RBA
New York
Eastern Long Island
24 March 2006
NYEE0603.24
***East End Birds, 24 March 2006
***Covering the towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island,
Southold & Riverhead on the eastern end of Long Island, New York
***This report is distributed by e-mail only. If you would like to
receive East End Birds, contact hmcguinness@ross.org
***Visit East End Birds on line at www.ross.org/~hmcguinness@ross.
***Volume 8, Number 17
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-necked Grebe, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black-headed
Gull, Glaucous Gull, Long-eared Owl, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
With the jet stream dipping into our area for most of the last week,
there has not been much opportunity for movement of migrants into the
area. Nevertheless, observers have reported GREAT EGRET, OSPREY,
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, KILLDEER and FOX SPARROW from many areas.
EASTERN PHOEBES have also been widely reported. I haven't heard any
reports of FISH CROW, but I expect that if they are not already back in
areas where they didn't winter, they soon will be. (Follow that?).
Along the ocean beach near Pike's Beach in Westhampton Dunes there were
4 PIPING PLOVERS on Mar 16, the first of the season (AM).
An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was at Eastport Pond on Mar 19 (MSh, SA, SW,
AJL).
At Shinnecock the COMMON EIDER flock is smaller, and numbered 140
individuals on Mar 22 (BA), but still present in the vicinity of the
inlet. A fly-by ICELAND GULL was spotted on Mar 17 (PG). Two IPSWICH
SPARROWS were seen in the grassy patch by the west side of the inlet,
where they have been for the last 2 months, on Mar 17 & 19. The
second-year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at the fishing docks just west
of the inlet on Mar 17 & 22. A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen along Dune Rd
on Mar 17 (MH), while a CLAPPER RAIL and an AMERICAN BITTERN were
between Triton and Dolphin Lanes (SBd, RJ, DG). An adult LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL and a PEREGRINE FALCON were along Dune Rd on Mar 19
(AJL). BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES are being regularly reported along Dune Rd.
In Watermill there were 50 GREEN-WINGED TEAL along one of the creeks
that leads to Mecox Bay on Mar 20 (JSh). This is the largest number I
have heard about this winter. At least 2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS have
returned to small pond on the west side of Watermill.
At Sagaponack there was an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in the pond
and an immature BLACK-HEADED GULL along the beach on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ,
DG). The BLACK-HEADED GULL was spotted again along the beach on Mar 19.
A pair of WOOD DUCKS were at the David's Lane duck-feeding area on Mar
21 (JL), which is a place where the species often hangs around.
An estimated 5000 COMMON EIDERS were in the waters north and west of the
Lake Montauk jetties, and a RED-NECKED GREBE at Culloden Point were
reported on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ, DG).
The YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was last seen at the Deep Hollow Ranch east
of Montauk on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ, DG). An ICELAND GULL was at the Montauk
Lighthouse on Mar 11 (VB). A TURKEY VULTURE and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
were seen soaring overhead on Mar 19 (JGl). I should remind all
observers that the tips of both of the East End's Forks are good places
to look for migrating raptors in late March and early April on sunny
days, even when there are northwest winds.
A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was at Mashomack on Shelter Island on Mar 14 (NH). A
TURKEY VULTURE was at South Ferry on Mar 19 (MSch).
The first TREE SWALLOWS of the season, a pair, were spotted in the marsh
east of the Wading River on Mar 14 (DH). A pair of NORTHERN BOBWHITES, a
species I haven't heard much about in a while, were spotted in Wading
River on Mar 18 (E&BGl).
At the former Grumman facility in Calverton, many observers have
reported singing EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. Six AMERICAN KESTRELS were there
on Mar 21 (DH). Along Connecticut Ave there were 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS on
Mar 19 (AJL).
In Aquebogue a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was found on Mar 22 (BA).
The Chapel Lane Town Preserve in Greenport produced a whopping 18
EASTERN PHOEBES on Mar 17 (TC). Three PURPLE FINCHES were at the Red
House feeder in Greenport on Mar 19 (TD).
Seven TURKEY VULTURES were over Orient village on Mar 15 (GR). Seven
SNOW BUNTINGS were at Orient Beach State Park on Mar 23 (AM). I wonder
if these will be the final report of the season.
A LONG-EARED OWL was found along the NY DEC bike trails along Rt 51 in
Eastport on Mar 17 (MW). Nice find! Unfortunately, this area is just
outside the official East End area, so we still need the species for the
year list. A PINE WARBLER, the first I have heard about this year, was
seen here on Mar 21 (DH).
A TURKEY VULTURE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, the first report this year,
were spotted in Brookhaven Hamlet on Mar 21 (JCl).
WHAT SPECIES SURVIVED THE WINTER
On Shelter Island, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen again on Mar 19 (OB).
A MERLIN was on Shelter Island on Mar 13 (ES).
THE EAST END YEAR LIST
Three species were added to the year list in the last week (Northern
Goshawk, Piping Plover, and Tree Swallow) bringing the total to 168
species. Birds to be on the lookout for in the next week include Little
Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis, Willet, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw Whet Owl,
and Pine Warbler.
PENGUINS TO MARCH IN MONTAUK TONIGHT!
The Third House Nature Center will present a special screening of the
Oscar-winning "March of the Penguins" at 7pm on Mar 24. The screening
will take place at Fort Pond House, which can be reached as follows.
From the west end of town take Second House Rd north about 0.5 miles,
passing Shepard's Neck Inn. Directly across from South Debusy Rd, turn
right onto a dirt road. Follow this road about 300 yards passing some
small cottages on the left. Turn right at the wooden gates and continue
on to the house. The event is apparently free of charge.
APRIL PELAGIC TRIP SCEHDULED
See Life Paulagics has announced a pelagic trip to visit NY and NJ
waters on April 8 out of Belmar, NJ. A similar trip from Delaware in
April 2004 found an interesting mix of winter and spring birds,
including Razorbill, Common Murre, Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, and Red
Phalarope. The grail of the April trips is an albatross or Great Skua.
This is the time of year when mackerel, herring, and baitfish move north
in large schools, and large flocks of Gannets often follow them. These
schools can also attract whales and dolphins. The trip is scheduled to
run from 6:00 AM to about 6:00 PM and the cost is $125. For further
information point your browser to www.paulagics.com
info@paulagics.com.
This week I received reports from Bob Adamo, Ryan Anderson, Seth
Ausubel, Orhan Birol, Shane Blodgett (SBd), Vicki Bustamante, Jennifer
Clement (JCl), Tom Crowley, Tom Damiani, Dan Heglund, Paul Gillen, Erich
& Barbara Glanz (E&BGl), John Gluth (JGl), Doug Gochfeld, Nick Hamblet,
Mike Higgiston, Bruce Horwith, Rob Jett, Jorie Latham, Anthony J Lauro,
Andy Murphy, George Rowsom, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein (K&BRu), Carl
Safina (CSa), Mike Scheibel (MSch), Mike Shanley (MSh), John Shemilt
(JSh), Eric Slayton, John Todaro, Seth Wollney, Mike Wood.
Good Birding to All!
Hugh McGuinness
The Ross School
18 Goodfriend Park
East Hampton, NY 11937
To send in reports:
hmcguinness@ross.org
631-907-5229 (weekdays)
631-725-6037 (nights & weekends)
New York
Eastern Long Island
24 March 2006
NYEE0603.24
***East End Birds, 24 March 2006
***Covering the towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island,
Southold & Riverhead on the eastern end of Long Island, New York
***This report is distributed by e-mail only. If you would like to
receive East End Birds, contact hmcguinness@ross.org
***Visit East End Birds on line at www.ross.org/~hmcguinness@ross.
***Volume 8, Number 17
HIGHLIGHTS
Red-necked Grebe, Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Black-headed
Gull, Glaucous Gull, Long-eared Owl, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
With the jet stream dipping into our area for most of the last week,
there has not been much opportunity for movement of migrants into the
area. Nevertheless, observers have reported GREAT EGRET, OSPREY,
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER, KILLDEER and FOX SPARROW from many areas.
EASTERN PHOEBES have also been widely reported. I haven't heard any
reports of FISH CROW, but I expect that if they are not already back in
areas where they didn't winter, they soon will be. (Follow that?).
Along the ocean beach near Pike's Beach in Westhampton Dunes there were
4 PIPING PLOVERS on Mar 16, the first of the season (AM).
An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was at Eastport Pond on Mar 19 (MSh, SA, SW,
AJL).
At Shinnecock the COMMON EIDER flock is smaller, and numbered 140
individuals on Mar 22 (BA), but still present in the vicinity of the
inlet. A fly-by ICELAND GULL was spotted on Mar 17 (PG). Two IPSWICH
SPARROWS were seen in the grassy patch by the west side of the inlet,
where they have been for the last 2 months, on Mar 17 & 19. The
second-year GLAUCOUS GULL was seen again at the fishing docks just west
of the inlet on Mar 17 & 22. A PEREGRINE FALCON was seen along Dune Rd
on Mar 17 (MH), while a CLAPPER RAIL and an AMERICAN BITTERN were
between Triton and Dolphin Lanes (SBd, RJ, DG). An adult LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL and a PEREGRINE FALCON were along Dune Rd on Mar 19
(AJL). BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES are being regularly reported along Dune Rd.
In Watermill there were 50 GREEN-WINGED TEAL along one of the creeks
that leads to Mecox Bay on Mar 20 (JSh). This is the largest number I
have heard about this winter. At least 2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS have
returned to small pond on the west side of Watermill.
At Sagaponack there was an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL in the pond
and an immature BLACK-HEADED GULL along the beach on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ,
DG). The BLACK-HEADED GULL was spotted again along the beach on Mar 19.
A pair of WOOD DUCKS were at the David's Lane duck-feeding area on Mar
21 (JL), which is a place where the species often hangs around.
An estimated 5000 COMMON EIDERS were in the waters north and west of the
Lake Montauk jetties, and a RED-NECKED GREBE at Culloden Point were
reported on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ, DG).
The YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD was last seen at the Deep Hollow Ranch east
of Montauk on Mar 17 (SBd, RJ, DG). An ICELAND GULL was at the Montauk
Lighthouse on Mar 11 (VB). A TURKEY VULTURE and a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK
were seen soaring overhead on Mar 19 (JGl). I should remind all
observers that the tips of both of the East End's Forks are good places
to look for migrating raptors in late March and early April on sunny
days, even when there are northwest winds.
A RUSTY BLACKBIRD was at Mashomack on Shelter Island on Mar 14 (NH). A
TURKEY VULTURE was at South Ferry on Mar 19 (MSch).
The first TREE SWALLOWS of the season, a pair, were spotted in the marsh
east of the Wading River on Mar 14 (DH). A pair of NORTHERN BOBWHITES, a
species I haven't heard much about in a while, were spotted in Wading
River on Mar 18 (E&BGl).
At the former Grumman facility in Calverton, many observers have
reported singing EASTERN MEADOWLARKS. Six AMERICAN KESTRELS were there
on Mar 21 (DH). Along Connecticut Ave there were 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS on
Mar 19 (AJL).
In Aquebogue a NORTHERN GOSHAWK was found on Mar 22 (BA).
The Chapel Lane Town Preserve in Greenport produced a whopping 18
EASTERN PHOEBES on Mar 17 (TC). Three PURPLE FINCHES were at the Red
House feeder in Greenport on Mar 19 (TD).
Seven TURKEY VULTURES were over Orient village on Mar 15 (GR). Seven
SNOW BUNTINGS were at Orient Beach State Park on Mar 23 (AM). I wonder
if these will be the final report of the season.
A LONG-EARED OWL was found along the NY DEC bike trails along Rt 51 in
Eastport on Mar 17 (MW). Nice find! Unfortunately, this area is just
outside the official East End area, so we still need the species for the
year list. A PINE WARBLER, the first I have heard about this year, was
seen here on Mar 21 (DH).
A TURKEY VULTURE and a NORTHERN GOSHAWK, the first report this year,
were spotted in Brookhaven Hamlet on Mar 21 (JCl).
WHAT SPECIES SURVIVED THE WINTER
On Shelter Island, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was seen again on Mar 19 (OB).
A MERLIN was on Shelter Island on Mar 13 (ES).
THE EAST END YEAR LIST
Three species were added to the year list in the last week (Northern
Goshawk, Piping Plover, and Tree Swallow) bringing the total to 168
species. Birds to be on the lookout for in the next week include Little
Blue Heron, Glossy Ibis, Willet, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw Whet Owl,
and Pine Warbler.
PENGUINS TO MARCH IN MONTAUK TONIGHT!
The Third House Nature Center will present a special screening of the
Oscar-winning "March of the Penguins" at 7pm on Mar 24. The screening
will take place at Fort Pond House, which can be reached as follows.
From the west end of town take Second House Rd north about 0.5 miles,
passing Shepard's Neck Inn. Directly across from South Debusy Rd, turn
right onto a dirt road. Follow this road about 300 yards passing some
small cottages on the left. Turn right at the wooden gates and continue
on to the house. The event is apparently free of charge.
APRIL PELAGIC TRIP SCEHDULED
See Life Paulagics has announced a pelagic trip to visit NY and NJ
waters on April 8 out of Belmar, NJ. A similar trip from Delaware in
April 2004 found an interesting mix of winter and spring birds,
including Razorbill, Common Murre, Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, and Red
Phalarope. The grail of the April trips is an albatross or Great Skua.
This is the time of year when mackerel, herring, and baitfish move north
in large schools, and large flocks of Gannets often follow them. These
schools can also attract whales and dolphins. The trip is scheduled to
run from 6:00 AM to about 6:00 PM and the cost is $125. For further
information point your browser to www.paulagics.com
info@paulagics.com.
This week I received reports from Bob Adamo, Ryan Anderson, Seth
Ausubel, Orhan Birol, Shane Blodgett (SBd), Vicki Bustamante, Jennifer
Clement (JCl), Tom Crowley, Tom Damiani, Dan Heglund, Paul Gillen, Erich
& Barbara Glanz (E&BGl), John Gluth (JGl), Doug Gochfeld, Nick Hamblet,
Mike Higgiston, Bruce Horwith, Rob Jett, Jorie Latham, Anthony J Lauro,
Andy Murphy, George Rowsom, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein (K&BRu), Carl
Safina (CSa), Mike Scheibel (MSch), Mike Shanley (MSh), John Shemilt
(JSh), Eric Slayton, John Todaro, Seth Wollney, Mike Wood.
Good Birding to All!
Hugh McGuinness
The Ross School
18 Goodfriend Park
East Hampton, NY 11937
To send in reports:
hmcguinness@ross.org
631-907-5229 (weekdays)
631-725-6037 (nights & weekends)