook page Long Island Wildlife Photography...long story short, it was nearby at Cammaan's Pond in Merrick.  Snouty went before me and refound the bird but it was MIA by the time I got there.  As I gave up and was leaving it popped up again and got some good looks at it as it was preening.  Not a lifer for me, but the only other time I saw one was at Jones Beach Field 10 in and over the water so was a treat to get an up close look at one.  Nice looking bird.  Also saw juvenile Ringed Billed Gulls - one had pink legs, Night Herons, and Northern Shovelers.

Ring Billed Gull

Black Headed Gull

Robert Moses State Park, Massapequa Lake

Went back with Snouty to Robert Moses to look for a reported Glaucous Gull - didn't find it but did see the continuing Ross Geese, Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and a surprise Lapland Longspur in Field 5.

Robert Moses State Park

Went to Robert Moses State Park to see the reported Ross Geese  - easily found them at the needle and saw the Grey Ghost along Ocean Parkway again.

Ross Geese

Grey Ghost

Jones Beach, Ocean Parkway, Robert Moses

Did a birding tour from the car today with Snouty...was surprisingly rewarding when we found a Peregrine Falcon in the Zachs Bay lot feeding on a pigeon, and got great looks at a "Grey Ghost" Northern Harrier on Ocean Parkway - I was driving alongside the Harrier so Snouty could get photos.  I wasn't so lucky since I somehow forgot my photo card.

Jones Beach West End

Was at Jones Beach West End  - didn't see anything rare but did get a great photo of a Nuthatch.

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Belmont Lake State Park

There was a reported Barnacle and Snow Goose at St Charles Cemetary yesterday but I couldn't locate it - had a hunch it might be at Belmont Lake instead and I was right - found the Snow Goose soon enough, but took some time for the Barnacle Goose to appear.

Snow Goose

Barnacle Goose

Barnacle Goose

Aquebogue: Rufous Hummingbird

There has been reports of one and then two Selasphorus hummingbird at someone's feeders out east...I had a chance to visit so I took the drive out there.  The homeowner (Maragaret) was very gracious and welcoming - when I arrived I heard the bird had just been seen so I was thinking I missed it.  After a short wait the Rufous (most likely) Hummingbird made an appearance at the feeder - another birder confirmed both birds were present. (subtle differences between the two I think)  Was great to see a lifer and Margaret gave my son some hot cocoa to help stay warm since it was cold out.  I thanked the homeowner with a bottle of wine.  I had a Red Dog to celebrate my new life bird when I got home.

Rufous Hummingbird

Jones Beach West End

I visited Jones Beach West End the last 2 days and nothing astonishing was found.  Highlights were a Pine Siskin with a group of Goldfinches and a group of ~100 Snow Buntings.

Pine Siskin

Jones Beach West End, Massapequa

Yesterday I drove to Jones Beach West End where nothing was going on so I headed over to Massapequa Preserve and was also there today.  I tried locating the previously reported Orange Crowned Warbler but did not find it this time.  Massapequa had the usual suspects for this time of year as well as an additional Wood Duck to the group of ducks that hang out by Clark Street.  I was happy to see at least the Grey Screech Owl was back and saw a Cooper's? and Red Tailed Hawk?.  I also saw a Cooper's Hawk fly by my house.  I was surprised to see a few Catbirds as well as a Towhee  - not sure if it's expected this time of year.

"Woody"

Northern Pintail

Eastern Screech Owl

"Woody Jr."(adopted)

NYC, Jones Beach West End, Massapequa Preserve: Western Tanager

I went into NYC at City Hall Park to look for a reported Western Tanager - I got some OK views of it especially the white wing bars when the bird was facing away from me - not easy considering the bird was active and high in the treetops.  Also saw a continuing Chat there as well as the Chat at Trinity Church - not bad getting 2 Chats in one day.  Also saw a Black Throated Blue, Common Yellowthroat and Hermit Thrush.  Jones Beach West End was uneventful except for a couple of Ipswich Sparrows and Horned Larks.  Massapequa Preserve had a Golden Crowned Kinglet and a nice surprise was a second Wood Duck hanging out with "Woody".

Western Tanager

Chat from City Hall Park

Chat from Trinity Church

Massapequa Preserve

I went with Snouty to Massapequa Preserve to check out a reported Orange Crowned Warbler seen on the west side of the Pittsburgh Ave pond.  Got some decent views of a very feisty and active bird.

Orange Crowned Warbler

Kissena Park, Jones Beach West End

I went to Kissena with Snouty to look for Orange Crowned Warblers - only saw one so would be nice to get better views - didn't find any but saw a few Canada x Greylag/ domestic geese and a Winter Wren.  We tried looking for a reported Red Crossbill at Jones Beach West End but no such luck.

Caumsett State Park

Not much going on so I went to Caumsett - highlights were a very cooperative Vesper Sparrow, a Fox Sparrow and a Red Tailed Hawk vocalizing.

Lido Beach Park West

I went and saw the Ash Throated Flycatcher.

Jones Beach, Bayville, Long Beach

I started at the Jones Beach WE 2 lot since I saw lots of Gannets over the ocean - I walked to the shoreline where I saw hundreds of Gannets streaming past sometimes diving into the water.  I did a bried "seawatch" hoping to find a pelagic type lifer  - didn't see any but was treated to a brief look at a whale breathing at the surface (spout thing).  I walked back through the swale looking for the Lapland Longspurs but could only see the Horned Larks. I did a good walk from the Coast Guard Station, the median and stopping at the inlet.  Not much going on, but did see tons of Dunlin, BB Plover, Oyestercatchers on the sandbar, a Fox Sparrow, and a Red Throated Loon on the inlet.

I drove up to Ransom Beach to see the reported female King Eider - I found another birder who said it took off heading east but I couldn't find it.  While looking for it I did see my FOS Horned Grebes and a late Seimipalmated Plover. A brief stop at Muttontown Preserve was non-productive except for a wren (Winter, I think)

I drove to the spot where the Ash Throated Flycatcher was (Long Beach before the giant hotel thing) and was treated to some good views.  A Coopers or Sharpie Hawk came down but the Flycatcher took cover long before it was near.  I tried finding a reported 1st year Glaucous Gull seen the day before but didn't see it.

I drove back to Jones Beach West End and found a Cooper's Hawk sitting at the outer turnaround

Ash Throated Flycatcher

Cooper's Hawk

NYC, Massapequa Preserve, Lindenhurst, Bayville: Yellow Breasted Chat

For a few days, there has been reports of a Yellow Breasted Chat at Trinity Church and a small turnaround by St Pauls a few blocks north.  The Chat at Trinity Place Church was found by Ben Cacace!  Other birders were getting great photos and the birds seemed to sticking around so I figured I better take advantage and get into NYC.  I arrived at Trinity Church first and didn't see the Chat immediately.  I took a walk around the cemetary and easily spotted the bright yellow.  The bird was active hopping around everywhere, hardly stopping for a photo.  Eventually, it seemed to settle down in some trees - finally got my lifer Chat and at times I was only a few feet away from it - I didn't want to bother it too much so I left it and then tried finding the other Chat (I was greedy) but didn't see it.  I didn't mind - I got really great views of the Trinity Place Chat. 

I took a quick walk on the west side of the Brady Park lake to see it the Red Screech Owl was there (was posted on LI Wildlife, Facebook, assumed recent) but didn't see it.  I did see lots of Robins and Cedar Waxwings eating berries, female Scaup and Pied Billed Grebe.  I tried looking for the reported Long Billed Dowitchers by the creek near Ventetian Shores but only found Greater Yellowlegs and I believe to be a Short Billed Dowitcher (was also recently reported)  I tried looking for a report female King Eider up by Ransom Beach om Bayville but didn't see it.  It's a kooky thing when it's easier to see a Chat than a duck : )

Yellow Breasted Chat

Yellow Breasted Chat

Yellow Breasted Chat

Yellow Breasted Chat

Gardiner's County Park, Jones Beach West End

Went to Gardiner's County Park with Snouty to refind the Nelson's Sparrows but didn't find any.  We did see a Marsh Wren, 2 Meadowlarks, and some Purple Finches.  At Jones Beach West End it seemed dead but as we were leaving we spotted a Vesper Sparrow on the median.

Jones Beach West End

Most of Jones Beach West End was dead except for a Red Tailed and Sharpie fighting, a Field Sparrow, and Horned Larks with 2 Lapland Longspurs by the swale.

Jones Beach West End

Got word that a Vesper Sparrow had been seen - luckily I was in Wantagh so I drove down to the West End and saw a few birders at the turnaround  - I met Anne Swain who had the bird in her scope...thanks to her I finally got a good look at a Vesper Sparrow (finally!)

Gardiner's County Park: Nelson's Sparrow

I trudged through the marsh at Gardiner's County Park and it paid off - I got great views of some Nelson's Sparrows - also saw several Meadowlarks.

Nelson's Sparrow

Hendrickson Lake, Valley Stream, Massapequa Lake

There have been reports of a Pink Footed Goose in Valley Stream so I decided I should check it out - while not a lifer (I saw my first in January) I figured I could get some better photos and that such a rarity deserved a visit.  After finding the PFG I walked around the pond and noticed at least a dozen Canadas had metal bands on them.  When I have a chance I'll find out more about one I got the number of - maybe it will reveal where the PFG came from, assuming they migrated together.

At Massapequa Lake I saw a Rusty Blackbird in a tree...oddly enough I recently saw one a block away from my house about the day before.  In Massapequa Lake I noticed at least 20 Pintails, a Wood Duck, Ruddy Duck, lots of Coots and my FOS Scaup. 

Pink Footed Goose

Jones Beach, Robert Moses, Uplands Farm, Stillwell Woods

Although Jones Beach had some birds, I didn't find anything noteworthy besides White Crowned Sparrows and lots of Comorants flying over.  At Robert Moses I saw a Cooper's Hawk flipping a Golden Crowned Kinglet as it was dying before it made a meal of it.  At Uplands Farm I saw a Sharp Shinned Hawk and a Crow squaring off.

The biggest surprise of the day was Stillwell Preserve where half the field was overgrown...I saw 12 Eastern Meadolarks fly in - nice to see so many at once!

Jones Beach West End

I was hoping to find a Vesper Sparrow today but long story short, it wasn't meant to be.  The good news was that there was a moderate "fall out" today but mostly Yellow Rumps, mix of sparrows and kinglets.  I did see several White Crowned Sparrows - notably 2 near the curve by the stadium entrance (Zachs Bay).

Jones Bech West End

Highlights were several Purple Finches, Field and White Crowned Sparrows and a Meadowlark by the turnaround.  I heard of a report of a Vesper Sparrow as I was leaving but didn't have time to properly search for it.

Jones Beach West End: Mourning Warbler

There was a reported Mourning Warbler reported the day before so I headed to Jones Beach to find it - it was found on the Coast Guard property and then later moved to the fence by the hedgerow giving good looks.  It was a nice surprise to see it well, especially a bird that has a reputation for being skulky.  Other highlights were a Black Throated Blue, Yellow Billed Cuckoo by the fisherman's path, Palm Warblers and an Indigo Bunting.  Cooper's Hawks and Merlin continue to plague songbirds - a Cooper's Hawk was seen grabbing a small yellowis bird - at first thought to be the Mourning Warbler.

Mourning Warbler

Mourning Warbler

Mourning Warbler

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station

What seemed at first to be a mediocre day quickly became exciting - besides 3 continuing Western Willetts, highlights were a Winter Wren, a banded Royal Tern, and a MARBLED GODWIT that I wished for!

Marbled Godwit

Royal Tern

Jones Beach West End

Highlights were a noticeable increase in Brant and Juncos.

Jones Beach West End

There was a noticeable increase in Savannah Sparrows - they might have actually outnumbered Yellow Rumps.  In the swale I found a group of 5 Horned Larks, a Northern Harrier, and a Palm Warbler.  Tree Swallows continue to mass in preparation for migration.

At home I saw 2 Yellow Rumps in the white birch trees across the street.

Massapequa Preserve, Jones Beach West End

At Massapequa Preserve I saw a Blue Headed Vireo and the winter resident Pintail in the stream.

At Jones Beach West End I saw another Blue Headed Vireo, female Baltimore Oriole, Field Sparrows, Red Knots and a ton of Tree Swallows and Yellow Rumped Warblers everywhere.

Jones Beach Coast Guard

Highlights were Red Knots and 3 Western Willlets on the sandbar.

Jones Beach West End, Yellow Cote Road, Uplands Farm Sanctuary, Cold Spring Harbor

I checked out these locations hoping to see sparrows or some lifer flycatcher....most of it was disappointing.  I did see Juncos, White Crowned Sparrow, Kinglets, a Pine Warbler and a Blackpoll up close.

Pine Warbler

Blackpoll

Fuchs Pond, Gardiners County Park, Massapequa Preserve, Mill Pond, Jones Beach West End

I first checked out the pond by the Chalet motel in Centerport - highlights were Gadwall, Night Herons, Green Wing Teal and a likely Pintail.  I went to Fuchs Pond for a reported Yellow Bellied Flycatcher but came up empty - instead saw lots of Blackpolls, Kingfishers, Kinglets, and Red Eyed Vireos.  Next, I went to Gardiners County Park for reported Nelson's Sparrows and also struck out but did see a Pipit on the beach.  Massapequa Preserve was quiet but did see a Swamp Sparrow.  Things started to perk up when I got to Mill Pond in Bellmore - lots of Blackpolls, a few Yellow Rumps, Parula, and Black Throated Blues were on the edge of the lake.

At the Jones Beach Coast Guard I was hoping for an interesting shorebird like a godwit but the only highlight was a banded Oystercatcher.  I carefully walked around the hedgerow where I found a Black Throated Blue, my FOS Junco, a yellow Palm Warbler, and a brown Blue Grosbeak among he sparrow flock.

Jones Beach West End, Massapequa Preserve

Highlights at Jones Beach West End were several Western Willets among many Oyestercatchers and a juvenile White Crowned Sparrow by the Coast Guard hedge row.  At Massapequa Lake I saw a Great Blue Heron swallow a sunfish.

Jones Beach West End

I tried unsuccessfully looking for a Yellow Bellied Flycatcher that was reported on the median at Jones Beach - I did find many Yellow Rumped Warblers, Phoebes, singles of Pine Warbler and both Kinglets.

Hempstead Lake State Park, Frank Melville Park, Avalon Preserve: Tennessee Warbler

What seemed a slow day beginning at HLSP quickly turned into a great day.  At first the only notable bird I saw was an Ovenbird, but then I walked down to the dried up pond - I noticed my FOS White Throated Sparrows and a Rusty Blackbird.  A closer look around the pond and I started seeing a loose flock of warblers.  Walking in and around the pond I saw Northern Waterthrush, lots of Northern Parulas, a few Black Throated Blue Warblers, Yellow Rumped Wabler, Palm Warblers, a Black Throated Green and one or 2 lifer Tennessee Warblers!

A walked in Frank Melville Park produced a gorgeous looking Eurasian Wigeon hybrid, Gadwall, American Wigeon, a Green Heron, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and several Snowy Egrets.  I headed over to Avalon Preserve to try my luck finding Bobwhites - after a while I found a bunch but they got spooked into the weeds - with a little patience I waited and they came back out - a group of 8!

Jones Beach West End

I took a quick ride to Jones Beach West End - there were some Red Knots on the Coast Guard sandbar and at the West End 2 lot there was a small group of Lesser Black Gulls of various ages - always nice to see.

Lesser Black Backed Gulls

Uplands Farm Sanctuary, Cold Spring Harbor

I took a chance and figured I might find a lifer flycatcher - didn't see anything new, but did see Phoebes and a Red Tailed Hawk divebomb it's dinner.  I also saw a group of Red Winged Blackbirds - mostly juveniles.

Kissena Park, Garvies Point

I tried looking for lifer warblers at these locations - didn't see any new ones but did see some neat birds.  At Kissena Park and corridor saw Nashville, Palm, Prairie, Black and White Warblers, a "brown" Blue Grosbeak and a Kestrel.  At Garvies Point saw Common Yellowthroats, Parula, Black Throated Blue Warblers, Ovenbird, 3 types of Vireos, Scarlett Tanager and a bunch of Hummingbirds feeding on Impatiens capensis.

Massapequa Lake: Nassau County Common Gallinules

I decided it was long overdue to check out Massapequa Lake - I was pleasanty surpised when I saw 2 Common Gallinules!  They continued for about a week.  I also saw Northern Shovelers, Coots, Green Heron, Parulas, a Pewee and a Coopers Hawk? harassing an Osprey.

Hempstead Lake State Park

I went to HLSP to try to find a continuing Philadelphia Vireo - didn't have any luck and it was quiet except for the dried up pond that had a lot of action.  Some nice consolation prizes were Wilson's Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Palm Warbler, and 2 Redstarts.

Fall "Migration", Avalon Preserve: Bobwhite

I was at many locations this day and it was unusually quiet.  (Jones Beach WE, Avalon Preserve, Chandler Estate, Sunken Meadow State Park)  There should be more songbirds coming through this time of year - there were a few around but I had to work hard for them.  Highlights were a Common Eider, 2 Palm Warblers, Prairie Warbler, 2 Pectoral Sandpipers from Jones Beach West End.  The best find for the day was at Avalon Preserve where I saw my lifer Bobwhites!  I saw 4 juveniles and heard an adult calling from the middle of a grassy field.  Presumably, these juveniles are the babies born at the preserve from re-introduced adults.  At Chandler Estate, Mt Sinai I heard a Great Horned Owl hooting, however it was 2:30pm.

Common Eider

Bobwhite

Bobwhite

Smith Point

I looked through the gulls in the parking lot - found an interesting Great Black Backed Gull and a Lesser Black Backed.

juvenile Great Black Backed Gull

Lesser Black Backed Gull

North Fork Sod Fields

Started the day at Jones Beach West End where the highlight was a lot of Red Breasted Nuthatches, apparently the result of an irruption because the northern pine cone seed "crop" were low.  Later, I took a drive out to the sod fields out east with Snouty to look for Golden Plovers since I've only seen one once and it was a juvenile.  There were about 60 Golden Plovers near Sound Avenue, some in adult plumage, as well as 2 Buff Breasted Sandpipers although they could only be seen from a distance.  Also saw a Turkey Vulture.

Red Breasted Nuthatch

American Golden Plovers

Snouty McSnouster's Pelagic Tour: Wilson's Storm Petrel

I went with Snouty on his fishing boat to catch Sea Bass and Fluke as well as trying to get some lifer pelagics.  In the marsh we saw a couple of Clapper Rails and when we got out of the inlet, Mike saw 2 Petrels that I missed.  Luckily later on I saw one for my lifer.  The only other birds out there were Laughing and Great Black Backed Gulls.

When we got back to shore we went to the Jones Beach Ponds where Snouty got his lifer White Rumped Sandpiper.  The other highlight was a Pectoral Sandpiper.

Wilson's Storm Petrel

Jones Beach West End Ponds

I went to the ponds with my birding buddy Mike Snouty mostly to try to find him his lifer Western Sandpiper - we walked through the mud and muck for most of the entire span of the ponds.  We saw the "standard" sandpipers as well as at least 6 Stilts, guessing same amount of Pectorals and Stilts, (one Semipalmated Plover), Short Billed Dowitchers, White Rumped Sandpipers, a Great Blue Heron and a Peregrine Falcon who had "breakfast".  The highlight was a continuing Virginia Rail who was a few feet away from us!  Before we left and assumed we should hit "J-Bay" we ran into Joe V who advised us there was at least 1 Western Sandpiper.  We asked another birder who he referred us to and there was 2 right in front of us!  I'm glad Snouty finally got his lifer Western, not to mention one was in nice plumage.

Later Snouty and I looked for a repored Western Tanager what was seen days earlier at Twelve Pines Park, Medford - no luck. I went to Muttontown Preserve later in the day and it was awfully quiet there - heard wrens and saw a female Redstart.

Virginia Rail!

Peregrine Falcon with "breakfast"

Western Sandpiper

Pectoral and Semipalmated Sandpipers

Nassau County Turkey Vultures

Just a note that I saw 3 TV's while driving around today - 2 in Syosset and 1 in Hicksville/ Plainview....they're a'coming...

Jones Beach West End Ponds; Virginia Rail

I went with Snouty to the ponds where Virginia Rails and a Sora were reported.  He saw an adult rail with a baby  - by the time I looked, all I saw was a poof ball baby.  Disappointing for my lifer Virginia Rail.  We thought we saw the Sora also and took a few photos before it ran into the phrags.  When I looked at the photos when I got home, I realized it was actually a Virginia Rail...to be continued...

Jones Beach West End

I went to the ponds and the highlight was a Pectoral Sandpiper - at the Coast Guard Station I saw 3 Gull Billed Terns - one was an adult with a young one and other was a subadult.

Gull Billed Tern

Richard DeKorte Preserve, NJ, Jones Beach West End: Least Bittern

When I moved to Massapequa in 2012 I was just beginning to become aware of listserves and ABA where other birders posted their sightings.  I didn't know it at the time but there were breeding Least Bitterns at the preserve 2 blocks from my house so since that time Least Bitterns have been sort of a nemesis bird for me.  I found out that Richard DeKorte Preserve in NJ is a breeding them area so I took a chance and looked for them there.  Although I didn't get long looks at them, I did see four.  Also seen was a distant Ruff (most likely based on color and was reported same time I was there.

Later a search at the ponds at Jones Beach West End turned up the usual shorebirds and the continuing Pectoral Sandpiper.

Massapequa Preserve

I stopped by the preserve for a little while and walked in the woods near the Walker Street lot- saw a family of 4 Great Crested Flycatchers, a Red Eye Vireo, and a Hummingbird above the stream.

Jones Beach West End

I checked out the west end around the median and thought I was seeing/ hearing Acadian Flycatchers at first but they were Willow Flycatchers and I believe I saw 4 of them. (they were moving around a lot). I came back later in the morning to see what was in the ponds- there was a sandpiper that stood out from the rest because it was plumper and had a reddish tinge to it.  We thought it could be a Western but another birder said it was a White Rumped (from Whats This Bird). I saw the continuing Pectoral again so I was happy about that.  Not much going on at the Coast Guard area except Sanderlings and 4 continuing Black Scoters.

Jones Beach West End

There was a report by a NYC birder of a Pectoral Sandpiper and possible calling from a Least Bittern.  I checked out the ponds where the birds were reported and found a previously reported Stilt Sandpiper and finally located the Pectoral.  No sign of a Least Bittern.  Also saw Short Billed Dowitchers, the usual shorebirds as well as an unidentified flycatcher - have to assume it was a Willow even though an Acadian was also reported recently.

Pectoral Sandpiper

Stilt Sandpiper

Short Billed Dowitchers