Happy New Year

 Despite not traveling far for vacation and challenges from Covid, 2021 was a good year for me for birding.  I saw 10 lifers compared to only 2 from 2020.  I also saw definite looks at a Swallowtail Kite and Yellow Bellied Flycatcher which was nice also.  Looking forward to the new year and hopefully traveling somewhere new in another area for vacation. 

Northern Shrike, Norman Levy Preserve

 There was a continuing Shrike and Red Shouldered Hawk that I tried to find the other day so I had some free time and went with Snouty to find it.  We lucked out and found the Shrike but not the Red Shouldered Hawk.  I only saw a Shrike once before and it was far away so it was nice to see this one up close.

Northern Lapwing!

 Word got out that a Northern Lapwing was seen at Santapogue Creek where the Long Billed Dowitchers winter.  Weird thing is I was thinking about Northern Lapwings a few days before.  I remember there were 2 seen years before at Montauk.  I drove as fast and safely as I could to the creek where other birders were and had seen it but it flew off to the nearby golf course after being harassed by a gull. (stupid gull)  I drove around a little around the golf course out of desparation to find it without luck.  I went back to the creek and was ready to give up but decided to try one last drive by the golf course.  Luckily I refound the Lapwing on the southeast corner of the golf course.  It was a really cool looking bird.

 

Common Gallinule, Mill Pond

 There has been a continuing Common Gallinule at Mill Pond in Bellmore that apparently returns each winter.  I went to look for it and got lucky - it was out in the open and now has more color on it's bill since last year.  I then drove to Nickerson to try for a continuing Glaucous Gull but didn't find it.  As a consolation prize I found a Snow Goose mixed in with some Canada Geese in a pond by the Jones Beach Amphitheater.

Two Lifer Tuesday

 I took the day off from work and I'm glad I did because I wasn't feeling well today, but not bad enough to chase a few potential life birds.  I took the drive to Staten Island for a continuing Gray Kingbird.  I chased this bird a few times in the past (Hecksher, Jones Beach) but missed both times.  When I got to Great Kills Park, I walked around a lot without any luck, but luckily as I was driving around I saw a few birders by the road who had the bird in their sight.  If it wasn't for them I would have missed the Kingbird since it wasn't moving and blended in with the branches.  On the way back, I stopped at Greenwood Cemetery for a continuing Henslow's Sparrow.  I had some trouble navigating around but finally found the area where it had been seen.  I walked up a hill on a hunch where another birder alerted me that I was about to step on the bird!  I circled around a small grassy area and couldn't believe how the sparrow was so low to the ground.  I got some good looks at it and left after a little while.  There was some drama about the bird because some birders were getting too close to it and seemed to be disrespectful of the grave stones.  While some birders seemed too close, it didn't seem to bother the sparrow - he even hopped on someone that was sitting on the ground  : )

LeConte's Sparrow

 There were recent reports of a continuing LeConte's Sparrow at Croton Point Park so I took a chance to go see it with Snouty.  The location is basically a landfill covered with grass next to the Hudson River.  When we arrived, there were other birders on the scene but they hadn't found it yet.  I decided to look around where others weren't checking and had a hunch about a spot that was cut into the grasses.  I saw a sparrow that had an orangey head that dove down quickly but I had to assume it was another one of the multiple Savannah Sparrows that were around.  Sure enough the LeConte's Sparrow popped up and Snouty confirmed we found it.  It stayed up for a little while and I called to the other birders to come over. (yo!) Unfortunately just one over birder saw it for a quick second and that was the last time it was seen.

Jones Beach West End, Nickerson Beach

 Over the weekend, I went to the Jones Coast Guard Marina because a Vermillion Flycatcher reported at Cape May that was heading north along the coast.  I didn't see anything rare - most noteworthy were lots of Kinglets, 2 White Crowned Sparrows, and a Field Sparrow.  I tried looking for the continuing Yellow Headed Blackbird at Nickerson again - I found a flock of Cowbirds, Starlings, Red Wing Blackbird but no Yellow Headed - I think I'm done chasing this bird.  Before I left the house, there were some Kinglets in my yard, 2 Cooper's Hawks flew by and a thrush was in my neighbor's tree - I'm assuming Swainson's.

Caumsett State Park: Says Phoebe

 There was a continuing Says Phoebe at Caumsett St Park for 2 days so when my day off Saturday came around, I drove over before sunrise with Snouty to try to see it.  When we got out of the car we heard an owl hooting.  Another birder was on the scene, but the bird had not yet been seen.  We got worried because we 2 saw Red Tailed Hawks, a Merlin and Kestrel fighting so we were worried the bird might hide or worse.  We also saw and heard some Ravens.  After going around the general area where it was seen, another birder reported it was there at it's "usual" spot behind the restrooms on the fence posts.  I saw it briefly from a distance but the sun was shining in my direction.  I could tell it was the bird because it seemed larger than our Eastern Phoebes.  I went around for a better angle where along with other birders, we were treated to great views and the morning sun made for nice photo lighting.  We saw the bird catch some bugs and also pluck some of it's feathers.  Cool bird - it was a bird I wanted to see for a while.

 

Massapequa Patch

 I heard a few birds migrating early morning (3am) so I thought there might be some new birds to be seen.  I heard and saw a few "new" birds by my house but couldn't ID them except for a Song Sparrow.  I went to the preserve for a few minutes and saw a lot of Yellow Rumps, bunch of Swamp and Song Sparrows, couple of Common Yellowthroats and a FOS Junco.

Massapequa: Hooded Warbler

 There was some reports from another birder (I don't list names unless I get permission from other birders) that a Hooded Warbler was continuing for almost a week at Marjorie Post Park.  I had a little time so tried my luck for it.  With the help of the original observer via text I was able to find it.  (across from the skating rink)  I've seen Hooded Warblers once or twice before but this was the best view I got of them.  I might try again on the weekend for more photos - hopefully it sticks around.

Jones Beach West End

 There were reports of a continuing Marbled Godwit and 2 Caspian Terns at the Coast Guard Station.  I tried my luck and found 2! Marbled Godwits among lots of Oystercatchers.  Maybe the second one was from Nickerson?

Massapequa home and patch

 The weather has dropped a little over the last few days.  I stepped outside and saw a flock of Cedar Waxwings and a Phoebe in my neighbors' yards.  Between dropping my son off at school and work, I went to the preserve for a little while.  Saw lots of Phoebes, Flickers, Cedar Waxwings.  No sign of the Scarlett Tanagers.  Also saw a bunch of Swamp Sparrows, a Black and White Warbler, female Redstart, few Common Yellowthroats, House Wren, Yellow Rumps, Red Eyed Vireos, and a "late" Warbling Vireo.

Massapequa Preserve "Patch"

 The temperature dropped a little today where the rest of the week will struggle to reach the lower 70's.  When I went outside in the morning I heard some "new" bird calls that I couldn't figure out yet.  Shortly after, another birder reported a Hooded Warbler at Marjorie Post in Massapequa but I didn't have time to look for it and make it back in time for work.  I went to my new local patch at Massapequa Preserve by Pittsburgh Ave.  I saw a Swamp Sparrow, Black and White Warblers, Phoebe, Yellow Rumps by the pond. Also saw a thrush - assuming Swaison's.  Near the preserve entrance there's a tree with berries that continues to host numerous Robins, Red Eye Vireos, Baltimore Oriole and a bunch of Scarlett Tanagers!

Nickerson Beach: Marbled Godwit

 There was a continuing Marbled Godwit at Nickerson on the beach towards Lido Beach so I went and found it.  Also saw lots of Lesser Black Backed Gulls, Great Black Gulls (ebird flagged 250 as exceptional) and a Warbling Vireo which is considered "late" on ebird.

Massapequa Patch

 Saw and heard an unidentified flycatcher.  I assumed it was a Yellow Bellied but my photo wasn't clear enough/ diagnostic for one, so I have to assume it was a Pewee.  I did see lots of Red Eyed Vireos, more femal Scarlett Tanagers, a likely Swainson's Thrush and a Least Flycatcher.

Massapequa Preserve Patch

 Saw 3 female Scarlett Tanagers and a Yellow Bellied Flycatcher!!!

At my house, 2 Cooper's? Hawks were trying to attack a bird in my front bushes.  Also saw a female Redstart a block away from my house.

Migration tonight

 I went outside a couple times tonight and heard lots of bird calling overhead as they migrate. Birdcast radar showing high activity.

During the day, I went to Massapequa Preserve and saw an Olive Sided Flycatcher.

Nickerson, HLSP, Robert Moses, Heckscher, Roseate Spoonbill Part 3

 Took some time with Snouty to look for some of the rarities that have been around.  Went to Nickerson where we found a continuing Baird's Sandpiper right on the beach.  We also noticed lots of dead young Skimmers and terns.  There was an adult tern that seemed to have a broken wing.  We caught up with the Red-Winged Blackbird/ Cowbird flock that had a recent female Yellow Headed Blackbird mixed in but did not find it.  We assume it's gone. At HLSP, it was mostly unproductive but did find a nice looking Magnolia Warbler and some Red Eye Vireos, and a Veery.  I tried looking for flycatchers in the northern part by the houses but no luck there.  We headed to Heckscher to look for shorebirds - bunch of other birders there.  We saw a continuing Western Sandpipers, couple of White Rumped, and 3 Stilt Sandpipers.  On the bay we saw a Royal Tern and some gulls picking up baitfish from the water.  We headed over to Mill Neck where we saw the Spoonbill and I was able to get some decent photos of it after it flew from roosting in a tree on Beaver Lake to the other side of Cleft Road into the marsh.  On the way there, Snouty saw a hawk that was "definitely not" a Red Tailed.  His best guess was Ferruginous but we weren't able to confirm 100%.

Roseate Spoonbill Part 2

 There was a report Saturday on Facebook of a Spoonbill by Beaver Lake/ Mill Pond Preserve in Mill Neck that was later confirmed by ebird reports.  I went Sunday morning and got some good looks at it before it flew further into the marsh/ mudflats.  I'm not sure if this is the same Spoonbill that was recently at Cold Spring Harbor.  Leaning towards that it most likely is the same.

Philadelphia Vireo, Massapequa Preserve

 I woke up early with some plans of going to Robert Moses Field 2 for a long awaited sea-watch but couldn't get out in time to guarantee I didn't have to pay the admission fee.  Since it was a nice day, I decided to try Massapequa Preserve right by my house.  When I got there around 7am, it was very dead which is what I tend to expect there.  All I saw was a few Catbirds and a House Wren.  But once the sun warmed things up a bit, I was treated to a bunch of Redstarts (mostly female), Red Eye Vireos and Parulas.  I got a good luck at one vireo that looked "different".  It was noticeably yellow on the belly and throat and turned out to be my lifer/ no longer nemesis bird, a Philly Vireo.  I couldn't get any photos but didn't try my hardest because I wanted to get some good looks at it.  I also saw a Parula eat a small caterpillar.  It stayed still long enough for me to get a photo.

Yellow Bellied Flycatcher, Lido Beach

 I got up early before work to go with Snouty to try to find a recently reported female Yellow Headed Blackbird.  The last report was from last Wednesday but for reasons I won't mention here, I was very doubtful that it was a legit sighting.  We tried looking around for the blackbird flock it was flying around with, but they were not around.  We did see lots of Semi-palmated Plovers on the grassy fields by the parking lots.  We tried Lido Preserve where we saw a few orioles and an unidentified flycatcher.  At Point Lookout we found a Yellow Billed Cuckoo.  

On a whim, we went into the neighborhood area, at the corner of Neptune and Anchor Roads.  I saw a small bird fly from the telephone wires into a big maple tree that caught my attention.  We both got good looks at it and it was a Yellow Bellied Flycatcher.  It was later joined by 2 Yellow Warblers and at least one Least Flycatcher.  I think I have seen a Yellow Bellied Flycatcher before once at HLSP, but didn't get satisfying looks.  At least I can say for 100% certainty that I finally have a legit lifer Yellow Bellied Flycatcher.  The bird I saw was very yelllow and had all the right field marks.

I should mention that I was up at 4am and heard some birds migrating overhead so I was hoping some new birds would turn up.

"Yard birds" Massapequa

 I heard a Bobwhite calling by my house and went to investigate - turns out a neighbor several blocks away breeds there, explaining the Bobwhite I saw around a year ago by my house.  I've been noticing Red Winged Blackbirds on my neighbors lawns - they were quite vocal too.  Around Aug 1st I saw a resident Red Bellied Woodpecker with its baby on the lamp posts.  On Aug 3rd I heard and saw a Raven flyover my house that was loosely chased by crows.

Spoonbill part 2

 I got up early before the work and couldn't go back asleep knowing the Spoonbill was probably still around.  I checked St Johns Pond but didn't find it (there were lots of Swifts).  I went to Uplands Farm Sanctuary to try to find continuing/ breeding Yellow Bellied Vireos.  I might have seen one briefly but can't say for sure since it was far away.  I did see Warbling Vireos, Barn Swallows, probable Cooper's Hawk and a Scarlett Tanager made a brief appearance.  I heard that the Spoonbill was seen on the Nassau side of Cold Spring Harbor seen from the docks on the Suffolk side.  I drove over for distant views but got to talk to Rob P and Arie who I haven't seen in a while.

Swallow-Tailed Kite

Worthy of it's own post, after Snouty and I saw the Spoonbill, we were driving south on South Woods Road and saw what I first assumed was "just an Osprey" flying over the road near the TOB Gold Course.  As we were driving closer to it, we realized it wasn't an Osprey but a Swallow-Tailed Kite gliding overhead.  It still doesn't seem real that we saw this bird but it's unmistakable.  We saw all the field marks (black on the fringes of the wings and of course "that tail".  The bird glided Northeast and we got the word out ASAP thinking anyone looking at the Spoonbill might have a chance to see it.

We tried parking by the Butera's restaurant but some guy in the car ahead of us was blocking us so it delayed us a few minutes getting out of the car.  By the time, we could check, we lost the bird.  Pat A. arrived on the scene shortly after and then we all tried our luck at Stillwell Woods, but it was gone.  I was a little upset that Pat A. didn't see it since it would have been a life bird for her.

I think I saw a Swallow-Tailed Kite years ago driving through the Everglades from Miami to Key West.  I do believe I saw the swallow tail but was only a quick glimpse.  It was nice to see this bird today since I got good looks at it and can safely call it a life bird.

Cold Spring Harbor, Roseate Spoonbill

 There had been recent reports of Roseate Spoonbills popping up in upstate New York/ northeast region recently.  One was seen by Long Beach and another at Cold Spring Harbor today.  Snouty and I didn't have much time but a Spoonbill is a great bird for my area.  We parked along 25A and went down the "George Washington Spy Trail" where we got decent views of it.

Avocet, shorebirds at Nickerson Beach

 There has been an Avocet at Nickerson Beach for a while so I went to see it.  I also found Short Billed Dowitchers (one had good color), a Stilt Sandpiper and Pectoral Sandpiper.  There was wildfires out west so the sun was obscured/ muted so I was able to take "artsy" photos was birds in front of the red sun.  I also saw a Piping Plover and Common Terns feeding their babies.

Lake George

 I went to Lake George with my family and cousins.  We had a good time and all the birding was incidental.  Highlights included a Junco, Titmice, Bald Eagles, Swifts and a group of Ravens as we ere leaving.

Upstate New York, New Jersey birding day, Bashakill, Mongaup

 Hopefully going on a birding trip with Snouty at least once a year will be an annual event.  We were disussing where to go for a while - we were considering going to Ironwood Road to get getter views/ photos of Golden Winged Warblers but reports of lots of ticks scared us away.  We decided to go to Bashakill and the surrounding area.  Bashakill was great - always nice to be there.  Highlights included Bald Eagle, Marsh Wren (heard), Virginia Rails, Ovenbirds, etc  Snouty had some intel from ebird about an Acadian Flycatcher nearby at a location with a waterfall.  I was sceptic, and we went to the location he found.  The second we got out of the car, I heard it!  A little snouting around and we got some nice views of it.  I have been trying to see an Acadian Flycatcher for years now and was treated to good views of it.  We drove to Monguap Reservoir and went on one of the trails.  There was lots of evidence of Pileated Woodpecker activity and we might have heard one but did not see it.  We did see Ovenbirds, Yellow Rumped Warblers and a Blackburnian was a nice surprise.  We ended the day at High Point State Park and that was somewhat disappointing except for seeing a type of hummingbird moth.  I think I got a few ticks there so put a bit of a damper on the day, but overall it was an epic Indiana Jones type of Adventure.

Kentucky Warbler!!!

 I have about four birds that I would consider my "nemesis" birds: Acadian Flycatcher, Connecticut Warbler, Philadelphia Vireo and Kentucky Warbler.  I've tried but struck out trying to see/ chase these birds on multiple occasions.  There was a Kentucky Warbler recently reported at Cunningham Park by Fresh Meadows, Queens but I wasn't able to go for it, plus the weather over the Memorial Day Weekend was cold and rainy.  The bird hadn't been reported on e-bird for a few days but I figured if there's any decent chance of seeing this bird, I should just go and try for it.  When I arrived at Cunningham Park I had no idea how to navigate myself to where the bird had been because the google map thing I was using wasn't working.  I drove around a little trying to find the spot and the best place to park.  I found a spot in the nearby neighborhood and crossed over a highway on a weedy pedestrian bridge to the general area where it was seen.  This area of the park was surprisingly woodsy and had lots of plants/ trees but also had narrow trails with poison ivy everywhere.  I had played the Kentucky Warbler call in the car earlier so I knew what to listen for.  I heard one bird with a call that I wasn't familiar with but it didn't sound like a Kentucky Warbler.  I walked around the curved paths in the park and basically gave up any chance I had to see the bird.  I was about to leave but gave it one last try and continued on the path when I heard a rather loud call that I thought was someone blasting a Kentucky Warbler song from a speaker.  When I realized I was alone I knew the chase was on for this bird.  I actually got so excited as I ran to where the bird was that I got light headed.  I was hearing the bird loud and clear at one spot and as I scanned with my bins I found the bird right out in the open perched on bare branches of a fallen tree.  I got the camera out to get some bad photos since it was cloudy and the area was very shaded.  As I was there, the bird was flying back and forth a bit.  I was able to get some better photos and at one point the bird flew closer to me, but I wasn't able to see it.  As I walked away it was nice to hear the bird still calling loudly.  I'm happy I finally got to see this bird (nemesis bird no more)  Hopefully I'll get lucky again soon and see some more lifers.  While I was there, I also saw Warbling Vireos, Black and White Warbler, male Redstarts, saw and heard a Wood Thrush, fledgling and nesting Robins.  Also saw my FOS Great Crested Flycatcher.

Notes from May

 I forgot the exact dates but around mid-May I was surprised to find a Blackburnian and then a Bay Breasted Warbler in the trees down the street from me.  I feel like I had better luck birding in my own neighborhood than at the preserve by my house.  I recently made a small trip to Calvert Park in Brooklyn with Snouty to try to see a continuing Western Grebe but we had bad luck that day because the bird must have decided to leave the night before. (grrr)  I expected to see a Western Grebe when I was in California so feel like a sore loser that I struck out again.

More Warblers for 2021

 I feel the need to count the types of warblers I've seen every year because some other birders might report just the numbers of warblers they've seen at a given outing.  I'm up to 14 now, with the addition of Redstart, Ovenbird, Magnolia and Chestnut Sided.  If I had to guess which is next, I would say Blackpoll.  Let's see.

Massapequa Preserve - not bad

 Before I left the house, I thought I heard a Blackpoll in my neighbor's tree but couldn't find it.  However I did see a Rose Breasted Grosbeak which is a first "yard bird" for me.  

Usually when I go to the Massapequa Preserve, I'm disappointed in the types/ numbers of birds I see, but I have to say, it's been very rewarding recently.  Today I saw my FOS Scarlett Tanager, lots of Yellow Warblers establishing their territories and 2 House Wrens getting angry at a Hairy? Woodpecker on their tree.  

Massapequa Preserve, more FOS Spring birds

 There seemed to be a good amount of male Redstarts and Barn Swallows at the preserve today (my FOS).  Also saw my FOS Warbling Vireo and Black Throated Blue and Black Throated Green Warblers.  A cooperative Catbird was around so I took his photo, why not?

Eastport: Wood Stork

 There has been a continuing Wood Stork at Beaverdam Creek near Westhampton.  I think I saw a Wood Stork briefly years ago as I was driving through the highway that cuts through the Everglades on the way to the Keys.  Since I wasn't 100% sure I had a lifer Wood Stork, I decided to make the hour trip to see this one.  I left around 5am and on the way another birder reported the Stork.  I pulled over on Montauk Highway and got good looks at it.  The photos aren't great because it was early and cloudy but at least I can safely say without any doubt that I have seen a Wood Stork.  After about 15 minutes, the stork flew south over the creek/ marsh.  I drove further down to try to relocate it but had to leave.  Interestingly, another birder reported the stork later where I briefly tried to look.  It was probably hiding in the phrags when I tried to relocate it.  Since it was still early when I got back to Massapequa, I stopped at the preserve where I saw my FOS Chestnut Sided Warbler.  

Massapequa Preserve

 Saw my FOS Overnbird and FOS Eastern Kingbird, 2 Magnolia Warblers - I think I heard a Blackpoll.  I'm fairly certain I've been hearing them in my neighbor's tree.  I'll try to confirm that ASAP.  (they seem to favor my neighbor's tree in the past)

Massapequa Preserve: Pileated Woodpecker?

 I went briefly to the preserve and saw my FOS Magnolia Warbler, Black Throated Blue and a Turkey Vulture.  Saw another bird that I couldn't 100% ID that might have been a Pileated Woodpecker.  Was about the same size and shape and white patches under it's wings.  I had to go to work so couldn't stay around to get better looks,

my Warbler list for 2021

 I know a lot of birders rack up a more impressive list in one trip, but here's a list of warblers I've seen so far this year: 
Yellow Rumped, Parula, Black Throated Green, Black Throated Blue, Yellow, Black and White, Worm Eating, Blue Winged, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Throated

a big ten, but it's only the beginning of May

Massapequa Preserve

 Stopped at the preserve but this time I went in the entrance by Jerusalem Avenue to change it up.  Saw and heard a couple Blue Winged Warblers, my FOS Black Throated Blue that flew right in front of me, FOS Common Yellowthroat and the biggest surprise was a Worm Eating Warbler that stopped and sang a little.

Massapequa Preserve and home

 Before taking my son to school I thought I heard a Parula (they have been around my house).  I couldn't find it but did see a Prairie Warbler in front of my neighbor's house.  I'll still include it on my growing yard list.  After dropping my son off at school, I went to the preserve (I'm trying to go in the morning for 15-20 min before work) Saw male and female Baltimore Orioles and a Nashville Warbler.  Later on in the day I saw a swallow sp, swift and Great Blue Heron flyover from my yard.

No Lawrence Warbler for me

 After striking out on the Kentucky Warbler, I figured the continuing Lawrence Warbler at Frank Melville Park was a sure thing.  Nope.  There were some other good birds so I wasn't too upset.  Saw Parulas, Yellow Rumped, Ruby Crowned Kinglets, Nashville Warbler, Black and White, Blue Winged Warbler, Black Throated Green (might be my favorite bird).  Some more notable sightings were Orchard Oriole and a surprise Rusty Blackbird.  

No Kentucky Warbler for me

 I got a call from Snouty that he found a Kentucky Warbler across from Maria Regina at Tackapausha.  I rushed over but we could not refind it.  I was ...not sure what the words are but it doesn't belong on my blog.  "Consolation prize" was my FOS sighting of a female Baltimore Oriole.

Massapequa Preserve

 I went to the preserve by my house before work for about 15-20 minutes.  Not a lot of time, but I'll take what I can get.  I heard and saw a loud White Eyed Vireo by the Pittsburgh Ave entrance and my FOS Catbirds.  Yellow Warblers were everywhere.  When I got home I heard my FOS Baltimore Oriole.  Also seems to be a House Wren continuing by my house.

Massapequa Preserve

 I went to my nearby preserve before work just for the "sake of birding".  I saw a and photgraphed a cooperative Red Winged Blackbird.  Just when I thought the preserve had nothing else to offer, I heard, then tracked down a mystery warbler.  I thought I found something uncommon like an Orange Crowned Warbler but was just a greenish Yellow Warbler.

Red Winged Blackbird

Red Winged Blackbird

Red Winged Blackbird

Yellow Warbler

Great Blue Heron, Massapequa

 I saw a Great Blue Heron at my son's school and didn't think much of it until the next day when anther birder posted a photo of it leaning up against the school fence.  Sadly the bird didn't make it.  Old age? something bad happen to it?  Who knows?

FOS Spring Birds

 Went around for a while, had to work hard for FOS Snowy and Great Egrets, Osprey.  I stopped by Bayard where I saw the returning Yellow Throated Warbler.

Jones Beach

 This morning I was by Jones Beach.  Driving in the area I saw a Sharp Shinned Hawk and a very large Raven feeding on a roadkill? rabbit near the tower.  From Wantagh Parkway I saw my FOS Great Egret in the marsh at Wantagh Park.

Backyard Birding

Just a few notes from the last couple of days.  I've been seeing a pair of House Finches making a nest by my yard recently - I wonder if they're the same pair I've seen the last couple of years, I would like to think so.  I had a bunch of Fish Crows in my area the other day.  I also saw a group of 12 large birds fly over today -they were high end but my guess is that they were migrating Great Blue Herons, moving from the southwest to the northeast.

Random photos

 I've been trying to go birding a little bit before singing into work.  Here's some recent photos.

Massapequa Preserve: Red Throated Loon

 With the arrival of some signs of spring (Cardinals singing, Robins on the grass, Red Winged Blackbirds and Grackles returning) I went to the preserve the last couple of days if anything just to see and hear Red Winged Blackbirds.  I went this morning to the "Doris Place" pond and as I was leaving saw a Red Throated Loon at the edge of the stream.  It went into the water as soon as I stopped so didn't great photos, but I was surprised to see one at this spot.

Baldwin Spotted Towhee, Propsect Park Mew/ Common Gull

 I had the chance to go out birding for a little while so took advantage of it.  I picked Snouty up early in the morning and we went for the continuing yet secretive (not a marsh bird) Spotted Towhee at Baldwin Park.  I had tried before but figured it would be nice to see since it had been sighted recently (thanks for the post Rob P)  We creeped up the path threw the snow and Snouty spotted it.  I couldn't see it well from where I was so I moved up but it caused the towhee to fly from the path into the brush (oh shit)  We spent some time waiting for it but didn't come up.  We moved up the path and we found it again , this time I got good looks and some half decent photos.  Although not a lifer for me, this was my first female Spotted Towhee and it's also always nice to add another NY bird to the list.  While we were waiting we saw 2 Ravens call and fly over.  We also met John G which is always pleasant.

We went to Lido Marina, Nickerson and Malibu to try for some recently sighted Pipits and Lapland Longspurs but all we found were a mixed flock of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings.  We were going to go to Tobay/ Teddy Roosevelt to try for the Rough Legged Hawk but saw an NY listserv report that the continuing Mew/ Common Gull was easily seen at the Prospect Park lake.  This has been a bird both Snouty and I have tried for over the years at different sites in Brooklyn but haven't had much luck with.  Since it was a lifer for me and Snouty wanted it as a NY bird we decided to make a go at it.  We arrived at Prospect Park where we found a bunch of birders on the other side of the lake.  (lets hope Doug G is stil there or at least other birders who have it in their scope!)  After trudging through some snow and ice and going past a crazy dude relieving himself on a tree we made it to the group of birders.  We didn't want to be rude and "demand" to know where the Mew Gull was but seemed like they were seeing it.  Before I could get on it, the whole flock flew up into the air (I was thinking I'll never see this $*$*%#* bird)  but luckily the Mew Gull landed back on the ice in a better spot!  I thought I had it in my scope from what others were saying but I asked Doug G to assist who confirmed I was looking at the right bird.  (thanks Doug)  btw, he has been helping a lot of other birders find this mew gull.  I got decent looks at it before we called it a day.  Was not impressed with the bird itself, but happy that it was a European type and it's my second lifer for the year, already tying out with my 2 lifers for 2020.  I'll take that for now!

Spotted Towhee

Spotted Towhee

Mew Gull in it's usual pose

Mew Gull showing beak

Mew Gull showing beak