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)