Thursday, March 31, 2016

Setauket, Avalon Park, Stony Brook

I tried finding Bobwhites that were seen in Easport but all I found was a Kingfisher.  It seemed like today was a total loss so I went up to Mill Pond, Setauket to see a reported Eurasian Teal that had been there for a while - was worth it since I got close up looks at it - the only other time I saw one was at Centerport and was from a good distance away.  Since I was bent on finding Bobwhites I went to Avalon Preserve - didn't find any but I enjoyed the location a lot.  I was surprised to find roosting Comorants, 7 Wood Ducks, and a leucistic Robin.

Eurasian Teal
Green Winged Teal
Leucistic Robin

Jones Beach West End

Nothing new or rare but got good views of Dunlin, Sanderling, Harlequin Ducks and Gannets from the Jones Beach Inlet jetty.

Ringed Billed Gull
Gannets
Gannet
Dunlin, Sanderling flock
Oystercatcher
Dunlin, Sanderling flock
Dunlin, Sanderling flock
Dunlin
Harlequin Duck

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Uplands Farm Sanctuary, Muttontown Preserve: Barn Owl

Highlight of the day were Barn Owls in the nesting box at Big John's Pond.  I saw 2 Eastern Bluebirds a Uplands Farm Sanctuary and close up views of Chickadees at Muttontown Preserve.

Northern Shovelers
Barn Owl
Fish Crow
Chickadee

Friday, March 25, 2016

EPCAL, Alley Park Pond, Bayshore Marina

I started the day looking for Meadowlarks at EPCAL since I didn't see any the last time I went.  They seemed to be all over by the main entrance this time, but getting a photo was difficult especially with the on and off showers.  I tried to find a reported leucistic Robin by Alley Park, but couldn't find it.  Ending the day at Bayshore Marina I found my FOS Laughing Gulls - a whopping 16 of them.

Eastern Meadowlark
American Goldfinch
Fox Sparrow
Laughing Gull

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Jones Beach West End

I was at the West End from 7:30-9:30am - highlight was a pair of Purple Finches in the hedgerow by the Coast Guard Station (male was singing)  Also saw the continuing Lark Sparrow, Tree and Field Sparrows, several Boat Tailed Grackles, Cowbirds, good views of Long Tailed Ducks, Horned Grebe and my FOS Osprey off Wantagh Parkway.

Purple Finch
Horned Grebe

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Smith Point

Not much going on except "gulls" and Killdeer.

gull sp.
Killdeer

Brightwaters: Red Crested Pochard

Assuming it was a domestic duck, but after seeing one on Long Island Wildlife (Facebook) I headed over before sunset and saw it diving frequently.

Red Crested Pochard (female)