Richard DeKorte Park, NJ: Curlew Sandpiper

Recently, I went to HLSP, Jones Beach, Muttontown and Heckscher State Park.  The highlights were 2 Bay Breasted Warblers at HLSP.  There has been some rarities in the area including a Swainson's Warbler in CP, Sage Thrasher and Burrowing Owl at Jaybay, Wilson's Plover at Cupsogue.  I went with Snouty to try for the Sage Thrasher but it wasn't seen today but we went to Richard DeKorte after to try for a Curlew Sandpiper that was seen 2 days? in a row.  We found others birders who had their sights on the Curlew and we were about to get decent scope views but it soon disappeared.  Other highlights were Marsh Wrens in the actual preserve and 2 random Ravens I saw on Long Island. - Jones Beach and Wantagh. 

Timber Point: Common Greenshank

I was notified of a report of a Common Greenshank at Timber Point golf course - at first I didn't think I could go but a series of unusual circumstances made it possible.  I didn't stay long but got decent looks at it.  It stood out from surrounding Greater Yellowlegs because it was much paler.  I could also see that the bird was more upturned than the Yellowlegs.  I was especially happy to get this lifer since there were reports of Golden Winged Warblers and Kentucky Warblers in the NYC area that I would like to see but wasn't able to.

Common Greenshank (center)

Early Spring Migration (mid April - May)

I haven't had many chances to go birding so I take every opportunity I can get even if it's for a short time in the local (Massapequa) preserve.  The biggest surprise was a female Purple Finch, also saw a Towhee.
 
There has been a Black Necked Stilt at the Nickeron parking lot that has since moved to Lido Preserve. 

Behind Metrotech, Brooklyn, I saw what I believe to be 2 Sandhill Cranes heading west.

I visited Bayard Arboretum and caught a quick glimpse of the annual Yellow Throated Warbler from the entrance. 

Yellow Warblers, Warbling Vireos, Baltimore Orioles, Northern Parulas, Chimney Swifts, and Forster's Terns are now obvious in the preserve, also had a male Redstart.  I also saw and heard Baltimore Orioles, Chimney Swifts, and Northern Parulas in my neighborhood. 

Manorville: Red Crossbills!

There were reports of Red Crossbills at the Paumanok Trail in Manorville - I had missed/ dipped on the Red Crossbills that had been at Jones Beach earlier in the winter so when I saw these were continuing, I made sure to try for them - I saw them - at least a handful on my first try.  Also seen were Pine Siskins and Bluebirds.  Since then, there has been at least one pair that hopefully will stick around and have babies, however, I don't plan on going back because of birders getting ticks on them.

Red Crossbill pair

Oyster Bay: Pacific Loon, Part 2

I had to go back and get a decent photo...as soon as I got home, there was a report of a Pileated Woodpecker at Shu Swamp - I didn't go back since I wanted to be home with my kids and had stuff to do...loon continues at least until Feb 13th. 

Pacific Loon

Pacific Loon

Oyster Bay: Pacific Loon

I missed reports of Pacific Loons in the past so this was a nice lifer to finally get.  I was on my way to Jones Beach with my kids so I brought my binoculars - on the way I got a call from Mike Z that a Pacific Loon was just seen in Oyster Bay.  I was right before the 135 so I went north - eventually I got good views of the loon (chinstrap) but unfortunately didn't have my camera so had to settle for an iphone shot.

Pacific Loon (I swear...)

Happy New Year

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