Birding Dude

Today's Photo - Male Northern Shoveler...

2012-01-27T19:48:00.000-05:00

Pink-footed Goose in Queens NY...

2012-01-25T21:07:00.003-05:00

Late this afternoon while on a quest to find Cackling Goose in Queens, I found a Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) in an area known by some as the LIE/CIP Interchange or Alley Restoration. I have provided a map (see below) to illustrate the location. The area is just off Douglaston Parkway and West Alley Road. Note that Horace Harding Expressway runs into West Alley Road, so be aware of that. Your best bet is to park near 66th Avenue off of Douglaston Parkway and cross the street heading North, just past the bus station (I forgot what bus was listed) look on your left down into the gully and there is the water source with waterfowl.

Quite a number of Canada Geese departed before I left this evening, but the Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus) stayed (at least until the light was gone) and my bet is that it will likely overnight at the location. Please Note: The vegetation and layout is not suited for high traffic, so I caution folks going to chase this bird to please refrain from trampling around the edge destroying the vegetation. I have provided some photos below. Too bad Eric Miller could not have joined me this afternoon as I would have liked to have shared this bird with him since he was the one who showed me this location.

View Alley Restoration in a larger map

Tags: Pink-footed Goose, Queens NY

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 1-14-2012...

2012-01-19T06:16:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, 5 intrepid birders joined me for our bird walk at Van Courtlandt Park in the Bronx NY. It was a cold morning and one of our new attendees who I know from other NYC Audubon walks indicated that she was hoping to get a lifer, the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), which had stayed into the new year. Using our strategy of birding the parade grounds, I held the group back as I noticed small groups of geese began arriving. I was gambling that the Greater White-fronted Goose would show up. After a few minutes of waiting, the gamble paid off as I heard then spotted the Greater White-fronted Goose arriving with a flock of Canada Geese. It was a good way to start our walk and nice to get a lifer for someone. After studying the flock of Canada Geese for any possible Cackling, which I did not find, I led the group around Van Courtlandt Lake.

Along the way we picked up a few passerines, but nothing unusual. Waterfowl numbers were very low and only a few Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) and Pied Billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) were of note on the lake. We had a very cooperative juvenile Red-tailed Hawk which gave us all very obliging looks. Bird seed near the bridge by the golf course brought in a few of the usual suspects and the group enjoyed close up views of Red-bellied Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches. A pleasant surprise were 2 Rusty Blackbirds (Euphagus carolinus), which came in for close up views. We completed our loop of the lake and headed up towards Vault Hill where we were treated to great looks at 2 Golden Crowned Kinglets and a Brown Creeper. After a brief stop at the North Woods, we ended our walk soon after with 32 species. See below for a complete list.

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 4
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2012-01-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

Today's Photo - Hooded Mergansers...

2012-01-16T20:37:00.000-05:00

Female and Male Hooded Mergansers photographed while doing my waterfowl count at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Queens NY.

Tags: 2012 Waterfowl Count, Hooded Merganser

2011 Bronx Christmas Bird Count...

2012-01-09T22:23:00.004-05:00

The annual Bronx Christmas Bird Count took place on December 26th. I decided this year to help out naturalists/birders, Eric Miller and George Dadone on their territory which covered areas in the East Bronx (East of Bronx River). Both Eric and George are excellent naturalists and Eric a phenomenal birder, so I was looking forward to birding with either or both of them. We met with the area leader David Kunstler and other teams at George’s Diner on Buhre Ave in the Bronx and after a quick breakfast began our day of birding. Eric and I teamed up together and we began a long day of “Ground and Pound” covering our territory that we were assigned.

Fox Sparrow

We got off to a fantastic start, picking up a couple of Common Ravens (Corvus corax) flying near the parking lot we had just left before we headed out into the woods. Taking the Pelham Bridle Path, we began adding to our day list, picking up several expected species in Fox Sparrows (Passerella iliaca), Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals to name a few. We had a few target birds in mind, such as Orange Crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata), Eastern Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) and Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) + any Owls we could find. Our first target bird was about a mile in as a Brown Thrasher flushed after some well intentioned pishing by Eric. We thought it could have been the bird I spotted on the trail as we neared the area, but we could not be sure.

Female Eastern Towhee

A little further up the trail, after getting our only Wild Turkey of the day (a rather unhealthy looking individual), Eric pished up an female Eastern Towhee. This would be the first of two females of the day as we ended up with 7 Eastern Towhees, five of which were males. I marveled at the difference in location and results as it pertained to Towhees; the week before, I could not buy a Towhee during the Captree Christmas Bird Count despite several forays into dense undergrowth. We continued birding and were surprised at a flock of Rusty Blackbirds (Euphagus carolinus) flying over the marsh and into the golf course. We would later venture into the Golf Course and added several birds to our list though we never connected with the Rusty’s again.

Palm Warbler

Another mile or so into the trail near Split Rock, we picked up two Palm Warblers (Setophaga palmarum), one bright individual and one drab looking bird. We later heard from George that he had found a Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) in that same area and both species turned out to be saves for the count. Near the end of our hike we flushed a Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), who was probably not impressed with our forays into the undergrowth near its roosting spot. In that same area we managed to pick up a couple of Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) and a lone Gray Catbird. After connecting with George later in the afternoon, we met up with Steve Walter on City Island and tried to find a female Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) he had reported earlier, but we could not find it. We returned to scan the landfill for Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), but was unsuccessful, though we flushed an American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) near the stables, which also turned out to be a save. For those of you not familiar with the CBC lingo, SAVE means finding a specie that no other teams found on that day. We had excellent weather for the time of the year and it contributed to a rather enjoyable day out in the field. I had a great time birding with both Eric and George and I hope that I get to team up with them again next year for another round of CBC birding. Click here for count details and highlights.

Tags: Bronx Christmas Bird Count, Common Ravens, Palm Warbler, Brown Thrasher, Great Horned Owl

Shorebirding in December...

2012-01-06T09:36:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of interesting images of Shorebirds in December. The photos were taken on December 10th, while birding at the Coast Guard Station at Jones Beach. Birder extraordinaire, Tom Burke who was there with Gail Benson and Bob Shriber, spotted two very interesting birds loafing with the flock of Dunlins (Calidris alpina) and other shorebirds on the sandbar. The first one was a leucistic Dunlin.

It was too bad this bird stayed tucked in and I was not able to get a digiscope profile shot with its bill untucked before the birds flew away and did not return in the time I was there. Some of you might be wondering what do I mean by leucistic? Well, leucism, or leukism, is an abnormal plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents pigment, particularly melanin, from being properly deposited on a bird’s feathers.

As a result, the birds do not have the normal, classic plumage colors listed in field guides and usually a leucistic bird ends up with several different looks, such as white patches where the bird should not have any, paler overall plumage that looks faint, diluted or bleached. Check out this link to a page from the Cornell Lab Feederwatch Program that discusses leucism along with images of a variety of birds with the condition.

The second interesting bird we had that day is a peep deemed to be a Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) probably because of the time of the year and the thought that all Semis would have migrated by then. This bird, stayed at the far end of the sand bar and did not get as close as we all would have liked to study it some more. I somehow managed to get a somewhat decent digiscope shot. Take a look and let me know what you think. Pretty small bill for a Western don't you think? However, don't just look at the bill size, think of the base of the bill and body shape.

Here is an image where Dunlins are tucked in sleeping. But wait! What are those other larger shorebirds tucked in with them. Well, they are Red Knots! A nice example of "Birding by Impression".

This last image shows a Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) with Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola). Pretty good shorebirding for December, I think.

Tags: Shorebirds, Dunlin, Long-billed Dowitcher, Western Sandpiper, Jones Beach

Today's Photos - Common Eider...

2012-01-06T06:04:00.001-05:00

Tim Gallagher and Richard Crossley on NPR...

2012-01-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

The following are a few radio shows that I highly recommend readers to check out.

The first is Tim Gallagher from Cornell Lab talking about his search for the Imperial Woodpecker in the mountains of Mexico. It is a fascinating story on what started out as a quest to save a bird, ended up becoming a trip about Gallagher's own survival. Searching for a ghost bird. Here is a link to a video of what is the only known footage of this majestic woodpecker.

The second is Richard Crossley who was on NPR’s Science Friday just before Christmas. Ostensibly the interview was hooked to the Christmas Bird Count, but host Ira Flatow had some very nice things to say about The Crossley ID Guide and even did an on-air giveaway of the book with an audio bird ID contest. You can listen to the interview online: (look for the interview in the upper left corner of the page)

Tags: NPR, Tim Gallagher, Richard Crossley

Wordless Wednesday...

2012-01-04T06:15:00.000-05:00

Grace's Warbler - How IT Unfolded...

2012-01-02T18:51:00.003-05:00

I have written the following in a style that I hope my readers find easy to follow and vicariously live the event that led to what could be the State's first record of a Grace's Warbler. Many thanks to the well wishers especially Angus Wilson who was generous with his praise and thanks to all who were there for the spectacular find.

THE DECISION:

It began in the parking lot when Seth Ausubel our team leader began discussing how we would divide up the area we needed to cover for the Atlantic area of the Southern Nassau Christmas Bird Count. We had just completed doing our seawatch duties and now needed to work on picking up land birds. The Rock Pile and edges of the parking lot at Point Lookout were all up for grabs. I asked to work the Pine Groves across from the parking lot because I wanted to take a crack at Owling. Seth agreed that he and Patricia Aitken would take the parking lot edges and Doug Gochfeld and I would do the Pine Groves and Rock Pile and then we would decide on how we would tackle the rest.

Before we parted ways, Doug retrieved a couple of 2 way radios, one which he kept for himself and the other for Seth. It was a good method to communicate with since cell phones often suffered from drop signals. On our way to the Pine Grove, Doug decided to call odds on how many passerines we would find. The number we worked with was “7”, I took under leaving Doug with over.

One of the not so open looks at the Grace's

THE ENCOUNTER:

Doug and I made our way to the edge of the Pine Grove and we both began pishing softly to see what birds we could kick up. The chip note of a Song Sparrow responded and then we had movement on one of the pines in the top. We both spotted the movement and tried to key in on the bird. It was a small bird and obviously a warbler. I caught a flash of yellow and muttered, “What do you think…Pine?” (referring to Pine Warbler). Doug by then had begun to try and get photos and I decided to do the same. The bird kept in the shadows of the tree tops and gave only teasing looks. Should we let Seth know I asked? Doug then got on his two way radio and radioed into Seth that we had a possible Pine Warbler. Seth's response was “good bird” and then dropped off. We pished some more and the bird came out further into the open and we took additional photos. Then, we both began looking at the photos that we had taken. Something was not right, about this bird but I could not put my finger on it. Yellow-throated Warbler? No, I did not think so. Doug by then had cycled through a few images and then said casually, “This looks like a Grace’s Warbler” (Setophaga graciae) What? No f@#% way was my response. Are you sure? We both turned back to look at the bird some more but it had dropped out of sight.

MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON:

There was some silence, and then Doug asked if I had a field guide on me. Back at the truck I responded. I asked if I should get it, but Doug shrugged it off and suggested we continue birding. We continued on to the right of where we had the bird and into the grove, but it was obvious we were both preoccupied with this bird. I could not muster any images in my head that matched what I had blown up on my camera. A few minutes had elapsed during which we flushed a Brown Thrasher, which I managed to get on and then Doug who had returned to looking at his images said. “I think we need a field guide”.

THE CONFIRMATION:

The excitement began to build, as I stumbled back to the truck and retrieved my small Sibley’s Field Guide which I handed off to Doug, the problem was, it was of the Eastern Birds. Damn it I thought as I completely blanked that I had the big Sibley’s buried under all of the shorebird guides I normally take around with me. I somehow managed to find my National Geographic Guide and handed that off to Doug, who by then had also taken a peek at Pine Warbler, in the Eastern Field Guide. Doug looked at the National Geographic Field Guide and shook his head in the affirmative; it has to be a Grace’s. No doubt Doug's experience with this species in Arizona helped, but having the images on camera to look at and study with a Field Guide was invaluable!!! I looked at the image in the guide and on my camera and my heart raced even faster, the realization began to sink in that we had probably landed a MEGA! But wait! I wanted another person to validate this find. Seth…, we had to get him on this bird!

Doug radioed into Seth and said, “I think we have a Grace’s Warbler”, you better get over here. Seth’s response and it is a classic was, “What? You had a Pine Warbler that has now turned into a Grace’s Warbler? What is this, a new sub species?” This to me was the best line of the day! It seemed like forever, but Seth finally made it over to where we were; he was prepared, having already looked at images of Grace’s in his Sibley’s. I walked over to Seth and showed him a blown up photo showing the Yellow in the supraloral. With another classic, Seth’s response was “Holy Mother @#$%#%” I knew then it was on!

FLOCK OF BIRDERS:

Doug in the meantime confident of the ID, had already gotten Shai Mitra on the phone and broke the news. Seth after a few minutes got on the bird and once again confirmed we had the real deal. The excitement was overwhelming and while Seth and Doug did phone/text/post duties, I kept a watchful eye on the bird which had a tendency to disappear into the pines for minutes. The first to arrive was Doug Futumya and Rich Kelly, followed shortly thereafter after by Shai Mitra and Patricia Lindsay. The bird was not being seen and I could feel folks getting antsy. We were waiting for one other party, Tom Burke and his crew who finally arrived and right on time. As I detected the bird flying left from where we were standing. I shouted out the location but then it dropped out of sight; moments later the keen eyes of Barbara McBrien mother of Michael McBrien (Mr. Gray Kingbird) spotted the bird right where I had seen it flown and finally everyone present at that moment got on the bird. This was key, because if there were going to be any questions on the ID it would come from this group and thankfully all the comments were positive. The deal was sealed! The word quickly spread and birders arrived in droves; many of them taking a break from their CBC count to chase the rarity, such was the power of GRACE.

Tags: Point Lookout LI, Grace's Warbler, NY Rarity

Grace's Warbler at Point Lookout LI...

2012-01-01T23:44:00.001-05:00

Just a few photos from today's find. Some Christmas Bird Count find, don't you think? I'll post more photos, plus a write up of the events later.

Tags: Point Lookout LI, Grace's Warbler

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-12-28T11:33:00.000-05:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 12-17-2011...

2011-12-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

Our Saturday morning walk began with our now regular practice of scanning the fields. Canada Geese were gathering on the parade grounds, so I held the group back and watched the Geese arrive. The numbers seemed more than what we had seen in the past few weeks, so I was optimistic of finding something new...perhaps a Cackling Goose. As we moved onto the field to get a better look, I spotted a Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) flying in with the flock. I was elated! The GWFG was still here after all. We had missed this bird the last few weeks and our thoughts were it had moved on since no one had posted about the bird, but here it was. We had a great opportunity to observe the Greater White-fronted Goose feed as there was very little activity on the field and that allowed the Geese to roam without any concern. After spending some time observing the flock and scanning for Cackling Goose, which we did not find we began our hike around the VC lake. Here and there we picked up a few passerines, but nothing unusual. Waterfowl numbers were very low and only a few Hooded Mergansers (Lophodytes cucullatus) were of note on the lake. Bird seed near the bridge by the golf course brought in a few of the usual suspects and the group enjoyed close up views of Red-bellied Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches. We completed our loop of the lake and headed towards the restoration area where a female Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) provided us with great looks. Passerine movement like last week was slow and so we ended our walk soon after with 26 species. See below for a complete list.

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-12-21T06:12:00.002-05:00

Today's Photo - Northern Shrike...

2011-12-17T18:29:00.000-05:00

Digiscoped Northern Shrike at Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn NY.

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 12-10-2011...

2011-12-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

A small group of birders met at our usual spot - the nature center near the parade grounds, for our Saturday bird walk at Van Courtlandt Park in the Bronx NY. We began our walk by scanning the fields for a Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), which we did not find and our thoughts were that this bird had moved on. We did have two Snow Geese mixed in with the Canada Geese on the field. The two Snow Geese were new for our walk and we took some time to observe them feeding on the field. It was a nice day not too hot or cold and so I decided we should venture out to the North Woods. We worked our was past the stables finding very little passerine movement. It remained quiet until we made some headway into the Gass Gallagher Trail in the North Woods and then we picked up some action. A couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers put on a brief show for us and we got on another first for the walk in a Red-shouldered Hawk that was soaring high above the trees. Later, as we looped back on the trail we added some additional passerines, but nothing out of the ordinary. Our favorite spot, the restoration area which is always good for a few birds was disappointingly quiet and after about 3 and half hours of birding we called it a day finishing with 27 species. See below for a complete list.

Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-12-14T06:15:00.002-05:00

Nature Conservancy - Give The Gifts That Keeps On Giving...

2011-12-06T19:12:00.002-05:00

Many of my readers have asked about nature gift ideas for the holidays, so I have decided this year, I will feature a couple of posts promoting alternative responsible gift giving. This post, features The Nature Conservancy in promoting their campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to buy gifts that give back to nature. Don't just talk about giving back to nature here is an opportunity to ACT!

Here are the top 5 green gifts being given so far this year - please spread the word about these gift offerings:

Adopt an Acre in Costa Rica

Your loved one will be helping to protect 400,000 acres of rainforest of the Oso Peninsula, home to at least half of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including jaguars, sloths, tapirs, macaws and four species of monkey. This gift contributes to the preservation of an area of important biodiversity.

For the Birder

Give your favorite bird lover a gift that will help restore birds’ habitats in places like the forests of the Southern Coastal Plain, the prairies of Minnesota, and in wetland habitats where the endangered Whooping Crane lives. Your loved one will receive our Great Places E-Newsletter and invitations to take part in local field trips.

Kids - Protect Sea Turtles

Children love sea turtles and with this gift, they’ll be protecting these amazing creatures wherever The Nature Conservancy is working to insure their safety. Your recipient will receive an adorable sea turtle plush toy, local conservation updates, invitations to join in on field trips, and discounts from eco-friendly retailers.

Adopt an Acre in the Northern Rockies

Help preserve this pristine 80 million acre home to wolves, grizzly bears and other amazing animals. This gift includes the Adopt an Acre magnet set and fact sheet that details our conservation work, and four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine.

Plant Trees in Brazil

Part of The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign, this gift contributes to our efforts to plant one billion native trees in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. This program will help to restore 2.5 million acres in the world’s largest and most endangered tropical forest.

Tags: Adopt an Acre in Costa Rica, For the Birder, Kids - Protect Sea Turtles, Adopt an Acre in the Northern Rockies, Plant Trees in Brazil

Troupial shows up in Roslyn NY...

2011-11-28T21:58:00.004-05:00

I received a call from Eric Miller this afternoon who indicated that our friend Mary Normandia had seen a strange looking Oriole at Gerry Pond Park in Roslyn NY. Eric went to check out the bird and realized it was not one of our common Orioles, but was unable to nail down the ID. When I spoke to Eric and understood that the bird was yet to be identified, I decided we had to get photos of the bird to review. I arrived at the location with light fading, but managed to see the bird and get some documentation photos. Later, I received a call from Eric who had figured out the ID. It was a Troupial (Icterus icterus), a bird from Venezuela; it is also found in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, Water Island and St. John), Antigua, Dominica and Grenada as a result of introduction. I am sure how this bird got here will be discussed, with many to chalk it up as an escapee. In any case it is a very good looking bird. If you do try to go and see this bird, please refrain from chasing it around to get "spectacular" photos or to get that "good look"; stay at a respectable distance thus, allowing others to have a chance at seeing this bird.

Tags: Gerry Pond Park Roslyn NY, Troupial

Macro Monday

2011-11-28T07:13:00.002-05:00

Field Notes 11-19-2011: Birding The Bronx...

2011-11-25T20:16:00.002-05:00

Other than those days when a good migration flight occurs, it is the time of the year where on some days birding could get slow. However, there are birds around as evidenced by the number of rarities being reported; plus, there are few not so rare but still good birds to get late in the season like the ones I found last week in the Bronx. After my Van Courtlandt Park walk last Saturday, I decided on continuing to bird the Bronx. My first stop was at Pelham Bay Park where after a bit of poking around I found a very cooperative Orange Crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata).

This was a first for the Bronx for me and I was pleased as it was one I was looking for. After getting a few photographs and observing the bird feeding, I scoped the cove for a bit finding both Red-throated and Common Loons. After making a few passes and counting the waterfowl, I decided to leave. On my way out, I decided to bird the same area where I had the Orange Crowned Warbler, the habitat looked promising and so I went off trail poking around. My hunch paid off; About 20 minutes into my exploration, I spotted some bird activity in the distance, they were American Robins. I got excited because they were more Robins than I had seen in awhile (yes, I still appreciate all of the common birds). Closing in on the location, I realized that they were active near a patch of Porcelain Berries.

As I stood watching the Robins feasting, a bird that was not a Robin flew into a nearby section of the berries and began to eat. It was a Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). I put the scope up and began to get some digiscope shots. This was a good bird to get this late I was thinking. Then as I continued to bird the area, I found 2 more Baltimore Orioles and a surprising female Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). The later was quite the surprise and I carefully reviewed the field marks to ensure that I was not looking at a vagrant Western Tanager.

All of these birds were seen in close proximity to each other in an area that had a lot of Porcelain Berries, an invasive by native plants standards, but nevertheless a valued food source for the birds. Having some success at seeing these birds this late in the season, got me to thinking about how much work is still needed to understand our own local patches and realized that I've got my work cut out for me. Later on at Orchard Beach in the Bronx, my highlights were a Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) working offshore in the midst of a couple of Horned Grebes and a Peregrine Falcon bathing in a puddle in the parking lot.

Tags: Pelham Bay Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-23T06:32:00.000-05:00

Today's Photo - Ross's Goose...

2011-11-22T06:09:00.000-05:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 11-19-2011...

2011-11-21T20:58:00.000-05:00

I got to Van Courtlandt Park before our walk to scout out the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), that we had last week. I wanted to ensure that if it was still around we had a shot at seeing it again. Sure enough, the bird was in the North West corner of the parade grounds in the fenced in area. Once our group assembled, we keyed in on the GWFG enjoying close up views. After we had our fill of the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), we then headed towards the VC Lake. We moved quickly with a purpose; there was a cross country event taking place, so we were trying to get ahead of all the running before the birds were flushed. Near the marsh, we had quite a number of wet spots good for Snipe, but did not find any; I am willing to bet that all the cross country running through the trails does not help at all. I wish that some of these trails were off limits to running as it would be less disturbance for the wildlife. We took one of the back trails around the marsh working our way towards the lake; the rattle then flight of a Belted Kingfisher alerted us to its presence and a flock of flyover American Goldfinches were all the action we had on that trail.

Once at the lake, we scanned for waterfowl and picked up Northern Shovelers, Ruddy Ducks and Pied-billed Grebe. We then backtracked around the marsh area taking another trail that would bring us near the golf course. We picked up a Male Hooded Merganser as it took off from near the shore and shouted out to another birding group (Brooklyn Bird Club), to get on it - they did. Continuing on we picked up American Coot and Green-winged Teal tucked up against the phragmites. Both birds were well hidden and it was not easy to see them but putting the spotting scope on the birds, I was able to get most folks on the two. We continued on making our way back out towards the parade grounds, picking up Winter Wren, and some other dickie birds. Once at the parade grounds we looked carefully for the Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), but the Canada Geese flock had gotten smaller and the GWFG was no longer on the field. This was too bad as one of our attendees who missed it by arriving late the previous week missed it again because of arriving late - got to get to the walks earlier Lenny. From the parade grounds, I took our group to the restoration area where we picked up many birds working the wet grounds. Our best bird from that area was a Field Sparrow, a first of the season for the group. In the end we managed 37 species. See below for a complete list.

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
American Coot (Fulica americana)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-16T06:25:00.000-05:00

Today's Photo - Golden-crowned Kinglet...

2011-11-15T06:05:00.000-05:00

Male Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) showing the seldom seen orange in the crown.

Eared Grebe at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge...

2011-11-13T19:55:00.002-05:00

After a disastrous shorebird season and a lack of rarities at Jamaica Bay, we finally had a decent bird in Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis). Found initially by Anne Lazarus and her group. The Eared Grebe was re-found and its ID confirmed by Patrician Lindsay, Steve Walter and I on November 5th. I was able to get a documentation shot of this Grebe on the bayside of the West Pond as it associated with Horned Grebes (Podiceps aunitus).

In winter plumage, identifying Eared among Horned Grebes can get rather tricky especially when viewing from a distance, with less than ideal conditions such as poor light and or choppy waves. However, there are many characteristics that have been identified and written about by seasoned birders that could help in getting the ID correct. Here are a few that should help in the field:

The Horned Grebe has a narrow black stripe down the back of its neck that the Eared Grebe lacks
Eared Grebe neck is darker than Horned in winter
Eared Grebe has a peaked crown above the eye
Eared Grebe floats higher in water than Horned, showing white fluffy undertail coverts (be careful with this one as it tends to vary; also show caution applying this field mark when looking at Grebes in choppy waves)
Eared Grebe has a short, thin, straight or slightly upturned bill

Tags: Eared Grebe, Jamaica Bay Queens

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 11-12-2011...

2011-11-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

Our Van Courtlandt Park group met up at our usual spot, the nature center near the parade grounds. We began our walk by scanning the fields for a Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) that was seen earlier in the week at the park. On our first pass, we did not find the GWFG; however, as we crossed the field heading north east towards the Van Courtlandt Park Lake I decided to scan the furthest end of the field and found our bird. The Greater White-fronted Goose was tucked in behind a couple of Canada Geese and it was the leg color that alerted me to its presence. Soon it came out into view and I got everyone in our group on the bird. It was pretty exciting for our group since none of them had seen one before. Jennifer a new attendee was especially thrilled at seeing a GWFG for the first time. After having our fill of the GWFG, we birded along the lake adding to our day list. While the birds were not plentiful we added a bird here and there. A Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) teased us with fleeting looks and a White-breasted Nuthatch came in and stole the show, enthralling everyone with closeup views. A couple of Pied-billed Grebes (Podilymbus podiceps) on the lake were new arrivals along with a couple of Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis). We worked our way back to the restoration area and noticed how many trees had taken a hit from the storm we had a few weeks ago. The marsh area in the restoration area was all matted down from the snow we had and there were very few birds there. Nevertheless, we did manage to pull out a few Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) from that area before wrapping up our walk. Despite a paucity of birds we managed 37 species. See below for a complete list.

Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-09T06:12:00.002-05:00

Shorebirds - Somewhat Identified...

2011-11-07T20:55:00.002-05:00

On October 23rd I posted a photo of a flock of shorebirds and challenged my readers to take a crack at identifying the species.

Here is the answer: There are 7 species in this flock of shorebirds. Sanderling, Red-Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, American Golden Plover and Hudsonian Godwit.

Now, that I have listed the species and provided a cropped photo for a closer look, the juvenile Hudsonian Godwit is now easily seen. Try and see if you could find the others; the American Golden Plover is in this cropped photo.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-11-02T18:56:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Gulls...but which ones?

2011-10-29T14:24:00.001-04:00

Here is a little exercise to further hone your ID skills. The subjects are Gulls, but which ones? If getting the ID, was not much of a challenge and you would like one, then try and age them. Good luck.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-10-26T06:10:00.001-04:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 10-22-2011...

2011-10-25T07:08:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, our Van Courtlandt Park group met up at our usual spot, the nature center near the parade grounds. By the time I arrived, the group were already checking the parade ground fields and were looking at Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis). In the near vicinity on the museum grounds, we observed several Brown-headed Cowbirds (Certhia americana), European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus). After a few minutes working the birds on the museum grounds, we began working our way towards the John Kieran Trail that would take us alongside the lake. Along the way we picked up Brown Creeper, Blue-headed Vireo and both Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets. The Creeper and Vireo were life birds for most of the attendees, so there was a happy bunch of birders who headed back towards the restoration spot. Back at the restoration area, we picked up several sparrows, including our season first Chipping Sparrows (Spizella passerina); some of us had nice looks at Swamp Sparrows and more Savannah Sparrows. Several House Finches obliged by giving us extended looks as they fed on the ground. The restoration area also produced a Northern Parula (Setophaga americana), a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus calendula), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) and our best bird of the day in a Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus). By the end of the walk, we managed 45 species; see below for a complete list.

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Today's Photo - Flock of Shorebirds...

2011-10-23T20:17:00.000-04:00

Is there anything better than a flock of shorebirds in flight? This group of shorebirds seen with Tom Burke, Gail Benson and Mary Normandy yesterday on Long Island had me longing for shorebird season. This is not a quiz, but I would encourage readers, especially the shorebird aficionados to take a crack at identifying the species in the photo.

Today's Photo - American Wigeon

2011-10-21T21:35:00.000-04:00

Male and Female American Wigeon - Male is the higher duck.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-10-19T06:18:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Cooper's Hawk...

2011-10-18T06:11:00.000-04:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 10-15-2011...

2011-10-17T22:04:00.002-04:00

Swamp Sparrow

Last Saturday, our Van Courtlandt Park group met up at our usual spot, the nature center near the parade grounds. We did our usual scan of the fields, and picked up several Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) (perched on the fence) and in the field. There was not much else on the parade grounds and so we headed out to bird along the Van Courtlandt Lake. It was windy making birding very difficult as the birds stayed out of the wind and our views, but we plugged along working the trail looking for waterfowl on the lake. There was a fair number of Canada Geese on the lake, including about 5 Wood Ducks. We also saw a few Mallards, but little else. We tried Vault Hill, and picked up our first Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) of the day; however,it was quiet up there as well, so we headed back to the nature center and birded the restoration area. The restoration area was a little out of the wind and it was here we picked up most of our day birds. Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) were nice to look at along with a Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) and a couple of Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus calendula). Earlier we had seen a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), so we ended up getting both Kinglets for the day, a first for us at Van Courtlandt. Despite the tough conditions, we managed 37 species, see below for a complete list.

Total Birds: 37

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Today's Photo - Dunlin...

2011-10-15T06:13:00.000-04:00

Year of the Lark Sparrow...

2011-10-13T18:21:00.002-04:00

When Corey Finger, Seth Asubel and I found a Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus, at Edgemere in Queens on August 26th, I was excited and pleased because it was a year bird, an uncommon one and a new bird for me in Queens County. Earlier in the year, I had dipped on an overwintering Lark Sparrow that was hanging out near the Calverton Grasslands in Long Island and thought that I would have to hope for one on Long Island, which seemed to be the best place to see them during migration. However, we have seen a bumper crop of LASP showing up in almost all of the boroughs. Which then begs the question, which borough has not had an LASP report? The answer to that question might be the Bronx, where I have been looking unsuccessfully so far for one.

After the August bird in Edgemere Queens, another August LASP was reported from the Staten Island Conference House on August 29th. Then in September, we had LASP reports from Central Park Manhattan, Fort Tilden in Queens, Kissena Park in Queens, Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, Jones Beach in Nassau County and Robert Moses State Park in Suffolk County. Some of these birds carried over into October, like the one bird in Kissena Park, but that bird turned into 2 birds meaning that either another Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), arrived or one of the two was missed in September. October also had new LASP arrivals with reports from Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Central Park in Manhattan and Fort Tilden in Queens.

I did some research using eBird and NYSARC, going back a few years and based on the number of past reports, this year looks like it may be the year of the Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus). As of this post, there have been 14, very possibly 15 reports of LASP in the NYC area (including LI); this number does not include the overwintering bird from Calverton and being careful not to double count reports. That seems to be an unusually high number and has me wondering if this is just one of those "good year for LASP" as birders like to put it or are we seeing a trend related to weather condition changes on the East Coast? Here are a few photos of Lark Sparrows (Chondestes grammacus), that I have seen this year.

Digiscoped at Kissena Park, Queens NY.

Photographed at Jones Beach, Nassau County NY.

Digiscoped at Fort Tilden, Queens NY.

Tags: Robert Moses State Park, Kissena Park, Floyd Bennett Field Prospect Park Brooklyn Central Park Manhattan Fort Tilden Queens, Lark Sparrow

Macro Monday - Fiery Skipper...

2011-10-10T14:21:00.002-04:00

Twice is nice for Say's Phoebe...

2011-10-07T23:07:00.000-04:00

Another Say's Phoebe was found this morning by Joan Quinlan at Robert Moses State Park field 2 on the beach. The bird was later re-found by Shai Mitra, near the the southwestern corner of the parking lot at field 2 near the golf course. The bird then went missing until late this afternoon when it was re-found by Bobby Kurtz. After taking a call from Bobby who let me know he had re-found the bird, I went to Robert Moses State Park and with the light fading managed to see my second Say's Phoebe of the week. Here is a photo.

Tags: Robert Moses State Park, Say's Phoebe

New State Bird - Say's Phoebe...

2011-10-04T21:28:00.001-04:00

I made the mad dash out to LI this afternoon to see the Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya) that was found late this morning by Annie McIntyre and Sue Feustel, in the west fields of Caumsett State Park on Lloyd Neck, Long Island. This was not a life bird for me as I saw my first in Arizona last year, but it was a state bird. Here is a photo.

Tags: Caumsett State Park, Say's Phoebe

Macro Monday - Box Elder Bugs...

2011-10-03T06:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Gail Benson who researched and sent me the name of these bugs.

Today's Photo - Yellow-breasted Chat In The Backyard...

2011-10-02T14:57:00.000-04:00

Field Notes: Birding The Bronx…

2011-10-01T23:00:00.002-04:00

Digiscoped Indigo Bunting

Completely overlooking that I was not scheduled for civic duties in the Bronx. Today, I ended up in Van Courtlandt Park only to realize after I got there that my morning was free. At first I thought of just heading back into Queens or LI, but then decided to make the most of it and bird Hunter’s Island/Orchard Beach. I arrived at Orchard Beach around 8:25 a.m. and began working the edges of Hunter's Island. At first all I could hear and see were Palm Warblers (Dendroica palmarum), but then I began picking up the buzzing calls of Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) and the chip notes of Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana). Working the areas and doing several passes allowed me to run into a small wave of passerine activity that included, Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), Wilson ’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla), Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia), Northern Parula (Parula americana), Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina), Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia), Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) and a Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus). I continued birding the edges making my way past Hunter's Island towards the Twin Islands. I worked both Islands, thoroughly but the returns were dismal and the only notable birds I got were Great and Snowy Egrets feeding on the mudflats during low tide. However, once I got out on the edges, I picked up another warbler, Black-throated Green (Dendroica virens).

Digiscoped shot of the Dickcissel at Orchard Beach, Bronx NY

On my way back towards the parking lot, I worked over several flocks of sparrows that were feeding all along the hedges near the beach. As I neared beach marker number 3, I noticed a couple of birds on the hedges. Putting my bins on the birds I picked out one with a yellow stripe over the eyes and I immediately thought that I might have a Dickcissel (Spiza americana). Concerned that the activity nearby would flush the bird, I quickly put my scope on the bird and confirmed that it was indeed a Dickcissel (Spiza americana). I managed to get a couple of digiscoping shots before a park employee drove up and flushed all of the birds. I waited for a bit, but the Dickcissel did not return. I continued my birding, working my way back towards the parking lot. In a small group of Oak Trees just before the parking lot, I picked up my second wave of passerines and added, Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata), Chestnut sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), Bay Breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea), Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca) and American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). I decided to work the West side of Orchard Beach and walked the Siwanoy Trail all the way out to the restoration area. The birding along the way was quite slow, but I did see more Indigo Buntings, Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) and both Snowy and Great Egrets. Finally, I decided to head back to Queens. With about 7 hours of birding in the Bronx, I felt that 15 species of Warblers, along with a Philadelphia Vireo and a Dickcissel was not a bad haul at all.

Digiscoped shot of Snowy Egrets in the Bronx NY

Tags: Bronx, Dickcissel, Philadelphia Vireo

Today's Photo - Timber Rattlesnake...

2011-09-29T06:09:00.000-04:00

Thanks to some good spotting and quick reaction by friends Shai Mitra, Patricia Lindsay and Joan Quinlan, this Timber Rattlesnake was escorted across the road to its destination.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-28T06:10:00.000-04:00

Birding Cape May with Richard Crossley...

2011-09-21T19:02:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers, it is my pleasure to share with you a unique opportunity to bird at one of the premier birding locations on the East Coast while participating in a workshop led by one of the leading expert in the field, Richard Crossley. Author, Photographer and Birder, Richard is well known for his work in the Shorebird Guide and his own Crossley ID Guide. For more information please read the following press release. Birding in Cape May

Tags: Richard Crossley, Cape May

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-21T06:17:00.002-04:00

Today's Photo - Long-billed Dowitcher

2011-09-19T06:52:00.000-04:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 9-10-2011...

2011-09-16T23:22:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday, I was back at Van Courtlandt Park leading my 1st of the 2011 Fall walks. For new readers, this is a program that I lead at Van Courtlandt Park in the Bronx NY, on behalf of NYC Audubon in partnership with Van Courtlandt Park Nature Conservancy. On Saturday our group met up at our usual spot, the nature center near the parade grounds. We did our usual scan of the fields, and picked up American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) (perched on the fence), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) (flying overhead) and a Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum) working the fence line on the parade grounds. We then headed out to bird along the Van Courtlandt Lake. There was little to no activity on the lake, but we did the hike that took us past the gold course. Near the golf course, a female American Restart (Setophaga ruticilla) caught my attention and a bit of phishing resulted in us getting nice looks at our first pocket of passerines of the day. Later on Vault Hill, we hit another pocket of activity and picked up our best bird of the day in Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum). Having heard that throughout the summer none of the walks had produced any Hummingbirds, I took the group to the restoration area where we had them in the past and lo and behold, we picked up 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. (Archilochus colubris) The group was very pleased and it was a nice way of ending our walk. Below is a list of the Birds seen.

Total Birds: 38

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum)
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina)
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum)
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx NY

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-14T20:13:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo- White-rumped Sandpiper...

2011-09-10T17:50:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-09-07T06:39:00.000-04:00

New State Bird - Northern Wheatear @ Croton NY...

2011-09-06T22:15:00.000-04:00

Despite steady rains and winds I managed to successfully twitch a Northern Wheatear in Croton Westchester late this afternoon. Not sure what subspecies this is, but I am going to guess leucorhoa since they breed the closest to the East Coast in places like Northern Quebec. Here is a poor shot of the bird in fading light.

Tags: Northern Wheatear, Croton

American White Pelicans at Jamaica Bay Queens NY...

2011-09-05T16:51:00.001-04:00

2 American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in flight, seen from a boat at Jamaica Bay Queens New York. According to National Park Service Rangers, the birds have been around since last week and were seen on the bay side of the North End of the East Pond near the outflow valve. It was only until naturalist, Steve Walter's keen eye spotted the birds flying over the West Pond on Saturday, that the birding community were alerted to their presence.

Yesterday, I searched unsuccessfully for them in the morning; then again in the late afternoon after reading a report that birder, Keith Michael, had seen them from the "A" train on the east side of the train tracks. I tried again today and was joined by Tom Burke and Gail Benson. After trying unsuccessfully from land we were able to access the bay by boat where we successfully located the birds on the beach side looking out towards JFK - this is about half way between Broad Channel and the Channel Bridge. The birds were enjoyed by Tom, Gail, Don Riepe and Cindy Goulder. If you try for these birds, first check the East Pond outflow on the bay side, if they are not there you may consider walking the shoreline going under the bridge to get to the beach on the other side overlooking the bay towards JFK Airport. Another option is to kayak or boat out to the area where the birds have been seen. Please take note of the tide table, so you do not encounter any difficulties returning. Another good bird that Tom, Gail and I had at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge today was a Hudsonian Godwit, which was seen on the bayside of the North End of the East Pond.

Tags: Hudsonian Godwit, American White Pelican, Jamaica Bay Queens

Tern Exercise...

2011-09-04T17:53:00.001-04:00

Here is a Sunday evening exercise, to test your knowledge of Terns. Take a look at the photo below and try to identify the various species of Terns. Good luck!

Today's Photo - Red Knot with Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs...

2011-09-02T08:23:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-31T17:29:00.000-04:00

Usually on "Wordless Wednesday" submissions are posted without any supporting text. However, with today's images, I feel I need to encourage my readers to really look closely at this bird and try to figure out the ID. Some of you may find it easy, but others may not. I suggest you take a shot before taking a look at your field guide. Note: don't try to figure it out by sneaking a look at the image name because I have not made it obvious :)

Pre-Hurricane Irene Birding In NY...

2011-08-27T21:03:00.002-04:00

With Hurricane Irene looming, I tried to get out in the field as much as possible especially to look for shorebirds. My favorite Pre-Irene Hurricane bird was the Baird's Sandpiper seen at Heckscher State Park. A Lark Sparrow found with a couple of fellow Queens birders the next day was a treat, but by now readers should know how enamored I am of the shorebirds, so please excuse my bias :) Here are a few photos of some of the birds seen this week.

This crisp juvenile Baird's Sandpiper was found by LI birders, Ken and Sue Feustel, at Heckscher State Park Field 6, on August 24th, while they were out looking for Common Nighhawks. The next day I went out to the location and spent a few hours before re-finding the bird, as it flew in to feed in one of the shallow pools in the parking lot at Field 6.

After arriving home from my day out on Long Island, I was on the phone with a friend of mine, who was calling me with advice on how to bird during Hurricane Irene. The call with Andy Balidelli was interrupted when I spotted a flash of yellow and picked up a Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) in my backyard. I was able to obtain a documentation shot and yesterday finally got a better photo. I did not see this bird today despite several sessions of backyard bird watching.

This next bird, I will have to be vague about where exactly it was found because the location is sensitive. Having birded Floyd Bennett Field in the morning and getting a look at my second Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) in two days. This one in Kings County, I had the good fortune to connect with fellow Queens birders, Seth Asubel and Corey Finger of 10000birds. We birded some areas in Queens and found a very good bird in a Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus). Picked out by Seth, this is a western grassland bird and not common in our area. It is only during migration we might get lucky with 1 or 2 dropping in and most of these reported sightings are out on Long Island. This was a rather exciting find for Corey and I as we both added a new bird to our Queens County list.

Found today by birder Pete Chen, at Meadow Lake in Flushing Queens, this was a very good find for Queens and makes my second sighting of Caspian Terns (Sterna caspia) in the county. Several Queens birders made it out to the location before the rain intensified and got to see the birds. An Adult and a juvenile Caspian Tern was a nice way to wrap up the Pre-Hurricane Irene birding. Other birds seen today include Mitred Parakeets (Aratinga mitrata), a flock of six flying over the backyard and a Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) seen fly catching in the garden. While I hope to see a really special bird, my first concern is of the safety of birds and birders. Whatever you do, stay safe!

Tags: Heckscher State Park, Baird's Sandpiper, Yellow-breasted Chat, Lark Sparrow, Caspian Terns

Today's Photo - Gull-billed Tern...

2011-08-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-24T06:19:00.000-04:00

Field Notes: Jamaica Bay and Nassau County 8-10 – 8-13…

2011-08-22T23:34:00.002-04:00

On August 10th, while studying shorebirds at Jamaica Bay on the one area that was available for the smaller peeps, “the raunt”, I found 2 Marbled Godwits north of where I was. The birds provided outstanding views and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them calling back and forth to each other. In addition, to the 2 Marbled Godwits, I had one Hudsonian Godwit also north of the raunt, this was presumed to be the same bird that Bobby Kurtz and I had found on July 24th. That bird had been reported sporadically since it was found, so it was a guess that it was the same one. The Marbled Godwits sighting was late in the evening and I put out a post online with plans to get out the next day with better light to see what else might have blown in.

The next day I was held up from hitting the East Pond as scheduled by taking a call on my cell that went on for too long (thanks Gary). While on the phone, a call came in from birder Doug Gochfeld who hung up before I could pick up the line and he did not leave a message. Minutes later as I got into my car, I picked up a message on the list serve that Shane Blodgett had found 2 immature White Ibis on the East Pond. That was a pretty good sighting and it would have been a county bird, had I made it in time. Unfortunately, I made it to the East Pond a couple of minutes after the birds had taken off heading south. Later, Shane, Doug and I did search another area for the birds, but they were not relocated and not found after that morning. It was a terrific day for Shane, who not only found the 2 White Ibis, but also found the 2 Marbled Godwits and also 2 Hudsonian Godwits. I enjoyed looks at the Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits, but missed out on the White Ibis. Here is a link to some of Shane’s White Ibis photos. Later in the week, I made it out to Jones Beach on the 13th where I also connected with another Hudsonain Godwit that was hanging out on the spit by the Coast Guard Station. It was a Nassau County first for me and my third Hudsonian Godwit for the year. Here are some photos.

Hudsonian Godwit on the spit at the Coast Guard Station Jones Beach.


Digiscoped photo of 2 Marbled Godwits found on the East Pond of Jamaica Bay.

Tags: Hudsonian Godwit, Marbled Godwit, White Ibis

Macro Monday - Blue Dasher...

2011-08-22T13:14:00.001-04:00

Today's Photo - Whimbrels and Marbled Godwits...

2011-08-21T19:17:00.000-04:00

Digiscoped photo of 2 Whimbrels with 2 Marbles Godwits.

Tough Shorebirding Season At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge...

2011-08-19T19:48:00.001-04:00

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is considered a premier location for birdwatching on the East Coast and one of the best places for viewing shorebirds in the US. Many birders, naturalists and photographers look forward to the annual summer pilgrimage to the refuge, during the shorebird season. Shorebirding takes place primarily in two places at JBWR, the East and West Ponds. The East Pond a favorite because it gives visitors close up views of the birds, is not for everyone; the sulfuric smell of the East Pond mud coupled with bird poop, bugs, the occasional dead animal and stifling heat makes for a mix that only the hardcore shorebirders could tolerate in great doses. Requirements: love of shorebirds, adequate sun block, knee high boots, heat tolerance, open to a spill here and there and perhaps full waders if you are a photographer. The West Pond is much easier. Many of those who love shorebirds, but would rather not bother mucking around on the East Pond could enjoy not so close up views from the comforts of the gravel trail.

The East Pond, is usually where the action is at and it requires careful management in monitoring the water level. Every summer, the water needs to be drawn down to provide mudflats for thousands of migrating shorebirds who use the pond as a critical stopover to rest and feed as they try and gain enough fat to continue the long journey to their wintering grounds. The water drainage mechanism consist of a huge pipe that is around 50+ years old that goes from the North End of the pond, runs under the dyke and out into the south side of the bay. On the pond side there is a flap that has to be opened, usually at the beginning of June, to start the draw down of the pond. Once the flap is opened water flows through the pipe out into the bay and is controlled on the bay side from high tide backflow by a contraption known as a pinch valve. The last few years, there have been some difficulty with the water level, but this year has been a total disappointment!!! According to a few veteran birders, this year was the worst they had ever encountered and we are talking about folks with well over 20 years birding Jamaica Bay.

So what was the issue? Well, the water drainage was rather slow and it seemed a while before the stewards of the pond, Gateway National Park Service realized or conceded there was a real problem with the flow. On July 26th, I visited the North End of the East Pond to assess the water level and observed NPS officials visiting the outflow area. later, NPS officials shared with me that initially, they thought that they had a collapsed pipe, but their investigation proved otherwise and instead found debris and sediment build up to be the main culprit. Another issue was the “pinch valve” which is an apparatus on the end of the outflow pipe, which goes into the bay, - it seemed the pinch valve needed to be replaced. NPS, after clearing out debris from the pipe, removed the pinch valve thus allowing the water to flow unimpeded. To combat back flow into the pond from high tides, NPS fashioned a cover from plywood which needed to be bolted back onto the pipe before high tide and removed during low tide to allow water drainage. This process was implemented, but then bad luck struck last Sunday when over 7 inches of rain fell - virtually turning the East Pond into a lake. It was pretty disheartening for many who held out hope that the recent actions by NPS could have salvaged the 2011 shorebirding season. In my opinion, it is over for shorebirding on the East Pond unless we use a rowboat to navigate the pond.

Shorebird aficionados will not be enjoying views like this one from the East Pond this year!

With the annual shorebird festival at Jamaica Bay, scheduled for the 27th of August, NPS is hard pressed to at least make the the West Pond more shorebird friendly. The problem there is that the water level on that pond is also very high, which I observed for myself on Tuesday August 16th. In a telephone conversation with NPS management, I was informed that they are working to lower the water level on the West Pond and cut back the vegetation to enable better viewing. While those hard core East Pond shorebird aficionados will scoff at shore birding from the West Pond. It is better than nothing as long as there is shoreline and birds. After all, it is more about adequate feeding and resting areas for the birds that we should be concerned about.

While this shorebird season was a bust or as long time birder Bobby Kurtz put it, "catastrophic", I remain hopeful for the future. With the lessons learned from this year and the problems identified and hopefully resolved. I am optimistic, that next year, NPS will ensure that the East Pond will be primed and ready for a better shorebird season for 2012. Next year guys, make it happen - do it for the birds!

Tags: Jamaica Bay, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Shorebird Festival

Macro Monday - Red-banded Hairstreak...

2011-08-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Marbled Godwits...

2011-08-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Field Notes: Nassau and Suffolk County Birding 7-30 – 8-1…

2011-08-09T19:09:00.011-04:00

Following the excitement of the Gray Headed Gull at Coney Island Beach I decided to bird out in Nassau and Suffolk county for the next few days. Working several sites, my highlights were a Marbled Godwit, Whimbrels, Manx Shearwater, Black Terns, lots of Royal Terns and killer views of a Clapper Rail. The Clapper Rail was a special sight as the bird preened and sunned in plain view and allowed me to watch and photograph it without trying to hide. Here are some photos.

Royal Tern

Black Tern

Clapper Rail

Tags: Royal Tern, Clapper Rail, Black Tern

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-08-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

Macro Monday - Bog Copper...

2011-08-01T06:19:00.001-04:00

Found in Bogs - this beauty was photographed in the Adirondacks.

Gray-hooded Gull At Coney Island Beach Brooklyn NY...

2011-07-29T20:53:00.002-04:00

After the reports of the Gray-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) circulated, I thought about looking for the bird even though I figured it might be a long shot given how long ago it was first sighted (7-24-2011). Several conversations with Shane Blodgett on how to divvy up and cover the areas we thought most likely the bird would be, did not work out for me or for Shane as I ended up bogged down with work and Shane was busy. However, later this afternoon Shane called to let me know he was going back to the site where the bird was seen. Minutes later, I was putting my work on hold, grabbing scope, camera and binoculars as I raced out to the truck. Shane had re-found the bird!!! Muttering words that would make sailors blush, I battled the dreaded traffic down the Belt Parkway and made it just in time to get looks and photographs of the bird.

I had my brief views with Isaac Grant and Shane and then the bird took off and we could not relocate it again. It did not help that the area where we had the bird, was being closed off for fireworks and I hope this does not push the bird away. Isaac and Shane soon left and I stuck around to help relocate the bird, as other birders arrived but we could not find it. The rain came and then I was high tailing out of the area trying to protect my gear as best as I could. Like the Hooded Crow in Staten Island, this bird, is probably going to be well debated as to its validity as a countable bird, but I'll let the think tanks at NYSARC figure that out. If accepted, I believe this will be the second ABA record, with the first being in Apalachicola, Franklin County Florida, in 1998. Here are some photos of the bird.

Tags: Gray-headed Gull, Coney Island Beach, Brooklyn

Today's Photo - Short-billed Dowitcher...

2011-07-29T06:14:00.003-04:00

Field Notes - Jamaica Bay Wildife Refuge 7-24 to 7-27...

2011-07-28T05:49:00.018-04:00

It has been an interesting few days birding Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with the highlights being a Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica) found on Sunday on the East Pond, with birder Bobby Kutrz and beating last week's high count of 31 Stilt Sandpipers (Calidris himantopus) by tallying 41 on Monday. The number of Semipalmated Sandpipers (Calidris pusilla) were on the rise and on Tuesday evening I had quite a good number between the East and West Ponds; however, this number was significantly smaller yesterday, which probably means that some birds may have moved on.

Hudsonian Godwit with Silt Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers

Late yesterday afternoon, I had my first Red-Knot (Calidris canutus) of the summer at Jamaica Bay, indicating additional arrivals. Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus) numbers continue to build and I expect we will see White-rumped Sandpipers (Calidris fuscicollis) in the mix shortly. Pectoral Sandpipers (Calidris melanotos) are also putting in a good appearance with 4 seen on Monday. Also on Monday, I had my first juvenile Lesser Yellowleg (Tringa flavipes), which unfortunately I missed getting a photograph of because of skittish Canada Geese. Another highlight from Monday was presence of a Western Willet on the shores of the West Pond - we don't get too many around the Jamaica Bay area, so that was neat to see and digiscope. As far as passerine migration, Northern Waterthrushes (Seiurus noveboracensis) are back as I had 1 on Sunday and 2 yesterday, all on the East Pond.

Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitchers and Stilt Sandpipers.

The water level on the North End of the East Pond continues to be dismal, with no shoreline or mudflats in sight. I am hopeful that NPS comes up with some kind of solution to lower the water level faster before it is too late for the 2011 shorebird season.

Mostly Semipalmated Sandpipers with a few Least Sandpipers in the mix.

Tags: Hudsonian Godwit, Stilt Sandpiper, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Today's Photo - Sandhill Crane...

2011-07-27T06:01:00.000-04:00

Seen and digiscoped at the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge.

Today's Photo - Hudsonian Godwit In Flight...

2011-07-26T06:52:00.000-04:00

Field Notes - Shorebird numbers on the rise at Jamaica Bay Wildife Refuge...

2011-07-25T18:51:00.000-04:00

It is starting to heat up at Jamaica Bay and it’s not just the weather; shorebird numbers are slowly starting to build and with it an increase in the diversity. On a hot day in the field last Wednesday, I recorded 13 species of shorebirds with the highlight being 31 Stilt Sandpipers. The count of Stilt Sandpipers was a high for me and I hope this is a sign of good things to come. I am hoping for lots of birds, to help ease the angst that I and many others have over the water level situation at the East Pond. Even with this hot weather the water level remains too high and at the rate it is decreasing, it seems we are going to be well into August before adequate mudflats are available for the migrant shorebirds to feed and rest. I worry that we will lose many birds who either decide to skip the pond since the feeding grounds are not available or those who make the stop but are unable to gain the weight necessary to make the long journey to their wintering grounds.

Stilt Sandpipers in good numbers at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Note the bill on the Long-billed Dowicther, not an easy one to pick out among Short-billed.

Macro Monday - Hummingbird Moth...

2011-07-25T07:05:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Adult Least Bittern with Juvenile...

2011-07-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Juvenile Common Tern In Flight...

2011-07-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-07-20T06:15:00.000-04:00

Field Notes - Finding A Sandwich Tern on LI...

2011-07-19T13:29:00.020-04:00

Following the exciting session of studying a first summer Arctic Tern at Cupsogue LI on Saturday July 9th. I returned to the area on Monday to do some tern studies on my own. The tide was high when I arrived but dropping by the time I navigated and waded out onto the flats. It was nice and quiet on the flats with nary a birder or clamer in sight - I was pretty happy about that, as it meant that I would have some quiet time. I worked over the Terns methodically, taking notes and snapping as many photos as I could, especially of juvenile and 1st summer birds. After about 2 hours, I took a break from Terns and walked the flats, looking at shorebirds. Returning to the Terns I picked out a couple of Black Terns and an adult Roseate Tern, new arrivals that arrived with a turnover of the flock. While reviewing the Black Terns, I noticed some additional Terns flying in and noticed a bird that did not fit the birds I had already seen for the morning.

The bird came in close and my first thought was, Sandwich Tern. I fired off some shots in flight and tracked the bird to where it landed. Putting my scope on the bird, I did a quick review to ensure that I had the ID correct, which I did and then got off a few digiscoping shots before the bird picked up and headed towards the ocean. I birded the area for another few more hours looking for the Sandwich Tern, but never relocated it. Other birders who arrived later looked unsuccessfully for it, but it was never relocated that day or thereafter. This was only my second Sandwich Tern in NY with my first in 2009 also at Cupsogue Long Island. I was very pleased at finding my own specialty tern, and credit it to luck, as well as the lessons I have learned, while birding on the flats with friends and some of the best birders in the state, Shai Mitra, Pat Lindsay, Tom Burke and Gail Benson.

Tags: Cupsogue Park LI, Sandwich Tern, Roseate Tern, Black Tern

Macro Monday - Gray Haristreak...

2011-07-18T06:02:00.000-04:00

Photographed in the backyard.

Shorebirds are coming, shorebirds are coming...

2011-07-15T19:49:00.000-04:00

They are on their way back and not a moment too soon. I have been waiting patiently since last summer for this moment. It is the beginning of shorebird season and I can't wait to see hordes of shorebirds descend on the flats at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. That is what I am envisioning, but it will only happen if there is sufficient exposed flats on the East Pond, which is a favored feeding spot. Right now, the water level is too high than what it should be at this time of the year and I am afraid that the peeps (smaller shorebirds), will have a tough time finding areas to rest on and feed. At the moment, our first arrivals are a mix of Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Short-billed Dowitchers and today I had my first wave of Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers along with a Western Sandpiper. All of the smaller peeps were on the shores of the West Pond, but the East Pond is the favored feeding site. Hopefully, it all works out in the end and we have a great shorebird season at Jamaica Bay - otherwise it will be a dismal summer!

Greater Yellow-leg with Short-billed Dowitchers at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens NY.

Tags: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Short-billed Dowitcher, Greater Yellowleg

Today's Photo - 1st Summer and Adult Common Tern...

2011-07-14T20:53:00.014-04:00

1st Summer with an Adult Common Tern in the same frame for comparison.

Note: the 1st summer plumage on a Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), is much like an adult in winter plumage. In this photo, note the dark lesser coverts and secondary bar. You could also get a hint of the brownish-tinge that is seen on the 2-4 outer primaries on the 1st summer bird. I was very pleased to get these two birds in the same frame while out in the field doing some Tern studies. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Wordless Wednesday...

2011-07-13T06:25:00.000-04:00

Field Notes - Persistence Pays With Another Arctic Tern on LI...

2011-07-12T08:39:00.014-04:00

Birders studying a 1st summer Arctic Tern at Cupsogue LI.

On Saturday, I headed out to Cupsogue LI, to do some birding. I arrived with good time and did a brief seawatch before heading out to the flats. I was joined by Doug Futyma (you may remember him from the White-winged Dove find) and a few other birders who by then were ready to give the flats a go. The flats, were already occupied by birders; many, if not most, were from the New York State Young Birders Club, who were led by Brent Bomkamp and Stella Miller, President of Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon. As we made our way through the channels, I spotted a Black Tern (Chlidonias niger), in flight, which I called out and the other birders who were with me were able to get on. We scoped birds around us before crossing the last channel picking up a breeding plumage Red Knot, Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), Willets (both Eastern and Western) and many Short-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus griseus). Doug and I were admiring how disciplined the young birders were (all sticking together as one group) when we were alerted to the presence of a possible Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) on the flats just ahead. Crossing the channel, I was able to quickly spot the candidate mixed in with Common and Forster’s Terns. From my first look, the bird appeared to be a 1st summer type, but better looks were needed.

1st summer Arctic Tern on the flats at Cupsogue LI.

The group was at a fair distance from the terns; no doubt, not wanting to flush them, but Doug and I was of the impression that we needed a closer view of the bird. The arrival of Tom Burke and Gail Benson made it four votes to advance and so I took the initiative and moved in angling to the right to get a side view of the bird. Tom, Gail and Doug joined me and together we began our analysis talking through the field marks that were consistent for a 1st summer Arctic Tern. The bird looked good, but we were making sure we got it right; there were a few 1st summer Common Terns mingling around with the flock that given the right or wrong angle (depending how one looks at it) coupled with the uneven surface of the flats, could be very deceptive when it comes to picking out an Arctic Tern from the crowd.

1st summer Arctic Tern on the flats at Cupsogue LI.

Tom and Doug were excellent in their analysis, patiently working through the field marks. One thing, Tom, Doug, Gail and I had not seen when we got on the bird was the bill and we wanted to get a good look at it, to further seal the deal. After some waiting, the bird finally untucked and the four of us all got good looks at the bill. We were confident it was the real thing. I believe this bird was picked out by Brent Bomkamp, a nice job indeed! Gail Benson and I began taking digiscope shots of the bird and continued reviewing them with Tom and Doug. By then the ternmeister himself, Shai Mitra, showed up along with Patricia Lindsay and Jeff Bolsinger. Shai concurred that it was indeed a 1st summer Arctic Tern. The number of birders, soon got smaller with the departure of the Young Birders Club and the few of us that remained, continued working the flats. In addition to the Arctic Tern, other highlights included, 5 Black Terns all in different plumage stages, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a rare look at a Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) in 1st summer plumage. Once the tide turned we headed back, had lunch with margaritas and then called it a day. It was a fitting end to a great day of birding; one, where I had satisfying looks at an Arctic Tern and was able to study it quite well with some of the best birders in the state.

Breeding plumage Red Knot (center) with Short-billed Dowitchers on the flats at Cupsogue LI.

Tags: Cupsogue Park LI, Arctic Tern, Black Tern, Roseate Tern, Red Knot

Macro Monday - Northern Pearly Eye...

2011-07-11T05:23:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Glossy Ibis...

2011-07-08T06:19:00.001-04:00

Field Notes - Another Arctic Tern on LI...

2011-07-07T18:14:00.004-04:00

Birders on the flats at Cupsogue LI

A vigil by a number of birders turned out to be rewarding although views of one of the intended targets left much to be desired. Nevertheless, in this game of birding, one takes whatever one gets and be thankful. On Sunday (July 3rd), I arrived at Cupsogue Park, in Suffolk County LI, a little later than I would have liked and opted not to do a seawatch, since I wanted to head out to the flats before the incoming tide got too high. I later learned that the seawatching was a productive one turning in a few goodies, such as, Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus), Cory Shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis)and Wilson’s Storm Petrels (Oceanites oceanicus). When I waded out to the flats, I realized that the tide was coming in fast and so opted not to go all the way out to the area where I noticed Shai Mitra was doing a careful study of the Terns that were mulling around. Terns were the order of the day, specifically, Arctic and or Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis), both uncommon requiring lots of luck in the hopes that they show up. After about 45 minutes and with the tide getting higher, I decided that I was going to call it in and join the seawatchers back on the boardwalk. I would regret that decision, as half an hour after I left, Pat Lindsay, who was on the boardwalk alerted me to the presence of an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) on the flats. A first summer bird, found none other than the Ternmeister himself, Shai Mitra, whose vigil on the flats almost to the peak of high tide was nothing less than total commitment and focus – not to mention the skills required to pick one out. This bird could be the fourth Arctic Tern found this year at Cupsogue LI. Those of us who were on the boardwalk were guided to the location of the Arctic Tern by phone relay and we all got looks of the bird. Then, we decided to get ambitious and headed out to the marsh edges to get a closer look. Unfortunately, the prized subject did not oblige and took off before we all got out the marsh.

Adult Roseate Tern

A first year Common Tern caused a brief moment of excitement, as we thought the bird had returned. Despite a dedicated search by Shai who by now was almost up to his thighs in water, the tern could not be relocated. A reluctant group headed back to the boardwalk where some of us took a break for coffee while others continued seawatching. Most of the birders there that morning decided on waiting for the tide to turn, which was going to be late afternoon. Shai, Pat and I decided on doing some offsite birding to essentially kill some time. A drive to Shinnecock Inlet did not produce anything that we did not already have for the day. Lunch soon followed and with our stomachs filled with food and our spirits lifted with margaritas and wine, we headed back out the flats. We birded the flats for about 2 hours, but failed to pull out an Arctic Tern.

The left most bird is a Short-billed Dowitcher of the (hendersoni subspecies)

Our consolation were a couple of adult Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii), a nice looking Short-billed Dowitcher of the (hendersoni subspecies) which was picked out by Andy Guthrie. Andy also keyed in on a peep with a big bill which was debated upon well into the afternoon. Another trip back to the boardwalk for refreshments, which included beers and margaritas, provided enough motivation for a third trip out the flats despite a light drizzle and cloudy conditions. Our third trip back out to the flats for some of us was encouraged by the scope spotting of a breeding plumaged Black Tern Chlidonias niger on the flats – a bird which was not seen earlier. We worked the flats hard and some of us went off on a mission to verify the big billed peep that was so heavily debated on. Birder extraordinaire Tom Burke and I first picked up the peep and after a close look remarked that the bird had rufus in the scapulars; this was a diagnostic feature that we were looking for to justify what this bird was deemed to be, a Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri). Shai and others in the meantime continued their vigil for an Arctic Tern. After about another 2 hours we decided to call it a day as the drizzle began increasing and there was thunder in the distance. The weather conditions did not make for good sea watching, so everyone decided to call it a day. It was long, but terrific day of birding with, to quote Shai, “some of the finest birding minds in the state”.

Tags: Cupsogue Park LI, Arctic Tern, Sandwich Tern, Roseate Tern

Macro Monday - Common Ringlet...

2011-07-04T09:34:00.000-04:00

Photo Quiz...

2011-07-03T04:51:00.000-04:00

I haven't done one in a while, so I'll be gentle :). Take a look and see if you could figure out this one.

Today's Photo - Black-crowned Night-Heron

2011-07-02T09:23:00.000-04:00

Macro Monday - Great Spangled Fritillary...

2011-06-27T08:01:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo - Common Loon...

2011-06-26T18:27:00.000-04:00

Van Courtlandt Bird Walk Report 6-25-2011...

2011-06-25T21:55:00.001-04:00

Baby Barn Swallows

Our group met up this morning at our usual spot, the nature center near the parade grounds. We did our usual scan of the fields, then headed out to bird along the Van Courtlandt Lake. By now, all of the regulars knew we were not going to encounter any of the hotbed of activities we had the during migration, but we were quite satisfied observing the breeding birds that were around. Some of our best looks today were of, Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica), Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus), Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (Stelgidopteryx serripennis). We birded the lake, then went up to Vault Hill where we found a few butterflies amongst the Common Milkweed; in good numbers were, Sliver Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) and Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela). On our way back to the Nature Center, we had close up views of Chimney Swifts as they skimmed the fields in search of food. With them were numerous Barn, Tree and Northern Rough Winged Swallows. Later as folks dispersed, those that stayed with me on my way out picked up Willow Flycatcher and Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe).

Below is a list of the Birds and Butterflies seen on our walk.
Total Birds: 37
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii)
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Total Butterflies: 5
Little Wood Satyr (Megisto cymela)
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
Silver Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
Cabbage White (Pieris rapae)
Clouded Sulphur (Colias philodice)

Tags: Van Courtlandt Bird Walk