A Winter New England Trip

Every other year we { that being the Queens County Bird Club } do this great trip to a beautiful part of the country. Led by Junco Llins, we do a tour of the quintessentially New England locations around Cape Ann Massachusetts.

We got off to a great start on Saturday, the forecast weather not arriving as predicted.  AvIan and I met at 6am for the ride up, one shy as Capt'n Bob was still recuperating from a recent bad cold. No traffic to speak of and an uncomplicated trip was a nice feeling.

That is if you don't count disturbing car messages. We made a pit-stop in Sturbridge to fuel up, and something made the security light and service engine light come on. I was not happy. In the past this happened after a security sensor went bad and would prevent the key from starting the car!

We were still in the lot of the station with the car running as we cleaned the wipers, windows, and otherwise prepped the car for the rest of the journey, when this occurred. I decided to not attend to it but rather get to the hotel first. The amber messages on the dash gnawed at me, but we arrived unscathed, and upon trying the car later the problem did not resurface. Yay!

We were the first ones to arrive, but the others joined us shortly thereafter, and we car poodled to our first stop along the Merrimack river. Viewing from the bridge, we were looking for Bald Eagles. Sethophaga Ausubel alerted us to a raptor sitting in a tree over the river, and at first glance man\y of us thought it was an immature Bald Eagle. A closer look revealed that it was actually a Rough-legged Hawk. A short while later I located another bird next to it that was also a RL Hawk, though I was surprised that they were located where they were.

Other goodies seen here were a Great Blue Heron who caught a large catfish that we watched it do its best to consume. The spiny dorsal fin may have put the kibosh on the dinner plans though.  Takers of more modest fish included Great Cormorants replete with white lateral spots, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and White-winged Scoter. 

An overly ambitious Great Blue Heron

Moving down the river we stopped at a number of vantage points and got some more of the usual suspects, like Gadwall, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and common Loon.

We also diverted a wee bit to an industrial park so that we could enjoy a flock of Pine Grosbeaks! There were no males amongst them, and the lighting was bad in almost all respects, but we got nice looks and that's what really matters anyway.

Resuming our original course down river, we made our way to Joppa Flats. At the visitor center we found a person who looked strikingly like our own Mary Normandia, and who was in fact her brother Paul. The feeders there provided nice looks at Am. Tree Sparrows, and the facility was a good pit stop.

Across the street we were enticed by a flock of what turned out to be House Sparrows, and an empty feeder, but at least two of us got on a flock of Snow Bunting wheeling  about before they departed.

Moving on to Parker River NWR there were numerous targets we wanted and we set out to find them. One such target was a drake King Eider, which we looked for to no avail. Stopping and scanning at a number of reported locations did not reveal the beast.

Similarly, we tried to track down the Bittern, and it was a no show. We stopped at a number of locations on the way out, what with light fading and another stop planned.  With a plea for Junco Llins to stop one last time, he did. We got lucky as a woman with a scope asked HellOnWheel Lark if she would like to see it. Yes!

Turns out the duck was just out of sight behind the marsh grass. We were looking at the right location earlier, but the duck was out of view. Someone had climbed the stairway that goes way up and over the dunes and from that vantage was easily able to see the duck. Of course, after running up there and seeing it, it came into view for those who moved a bit more slowly.

Drake King Eider too far away for a decent photo.

Elated, we made haste for our final stop, er final birding stop at Salisbury. We couldn't find the Crossbills in the pines, but we more than made up for it at the inlet.

Razorbill and Red-throated Loons, followed by one two three four Red-necked Grebes! Two Iceland Gulls were on the jetty, and then not be inconsequential, Sethophaga picked out a Dovekie in the Inlet. Wow. What a great cap to the day, justly rewarded by an excellent meal at the Black Cow. { Junco Llins would never let us eat at anything but a great restaurant }

We returned to our hotel, and turned in early for the next days events... ...which began with meeting for breakfast before our caravan up to Rockport. It began to snow lightly, and for the most part was not much of a hindrance until we actually got to Rockport, where the snow was really accumulating.

It was so bad that Sethophaga radioed in that he was heading to his hotel and calling it quits unless the snow stopped. And we did as well... except that the snow made travel above 10 mph ill advised, and upon arrival at our place, we discovered that the snow covered driveway and it's steep pitch meant there was no way we were getting up it.

Even after it was plowed it was too slippery, and I retreated to a shopping mall where I could move out of the way rather than staying on the narrow road. Junco Llins intrepidly walked up the hill to check in, and later joined us. And not too long later we were retrieved by the plow driver who had put down salt and offered either a ride or that we try again.

Success!  We got up the hill and to our rooms to settle in. Convening in my suite, Junco Llins, HellOnWheel Lark, AvIan and I contemplated what to do. I suggested that "beverages" might make a suitable way to pass the time, and Junco Llins let it slip that he had a bottle of wine. He appeared worried, and quickly stated it was for friends he planned to visit on his way home. Then with perfect synchrony we all replied: "oh, it's for your ~friends~". But AvIan doesn't imbibe, I avoid wine [ though I'm sure it was a fine one if he chose it ] and HellOnWheel Lark thought a nap would be a better use of her time. Junco Llins escaped unscathed.

After a boring interlude, we met for lunch at a small place that proved quite tasty. Afterwards, we attempted to see if we could actually see something despite the snowy and windy conditions. The roads were not too bad, as Massachusetts does not wait for the snow to stop or melt - they get right to it!

We went to the Jodrey Fish pier.  As predicted it was clear of snow so that the commercial activities could go on unencumbered. That had to do with the ground only though. the air was still filled with lots of white stuff that made viewing challenging. Not the least of the snow and wind's problem was that it would blow into your eyes and into your binos. Not fun!

The others seemed top withstand it better than I, and after a while I ducked back into the car to warm up and clear off the binos. Therein I found HellOnWheel Lark who did not think to bring her hat or binos. 'Semper Aucupium' I said, because 'don't leave home without them' is copyrighted.

Masses of gulls were there looking for an offal handout, in which we spotted a single Glaucous and single Iceland, both young birds. 2 Razorbill were also spotted amongst the RB Mergansers, Common Eiders, and the usual suspects.

When we returned to our cars, Sethophaga once again amazed by picking out in the far distance and through the swirling snow, a Black Guillemot! How he was able to pick out the speck with it constantly diving to boot, is remarkable. We set up scopes and some of us got a lifer. I got a life plumage - having only seen them in their white winter plumage in the past! Two Peregrine Falcons were also seen perched on the City Hall tower. 

Black Guillemot almost in full breeding Plumage

We made a few more stops and then returned to out rooms, but some of us stopped at the local package store and we sampled local products in anticipation of dinner later that evening.

Junco Llins ever vigilant about our having only the best meals, was notified by the Gloucester House with whom he had made reservations, that they would remain closed due to the storm. No matter, he set upon finding another locale, and we had a fine dinner at Passports. 

Cape Ann Light Station AKA Twin Light Houses

Monday morning you would never have thought the storm had ever occurred. We had our breakfast at the traditional  place, Lee's. We returned to Jodrey State Fish Pier where we saw all the birds we’d seen the other day but with much better conditions. At Niles Pond we added Ring-necked Ducks for the trip, then we headed to Rockport. Almost everywhere we stopped we found lots of Harlequin ducks, and Cathedral Rocks had Purple Sandpipers.

The definition of Picturesque

Massachusetts puts out 'caution' barrels to protect birders and promote birding in their state.

 

An unexpected find was a Swamp Sparrow at one of the vistas, as well as more Harlequins

Swamp Sparrow

Harlequin Duck

After lunch, we all parted ways, and an uneventful trip home was punctuated by stopping to refuel the car. AvIan offered to fill it up, then was astounded that it used so little fuel. That felt curiously good for some reason.

If Its Thursday I Must Be Birding #10

Continued reports of Dovekie and Black-headed Gull cropped up, year birds needed for myself and Earic Miller respectively, so we made a plan to go out to Montauk.

Out first stop was Kirk Beach, where there had been recent reports of the BH Gull. arriving in the parking lot we were both surprised to find a flock of 40 or so White-winged Crossbills! Ther had been both here for some tim, and there had ben no recent reports so it was amazing to find that they were persisting an still finding food to eat in the cones.

Another lingering species at his somewhat unlikely location were Redhatches. One was quite interesting as it hopped along on the ground; not the most likely of places to find this species. Of course, there were cones strewn about, but this one even dipped down into a storm drain for a bit! I wish I could have caught that on camera too.

Down the hatch?

Fort Pond was frozen, and the ocean was barren. No Gulls at all. We moved on.

At the Point, we viewed from the restaurant. Here to the ocean was pretty barren, not like years past with tremendous rafts of ducks. But here as elsewhere, we saw lots of White-tailed Deer.

Hey, you got suttin to eat?

Three were a few Common Eider about, as well as a few of all three Scoters. Out in the distance we easily saw Razorbills flying about; finding one resting on the water was not possible due to the chop and lighting at their favored distance from the shore. This extended to Dovekie as well - if there were any present our hopes were to find one in flight, but that did not come to pass.

W did observe some lounging behavior, a White-winged Scoter just off shore was preening, and with one leg up an out of the water, it appeared to be waving at us. Earic theorized that like scratching a dog's belly and it's leg moves involuntarily, this duck was triggering the same response as it preened itself.

Yoohoo, got any Scoter Snacks?

We tried vantages from along the rocks at the base of the light house, but the density of birds was the same. We then headed for Lake Montauk. Here the birds were far more cooperative. at South Lake Beach, we found a large raft of Scaup and Goldeneye close in to shore. We got on the Barrows quickly, and while I saw the female and tried to get Earic on it he somehow missed it.

Shortly thereafter, a boat came motoring in, and the noise put the birds up. We headed up east lake drive and explored, but overall it was very quiet. On the way back and on to WSTLake drive, we stopped at SOUTH Lake again, and relocated the male Barrows, as well as had the immature Black-headed Gull fly in and land right near us.

Yuck. This stiff tastes awful. Can you guys spare a french fry?

At the west jetty, Earic found an immature Iceland Gull. this side was far more populated, at least by Gulls. It could be due to the construction to replace the destroyed shore with boulders and sand, but at least there was a density somewhere. In the water was a smattering of Oldsquaw, , and one Great Cormorant claimed each of the stanchions at the ends of the jetties.

Imm. Iceland Gull

Later on, Earic found the adult Iceland Gull, but we found little else. We continued on to the Ice House Pond, which was one of the few fresh water locations that was not frozen over. Next to the two dimensional duck decoys in the lawn rested a good number of quackers with some Ring-necked Ducks on the pond. By far my favorite was the Pintail.

Pintail are graceful ducks in part due to their practice of Yoga

We continued on to Quail Hill Farm where the large flock of sparrows is still present in the grassy fields. The mix was not as varid as before, but still present were Field and Chipping, the latter a year bird for me. YB 1, 148 de l'annee.

Field Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

We walked the grounds a bit, but did not turn up anything unusual, just the expected wintering dicky birds. With light fading, we hit the road. and it hit back with a lot of traffic.

The slowdown was not without benefit though, as Earic looked over and saw a mess of Turkeys roosting in the treetops. He counted 25.

Turkeys in tree

Location of trees with Turkeys, outside Watermill.

A nice way to end the day, or pleasant diversion from the traffic.

Weekend Birding February 2,3

Old friend Ken Allaire was in town with his family, and really hoping to treat his six year old daughter to the sight of some owls. We took a walk in Forest Park but the Sharpie we found was probably the reason we could not find an Owl. 

Along for the walk was AvIan, who has not been out birding at all this year, because "accounting is so much more fun". Go figure. He and I continued birding after parting company with Ken and his family. But first we stopped for lunch where I got a call from Derek Rogers - he having found ~another~ Ross' Goose!

AvIan and I went to Jones Beach where we were hoping for many things, all of which we did not find, but some other birds were still lingering, and of value. Starting at the Coast Guard station, we dipped on the hoped for Red-necked Grebe, but the flock of Horned Larks returned to their favored patch of grass by the Gazebo, and with them I found the Lapland Longspur.

A group of "birders" or so I thought, gathered by their cars the short distance away in the lot. What with Binos around their necks, I thought that's what they were. I approached them and informed them I had the Longspur in my scope, but they all seemed nonplussed. One woman  asked what it was, and after explaining that it was a rare bird, she explained that they were visiting from South Carolina, and that they were on location to see birds, but were largely unknowledgeable about birds. 

She seemed to enjoy the sighting, and was tickled that she could tell her hosts [ who were birders ] that she had seen something good. Her husband looked as well, but seemed unimpressed.  AvIan liked it though.

We went to WE2 looking for the Snowy Owl, but were informed it had flown away. Maybe more of these signs need to be posted? This one was at Teddy Roosevelt / WE field 1 but it really needs to be at WE 2 where the Snowy Favors the dunes. 

Good Advice

We birded a bit but it was quiet, so we headed off to try to gain access to the west bath-house area where the Goshawk has been reported. AvIan drove right past another good bird, an Iceland Gull. I retrieved him and we got good looks and another good bird for him. 

Kumlein's Iceland Gull

The west bath-house seems to be very well cut off from access, so we walked around elsewhere and then called it a day. 

Sunday was supposed to be a trip out to Montauk. The weather report suggested otherwise, and I never heard from other co-conspirators. I ended up watching a few movies on TV { who knew that something I wanted to watch would actually be on?} and retired late.

The next morning I took it easy, and after breakfast discovered that the weather reporters had it wrong yet again, as usual. I got a late start with a modified doable agenda.

My first stop was in Yaphank where a lonely Trumpeter Swan persists on Upper Lake. Recently, some %$%#%$% moron shot the mate of this bird with an arrow, and despite the best efforts of a rehabber, it succumbed to its injuries. 

The word is that the NYSOA board had recently voted to accept these birds as countable. YB 1,  145 de l'annee.

I continued on towards Calverton, where recent acquaintance Richard Kasdan had reported another sighting of Yellow-headed Blackbird in the massive flock. I arrived at the reported location and saw neither birds, nor birders. Never a good sign. I decided to explore, and made a fortuitous choice coming across both the flock and a group of other birders. 

The flock was largely Common Grackles, but thrown into the mix were a small percent of Red-winged Blackbirds and even less Brown-headed Cowbirds. The large biomass was ever on the move, flying into the corn stubble, flying about, going into and out of the trees, and generally acting as if they had consumed way too much coffee. 

The number of birds present, easily several thousand, made more than one person utter: "its like finding a needle in a haystack". Add their constant motion, the obscured view from the vegetation, and the poor lighting and it really seemed hopeless. 

I was there for an hour or so when I got a call from Jeff Critter, and gave him directions to where we were. He showed up some time later, as did some birdingdude. Together, and with more eyes we hoped for success.

Instead, the birds became more antsy, and flew about the field more widely before taking off completely. We gave chase,  but access to places they stopped was limited. The overall area they traversed is on this map. and for those who want to see the bird, a good overview.

Finally, we caught up with the flock when they returned to essentially the place reported in the morning. Jeff was already there, scope out, but YHBBless. 

We all set up scopes and began scanning the teeming masses. It was academic as to whether to scan with binos, naked eyes, or scopes, but one way or another had to be performed. Shortly, or at least shortly compared to how much time we had spent previously, I saw a brown bird with a bright yellow throat and chest. Yes! I got a look as it sat perched on a corn stalk, and then offered views to the others as it jumped onto the ground. Birdingdude was able to see it, but it flew off before Jeff could get a look too. YB 2, 146 de l'annee.


Birdingdude and I took off for Hulse Landing Road while Jeff stuck around. Later Jeff told me that the birds assembled in a nearby schoolyard and he was able to pick the bird out as it posed in a tree. Birdingdude was a bit incredulous that I had not been able to get the Vesper Sparrows therein. "Rub it in" I told him; it was not for lack of trying. 

We walked around a bit getting a Sharpie and a Merlin [ which I thought was new for the year but was not ] and kicked up sparrows here and there. Many Song, White-throat, and Savannah, and a White-crowned that seemed to be headed for adult plumage. It took a while but we eventually kicked up one Vesper who cooperated nicely. YB 3, 147 de l'annee. 

The elusive Vesper Sparrow

Afterwards, I drove around the farm fields further east, but try as I might could not locate Pipets. At one field a 'Grey Ghost' put up a flock of Horned Larks, but I could not keep my eye on them long enough to see where they landed, and to check if anything more interesting was with them.

My consolation  prize was picking a cooperative Field Sparrow out of a flock of Juncos.

Field Sparrow

Afterwards I made another try at Jessup Lane for RN-Grebe, but no dice. With light fading, I headed home. oh well, three birds ain't too shabby.

If Its Thursday I Must Be Birding #9

First, an addendum to my last post. It should have been clear to me by now that geese typically roost on bodies of water, and depart sometime in the morning to feed. They will generally return before dark { though they have been known to fly in after dark } to the same body of water. This means one has two chances to find a desired bird: before it leaves or after it returns. That sounds pathetically obvious, but simply means one has a far less good chance of finding wintering geese on their roost ponds from late in the morning until much later in the day.

So after conferring with Earic and Capt'n Bob, a plan was made to meet in Nassau county and go for some specialties in the Glen Cove area. The weather reports were atrocious, but I guess "being a birder means never having to trust a weather report" I left dark and early and in the rain. The temperature was in the 50's. 

I decided to take the direct route and avoid the highway traffic on the south shore, and used the gps to guide me to the LIE. My neighbor saw me ahead of him and being amused felt compelled to call me and let me know he was two cars behind me. Of course his call came when a nav instruction was needed, and so I took the wrong turn. Groan.

It made little difference as the highway was sluggish from volume and rain anyway. By the time I arrived, the rain had stopped though, Yay! It was remarkably warm, though the wind was relentless. Earic guided us to a few places he had been recently, but we could not scare up any birds. The wind was definitely keeping them down. He did manage to hear a Rublet, and even spished it out a bit. However, all me and Bob saw was a tiny green-grey bird hop 2 feet from one clump to another and dive in never to resurface. I have no doubt of Earic's ID, but I cannot count it, and it would have been a year bird. Doh!

We then went to Dosoris Pond, looking for an Eurasian Wigeon. We didn't find it but we got nice looks at Greater Scaup for Earic. I suggested we stop adjacent to the bridge but Bob blew past it and Earic suggested we head on to Matinicock Point. 

We stopped at the last beach access, and Bob waited in the car while Earic and I walked down the beach. Earic had doubts about the bird, but I hypothesized that it should be right at the point taking shelter from the wind. I made a brief scan with my scope and got on our target immediately. My new 30X- wide angle eyepiece is nice and helped me find the bird right away, but I am still getting used to it a bit as I was so accustomed to my old eyepiece.

I told Earic I had the bird, let him look through my scope, then ran back to trade places with Bob so that we could get him on the bird and have the car manned in case we were asked to move it. YB 1 du jour, 143 de l'annee.

We headed back to the pond, and pulled into the small lot by the bridge. Earic immediately picked out the Eurasian Wigeon, and totally blew past the good bird  right next to it. I called out Lesser Black-backed Gull, and we all got nice looks. 

Lesser Black-backed Gull & Eurasian Wigeon

Not to be outdone, Earic got us onto a Cooper's Hawk that deigned to land in a tree across from us, affording good looks. It had a bit of an eye-line which threw me a bit, but Earic pointed out that the breast coloration only extended half way down, indicating a young bird and not a Goshawk. 

Cooper's Hawk

At this point I got a call from Gary Straus, but with the excitement of the Coop landing in the tree and the bad connection, I told him I would call him back. Next thing I knew, there he was beside us, having been right down the road!

We showed him the birds here, then went back to the point to get him on the Eider. Then we all took off for Caumsett STPK where a Screech was staked out. We searched all the likely holes and alternatives but he was not in attendance. this too was probably due to the high winds. 

After a bird-less exploration of the grounds, we went to Jones Beach.  The wind was even fiercer, and taking shelter behind the concession at the w/e Coast Guard lot, we scanned for a Red-necked Grebe that Earic had also had the day before. No dice. We then went to Field 2 to try to find the Goshawk but the wind was blowing the sand so much that none of us wanted to be pelted nor have the paint removed from the car. We went to filed 6 instead where Gary had had some Bonies.

One lone Bonaparte's Gull was bathing in a rain pool by the time we got there, but it was not shy. With the birding getting more disappointing, and the wind getting stronger, we continued to Point Lookout.

Bonaparte's Gull

Okay, so I did score a King  Eider today, but the Harlies had been reported down in Long Beach, but more recently back at their usual jetty. we drove down Mineola Avenue and stopped half way down to look into the inlet. A confiding Black Scoter was taking shelter in a lee, as were two Common Eider. A flock of Bonaparte's Gulls were present too, encouraging as they used to number in the tens of thousands. I scanned the group but could not find a Black-headed nor Little Gull as much as I wanted too. 

Black Scoter Stretching

Black Scoter resting

f. Common Eiders

Next we drove to the end, where Bob waited in the car while I ventured into the sand storm. I got maybe 1/3 of the way out and had to turn back. The wind was fierce, and armed with sand particles it was even less fun!  

I went behind the dunes that are at the top of the beach, and a few blocks down peered over them to get a look. Out in the surf adjacent to the jetty were the Harlequin Ducks!  After missing them so many times I was happy they returned to their regular haunt, especially since I had for so long considered them 'reliable'. 
YB 2 du jour, 144 de l'annee.

I made my way back to the car, and then instructed Bob to drive down a few blocks instead of braving the sand storm to get a view. 

Bob and I stopped for a tasty lunch at a local establishment, and welcome shelter from the wind. Afterwards, we parted company, and I took the long way home along Ocean pkwy. I scanned from the Coast Guard lot again in vain, still no RN Grebe, and a stop into Teddy Roosevelt at field 1 had me finding a lone Black-bellied Plover out on the dunes.  Two out of five targets. Not bad...

A Nice View

 

Black-bellied Plover up close

 

Weekend Birding January 26,27

Chasing birds requires time management. My plan was to head in to Prospect Park after work and get the lingering Pine Siskins that appear to be absent everywhere else. 

I was waylaid by an unexpected call from Derek Rogers who wanted intel on some local birds. He being from further east than myself, and particularly unfamiliar with local birding spots, I agreed to meet him after work at Forest Park. I also suggested that he head to Jamaica Bay and try for the Barn Owls first, and then shoot up Woodhaven blvd. to meet me.

Later I got a last minute call from a prospective patient, after which Derek called informing me that he was already at the proposed meeting location and somewhat antsy. He bailed, opting instead to go for the pure white Snowy Owl at Jones Beach. Left alone, this majestic bird could conceivably spend the winter there. But as past experience has shown, unethical photographers have harassed these birds, often making them fly to get flight shots. 

He went for the Snowy. When done at the office I went to Prospect as planned. Walking up the road towards the feeder station, I saw a new nyjer feeder with small birds upon it, and lo, there were the siskins! I took a few pictures with my phone, which are terrible, but hey... better than nothing.

After spending some more time to see what else was at the feeders, I moved on to my next target bird: Monk Parakeets. { Monkeets}

Finding the location of the nests on 22nd street and Glenwood road, I was expecting the birds to be there. Nope. A 'gimme' bird and its a no show. Oddly, I fully expected the reverse of my experience; the Pine Siskins requiring a wait, and the Monkeets being on site. See, just when you think you know the game they change the rules....

I called Capt'n Bob, and he headed right over and we searched a few other locations. One was the campus of nearby Brooklyn College, where the bored and lonely security guard  invited us onto the grounds for a better look, and tried to engage us in conversation to soothe his under-stimulated mind.

Unsuccessful, we headed back to Glenwood and driving up I both saw and heard the Monkeets. Harrumph ! Well, my two targets du jour { ie two year birds} out of the way, Bob and I got some lunch before parting ways.

On the way home, I went to Jones Beach. I drove up to the south west corner of WE2 and found Micheal McBrien and his dad who had the Snowy in their scope right from the lot. Beautiful bird. Easy to find too - it was surrounded by photographers.

I then went to walk the median, hoping to chance across the Goshawk that has been around. No dice. Oh well, you can't have everything, but it was a great day of semi-casual birding!

Sunday was a bit of 'play by ear' birding. Jean LeConte Sparrow came over Saturday night after work, and I tried to give her the opportunity to sleep in a bit rather than getting her up early to chase birds. 

We got a call from Capt'n Bob, and he was inquiring about the Jones Snowy. Jean perked up, and wanted to see that bird too, so we planned to meet at WE2. We met up then walked the trail down to the beach so we could get a look at the bird from up close with the sun at our backs.

So far the photographers have been well behaved. We walked over and keeping a respectful distance scoped the bird in my Kowa with my new 30x wide-angle eyepiece. I like it!

Snowy Owl Basking on the Beach.

On the way down, Jean had heard some chip notes, and we found a Marsh Wren. On the way back the bird was still present in the same general location but with the sun at my back I was able to get a picture of the furtive beast. A year bird!

Marsh Wren Skulking in the Phragmites

Back at the lot, Bob {surprise surprise} suggested stopping for lunch. Boy, his tapeworm has him feline-pejorative whipped! We declined, and he headed back home to care for his flu-stricken Karen, while Jean and I ventured to Kissena Park.

No sooner had we pulled up to park at the corridor section, than a Ring-necked Pheasant walked across the path before us! Year bird 2 du jour!

Ring-necked Pheasant

Walking in I spied more than one, but they did their best to make looking at them difficult. We walked the paths and searched for other goodies and hoped for some more targets.

The paucity of sparrows soon became apparent when we found a beautiful male Kestrel atop a tree surveying his domain. Year bird 3.

American Kestrel AKA Sparrow Hawk

So while we were able to find a wary flock of Juncos, we struck out in finding Earic's Lincoln's Sparrow. A Fox Sparrow is always pleasant to look at though, and at least two were present.

Fox Sparrow

Walking about more did not locate any other sought after birds, but we enjoyed confiding Goldfinches who chowed down in our presence without much care, in contrast to the behavior of the sparrows.

American Goldfinch

With the light fading, we sampled the Chinese restaurant that took over the Palace Diner for an early dinner and were pleased. We then got to Jeans place where as hoped we completed some chores that did not take too much time to complete. Read that: no recrimination for birding when we should have been completing that task!

If its Thursday, I Must be Birding #5

Well, it would be great if it were as easy as: "Its Thursday. Lets bird!" But life and responsibilities have a way of getting in the way of things we would rather do. 

So I had planned to take care of the fallen leaves on Tuesday morning, but my mower had other plans. It died. Couldn't restart it, and coupled with the cracked housing decided it was time for a new one. 

Did a bit of research, picked a candidate, and on the way home Wednesday stopped at the store to pick it up. They had already put the mowers away, and put out the snow blowers. I said to the clerk: "You're kidding me! there's no snow, and there is plenty of leaves on the ground still." We checked the shelves where they had been stashed, but the model I wanted was nowhere to be found. 

He checked the store computer, which said it was not in stock, so I checked their website that said it was. At that point we were joined by a manager, who took over. She was very pleasant and apologetic, and offered to order the non in-stock item, and give me a 10% discount to boot. I thanked her, and said that I already had a 10% coupon I was planning on using for the purchase - so she made it 20% and that I could keep the coupon for something else. Nice!

But the leaves don't pick themselves up... So the next day I got up early to use the leaf blower that takes a lot longer, and the leaves are left on the ground. Eventually, I herded the huge mound into the backyard by my compost pile, and set upon my other overdue tasks.

The phone rings, its Bob Haze gloating about his standing in front of a Barnacle Goose in Prospect Park. Groan. I thank him, but with miles to go, cannot join him for a desired bird.  

Back to work, I remove the gunked up fertilizer in my drop-spreader, and finally apply my feed, put down seed, and set up a sprinkler. Phew. Time for lunch. The phone rings again. this time it is Earic Miller setting out for Kissena Park with Bobby Veltree. Groan. I still have a task or two to complete, and it will take some time to get from home to Queens. 

Finally done, I decide to stop in at Alley Pond Park for the Vesper Sparrow reported by Steve Walnut. It was on the way, and probably as likely a find as the one reported by Dr. Pinky in Kissena. Touching base with Earic, it had not been located, so I firmed my plan.

Of course I was overly optimistic, hoping to be able to score the VESP and then head off to Brooklyn. {traffic, what traffic??} Arriving at the intersection Steve described, I exited my car to walk in the park as I observed a jogger running up the road in my direction.

He proceeded to jog past me, up the same path I was headed to, and then went out into 'the field' stopping pretty much where Steve said he had had the bird, and commenced doing jumping jacks! 

Bluebird on post to right

Man doing jumping jacks on a Vesper Sparrow to left

{expletives removed to protect your sensibilities} What are the chances? Really! So I began to walk about, looking for this and any other birds about. On the back-stop, Bluebirds alighted and one by one found pretty much the same mix of birds as Steve had the day before. 

Coming upon a large Junco flock, I scanned them for anything non Junco, and only found some Chipping Sparrows. In the hedge rows were numerous White-throated Sparrows, with one Swamp Sparrow mixed in.

Having circles the field a few times, I was vesperless. And then I noticed Steve Walnut had shown up again to see if he could himself relocate the bird. He was gratified to see that the post was of value; not sure if folks wanted to know about Vesper sightings. 

We walked the fields again, hoping that we would kick it up. At one point, we had a good candidate that had been sulking in the short grass. we followed it to the large oak it had sought refuge in, and locating a Savannah Sparrow, Steve commented that trees were not the likely place to find this, or Vespers for that matter.

We found a Swainson's Thrush, and not much else so we returned to the original area of the sighting, the jumping-jacks dude having called it a day. Looking up in the tree, Steve calls out: "there it is!"  and I said: " I thought you said Vespers don't like trees" Go figure.

Good looks at the bird were obtained, and then it resumed feeding in the spot in the field where Steve had found it the day before, now that it was unoccupied.

Steve wasn't sure if people would be interested in this species being reported. For my part I can say that they occur every year but in such low numbers that they are more desired; at least by me.

Birds that you have to work harder for are more desirable, no? Its not like you see a flock of 50 or so like with White-throats or Juncos.

I like Vespers so much that I finally tracked one down this past May where they are known to breed on long island.  Having been there numerous times in the past but dipping, a report had me try again, since it gave landmarks. Yes, same place I had always tried.

Parked the car, and walked up the road, then down the road. Back and forth a few times, but if they were there, they sure were hiding well. The other birds were obvious and about, but Vespers?  Finally I headed back to the car. And wouldn't you know it, there, on the fence, adjacent to the car, was a Vesper. Doh!

Vesper  

1. A bell that summons worshipers to evening prayer.

2. The evening star, especially Venus.

3. Archaic Evening.

4. a most desired sparrow

How Much Wood Would a Wood Sandpiper Pipe...

It was a busy day for me on Saturday the 13th. After work in the morning I had several errands to run. After a quick stop to fill up the tank it was food shopping and the all important beer run.  After putting away all the items, I had only a few minutes left to run to the store where sunflower seeds were on sale before they closed. Arriving as they were putting away display items, I caught the manager as he wheeled the bags back to the store room. When I asked if I could get some, he looked at the pile on the cart and asked: “how many do you want, six?” “Yes...”, I said. “...If that’s okay with you”. His eyes widened a bit. “We have more if you need” he offered, but took only the six for now.

At home, I went about prepping the back yard for a long overdue set up of my feeders. First step, mow the grass. Un-mowed grass requires much less water, but it makes it that much harder to see my ‘dinner guests’. I put out sunflower and mixed seed and suet, and then began to prepare dinner for myself. Fortunately I didn’t need to sit on a perch to eat!

Tasks completed, food prepared, I turned on the TV,  grasped my fork, and started my email app to catch up. It’s now 7pm, and I can say ahhh.... the comfort of my dining room chair. Scanning the email headers, my eye caught a header from one of the NJ lists with the header mentioning an extralimital bird. My interest piqued, I clicked it presuming that the bird was going to be in Pennsylvania. To my surprise it was in Rhode Island - and what a bird! It was the report of a Wood Sandpiper - a potential lifer!!

For the uninitiated, this is an Eurasian species with only 5 previous lower 48 sightings.

Very Cooperative Wood Sandpiper In Jamestown RI 10-14-12

The report pointed to the RI lists, where there was some postings but precious few. They did offer a few pictures a map and a video! And as I am reading this eyes growing wider, the phone rings. Jean was calling to see if I had seen the post, literally just after I had opened it. She had already discussed it with Earic Miller but seemed to think he might have trouble getting away for the day. I got a call from Gary Strauss who was also thinking of chasing, and we decided to coordinate to best car pool. Calling Jeff Critter next, I was surprised that he was on the fence about chasing this bird. So I called Avian Resnick and surprise surprise, all he wanted to know was what time were we leaving.

It shaped up that it would probably be the three of us going, though another call from Jean suggested Earic might try harder to get away. And then he called to let me know that he, Jeff, and Gary were going to go, but curiously, thought leaving early like I planned was ~too~ early. Well I was stumped by that one, as they are often out birding very early and I am the one preferring a later start. But be that as it may, we couldn’t all fit in one car anyway.

My next task was to contact a few people who had contacted me about the trip I was leading to Hempstead Lake STPK, for QCBC. One expressed the opinion that if we had a trip, that it should be adhered to, because some people just show up anyway. I pointed out that we have announced at every meeting that those who are participating will be out of the loop if plans change so contact leaders, and one of the reasons plans change besides weather is if something really good shows up. We are a birding club after all. In most cases we may change the location from one venue to another, have an earlier or later starting time, move the meeting location, or substitute leaders. In this case it was patently obvious that most if not all the participants would be headed to RI rather than to this trip. This also meant no one to substitute for me as leader. Oh well, thats the way the birding gods crumble cookies.

All that was left now was to contact Bob Hayes. All his calls went to voicemail, and even a call to his home # was routed to his cell, that went to voicemail. I also knew that he rarely if ever checks his email, so the email I sent out to let anyone else who was secretly planning on showing up, would not be a reliable way to contact him. Several calls, no answer. I sure hoped he would check his phone, presuming he had not misplaced it again.

Got a few final confirmatory calls, it was going to be Jean, Avian, and I. So I decided that perhaps we could move departure time up to 5:30 and neither Jean nor Avian complained - go figure.

Plans set, I consulted field guides, maps, and left everything needed by the front door. I have always found that thinking is more difficult in the morning, so rather than do so and risk forgetting something, I typically do so the night before while I am more awake.

Before it got too late, I got into bed, only to be startled by the phone; Bob had seen I had called. He was at a wedding reception, he could not hear the phone ring, but he was interested in joining us... until he heard when we were leaving. His plan to be at the reception until at least 1:30 meant meeting us was for all intents and purposes out of the question. But at least he didn’t find out about the change of plans upon his arrival at Hempstead lake.

The three of us met as planned the next morning and got off to a good start. Along the way it was raining, and I felt this did not bode well. We arrived on location and despite the monumental rarity, I was perplexed that there were not throngs of folks around. What is worse, no group was intently looking in one direction...

Parking, we inquired of those there if there was any word on the bird. Nope. But one fellow looked at my car and exclaimed QCBC!? He and his mom had been members years ago when they lived in Queens. It was nice catching up.

The day before the bird had been seen in a wet spot adjacent to the busy road, and also later in the day deeper in the marsh. Seeing that no one had the bird by the road, we took a shot out in the marsh. Bad idea. It was windier out there, and the trails were thick with briar. After a short spell, we headed back. The fierce wind was keeping most birds down, though we saw a few struggling Goldfinch, Bluejays, and Herons. 

AvIan walking past the shallow pools where the bird had been first found

I conversed with a few folks; many of whom lived in the area and were only stopping by for a short time - other responsibilities dictating their presence elsewhere. I also caught up with some folks from Massachusetts, and members of the Brookline Bird Club. While we were conversing one of the fellows phone rang, and he turned to look at the people standing at the “first” location, one of whom was wildly waving his arms. YES!

I ran over as fast as I could and there was the bobbing beastie! Like a Solitary Sandpiper it was shaking its money-maker. But obvious was the cappedness, lack of obvious eye-ring, and the yellow legs. No bout a doubt it, here was the bird we sought!

With great looks at close range ca 25', and even better scope views, I ran back to the car to get my camera, and ran back hoping to get a few shots. Though walking relatively quickly, the bird was for the most part cooperative. Jean called the others still on their way  to let them know that the bird showed up. 

Elated with my success in scoring a lifer after a long sabbatical, now I suffer from tringa disco phobia: the fear that someone saw me do the 'happy dance' when I got the life bird. 

 And then a short time later the bird up and flew away, being carried east by the gusting wind. I set off to find the Tri-colored Heron that was in the same marsh; a needed year bird for me. No luck. 

On the way back, we met up with the others. They were noticeably in less than our jubilant spirits, perhaps pondering the “YSHBH constant.” I inquired of Seth Ausubel, why they thought departing later was better than earlier [ as is most often the case ] and he said that he had been given ‘sage advice...’ I offered that thyme would have been a much better spice to use.

As we were departing Earic announced and pointed out the Tri-colored Heron, and I was able to see it before it disappeared into the tall marsh grass. We then made a hasty retreat. Partially disappointed that we did not have more time to explore and bird, I had an appointment at APEC to present to their board a short presentation on QCBC.

On the way back, Avian checked his email, and saw that Donna Queensgirl Schulman had actually emailed him last night about chasing this bird, but he had not checked it that night or before departure. Oh well, there would have been room for one more...

All things considered, we made good time, heading back towards NY by 11am. Arriving at 2:30 we heard the end of the APEC Board presentation, and then they introduced me. I go first? I asked. No, you go last, every one else made their presentations earlier! Well, better late than never, and my ad lib was well received. We then saw a presentation by a rehaber with Owls, Hawks, Turtles and Possums, had a refreshment, and beat a hasty retreat home. A long day for sure!

The first thing I wanted to do was check out my photos, and retrieved my email too. Zoinks! Donna had sent both Avian and I that same email, and neither he nor I had checked it before turning in for the night. Oh well, the moral of the story is the next time a good bird shows up call, email and text people!

From the RI RBA:    A WOOD SANDPIPER was found at Marsh Meadows in Jamestown on the 13th, seen all day, and relocated on the 14th, in the same area. This is a MEGA rarity, as  it is just the 5th record for the lower 48 states. It was found on the east side  of the marsh, visible from North Road. It moved around a bit, going behind  Zeke's bait shop on the west side of the road. (thanks to Carlos Pedro for this  fantastic find)

more of my pix here: