RBA
New York
Eastern Long Island
29 December 2006
NYEE0612.29
***East End Birds, 29 December 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.
***Volume 8, Number 53
HIGHLIGHTS
Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, King
Eider, Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged
Hawk, Golden Eagle, Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull, Dovekie, Razorbill,
Snowy Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Purple Finch, Lapland Longspur, Rusty Blackbird.
A New Year arrives this weekend. Please remember to send me your
complete East End day lists for the first week of January so I can
compile the 2007 year list.
The cold snap in the second week of December sent several species
scurrying south, most notably Black Scoter, which has virtually
disappeared from eastern Long Island. The generally warm temperatures
have resulted in several half-hardy species being reported in good
numbers. Notable among these are Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, American
Robin, Hermit Thrush, and Great Egret.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was found dead in Westhampton on Dec 18 (AM).
Twenty four SNOW GEESE were fly-bys at Shinnecock Inlet on Dec 14, and a
CLAPPER RAIL and an AMERICAN BITTERN were spotted along Dune Rd (MH).
Five GREATER YELLOWLEGS were found in an East Quogue Creek on Dec 14 and
a GREAT EGRET was there on Dec 17 (OB).
Two GREAT EGRETS were in Davis Creek, North Sea (Southampton) on Dec 6,
while 3 were there on Dec 17 (W&GBk). An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
was on the ocean beach in Southampton just south of Wickapogue Pond on
Dec 12 (JSh).
A GREAT EGRET was in Mecox Bay on Dec 14 (SB).
A pair of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES was found in Noyac at the west end of Long
Beach (and also seen from the end of Bay Avenue) on Dec 17 and seen
through Dec 20 (CG et al.).
At Hook Pond in East Hampton there were 10 NORTHERN SHOVELERS on Dec 9
(K&BRu), but these birds have not been seen since. A CACKLING GOOSE was
on the big lawn along the north side of Further Lane in East Hampton on
Dec 10 (HM, CG). The same bird was on the east end of Hook Pond on Dec
17 (HM, PMP). Five SNOW GEESE were flying over the Ross School on Dec 14
(GD). Eight EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were in the old Easthampton Dump along
Northwest Road on Dec 23 (K&BRu).
In The Springs there was a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on Dec 9 & 22
(K&BRu). A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on Town Lane at the corner of
Windmill Lane in Amagansett on Dec 12 & 14 (RG).
A SNOWY OWL was found on the south end of Gardiner's Island on Dec 14
(JT). From the description of the bird, this was not the same bird that
was seen between the Walking Dunes and Goff Point in Napeague on Dec 16
(CR et al.). The Snowy Owl (or Owls) has not been reported since.
Sixty-five SNOW BUNTINGS were also seen on Gardiner's and the nearby
Cartwright Shoals on Dec 14 (JT).
Two WHITE-CROWNED SAPRROWS were at Hither Hills State Park on Dec 9
(AW).
At Fort Pond Bay in Montauk there were 3 RED-NECKED GREBES and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL on Dec 9 (AW). Two female REDHEADS were in the
northwest corner of Fort Pond on Dec 10 and Dec 15 (HM, CG). The
immature BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen on the ocean off Essex Street on Dec
17 (BB).
The year's first DOVEKIE was spotted along the rocky beach east of Ditch
Plains on Dec 20 (PR). The bird was injured and has not been seen since.
A lone drake HARLEQUIN DUCK was also seen in the area (PR). At the Lake
Montauk inlet there was a PURPLE SANDPIPER on Dec 9 (AW). On Dec 15
there was a RED-NECKED GREBE in the Lake Montauk Inlet and a RAZORBILL
just offshore (PMP et al.). A VIRGINIA RAIL was in Teddy Roosevelt
County Park and 75 RING-NECKED DUCKS were on Big Reed Pond on Dec 14
(VB, PR). A PURPLE FINCH was seen along West Lake Drive on Dec 15 (BB).
Two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were in the thicket west of the Deep Hollow Ranch
(north of the highway) on Dec 10 (HM, CG) and again on Dec 16.
At Montauk Point there was a RED-NECKED GREBE, 1 RAZORBILL, 600 COMMON
EIDERS, and 100 COMMON LOONS on Dec 9 (AW). On Dec 10, 1500 COMMON
EIDERS and 2500 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were present (HM, CG). A second
year ICELAND GULL was in the parking lot at the Point on Dec 11 (VB). On
Dec 15 there were 3000 COMMON EIDERS, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE, 8 PURPLE
SANDPIPERS and 4 RAZORBILLS at the Point (HM, ROPr, PMP, BK, BMP).
On Shelter Island, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at Mashomack on Dec 8
(TD). Six AMERICAN PIPITS were at the Westmoreland Farm on Dec 15 (NH).
In Mattituck there were 60 SNOW BUNTINGS at Breakwater Beach on Dec 18
(JBJr).
At West Lake in Patchogue, there was a EURASIAN WIGEON on Dec 10 (JO).
The Montauk Christmas Bird Count recorded 131 species on Dec 16.
Highlights included 1 King Eider at Montauk Point (TWB et al.), 3537
COMMON EIDERS, 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS (TWB, AG), 9512 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 2
RED-NECKED GREBES, 1640 NORTHERN GANNETS, 6 GREAT EGRETS (all on
Gardiner's Island), 3 BALD EAGLES on Gardiner's Island (HM, ROPr, et
al.), 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS on Gardiner's Island, 1 first-year GOLDEN
EAGLE on Gardiner's Island (HM, ROPr), 4 MERLINS, 4 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 7
VIRGINIA RAILS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 34 PURPLE SANDPIPERS, 14 AMERICAN
WOODCOCKS, including several displaying at Teddy Roosevelt County Park
(DJF), 1 LAUGHING GULL (BB), 1 immature BLACK-HEADED GULL (TWB, GB et
al.), 6 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 47 RAZORBILLS, 1 SNOWY OWL, 1 SAW-WHET
OWL on Landing Lane in Accabonac (JTA, BBl), 2 YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 1 Tyrannus sp. in the Hither Hills
community which was never seen again despite the effort of several
searchers the following day, 32 WINTER WRENS, 15 MARSH WRENS, 4 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 48 HERMIT THRUSHES, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, 6 PALM WARBLERS, 1
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS, 6 IPSWICH SPARROWS, 2
SALTMARSH SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, 4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (MLL,
JBJr), and 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
The Sagaponack Count recorded 119 species on Dec 17. Highlights included
52 SNOW GESSE, 1 CACKLING GOOSE, 17 WOOD DUCKS, 8 COMMON EIDERS,
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, 577 RED-THROATED LOONS, 1 GREAT EGRET, 6 MERLINS, 1
PEREGRINE FALCON, 8 VIRGINIA RAILS, 2 PURPLE SANDPIPERS at Main Beach
East Hampton (HM, PMP), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Georgica (JPA), 1
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, 53 RAZROBILLS, 1 SAW-WHET OWL (BK), 3
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 9 MARSH WRENS, 16 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 33 AMERICAN PIPITS (DJF et al.), 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1
PINE WARBLER, 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (DJF, AJL), 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT,
12 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and 1 BALTIMORE ORIOLE.
The Smithtown Count on Dec 27 tallied 102 species. Highlights included
897 BRANT, 8 WOOD DUCK, 142 COMMON MERGANSER, 40 NORTHERN GANNET, 14
GREAT EGRET, 1 SNOWY EGRET, 1 MERLIN, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 1 CLAPPER
RAIL, 2 VIRINIA RAIL, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 PURPLE SANDPIPER, 1
RAZORBILL, 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 1 HOUSE WREN, 23 WINTER WRENS, 3
MARSH WRENS, 8 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 6 BROWN THRASHERS, 1 SAVANNAH
SPARROW, 572 RE-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and 3368 COMMON GRACKLES. In addition
there was a hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon at the Seatauket Mill
Pond.
I have not yet heard results from the Quogue Watermill or the Central
Suffolk CBCs.
THE YEAR LIST
Since my update on the East End Year List I have received several
reports of Year Birds. The first was of a SAW-WHET OWL on Chapel Lane in
Greenport on Mar 14 & 18 (JSp). The second was of a CONNECTICUT WARBLER
at Hummel's Pond in Southold on Sep 9 (JSp). With the addition of the
Dovekie seen last week, the year list now stands at 305 species. Birds
not yet recorded in 2006, but which could still be found on the final
two days of the year include Tufted Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Eared Grebe,
Common Murre, Long-eared Owl, Northern Shrike, Red Crossbill,
White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll and Evening Grosbeak.
GOOD NEWS FOR NEW YORK'S BALD EAGLES
The number of Bald Eagle nests and the number of fledged eaglets
increased dramatically in 2006. For example, 172 eaglets fledged in 2006
as compared to 112 in 2005. To find out about the rest of the details,
check out the link at
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/eagleprogram.h
tml.
This week I received reports from James T Ash, John Askildsen (JPA),
Andy Baldelli, Willy & Gerry Becker (W&GBk), Gail Benson, Bobby
Berlingeri, Steve Biasetti, Orhan Birol, Barbara Blaisdel (BBl), John
Brush Jr. (JBJr), Thomas W Burke, Vicki Bustamante, Tom Damiani, Bonnie
Davis DiPietro, Greg Drossel, Doug Futuyma (DJF), Chris Gangemi, Roger
Grunewald, Andy Guthrie, Nick Hamblet, Mike Higgiston, Brian Kane,
Anthony J Lauro, Evan Marks, Hugh McGuinness, Christine Montalbano, Andy
Murphy, Jim Osterlund, Bryan M Pfeiffer, Peter M Polshek, Rick Prum
(ROPr), Chris Roberts, Pauline Rosen, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein
(K&BRu), John Sep (JSp), John Shemilt (JSh), Bill & Eileen Singer
(B&ESi), Bill Stamatis, John Todaro (JTo), Angus Wilson.
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
29 December 2006
NYEE0612.29
***East End Birds, 29 December 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.
***Volume 8, Number 53
HIGHLIGHTS
Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, King
Eider, Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged
Hawk, Golden Eagle, Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull, Dovekie, Razorbill,
Snowy Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Purple Finch, Lapland Longspur, Rusty Blackbird.
A New Year arrives this weekend. Please remember to send me your
complete East End day lists for the first week of January so I can
compile the 2007 year list.
The cold snap in the second week of December sent several species
scurrying south, most notably Black Scoter, which has virtually
disappeared from eastern Long Island. The generally warm temperatures
have resulted in several half-hardy species being reported in good
numbers. Notable among these are Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, American
Robin, Hermit Thrush, and Great Egret.
A BALTIMORE ORIOLE was found dead in Westhampton on Dec 18 (AM).
Twenty four SNOW GEESE were fly-bys at Shinnecock Inlet on Dec 14, and a
CLAPPER RAIL and an AMERICAN BITTERN were spotted along Dune Rd (MH).
Five GREATER YELLOWLEGS were found in an East Quogue Creek on Dec 14 and
a GREAT EGRET was there on Dec 17 (OB).
Two GREAT EGRETS were in Davis Creek, North Sea (Southampton) on Dec 6,
while 3 were there on Dec 17 (W&GBk). An adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
was on the ocean beach in Southampton just south of Wickapogue Pond on
Dec 12 (JSh).
A GREAT EGRET was in Mecox Bay on Dec 14 (SB).
A pair of BARROW'S GOLDENEYES was found in Noyac at the west end of Long
Beach (and also seen from the end of Bay Avenue) on Dec 17 and seen
through Dec 20 (CG et al.).
At Hook Pond in East Hampton there were 10 NORTHERN SHOVELERS on Dec 9
(K&BRu), but these birds have not been seen since. A CACKLING GOOSE was
on the big lawn along the north side of Further Lane in East Hampton on
Dec 10 (HM, CG). The same bird was on the east end of Hook Pond on Dec
17 (HM, PMP). Five SNOW GEESE were flying over the Ross School on Dec 14
(GD). Eight EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were in the old Easthampton Dump along
Northwest Road on Dec 23 (K&BRu).
In The Springs there was a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on Dec 9 & 22
(K&BRu). A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was on Town Lane at the corner of
Windmill Lane in Amagansett on Dec 12 & 14 (RG).
A SNOWY OWL was found on the south end of Gardiner's Island on Dec 14
(JT). From the description of the bird, this was not the same bird that
was seen between the Walking Dunes and Goff Point in Napeague on Dec 16
(CR et al.). The Snowy Owl (or Owls) has not been reported since.
Sixty-five SNOW BUNTINGS were also seen on Gardiner's and the nearby
Cartwright Shoals on Dec 14 (JT).
Two WHITE-CROWNED SAPRROWS were at Hither Hills State Park on Dec 9
(AW).
At Fort Pond Bay in Montauk there were 3 RED-NECKED GREBES and a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL on Dec 9 (AW). Two female REDHEADS were in the
northwest corner of Fort Pond on Dec 10 and Dec 15 (HM, CG). The
immature BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen on the ocean off Essex Street on Dec
17 (BB).
The year's first DOVEKIE was spotted along the rocky beach east of Ditch
Plains on Dec 20 (PR). The bird was injured and has not been seen since.
A lone drake HARLEQUIN DUCK was also seen in the area (PR). At the Lake
Montauk inlet there was a PURPLE SANDPIPER on Dec 9 (AW). On Dec 15
there was a RED-NECKED GREBE in the Lake Montauk Inlet and a RAZORBILL
just offshore (PMP et al.). A VIRGINIA RAIL was in Teddy Roosevelt
County Park and 75 RING-NECKED DUCKS were on Big Reed Pond on Dec 14
(VB, PR). A PURPLE FINCH was seen along West Lake Drive on Dec 15 (BB).
Two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were in the thicket west of the Deep Hollow Ranch
(north of the highway) on Dec 10 (HM, CG) and again on Dec 16.
At Montauk Point there was a RED-NECKED GREBE, 1 RAZORBILL, 600 COMMON
EIDERS, and 100 COMMON LOONS on Dec 9 (AW). On Dec 10, 1500 COMMON
EIDERS and 2500 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were present (HM, CG). A second
year ICELAND GULL was in the parking lot at the Point on Dec 11 (VB). On
Dec 15 there were 3000 COMMON EIDERS, 1 RED-NECKED GREBE, 8 PURPLE
SANDPIPERS and 4 RAZORBILLS at the Point (HM, ROPr, PMP, BK, BMP).
On Shelter Island, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at Mashomack on Dec 8
(TD). Six AMERICAN PIPITS were at the Westmoreland Farm on Dec 15 (NH).
In Mattituck there were 60 SNOW BUNTINGS at Breakwater Beach on Dec 18
(JBJr).
At West Lake in Patchogue, there was a EURASIAN WIGEON on Dec 10 (JO).
The Montauk Christmas Bird Count recorded 131 species on Dec 16.
Highlights included 1 King Eider at Montauk Point (TWB et al.), 3537
COMMON EIDERS, 2 HARLEQUIN DUCKS (TWB, AG), 9512 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 2
RED-NECKED GREBES, 1640 NORTHERN GANNETS, 6 GREAT EGRETS (all on
Gardiner's Island), 3 BALD EAGLES on Gardiner's Island (HM, ROPr, et
al.), 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS on Gardiner's Island, 1 first-year GOLDEN
EAGLE on Gardiner's Island (HM, ROPr), 4 MERLINS, 4 PEREGRINE FALCONS, 7
VIRGINIA RAILS, 2 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 34 PURPLE SANDPIPERS, 14 AMERICAN
WOODCOCKS, including several displaying at Teddy Roosevelt County Park
(DJF), 1 LAUGHING GULL (BB), 1 immature BLACK-HEADED GULL (TWB, GB et
al.), 6 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, 47 RAZORBILLS, 1 SNOWY OWL, 1 SAW-WHET
OWL on Landing Lane in Accabonac (JTA, BBl), 2 YELLOW-BELLIED
SAPSUCKERS, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 1 Tyrannus sp. in the Hither Hills
community which was never seen again despite the effort of several
searchers the following day, 32 WINTER WRENS, 15 MARSH WRENS, 4 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 48 HERMIT THRUSHES, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT, 6 PALM WARBLERS, 1
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, 2 CHIPPING SPARROWS, 6 IPSWICH SPARROWS, 2
SALTMARSH SPARROWS, 1 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, 4 LAPLAND LONGSPURS (MLL,
JBJr), and 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS.
The Sagaponack Count recorded 119 species on Dec 17. Highlights included
52 SNOW GESSE, 1 CACKLING GOOSE, 17 WOOD DUCKS, 8 COMMON EIDERS,
BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, 577 RED-THROATED LOONS, 1 GREAT EGRET, 6 MERLINS, 1
PEREGRINE FALCON, 8 VIRGINIA RAILS, 2 PURPLE SANDPIPERS at Main Beach
East Hampton (HM, PMP), 1 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at Georgica (JPA), 1
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, 53 RAZROBILLS, 1 SAW-WHET OWL (BK), 3
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, 2 EASTERN PHOEBES, 9 MARSH WRENS, 16 EASTERN
BLUEBIRDS, 33 AMERICAN PIPITS (DJF et al.), 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, 1
PINE WARBLER, 1 COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (DJF, AJL), 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT,
12 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and 1 BALTIMORE ORIOLE.
The Smithtown Count on Dec 27 tallied 102 species. Highlights included
897 BRANT, 8 WOOD DUCK, 142 COMMON MERGANSER, 40 NORTHERN GANNET, 14
GREAT EGRET, 1 SNOWY EGRET, 1 MERLIN, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON, 1 CLAPPER
RAIL, 2 VIRINIA RAIL, 4 GREATER YELLOWLEGS, 4 PURPLE SANDPIPER, 1
RAZORBILL, 2 YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, 1 HOUSE WREN, 23 WINTER WRENS, 3
MARSH WRENS, 8 RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, 6 BROWN THRASHERS, 1 SAVANNAH
SPARROW, 572 RE-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, and 3368 COMMON GRACKLES. In addition
there was a hybrid American x Eurasian Wigeon at the Seatauket Mill
Pond.
I have not yet heard results from the Quogue Watermill or the Central
Suffolk CBCs.
THE YEAR LIST
Since my update on the East End Year List I have received several
reports of Year Birds. The first was of a SAW-WHET OWL on Chapel Lane in
Greenport on Mar 14 & 18 (JSp). The second was of a CONNECTICUT WARBLER
at Hummel's Pond in Southold on Sep 9 (JSp). With the addition of the
Dovekie seen last week, the year list now stands at 305 species. Birds
not yet recorded in 2006, but which could still be found on the final
two days of the year include Tufted Duck, Ruffed Grouse, Eared Grebe,
Common Murre, Long-eared Owl, Northern Shrike, Red Crossbill,
White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll and Evening Grosbeak.
GOOD NEWS FOR NEW YORK'S BALD EAGLES
The number of Bald Eagle nests and the number of fledged eaglets
increased dramatically in 2006. For example, 172 eaglets fledged in 2006
as compared to 112 in 2005. To find out about the rest of the details,
check out the link at
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/eagleprogram.h
tml.
This week I received reports from James T Ash, John Askildsen (JPA),
Andy Baldelli, Willy & Gerry Becker (W&GBk), Gail Benson, Bobby
Berlingeri, Steve Biasetti, Orhan Birol, Barbara Blaisdel (BBl), John
Brush Jr. (JBJr), Thomas W Burke, Vicki Bustamante, Tom Damiani, Bonnie
Davis DiPietro, Greg Drossel, Doug Futuyma (DJF), Chris Gangemi, Roger
Grunewald, Andy Guthrie, Nick Hamblet, Mike Higgiston, Brian Kane,
Anthony J Lauro, Evan Marks, Hugh McGuinness, Christine Montalbano, Andy
Murphy, Jim Osterlund, Bryan M Pfeiffer, Peter M Polshek, Rick Prum
(ROPr), Chris Roberts, Pauline Rosen, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein
(K&BRu), John Sep (JSp), John Shemilt (JSh), Bill & Eileen Singer
(B&ESi), Bill Stamatis, John Todaro (JTo), Angus Wilson.
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)