RBA
* New York
* Syracuse
* March 20, 2006
* NYSY 0603.20
hotline: Syracuse Area Rare Bird Alert
date(s): March 13 - March 20, 2006
RBA BirdBox: (315)-637-0318
to report by e-mail: fickity AT netscape DOT net
covering upstate NY Counties: Cayuga, Montezuma National Wildlife
Refuge (just outside Cayuga County), Onondaga, Oswego, Lewis,
Jefferson, Oneida, Herkimer, & Madison.
compiled: March 20 @ 10:00 a.m. (EST)
compiler: Matt Victoria
Onondaga Audubon Homepage: www.onondagaaudubon.org
#09 - Monday, March 20, 2006
Greetings! This is the Syracuse Area Rare Bird Alert for the week
of March 20, 2006.
Highlights:
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
EURASIAN WIGEON
PACIFIC LOON (extralimital)
RED-NECKED GREBE
PEREGRINE FALCON
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
GLAUCOUS GULL
ICELAND GULL
SNOWY OWL
NORTHERN SHRIKE
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL
SANDHILL CRANE
EXTRALIMITAL: Sheldrake Point, Seneca County
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A PACIFIC LOON discovered January 28th on the west side of Cayuga
Lake was rediscovered and photographed on February 3rd. Since that
time, it has been seen by many observers, the most recent report is from
March 18th. To reach Sheldrake Point in Seneca County, the area where
the Loon was seen, proceed west on NY 5&20 past the main entrance to the
Montezuma NWR. Turn south on NY-89 at the light and major intersection
by the Montezuma Winery. Head south on NY-89 exactly 20.6 miles to
Sheldrake. Turn east on CR-139 1.2 miles to Sheldrake Point (at the
stop sign, go straight into the small park). Begin your search at this
point, continue searching south along CR-153 (CR-153 is accessed by
turning south at the stop sign on CR-139). The PACIFIC LOON covers a
lot of area, and may be seen anywhere from Sheldrake Point at the north
to the end of CR-153 at the junction with CR-141. Lately, the majority
of searchers report sighting the Loon at Sheldrake Point, or just to the
north.
Refer to page 60 in the DeLorme.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR)
- - - - - - - - - -
Two SANDHILL CRANES were reported from Carncross Rd. in the Town of
Savannah on the 18th. The pair is likely the same Sandhill Cranes that
nest in the greater MNWR area. Check the cut corn field along the south
side of Carncross Rd., or try to find the Cranes by scanning from the
DEC Parking Area at the end of Morgan Rd. Sandhill Cranes can be tricky
to locate, a few attempts may be necessary. Refer to page 74, Grid D1
in the NYS DeLorme.
The DEC Parking Area overlooking the fields at the end of Morgan
Rd. got a lot of visits this weekend from Birders. A drake EURASIAN
WIGEON was found on the 16th. Two EURASIAN WIGEON were present here on
the 18th. Other migrants, including both Yellowlegs and Blue-winged
Teal, have also been seen in this area. Scope the fields and wet areas
from the ample viewing area of the parking lot. Refer to page 74, Grid
D1 in the NYS DeLorme.
An EURASIAN WIGEON was also reported from Railroad Rd on the 16th and
again on the 18th. Railroad Rd. is illustrated as a "Z" shaped Rd
running N-S that joins Van Duyn Spoor with Wright Rd. in the NYS
DeLorme pg 74 Grid D1. Drive this road and look for the waterfowl
flocks in the flooded fields. Bring your spotting scope!
Yet another EURASIAN WIGEON was located among the Waterfowl in
Tschache Pool on the 18th. Tschache Pool is accessed from NY-89 just
after passing the exit from the Wildlife Drive and crossing over the
Thruway, on the west side of NY-89. Climb the tower and scope the
Ducks. Refer to page 73 Grid D7. at the very bottom corner of the DeLorme.
The Wildlife Drive is scheduled to open for vehicular traffic April 1, 2006.
Cayuga County
- - - - - - - - - -
The PACIFIC LOON put in a brief appearance on the east side of
Cayuga Lake at Long Point SP on the 16th. Access Long Point SP by
turning onto Lake Rd. and heading south of the Village of Aurora. See
page 60 in the DeLorme.
A first-2nd cycle GLAUCOUS GULL was found loafing on the sandy
shoreline of Aurora Bay on the 18th. Scope the lake from the parking
lot of the
Wells College boathouse, or walk a short distance north or south along
the old railroad grade to find this Bird. Wells College is located on
NY-90 (not I-90, aka the Thruway) in the Village of Aurora, Town of
Ledyard, NY. Refer to page 60 in the Delorme NY State Atlas and Gazetteer.
Onondaga County
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Migrants have continued to appear in small numbers this week as a result
of the recent warm bubble of air from the south. Returning species
mentioned include Fox Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, and Tree Swallow. In the
3-Rivers Game Management Area, American Woodcocks are back on
territory. Try listening for the flight of the Timberdoodle at dusk
from the lots along Kellog Rd., north or south of Smokey Hollow Rd., or
on Potter Rd. east of 60 Rd. Refer to page 74 in the Delorme NY State
Atlas and Gazetteer.
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen atop the State Tower Building at 109
South Warren Street in the City of Syracuse on March 15th. The Falcons
nest here, and utilize a nestbox/platform. A webcam allows viewers to
observe the Falcons while nesting. Refer to the following URL:
http://www.usadatanet.com/falconcam.html
A RED-NECKED GREBE was found on Oneida Lake scoping from the south
Fisherman's Access point underneath the US-81 highway on the 15th Refer
to page 75 in the DeLorme.
An adult NORTHERN SHRIKE was reported on the 20th in the Three Rivers
Wildlife Game Management Area north of Baldwinsville on 60 Rd. See page
74 in the DeLorme.
Oswego County
- - - - - - - - - - -
There has been no recent movement of Raptors recorded for Derby Hill
Bird Observatory's annual Hawk Watch as a result of a return to winter
weather.
When spring returns, refer to the following URL for directions, daily
observations, and flight predictions:
http://www.derbyhill.org
With no Hawks flying, observers at Derby Hill took to watching the
Lake. A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was found flying off the bluffs on the
14th. A lakewatch on the 15th turned up 2 ICELAND GULLS, and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL. 2 brave Savannah Sparrows were coming to the Derby
Hill feeders both days. Directions to Derby Hill can be found at the
website, it is located on DeLorme page 83.
Gull Reports from Oswego County this week included reports of a
GLAUCOUS GULL from Oswego Harbor on the 16th. The lock at Phoenix has
returned to its former glory, reports detail a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
on the 15th, both an ICELAND and a GLAUCOUS GULL On the 16th, a 2nd
winter LESSER BB GULL on the 17th and a juvenile ICELAND GULL On the
18th. These Gulls are constantly moving up and down the River, so check
as many spots as you can! Refer to page 74 in the Delorme NY State
Atlas and Gazetteer.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were found in a new location, along
Peterscott Rd. north of the intersection with Sutton Rd, on the 17th.
Approximately 11 CROSSBILLS were attracted to the Spruces of a private
residence number 229. Note in the DeLorme, Peterscott Rd is referred to
as "Swamp" Rd. See page 75.
Also in the Town of Schroeppel near Pennellville, a GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was found along the south side of
County Route 54 near it's intersection with Swamp Road, just north of
Elvic Farms on the 16th. See page 75 in the NYS DeLorme Atlas.
Herkimer County
- - - - - - - - - - -
A SNOWY OWL remains near the Town of Fairfield in Herkimer County, north
of Little Falls and east of Middleville. Try sighting this Bird along
Castle Rd., then drive adjacent roads and scrutinize the fields. DeLorme
78, between C1 and D1.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Compiler's Comments: Subsequent RBA's may, in the future, be sent
out on Monday nights. As landscaping season approaches, my Monday
morning time period will soon be occupied.
--end transcript
* New York
* Syracuse
* March 20, 2006
* NYSY 0603.20
hotline: Syracuse Area Rare Bird Alert
date(s): March 13 - March 20, 2006
RBA BirdBox: (315)-637-0318
to report by e-mail: fickity AT netscape DOT net
covering upstate NY Counties: Cayuga, Montezuma National Wildlife
Refuge (just outside Cayuga County), Onondaga, Oswego, Lewis,
Jefferson, Oneida, Herkimer, & Madison.
compiled: March 20 @ 10:00 a.m. (EST)
compiler: Matt Victoria
Onondaga Audubon Homepage: www.onondagaaudubon.org
#09 - Monday, March 20, 2006
Greetings! This is the Syracuse Area Rare Bird Alert for the week
of March 20, 2006.
Highlights:
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
EURASIAN WIGEON
PACIFIC LOON (extralimital)
RED-NECKED GREBE
PEREGRINE FALCON
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
GLAUCOUS GULL
ICELAND GULL
SNOWY OWL
NORTHERN SHRIKE
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL
SANDHILL CRANE
EXTRALIMITAL: Sheldrake Point, Seneca County
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A PACIFIC LOON discovered January 28th on the west side of Cayuga
Lake was rediscovered and photographed on February 3rd. Since that
time, it has been seen by many observers, the most recent report is from
March 18th. To reach Sheldrake Point in Seneca County, the area where
the Loon was seen, proceed west on NY 5&20 past the main entrance to the
Montezuma NWR. Turn south on NY-89 at the light and major intersection
by the Montezuma Winery. Head south on NY-89 exactly 20.6 miles to
Sheldrake. Turn east on CR-139 1.2 miles to Sheldrake Point (at the
stop sign, go straight into the small park). Begin your search at this
point, continue searching south along CR-153 (CR-153 is accessed by
turning south at the stop sign on CR-139). The PACIFIC LOON covers a
lot of area, and may be seen anywhere from Sheldrake Point at the north
to the end of CR-153 at the junction with CR-141. Lately, the majority
of searchers report sighting the Loon at Sheldrake Point, or just to the
north.
Refer to page 60 in the DeLorme.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR)
- - - - - - - - - -
Two SANDHILL CRANES were reported from Carncross Rd. in the Town of
Savannah on the 18th. The pair is likely the same Sandhill Cranes that
nest in the greater MNWR area. Check the cut corn field along the south
side of Carncross Rd., or try to find the Cranes by scanning from the
DEC Parking Area at the end of Morgan Rd. Sandhill Cranes can be tricky
to locate, a few attempts may be necessary. Refer to page 74, Grid D1
in the NYS DeLorme.
The DEC Parking Area overlooking the fields at the end of Morgan
Rd. got a lot of visits this weekend from Birders. A drake EURASIAN
WIGEON was found on the 16th. Two EURASIAN WIGEON were present here on
the 18th. Other migrants, including both Yellowlegs and Blue-winged
Teal, have also been seen in this area. Scope the fields and wet areas
from the ample viewing area of the parking lot. Refer to page 74, Grid
D1 in the NYS DeLorme.
An EURASIAN WIGEON was also reported from Railroad Rd on the 16th and
again on the 18th. Railroad Rd. is illustrated as a "Z" shaped Rd
running N-S that joins Van Duyn Spoor with Wright Rd. in the NYS
DeLorme pg 74 Grid D1. Drive this road and look for the waterfowl
flocks in the flooded fields. Bring your spotting scope!
Yet another EURASIAN WIGEON was located among the Waterfowl in
Tschache Pool on the 18th. Tschache Pool is accessed from NY-89 just
after passing the exit from the Wildlife Drive and crossing over the
Thruway, on the west side of NY-89. Climb the tower and scope the
Ducks. Refer to page 73 Grid D7. at the very bottom corner of the DeLorme.
The Wildlife Drive is scheduled to open for vehicular traffic April 1, 2006.
Cayuga County
- - - - - - - - - -
The PACIFIC LOON put in a brief appearance on the east side of
Cayuga Lake at Long Point SP on the 16th. Access Long Point SP by
turning onto Lake Rd. and heading south of the Village of Aurora. See
page 60 in the DeLorme.
A first-2nd cycle GLAUCOUS GULL was found loafing on the sandy
shoreline of Aurora Bay on the 18th. Scope the lake from the parking
lot of the
Wells College boathouse, or walk a short distance north or south along
the old railroad grade to find this Bird. Wells College is located on
NY-90 (not I-90, aka the Thruway) in the Village of Aurora, Town of
Ledyard, NY. Refer to page 60 in the Delorme NY State Atlas and Gazetteer.
Onondaga County
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Migrants have continued to appear in small numbers this week as a result
of the recent warm bubble of air from the south. Returning species
mentioned include Fox Sparrow, Eastern Phoebe, and Tree Swallow. In the
3-Rivers Game Management Area, American Woodcocks are back on
territory. Try listening for the flight of the Timberdoodle at dusk
from the lots along Kellog Rd., north or south of Smokey Hollow Rd., or
on Potter Rd. east of 60 Rd. Refer to page 74 in the Delorme NY State
Atlas and Gazetteer.
A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen atop the State Tower Building at 109
South Warren Street in the City of Syracuse on March 15th. The Falcons
nest here, and utilize a nestbox/platform. A webcam allows viewers to
observe the Falcons while nesting. Refer to the following URL:
http://www.usadatanet.com/falconcam.html
A RED-NECKED GREBE was found on Oneida Lake scoping from the south
Fisherman's Access point underneath the US-81 highway on the 15th Refer
to page 75 in the DeLorme.
An adult NORTHERN SHRIKE was reported on the 20th in the Three Rivers
Wildlife Game Management Area north of Baldwinsville on 60 Rd. See page
74 in the DeLorme.
Oswego County
- - - - - - - - - - -
There has been no recent movement of Raptors recorded for Derby Hill
Bird Observatory's annual Hawk Watch as a result of a return to winter
weather.
When spring returns, refer to the following URL for directions, daily
observations, and flight predictions:
http://www.derbyhill.org
With no Hawks flying, observers at Derby Hill took to watching the
Lake. A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE was found flying off the bluffs on the
14th. A lakewatch on the 15th turned up 2 ICELAND GULLS, and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL. 2 brave Savannah Sparrows were coming to the Derby
Hill feeders both days. Directions to Derby Hill can be found at the
website, it is located on DeLorme page 83.
Gull Reports from Oswego County this week included reports of a
GLAUCOUS GULL from Oswego Harbor on the 16th. The lock at Phoenix has
returned to its former glory, reports detail a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
on the 15th, both an ICELAND and a GLAUCOUS GULL On the 16th, a 2nd
winter LESSER BB GULL on the 17th and a juvenile ICELAND GULL On the
18th. These Gulls are constantly moving up and down the River, so check
as many spots as you can! Refer to page 74 in the Delorme NY State
Atlas and Gazetteer.
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were found in a new location, along
Peterscott Rd. north of the intersection with Sutton Rd, on the 17th.
Approximately 11 CROSSBILLS were attracted to the Spruces of a private
residence number 229. Note in the DeLorme, Peterscott Rd is referred to
as "Swamp" Rd. See page 75.
Also in the Town of Schroeppel near Pennellville, a GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was found along the south side of
County Route 54 near it's intersection with Swamp Road, just north of
Elvic Farms on the 16th. See page 75 in the NYS DeLorme Atlas.
Herkimer County
- - - - - - - - - - -
A SNOWY OWL remains near the Town of Fairfield in Herkimer County, north
of Little Falls and east of Middleville. Try sighting this Bird along
Castle Rd., then drive adjacent roads and scrutinize the fields. DeLorme
78, between C1 and D1.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Compiler's Comments: Subsequent RBA's may, in the future, be sent
out on Monday nights. As landscaping season approaches, my Monday
morning time period will soon be occupied.
--end transcript