RBA
New York
Eastern Long Island
24 March 2007
NYEE0703.24
***East End Birds, 24 March 2007
***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.hmcguinness.com
***Volume 9, Number 16
HIGHLIGHTS
Greater White-fronted Goose, Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Red-necked
Grebe, Black Vulture, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull,
Red-headed Woodpecker.
A TURKEY VULTURE was over Rt 51 in Eastport on Mar 20 (BA). A BLACK
VULTURE was spotted along Rt 51 near "Stargazer" (the large metal deer
sculpture on Mar 21 (JP). A lone EASTERN PHOEBE was sitting out the
storm at Cupsogue County Park on Mar 16 (DG).
At Shinnecock there were 17 COMMON EIDERS on Mar 15 (AM). An IPSWICH
SPARROW was at Road K on the bay side Mar 18 (S&JBe). The adult ICELAND
GULL was seen on the docks behind Oakland Restaurant on Mar 19, while a
CLAPPER RAIL was seen along Dune Rd (KF). On Mar 21, a RED-NECKED GREBE
was on the ocean off the inlet, a PURPLE SANDPIPER was on the jetty, and
an AMERICAN BITTERN was along Dune Rd (BA). Two NORTHERN GANNETS were
off the inlet on Mar 24, and are possibly the vanguard of the northbound
migration (JSh).
On the east side of the inlet, the adult male KING EIDER was seen again
on Mar 18, 19 where, at least some of the time, it was feeding north of
the east jetty by a green buoy. It was also seen to fly towards the
middle of the bay. An IPSWICH SPARROW was also in the county park on the
east side of the inlet on Mar 18 (JSh).
An adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (with an obviously pink bill) was
on the lawn of the former Villa Maria Spirituality Center on the west
side of Watermill where the creek runs under the road on Mar 24 (HM).
Also present in the adjacent creek were 27 NORTHERN SHOVELERS (HM).
An adult LITTLE GULL was feeding in the surf at Mecox on Mar 18 (AJL),
but has not been seen since despite the presence of nearly 300
BONAPARTE'S GULL that are feeding in the channel at Mecox cut. A
first-year BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen surf feeding at Mecox on Mar 17
(JSh). Three PIPING PLOVERS were on the flat on Mar 24 (HM).
At Sagaponack the flock of 25 SNOW GEESE was reported to have 4
additional "BLUE" GEESE on Mar 18 (JGl). A first-year BLACK-HEADED GULL
was in the surf on Mar 19 (KF), and was perhaps the same bird as seen
two days earlier at Mecox. Three BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen from
Bridge Lane on Mar 22 (PSh), which were the first for 2007. Seventy five
GREEN-WINGED TEAL were still on the pond on Mar 15, while 57 were
present on Mar 21 (HM).
One hundred and fifty two RING-NECKED DUCKS and 18 WOOD DUCKS were on
Long Pond, Sag Harbor on Mar 23 (HM). A lone TURKEY VULTURE was winging
over Sag Harbor on Mar 20 (HM).
In Northwest Woods, the adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still in its
same place on Mar 18, 19. To find this bird drive to the south end of
Timber Lane, follow the dirt trail south to the orange blazed trail.
Turn right and continue to the second house. Look for the woodpecker at
the place where the trail forms a T with a branch that goes to the
right.
In Fireplace, the three HARLEQUIN DUCKS were spotted again on Mar 18,
19, 21 & 22. These birds can be seen in Gardiner's Bay at the end of
Springs-Fireplace Rd in East Hampton (Springs). At times the birds
disappear, but they seem to habitually return to this spot.
Twenty one COMMON MERGANSERS were plying the waters of Hook Pond, East
Hampton, on Mar 18 (JGl).
At Iron Pier Beach in Riverhead an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was
spotted again on Mar 18 & 23.
In Brookhaven there an AMERICAN KESTREL put in an appearance on Mar 21
and in Moriches a TURKEY VULTURE soared by on Mar 20 (JCl). At the mouth
of the Carman's River from Squassux Landing there was a flock of 400
RUDDY DUCKS on Mar 22 (MSch).
THE HALF HARDY REPORT
From Shelter Island comes word of 2 FOX SPARROWS at Mashomack on Mar 1
and a WINTER WREN at Hampshire Farm on Mar 8 (NH). Both of these species
seemed notably scarce by the end of February, especially in comparison
to their numbers in early January. A single BROWN THRASHER was at a
Springs feeder on Mar 18-19 (RG). In Northwest Woods, the wintering PINE
WARBLER was still present on Mar 22, and was seen with a female, which
is presumably a recent arrival (JTo).
WOODCOCK WALK SUNDAY!
Steve Biasetti will be leading a short walk at Poxabogue County Park in
Bridgehampton on Sunday March 25 to watch the woodcocks as they go
through their courtship ritual. The walk will run from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
All are welcome and the event is free. Directions to the meeting site at
the park are as follows: take Montauk Highway to Sagg Road traffic light
(east of Bridgehampton). At light, turn north onto Sagg Road. Take first
left onto Hildreth Lane/Old Farm Road and follow this to the right at
the intersection. Look for Poxabogue County Park's small dirt parking
area on left (just before railroad trestle).
PELAGIC TRIPS SLATED
The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) in
conjunction with the Viking Fleet and the Whale Center of New England
have scheduled two pelagic bird watching trips from Montauk NY to the
Great South Channel for summer 2007. The trips (each about 51 hours
long) will pick up and drop off passengers in Montauk and head for: (a)
the edge of the continental shelf in search of sperm whales and
white-faced and other storm petrels, shearwaters, skuas and more (June
25-27); and (b) the Great South Channel in search of humpback, fin,
sei, minke and right whales; shearwaters, storm petrels, and skuas (Aug
14-16). The cost will be $325. For more information see www.cresli.org
DOCUMENTING THE MIGRATION OF CHIMNEY SWIFTS
The first Chimney Swifts of 2007 have been spotted on the Gulf Coast.
Once again this year the good folks at www.chimneyswifts.org
northward over the next few months. Please let them know when you see
the first ones in your area. The results will be posted on the web site.
This week I received reports from Bob Adamo, Susan & Jim Benson (S&JBe),
Tyler Borsack, Tim Brosnan, Jen Clement (JCl), James Cook, Mackie
Finnerty, Ken Fuestel, Paul Gillen, David Goodward, John Gluth (JGl),
Roger Grunewald, Nick Hamblet, Jean Held, Rudy Hoglund, Sandra Hunter,
Tony Lauro (AJL), Jorie Latham, Ernie Lewis, Hugh McGuinness, Andy
Murphy, Amy Noble, Joe Polashock, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein (K&BRu),
Mike Scheibel (MSch), Julian Shapiro, John Shemilt (JSh), Pete Shen
(PSh), Walt Skretch, Tim Sullivan, John Todaro (JTo),
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 2007
NYEE0703.24
***East End Birds, 24 March 2007
***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.hmcguinness.com
***Volume 9, Number 16
HIGHLIGHTS
Greater White-fronted Goose, Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Red-necked
Grebe, Black Vulture, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull,
Red-headed Woodpecker.
A TURKEY VULTURE was over Rt 51 in Eastport on Mar 20 (BA). A BLACK
VULTURE was spotted along Rt 51 near "Stargazer" (the large metal deer
sculpture on Mar 21 (JP). A lone EASTERN PHOEBE was sitting out the
storm at Cupsogue County Park on Mar 16 (DG).
At Shinnecock there were 17 COMMON EIDERS on Mar 15 (AM). An IPSWICH
SPARROW was at Road K on the bay side Mar 18 (S&JBe). The adult ICELAND
GULL was seen on the docks behind Oakland Restaurant on Mar 19, while a
CLAPPER RAIL was seen along Dune Rd (KF). On Mar 21, a RED-NECKED GREBE
was on the ocean off the inlet, a PURPLE SANDPIPER was on the jetty, and
an AMERICAN BITTERN was along Dune Rd (BA). Two NORTHERN GANNETS were
off the inlet on Mar 24, and are possibly the vanguard of the northbound
migration (JSh).
On the east side of the inlet, the adult male KING EIDER was seen again
on Mar 18, 19 where, at least some of the time, it was feeding north of
the east jetty by a green buoy. It was also seen to fly towards the
middle of the bay. An IPSWICH SPARROW was also in the county park on the
east side of the inlet on Mar 18 (JSh).
An adult GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (with an obviously pink bill) was
on the lawn of the former Villa Maria Spirituality Center on the west
side of Watermill where the creek runs under the road on Mar 24 (HM).
Also present in the adjacent creek were 27 NORTHERN SHOVELERS (HM).
An adult LITTLE GULL was feeding in the surf at Mecox on Mar 18 (AJL),
but has not been seen since despite the presence of nearly 300
BONAPARTE'S GULL that are feeding in the channel at Mecox cut. A
first-year BLACK-HEADED GULL was seen surf feeding at Mecox on Mar 17
(JSh). Three PIPING PLOVERS were on the flat on Mar 24 (HM).
At Sagaponack the flock of 25 SNOW GEESE was reported to have 4
additional "BLUE" GEESE on Mar 18 (JGl). A first-year BLACK-HEADED GULL
was in the surf on Mar 19 (KF), and was perhaps the same bird as seen
two days earlier at Mecox. Three BLUE-WINGED TEALS were seen from
Bridge Lane on Mar 22 (PSh), which were the first for 2007. Seventy five
GREEN-WINGED TEAL were still on the pond on Mar 15, while 57 were
present on Mar 21 (HM).
One hundred and fifty two RING-NECKED DUCKS and 18 WOOD DUCKS were on
Long Pond, Sag Harbor on Mar 23 (HM). A lone TURKEY VULTURE was winging
over Sag Harbor on Mar 20 (HM).
In Northwest Woods, the adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still in its
same place on Mar 18, 19. To find this bird drive to the south end of
Timber Lane, follow the dirt trail south to the orange blazed trail.
Turn right and continue to the second house. Look for the woodpecker at
the place where the trail forms a T with a branch that goes to the
right.
In Fireplace, the three HARLEQUIN DUCKS were spotted again on Mar 18,
19, 21 & 22. These birds can be seen in Gardiner's Bay at the end of
Springs-Fireplace Rd in East Hampton (Springs). At times the birds
disappear, but they seem to habitually return to this spot.
Twenty one COMMON MERGANSERS were plying the waters of Hook Pond, East
Hampton, on Mar 18 (JGl).
At Iron Pier Beach in Riverhead an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was
spotted again on Mar 18 & 23.
In Brookhaven there an AMERICAN KESTREL put in an appearance on Mar 21
and in Moriches a TURKEY VULTURE soared by on Mar 20 (JCl). At the mouth
of the Carman's River from Squassux Landing there was a flock of 400
RUDDY DUCKS on Mar 22 (MSch).
THE HALF HARDY REPORT
From Shelter Island comes word of 2 FOX SPARROWS at Mashomack on Mar 1
and a WINTER WREN at Hampshire Farm on Mar 8 (NH). Both of these species
seemed notably scarce by the end of February, especially in comparison
to their numbers in early January. A single BROWN THRASHER was at a
Springs feeder on Mar 18-19 (RG). In Northwest Woods, the wintering PINE
WARBLER was still present on Mar 22, and was seen with a female, which
is presumably a recent arrival (JTo).
WOODCOCK WALK SUNDAY!
Steve Biasetti will be leading a short walk at Poxabogue County Park in
Bridgehampton on Sunday March 25 to watch the woodcocks as they go
through their courtship ritual. The walk will run from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
All are welcome and the event is free. Directions to the meeting site at
the park are as follows: take Montauk Highway to Sagg Road traffic light
(east of Bridgehampton). At light, turn north onto Sagg Road. Take first
left onto Hildreth Lane/Old Farm Road and follow this to the right at
the intersection. Look for Poxabogue County Park's small dirt parking
area on left (just before railroad trestle).
PELAGIC TRIPS SLATED
The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) in
conjunction with the Viking Fleet and the Whale Center of New England
have scheduled two pelagic bird watching trips from Montauk NY to the
Great South Channel for summer 2007. The trips (each about 51 hours
long) will pick up and drop off passengers in Montauk and head for: (a)
the edge of the continental shelf in search of sperm whales and
white-faced and other storm petrels, shearwaters, skuas and more (June
25-27); and (b) the Great South Channel in search of humpback, fin,
sei, minke and right whales; shearwaters, storm petrels, and skuas (Aug
14-16). The cost will be $325. For more information see www.cresli.org
DOCUMENTING THE MIGRATION OF CHIMNEY SWIFTS
The first Chimney Swifts of 2007 have been spotted on the Gulf Coast.
Once again this year the good folks at www.chimneyswifts.org
northward over the next few months. Please let them know when you see
the first ones in your area. The results will be posted on the web site.
This week I received reports from Bob Adamo, Susan & Jim Benson (S&JBe),
Tyler Borsack, Tim Brosnan, Jen Clement (JCl), James Cook, Mackie
Finnerty, Ken Fuestel, Paul Gillen, David Goodward, John Gluth (JGl),
Roger Grunewald, Nick Hamblet, Jean Held, Rudy Hoglund, Sandra Hunter,
Tony Lauro (AJL), Jorie Latham, Ernie Lewis, Hugh McGuinness, Andy
Murphy, Amy Noble, Joe Polashock, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein (K&BRu),
Mike Scheibel (MSch), Julian Shapiro, John Shemilt (JSh), Pete Shen
(PSh), Walt Skretch, Tim Sullivan, John Todaro (JTo),
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)