2018 was a good year even though it's becoming increasingly difficult to get life birds. I only had 11 new birds this past year but many of them were on my "wish list" especially the Barred Owl. Other notable lifers were Scissortailed Flycatcher, Evening Grosbeak, Broadwing Hawk, Black Bellied Whistling Duck and Roseate Spoonbill. One of the highlights was a southeast wind that brought in Shearwaters close to shore during the summer. I did miss additional lifers including a Wood Sandpiper that was at Timber Point and Red Crossbills at Jones Beach West End.
My total USA life list is now 364, New York State 348 and Long Island 336. I don't expect much for the new year since I don't have much time to go birding but hopefully I get some chances. To start the new year I brought my son to Point Lookout to look for Snowy Owls. (he likes them because of Hedwig from Harry Potter) We got extremely lucky with a male right near the parking lot. My son got good looks at him and hopefully remembers his wonderful birding adventure.
 |
| Snowy Owl |
