Massapequa Preserve: JUST SPARROWS!!!

 I had some time before work this morning so walked over the preserve "just to go birding".  I heard Yellow Rumped Warblers and saw some as well as a Ruby Crowned Kinglet but the nicest things I saw were a good amount of Swamp Sparrows by the "Doris Place Pond".  They were also vocal chirping to each other.  I also saw some White Throated Sparrows incluyding one that had a nice yellow lore?.  When I got home, I heard some Juncos in my yard.  I briefly saw some the other day, but still haven't got a good look at them yet in my yard.  They're always nice to see.  I'm considering buying bird seed like I did last winter - never know what might show up.

Jones Beach West End: Godwit no, Dickcissel yes

 I went to the Jones Coast Guard area early Sunday morning hoping to at least see the continuing Marbled Godwits that have been reported - no luck - only saw Oystercatchers, Black Bellied PLovers, Sanderlings? and my FOS Brants.  I did find a Red Breasted Nuthatch by the beginning of Fisherman's path  - there didn't seem too many of them last year. 

I went over to the Nature Center at West End 2 to try to find a continuing Dickcissel - upon arriving, I saw a small group of photographers camped out so went towards their direction but on the deck of the nature center.  I did see the Dickcissel fairly well from my vantage point - didn't get the best photos.  I did hear it "sing" a little which I think was my first time hearing one.  There was a new update around the nature center which featured native grasses and plants - I was actually impressed how nice it looked and how it attracted a variety of sparrows.  On the way out, I saw a Common Yellowthroat.

Hofstra University Bird Sanctuary: Northern Waterthrush, Chat

 My son is in Boy (not Cub) Scouts and was involved in a project where the scouts planted a native garden and installed bat/ bird and bee houses at the Hofstra University Bid Sanctuary.  I have to admit when I went to school there, they announced that they converted a sump into a "bird sanctuary".  It was still a sump when I went to school there however I have to say it paid off after time and was a pleasant surprise to visit there.  There's some wooden paths that lead you down to a wet area.  The amount and variety of birds were impressive.  There was a professor on hand who I talked to that had just sighted a downy woodpecker and invited me to check it out.  To me, they're a dime a dozen so I went down the path to look forward and was impressed right away.  I didn't see the woodpecker but did see goldfinches, phoebes, yellow rumped warblers, robins, house finches but the biggest surprises were a "late" Northern Waterthrush by the reeds and "pond" and a Chat! that was in the northwest corner eating berries.  I tried to get a photo of the Chat, but don't think I did (I have to go back and check my photos on the computer) but I did see it clearly a couple of times.  Good job Hofstra.

Massapequa Preserve

 I met Snouty at the preserve since it was nice and sunny - we tried looking in the "Connecticut Warbler spot" but had no luck - 2 groups of people with unleashed dogs didn't help.  Before he arrived, I saw an oriole and a thrush with spots on it's chest/ belly - presumably a Swainson's Thrush?  The rest of the time we saw Cedar Waxwings, Robins and Red Eye Vireos feeding on the berries at "the fruiting tree".

Massapequa Preserve

 I went to the preserve in the morning for a little while - it has been a year since 2 Connecticut Warblers (possibly 3) were seen at the preserve.  I did a decent search of the area but no luck.  (north side of the Pittsburgh Ave Pond.  I did see a group of around 7 or 8 Green Winged Teals that seemed skittish but the highlight was a Philly Vireo by the Pittusburgh Ave entrance near the "fruiting tree".  Later on at home, I saw a group of 5 ravens - this is the second time I saw them recently.  There's a larger one that flys off on it's own while the other 4 go there way.

Massapequa Preserve: Philly Vireo

 I had lost a lot of my recent notes so would have posted more sightings here recently.  Unfortunately in most cases, when I update my blog is a week+ after the sighting.  I was happy to find a notable bird on my own since I have been largely checking out ebird etc for rare bird sightings.  Neat the Pittsburgh Ave entrance at the preserve, there's a large tree with berries in the fall that attracts a lot of songbirds, mostly Robins, Catbirds, Cedar Waxwings, Scarlett Tanager, Red Eye Vireo etc.  When checking out the action I saw a thrush of some type (Swainson's?) in the mix but in the shrubby area to the right/ north of the tree I glimpsed a quick view of what I'm fairly certain was a Philly Vireo (saw the "eyeline" and yellowish front)  I also saw a Ruby Crowned Kinglet which more will follow.

Massapequa/ Home

 I saw 4 Ravens flying by my house moving towards the preserve - later on, I saw a single Raven.  I also saw a Red Tailed Hawk soaring overhead and what I presume was a Cooper's Hawk.

Massapequa/ home

 For the last 2 days, there has been a Common Yellowthroat in my crape myrtles feeding on the yellowjacks/ other bugs that are attracted to the flowers.

Massapequa Preserve

 I went to the preserve before work - highlight was a Veery that was in the "shrubs" next to the Pittsburgh Place pond.  They're weren't the Veery song that they're known for - it was more of a bunch of toots and tweets - similar to what I imagine they sound like when they migrate at night.

Massapequa Preserve

 Great day at the preserve!!! saw Redstarts, Black and White Warblers, 1 Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwings, Blackburnian, Cape May (was "dull" but saw the stripes on it's body, Nashville, Blue Headed Vireo, Pewee and 2 Wood Ducks.

home/ Massapequa

 After the preserve, I was feeling a little unsatisfied, so I spent some time on the patio in my yard - I was delighted to see at least 3 Hummingbirds flyover as well as a Baltimore Oriole that was in my neighbor's and my tree.

Massapequa Preserve

 There were a lot less birds/ warblers today but still "good" for Massapequa Preserve.  I was happy to see a male Redstart (been seeing LOTS of females/ immatures) I think I saw 2 Canada Warblers and a Nashville.....the birds have been bouncing around like crazy - hard to get photos.  There were a good amount of Great Crested Flycatchers - when I think about it, they're one of those birds that are overlooked because they're "common" and not appreciated by many birders because they're not rare - but that's my opinion.  On the way out, I saw a Cooper's Hawk

Massapequa Preserve, migration

 The last 2 days have been unsually cool for Long Island in August..but that has helped push through some early migrants.  I was working in the office yesterday and there was a lot of sightings so I took advantage this morning since I was WFH and went to the preserve before work.  It was hopping a lot with a lot of activity.  I saw swifts and swallows, Red Eyed and a Warbling Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher but the highlight was a lot of warblers: Magnolia, Black Throated Greens, Black and Whites, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow, Chestnut Sided, female Redstarts, a Parula, a Blackburnian and a surprise Canada Warbler and 1 or 2 Blue Winged Warblers (11 warbler species)

Home, Cedar Waxwings

 I heard and saw a group of 4-5 Cedar Waxwings fly over by my house - while not rare or uncommon, they're always a nice surprise to see!

Massapequa Ravens

 Ravens are somewhat new for Long Island - these were somewhat recently considered rare here but are quite common now.  The other day I saw 4 flyover my house from the direction of the preserve.  Today, I heard weird noises that reminded me of a turkey - when I went out to investigate I found a HUGE Raven a couple blocks away that eventually landed on my neighbor's roof.  Was the largest Raven I ever remember seeing.

Backyard Feeder

 I put the rest of my bird seed out into the feeder and within a short time, had house sparrows, grackles, red winged blackbirds including a female, doves, house finches, cardinals, blue jays and a bonus chipmunk visit.  There were also 4 Ravens circling above - assuming not related to the feeder.  Later on, a bird seemed to approach me and didn't seem afraid - it was a female Cowbird that seemed to want something from me (from my anthropormorphic mind)  I put some water out but didn't seem to want it.  It followed me a little and then got some seeds from the feeder.  It stayed on one of the patio chairs and flew off by night time.  Nice little visitor.

Upstate New York, Sullivan County/ Great Swamp Preserve, New Jersey

 I went on a trip with my son upstate New York to check out the area and show him my grandparents old trailer house and mostly do general horseplay/ guy stuff.  We saw Turkey Vultures from the car on the drive up and stopped at Mongaup Reservoir aka "Forestburgh Lake".  We saw a Bald Eagle there and walked the trail going up to the dam to avoid ticks.  We didn't see many birds but heard a Pewee which is a bird special to me because I remember hearing them as a kid when I visited my grandparents house.  My attention changed to butterflies since we were seeing a lot and I know from a fellow birder's blog that I met that this time of year is "butterfly season" in Sullivan County and there was a group doing a survey of them.  On his blog, "Bashakill Birder" he noted there were some rare ones found, some that hadn't been seen in 20? years.  My son was intent on going to Ice Cave Mountains so we drove there next.  Along the way, I realized we were on Route 209 which is adjacent to Bashakill so we stopped briefly on Haven Road (my "go to" spot) there.  We saw Red Winged Blackbirds, heard a Marsh Wren, and heard some honking/ grunting which I assumed was a Virginia Rail but never came out in view.

My son was patient but was ready to move on so we proceeded to Ice Cave Mountains.  Well,,,,that was an experience...there are signs that it is a treacherous trail which I scoffed at but was later humbled by when trying to go through the trails in the caverns - it was also hot as *$*$* on top of the mountain and the fly were annoying.  I made the best of it, hoping to see a Barred Owl or Pileated Woodpecker but had no luck with them.  I saw Turkey Vultures from the mountain top and there was some Towhees calling.  We were also treated to a weasel sighting by the caverns - it posed and looked at me but my damn camera couldn't focus in time - would have been a great photo - I'm still pissed about it.  On the trail, I heard Pewees, chickadees, and some type of warbler but could not ID but sound/ and couldn't get a look.

Next stop on the way home was Great Swamp Preserve where I had always wanted to go - it seems to be a good spot for Barred Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers but we didn't see either.  The driving app took us to a back trail, but that was pleasant since it was a wooden boardwalk type trail that was in a shaded forest.  We were treated to hearing Wood Thrushes which my son never heard before.  We left that part and went to the visitor center, but wasn't excited too much by it. We did see Purple Martins however.  We were ready to leave to get home so we drove what I assumed was a road through the preserve but wasn't.  Only other bird we saw was a Great Blue Heron.

Turks and Caicos

 I went on a trip to Turks and Caicos with my family - my wife had always wanted to go to see the beautiful beaches there.  When we arrived at JFK I saw Laughing Gulls and the first bird I saw when I landed at the Turks airport was also a Laughing Gull.  When we drove to the hotel I saw a mockingbird that I was hoping was a Bahama Mockingbird but during the trip all I saw were Northern.  At the hotel I saw Gray Kingbirds which seemed to be everywhere during the trip.  At night, we saw a Yellow Crowned Night Heron having a drink from the pool.  On Sunday, my wife and I were parking the car at the side of the hotel and we saw a bunch of Smooth Billed Anis - I went back with my camera to get better than iphone pics - the side of the hotel seemed to be a good spot for them.  Around the hotel during our stay I saw Green Herons, Kestrels which seemed unusally common there, and Eurasian Collared Doves.  At the beach I saw Royal Terns and at least a few Least Terns.  Not sure if it was a tern or Sullid but saw some bird over the ocean that I assumed at the time was a Sullid/ Brown Booby but not 100% sure now.  Only gulls I saw during the trip were Laughing Gulls.  White Crowned Pigeons occasionally flew past the hotel.  Right before sunset at dusk I saw 2 Antillean Nighthawks fly by which was a nice surprise.

At night, we went to a restaurant Mango Reef which has seating on a dock.  A Yellow Crowned Night Heron was walking around and we fed it some meat and seafood (he did not like/ want bread)  My son fed him by hand.  He became our dinner buddy and we nicknamed him "Teddy".

On Monday morning, I met another birder who we saw some of the Anis with.  He was from Pennsylvania and recommended going to Bird Rock Trail for birding.  I had hoped to go to the nearby golf course for birding since there were some good ebird reports but seemed to be off limits which he agreed.

Later that day, my family and I took a boat to Iguana Island.  Along the way I saw what I assumed was a Great Blue Heron but not 100% sure now since there doesn't seem to be summer ebird reports.  Part of me is hoping I saw a Reddish Egret but have to assume I didn't.  On the way to Iguana Island I saw Laughing Gulls and Royal Terns.  After landing my family and I saw lots of Rock Iguanas which are endemic and endangered.  I also saw a Wilson's Plover and it's baby, as well as an Oystercatcher.

Next morning, I planned on birding at Bird Rock Trail  -I looked out the window of the hotel and saw a Green Heron hunting outside in the shrubs - I took that as a good sign for the day.  I drove a short distance to Bird Rock Trail - when I got out I heard and briefly saw a vireo - wasn't sure if it was Black Whiskered or Thick Billed but then a confiding Thick Billed Vireo landed right in front of me (literally) and I was able to get good photos of my life bird.  I saw a small thing fly by which I assumed was a hummingbird (assuming Bahama Woodstar by default)  I also assumed that during the time on the trail, that I missed some life birds - I heard some, but did not see them and wasn't able to ID them by sound.  The Merlin App I downloaded and updated with the Caribbean bird "file" totally failed me.  When I got to the marshy section I saw some fish in the water and a red land type crab.  I saw a Tri-colored Heron, not the Reddish Egret I was hoping for.  The trail wasn't pleasant  - lots of random rocks so you have to pay attention, but wasn't too bad either.  When I got to the end of the trail, there was a nice view of the sea and I could see the rusted shipwreck in the distance that is advertised as a tourist attraction.  I saw a couple of pelicans and laughing gulls.  I gave up on seeing tropic-birds but as I was leaving I heard an "odd tern call" and sure enough got to see 2 White Tailed Tropicbirds within a short distance sometimes. On the way back down, I saw a Willet, Bananaquits, and heard a bird I assumed was a Yellow Warbler. I also saw the tropicbirds again flying over the cliff.  I heard vireos all around as I got to my car.  I drove around the area hoping to find one of my trip wish birds, the Cuban Crow but didn't have any luck.  I did find a ditch type pond that had 2 Black Necked Stilts in it.  On my last day I went around the hotel property hoping to see Anis as a goodbye ending but just saw and heard Grey Kingbirds and a Eurasian Collared Dove.

In summary, I was happy to get 4 or 5 lifers depending on whether I count the brief assumed sightings of Bahama Woodstar, but was also very disappointed.  Most of the websites about birding Turks and Caicos seem to hype it up too much.  The birds seem very scarce on the island - not sure why.  If I got in my back yard in Massapequa, I can see more species of birds in 30 minutes than I did in the 5 days in Turks - I guess I should consider myself lucky.  I was also comparing my birding in Turks and Caicos to Aruba and Aruba is definitely a better bird watching location.  Life birds were Smooth Billed Anis, Antillean Nighthawk, Thick Billed Vireo, White Tailed Tropicbird and assuming I saw Bahama Woodstars.

Sparrow

 I heard a bird outside on my patio - went outside and saw a female House Sparrow flapping its wings, chirping, and sitting on the arm of my patio chair - she didn't seemed bothered by me - since it was hot out, I assumed it was thirsty so I got a small container for water and gave it to the bird by hand, it seemed to have a sip and then flew away.

Flamingo, Georgica Pond, East Hampton

 I had some time in the morning and the continuing flamingo was still reported - since I hadn't seen it well at Cedat/ Gilgo Beach I decided to go and have a look. After dealing with disgusting hamptons traffic, bad navigation on my iphone, a parking ticket compliments of East Hampton's finest, I was able to see the flamingo a lot better but was still somehwat distant.  Most of the time I was there it had it's necka dn head tucked in but a few brief times I was able to see it's head/ beak and get a couple of photos.  Cool bird - overall was worth the trouble and effort.  I also saw a Royal Tern calling that flew right over me.

Bryant Park - Mourning Warbler - X

 There were reports of Mourning Warblers continuing at Bryant Park - there was a male in "good plumage" in the locust trees in front of the library.  I took a chance after work and drove over there but gave up because there were too many people around and didn't want to deal with them.  

Cedar Beach Marina

 I was able to get out early in the morning, so I went to Cedar Beach hoping the flamingo was back but it wasn't.  I did some several groups of Glossy Ibis fly by, heard a Clapper Rail, saw a Little Blue Heron and Tri-Colored Heron flyover and heard a Willow Flycatcher calling from the shrubs by the parking lot - still haven't actually seen one yet this year.

"The Flamingo"

 There were reports of a flamingo out by Georgica Pond, East Hampton, around Captree Island, then at Cape Cod? and then again today at Cedar Beach Marina - assuming it is the same bird for now.  It was reported today..initial chasers didn't see it but someone from out of the area saw it in the distance with a scope towards Robert Moses Bridge.  After work I raced over there where other birders were viewing it from the platform that goes out into the marsh.  I couldn't see it with my meager spare bins I keep in the car so another birder Pat Lindsay let me use her scope.  I tried many times to see it despite her obvious/ clear viewing instructions (I still feel bad for taking her time and effort up).  Finally I saw "it" very far in the distance.  not the best or even good looks at all but enough to say "I saw it".  I believe I saw a flamingo once flying over when I was in Arub but couldn't confirm it enough to personally consider it a "lifer".  I do count me seeing the flamingo today enough that I would count it as a lifer.  I couldn't make out the shape well but the colors popped enough in the twilight hours that I know I was "seeing" the bird.  Other birders were posting negative sightings on the whatsapp group I'm on - I had a feeling they should check out the vantage points from the end of the dock that sticks into marsh....looking back I should have  - I just assumed everyone else would have searched the same way I would.

Massapequa Preserve

 Went into the preserve by Pittsburgh Ave and heard a White Eyed Vireo continuously calling - got to eventually see as well as a Common Yellowthroat.

today from my house in Massapequa

 WFH today...apprently was a big migration overnight - other birders saying Jones Beach "birdy" etc.  I have my windows open and hearing all sorts of birds including several Baltimore Orioles and guessing Parulas in the area, but not able to get outside to check/ see them.

Jones Coast Guard/ West End, Lido Preserve/ Nickerson

 I went out early in the morning to see if I could refind the continuing Summer Tanager at Jones West End/ Coast Guard - I didn't but saw what I believe was a continuing Indigo Bunting that was occasionally singing in the hedgerow.  No shorebirds on the sandbar.  I went over to Lido hoping to see my FOS Glossy Ibis, but saw my FOS Snowy Egret, also heard a Clapper Rail sounding off in the marsh as well as some Terns - not sure which type.  I stopped by Nickerson and saw my FOS Willetts in the flooded area on the beach as well as what I assume are the Common Terns that come back every summer to Nickerson.

Massapequa/ Massapequa Preserve

 I had some time before work so went to the present for a while - went to my local birding "patch" by the Pittsburgh Ave entrance.  I was tired but heard an odd bird singing outside that motivated me getting outside even though it was chilly out.  Found the bird right away that turned out to be a House Wren checking out my 2 bird houses and feeder.  Hopefully it makes a home in one of them.

At the preserve I heard then eventually saw my FOS Yellow Warblers.  Also heard a Towhee and saw my FOS Catbird.  There was a swan on the pond that relentlessly chased down a Canada Goose - another Canada Goose also joined in picking on the goose - not nice.

When I got home, I heard and saw a Kingfisher fly over my house - might be a yard bird first, have to check a list I keep (if I can find it).

Massapequa

 I was planning on going birding to Jones Beach or somewhere like that before work, but was tired so delayed a bit.  I finally decided to get out and go to the preserve for a while since it was a bright sunny morning - not too much to report, saw some RedWinged Balckbirds squabbling - I assume over territory.  Also saw 2 Yellow Warblers  - one seemed to follow the other around.  The most notable "sighting" was hearing 1 or 2 Killdeer in the area - I've seen them nest at nearby Lockhart Elementary School (eggs on the roof)  I'm assuming they come back every year.

Summer Tanager Jones Beach/ Blue Grosbeak NYC

 There were reports of a Summer Tanager at Jones Beach West End the previous day so I drove over to try my luck and was able to find it very easily in the median.

There was a continuing Blue Grosbeak around 6th St/ 2nd Ave in NYC.  I had my camera and got a couple of photos of it after work.  The story was that there was a dead female bird presumably it's mate that collided into a window and died and the male stuck around for a while. Feel sorry for the guy bird who was missing his "wife".

Lazuli Bunting in Flanders

 There were reports of a continuing Lazuli Bunting at someone's feeders in Flanders/ Riverhead.  The owners and surrounding neighbor's were very welcoming/ tolerant of all the other birders that came to see it.  I'm glad I got to see it when I did because it was gone the next day.  Lifer for me.  The bird would appear every 20-30 minutes and go behind another neighbor's house.  A female Rose Breasted Grosbeak also visited the feeder.

Swainson's Warbler in Brooklyn

 There were reports of a cooperative Swainson's Warbler at the Brooklyn Bridge Park for a couple of days - as luck would have it, I was able to drive there and see it.  It was cooperative for a bird with such a skulky reputation.  At one point it walked towards me and was only a couple of feet away.  This was a lifer for me and I'm glad I saw it since it was a bird that I doubted I might ever get to see.

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.

Massapequa/ Preserve

 Early this morning before work, I had some time so checked out the "pond" by the LIRR/ Massapequa Fire Dept.  I heard a woodpecker that sounded like it was in a utility canister - weird.  It's a good spot for Green Winged Teal and sure enough I saw 3 of them.  I stopped by the lake by Brady Park  - saw an older couple feeding the swans - the guy was asking me to use my bins to check if one of the swans had fishing line wrapped on it's leg - I didn't see it and he was bothering me so I had to leave.  I saw a Great Horned Owl on the way out - I assume the mom who had 2 babies last year.  I stopped by the pond by Pittsburgh Ave - lots of dog waste around - gross.

Jones Beach Field 10/ West End

 I went by Jones Beach to try to find a couple of Snow Geese, but didn't have any luck.  I did catch a glimpse of my FOS Phoebe in the median.  I scanned the water by the Coast Guard Station for a Horned Grebe that was reported yesterday, but didn't see it - I did see a Surf Scoter which is not rare, but still a nice surprise.  Someone had apparently left some bird seed or something in the parking lot recently which attracted a bunch of sparrows, red winged blackbirds and cowbirds.  I went to the platform viewing area that overlooks the "J" Pond - I saw a couple of Killdeer on the dunes and a good amount of Gannets over the ocean - they always seem like they're over the beach from this vantage point.  

After leaving the traffic circle on Ocean Parkway and heading north on Wantagh Pkwy, I saw my FOS Osprey on an old nest by the bay.

some notes from around home

 Just some notes that there has been a Red Tailed Hawk in my area - seems to scan the neighborhood and then lands in the preserve close to Parkside Blvd/ Commonwealth.   I also saw a Redwinged Blackbird at my feeder the other day - first for my feeder.

Jones Beach Field 10: Short Billed Dowitchers, TOBAY Beach

 I went to Jones Beach Field 10 before work this morning to try to find 2 continuing Short Billed Dowitchers - after a little while and some searching I found them.  I got a couple of photos from some distance, but didn't move closer so I wouldn't disturb them.  (don't want to mess with them just for the sake of a photo) I scanned the area for any Godwits/ gulls etc anything unusual.  I drove to TOBAY Beach with the hopes of seeing some Razorbills but didnt see any.  Saw Long Tailed Ducks and guesing a flyby Scoter.

Swainson's Hawk, Brooklyn - notes

 There were reports of a Swainson's Hawk at the Recycling facility in Brooklyn where one was reported last year - I did not got to see it this time (yet) but have to assume it's the same one from last year.

Hempstead Lake State Park: Painted Bunting

 There were reports of a female Painted Bunting at HLSP yesterday - I went early in the morning where I met another birder who had just seen it, but had flown into the woods.  After a while, the Painted Bunting popped up briefly, but I wasn't able to get a photo (other birder blocking me)  This Painted Bunting was my 4th on Long Island (only saw them here on LI) and was described by another birder as the dullest birder he had ever seen.  Before I saw the bunting, I went on my own to look around and found about 30? White Throated Sparrows on the grass - I heard the Bunting was associating with sparrows so I spent my time scanning around but then had some loser dog walker unleash their dog so it could chase a squirrel.  He told me his dog likes to chase the squirrels, but I just said, oh great, thats fantastic - the guy didn't pick up on my sarcasm.  I tried looking for a Red Shouldered Hawk that was seen in the area the day before but no luck.  I did see a Great Blue Heron and immature Bald Eagle fly by.  I also saw Ring Necked Ducks, Geese, Mallards, Hooded Mergansers, a bright male Cardinal and a Kingfisher that wasn't photo-cooperative.  Another birder spotted a pair of Common Mergansers fly overhead - I haven't seen those in a while.

Mill Pond/ Jones Beach Coast Guard Station

 I stopped by Mill Pond, Wantagh early today to try to find the continuing Common Gallinule.  I scanned the west side of the pond where it had been reported.  I didn't see it so as I was leaving I saw something odd walking on the island in the middle of the pond.  I put my bins on it and it was the Common Gallinule.  I had since matured a bit since I last saw it last year - the red shield was prominent.  Grew up to be a good looking bird.  There were also some Ring Necked Ducks (other ducks/ gulls/ birds also present).  Mill Pond seems to be good spot for them.  Towards the northeast corner of the pond I heard my "FOS" Red Winged Blackbirds calling - they're back and starting to set up their territories.  When I have a chance, I'll check out my local patches at Massapequa Preserve to see if they're also back by me.  I went by Jones Beach Coast Guard to try to find the Audubon Warbler etc - I didn't find it, but did see a Fox Sparrow in the hedgerow.  There were mostly lots of House Finches and "regular" type Yellow Rumped Warblers.  When I got home I heard a Cardinal calling.  Hopefully this means winter is leaving and spring will be back soon.

Jones Beach Field 10/ Coast Guard Station/ West End

 I went by Jones Beach in the morning to check out any continuing birds/ sightings.  I went to Field 10 where a Short Billed Dowitcher was reported yesterday but wasn't there today.  I saw some Black Bellied Plovers and a Dunlin on the rocks near the NE corner of the parking lot.  Across the channel, I saw 3 continuing Marbled Godwits - I saw them fairly well since it was bright and sunny out.  I headed over to the Coast Guard Station to try to find the continuing Audubon's Warbler and a Murre that was reported yesterday but didn't see/ find them.  I assume at this point the Western Tanager is either hiding a lot or not there any more.  I went around the west end road a few times and the parking lots hoping to see anything unusual or perhaps Snow Buntings which I have not seen yet this season.  I did see a flock of House Finches with one of the males having somewhat orange-ey coloring.

Massapequa Preserve/ Bethpage Trail/Massapequa

 I went to the preserve for a little while by the Pittsburtgh Ave entrance. I heard a Raven, but didn't see it at first (I later saw it on the way out and got a good look at its diamond shaped tail) A jogger approached some ducks and they scattered - I went up to them/ waved and they came up to me.  I stopped at the Bethpage Trail by the Plainview Animal Hospital since I was picking up my dog's regular meds.  I had always wanted to check that site out but left unimpressed.  Just saw a bunch of White Throated Sparrows and heard a hawk/ Blue Jay? in the distance.  Upon returning home, I saw a Yellow Bellied Sapsucker land in a neighbor's tree - haven't seen one in a while.

Jones Beach Field 10, Coast Guard Station

 There were reports today of continuing Pipits at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station lawn.  I haven't seen Pipits in a while so figured I should try for them.  They're cool little birds.  I stopped by Field 10 to do the "usual" Marbled Godwit search and sure enough I finally saw them (damn it).  They were very unsatisfying looks since they were so far away but they were next to Oystercatchers so I had good comparison for size and not much else this time of year would have such a tawny coloring.  From the photos I took with my Canon Powershot with up to 200x zoom, I think there was at least 6 of them.  I checked the lot for gulls and they jumped on my car and gathered around as soon as I opened the window.  (it was below freezing and I'm getting over a cold so I stayed in my car)  I saw one was banded and assumed it to be a juvenile Herring Gull.  I reported the bands and posted on the "North American Gulls" FB page.  Will be cool to find out more info on this bird - it was really cute and had some rizz.  I think I might have only reported bands once or twice before - will try that more often.  

At the Coast Guard Station I first found one confiding Pipit right away and then 3 others.  I tried looking for the continuing Western Tanager and Audubon's Warbler with no luck.  (the Audubon's Warbler was ebirded earlier in the day)  I saw a Ruby Crowned Kinglet at the bushes that the warbler frequents.  Around the area I saw several Harriers around.  Not a bad birding experience for such a short amount of time. (hour round trip)

Bird feeder at my house

 The other day I filled the feeder too much and a lot of the bird seed went on the ground.  This morning, I saw a lot of birds including Cardinals, Blue Jays, White Throated Sparrows, Juncos AKA "Snowbirds", Mourning Doves, Pigeons, House Sparrows and my resident Song Sparrow.

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station

 I went to the Coast Guard Station before work to try to find anything unusual (like I always do)  I stopped by the Fishing lot at Field 10 to try for the continuing Marbled Godwits without any luck.  I did see some female type Boat Grackles on the dock.  I went by the Coast Guard Station to try to find anything unusual.  I saw a Horned Grebe which I haven't seen in a while.  I went down the Fisherman's path around to the other side of the Coast Guard Station to see anything in the inlet.  I saw a Common Eider and some Black Scoters - one of the male Scoters was vocalizing - the first time I remember hearing one.  On the way out I didn't see the Western Tanager who has been hard to find recently, but did see the Audubon's Warbler and was able to get better photos then previous times I saw it. (guessing lighting was better - not too bright)

Cooper's Hawk around the neighborhood

 There has been a continuing Cooper's Hawk in my neighborhood recently - it has gone after the birds at the neighbor's and my feeders a few times.

Jones Beach this morning

 I went to Jones Beach Field 10 to try to find the continuing Marbled Godwits - all I saw were 2 Yellowlegs that flew from the curved shoreline out to the marshy area.  Oddly, someone ebirded the godwits at the same time I was there so apparently I either need a scope or I'm looking in the wrong area.  I stopped by the Coast Guard Station - did a quick scan on the spit/ sandbar and water for the continuing immature male King Eider but didn't see it.  However, I stayed in the car and scanned the hedgerows and saw a Yellow Rump looking bird fly in - it was the continuing Audubon's Warbler with a regular type Yellow Rumped Warbler along with some House Finches.  They were in the cedar bushes presumably eating berries.

Random photos from Massapequa

 I uploaded my photos a while ago to my laptop and wanted to share some photos I took around Massapequa - most are from Massapequa Lake.  (yes, that Herring Gull is missing a foot)

First photos for 2024

 These are my first photos for 2024.  A Great Black Backed Gull out of focus and the second photo in focus.  I noticed another gull and a few Black Scoters in the background of the out of focus photo when I uploaded these to my laptop.

Happy New Year!!!

 2023 was an interesting year - I saw a bunch of birds.  While I only 8 lifers, they included a few that were my nemesis birds especially Limpkin, Audobon's Yellow Rumped Warbler and most notably I finally saw a Connecticut Warbler.  I have chased Connecticut Warblers on many occasions only to not find them.  It seemed fairly easy to see the one at the World Trade Center Memorial.  This was the first year that I did a "year list".  I was surprised to find that I had only counted around 140 species the entire year.  I assumed it would be much higher - I suppose if I made more effort and chased every bird sighting that it would be much higher, but I don't enjoy chasing sightings unless it's a life bird. (and I don't have much free time)  The first bird I photographed was a Great Black Backed Gull at Jones Beach Coast Guard Station while I was trying to find the continuing Western Tanager and an immature male King Eider.  I didn't see either one of them.  But that's how birding is sometimes - win some, lose some - a bird can be out in the open for some and then the next person to try for it won't see it. (like the MacGillvray's Warbler)

I'm now up to 448 life birds.  I don't have much hope for seeing a lot of new birds for 2024 unless I travel somewhere on vacation. (thinking Italy?)  If I get at least 2 more, I'll hit 450 which sounds nice.  Who knows what the new year will bring.  I'm including a few photos for fun.