Massapequa Preserve

 There was definitely a large migration overnight - heard/ saw a Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole around my house.  There were many Catbirds, and Yellow Rumps...Merlin picked up Indigo Bunting and Parulas.

Massapequa

 Saw my FOS Black and White Warbler in the preserve and an Osprey.  I also saw another Osprey flying above my house.

Massapequa Preserve

 Heard my FOS Yellow Warbler and saw my FOS Chimney Swifts.  Bring on the spring migration!

Great Horned bay Owl, Massapequa Preserve

 Off the path, I saw a well documented baby owl -around the 1.5 mile marker on the path.

Grey Breasted Martin - MEGA - Staten Island - lifer

 There was an incredible report of a Grey Breasted Martin for a few days in a neighborhood bordering a marsh in Staten Island - I didn't think I would have a chance to see it - although not a "pretty" bird it was the first time one has ever been recorded in the USA.  Luck was on my side since my daughter and wife were going to a trip to Florida and my son was staying at his friends house - I dropped my wife at the airport/ LaGuardia and looked at the Waze App which said I was 30 minutes away from this lifer - yeah, I went.  At first I met some other nice birders who pointed it out flying above in the sky - I "saw" it but not great, but luck struck again when it landed on some telephone wires and I got some nice looks and decent photos.  First lifer for 2025!

 

Jones Beach West End - End of Winter

 I took a look at Jones Beach West End, not expecting much.  I refound a continuing/ cooperative Horned Grebe at the Coast Guard Station - got nice looks/ photos.  Also got some good looks at a pair of Long Tailed Ducks, Loons and a Marsh Harrier on the ground by the fisherman's parking lot.  Every year I feel like the the wintering birds are more settled in/ more cooperative at the end of the season right before they depart for their spring/ summer destinations.

Northern Lapwing, No Gulls, Red Headed Woodpecker

 I had some time so took a trip out to Halsey Lane to find a continuing Northern Lapwing - I had seen one once before but only briefly/ in bad light near Santapogue Creek some years ago.  After not seeing the bird for while it appeared on a horse farm where it had been previously reported - got some good views and better photos.  I was the only one there for a while so posted the sighting on some chat.  I went to Old Field Point to refind the previously reported "European Herring Gull" etc but didn't have any luck.  I did see some Great Comorants which I sort of consider "uncommon".  I checked up on the Sunken Meadow Red Headed Woodpecker and was able to see it.