I Say's 2019 Is Starting Out Golden!

December 30^th and 31^st were no fun. I awoke with a nose that started running so much that by new years eve it had been entered into the NYC marathon. I applied the requisite natural remedies and pleasantly on new years day I awoke and felt back to normal.

I made some calls and joined Arlene Rails for a trip to Shinnecock inlet and the reported Thick-billed Murre. The sea was roiling with huge waves pounding the shore. The wind was ripping the wave tops off into a spray, and ineffectively getting them to stop. We joined others at the jetty and in short order found the Murre, then a Razorbill close in in the surf, and then the two of them close in and together in the inlet. Of course, my camera malfunctioned, so the shots that begged to be taken went unexposed.

There was also a frustratingly difficult view of a Red-necked Grebe that was obscured by the waves and by diving, though at times visible. New for this area was very numerous Scoters and Common Eiders; each year they seem to be present in increasing numbers.

That was the extent of the exciting new years birds; all other targets for the day eluded us, those being King Eider, Snowy Owl, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and Glaucous Gull – all present days before.

Elsewhere that past Sunday no less than a Golden-crowned Sparrow was discovered in Delaware county by Lance Verdin while scouting for their local Christmas count. The report had adrenaline squirting out of my ears, and like a few others my eyes conveniently averted the line that said the bird was on private property and not being disclosed. Nevertheless I remained hopeful... ( or 'wishful' Arlene? )

I made some calls, and posted a missive on how birders ~should~ behave. The last time a rarity showed up at a private home someplace upstate it was unjustifiably squelched. A small select group of birders were let in on the secret, but no one else because...? 

I wanted to prevent a repeat of that selfish, unnecessary, and unwarranted event; the home owner was ~fine~ with having visiting birders.

This is the sort of happenstance that occurs 

if you reveal birds at private homes!

Then word came that the bird was sticking, access had been deftly negotiated by Lance, and the wheels started turning. So many people wanted to go, I had to decide which posse to join. 1^st world birder's problems!

Pelican, Arlene Rails, Johnny Gaggle-o-geese, and I met at 5am for the trip up. Its always best to blast past the morning traffic on the Island and NYC. Traffic as hoped for was minimal, though the forecast was kinda accurate with snow coating the roads in Sullivan county. As sunrise arrived the snow abated.

We arrived just after 8, and were joined shortly thereafter by Ed Thrasher, Bob Prothonotary, Harry Woodpecker, and Doug Fulvetta. Avian Resnick, Dunlin, Earic, and Shrimpke showed up a bit later as well.

There certainly was a nice variety of birds availing themselves of the offerings on Doris' porch, which we observed from the street. While waiting for the star to make an appearance, we saw White-throats, Tree, Junco, Song, BC Chickadee, Purple Finch, Bluejay, Downy, Hairy and Red-bellied on the porch and at the feeders across the street.  Ravens were croaking on the ridge and a Bald Eagle flew over us.

Some of us wandered about, scanning birds in other areas. Bob noticed some White-throats under the rhododendron behind the house, and called us over – he had the bird! We were able to get a quick look at it when it flew into a bare tree, but it had its back to us, and though it turned its head back and forth a few times it was not a satisfying look. Nor enough of a diagnostic look to satisfy Doug. 

Goldie flew off and we lost sight of it. Apparently it landed in the tree with the feeders, and Ed and Harry saw it but thought it was a White-crowned. Low light and brief glimpses will do that. And then it was absent for a while longer. Pelican felt the call of nature and Arlene and John also wanted a rest room and some vittles. I declined imploring them to give it some more time...

I was glad I did!  The bird came into its usual spot just after they left, so I alerted them and they hastily returned and we all enjoyed far better and quite enjoyable looks.

For my part I reminded several people present that we had been requested to park by the covered bridge; one person who is known for pointing fingers at others apparently thought the rules didn't apply to them. I was more than happy to remind him. I was also gratified that a number of persons had brought seed or made donations to Doris.

Now that we had properly seen the bird, we went to the diner in town for breakfast sandwiches. We spoke with Doris who was sitting there enjoying her celebrity. I showed just about everyone present some photos of the bird, answered their questions and explained how rare it was. The townsfolk were a bit incredulous of the distance we had traveled and pleased with the novelty.

Our next birding was fraught with bad directions and we did not connect with Siskins as hoped. We then went to a nearly perennially reliable home for Evening Grosbeaks in Sullivan County. It is located at the corner of Cooley Mountain Road and Smith Road. The owner of the home is quite birder friendly; in the past he has had a sign in his window saying: “Welcome Birders”. Unfortunately there is a 'for sale' sign up on the property now.

We cruised the roads briefly and returned to look at his platform feeders. The Grosbeaks were not present, so I suggested that we wait. Pelican, who can be an impatient one, wanted to move on but I suggested that we wait some more. Ed and Avian drove up in turn, and continued on to cruise the roads while we continued to wait.

As I predicted, and from experience, I saw the Grosbeaks fly into the trees in the yard. I sent texts to the others while we enjoyed the beautiful birds. The others were able to return in time to get to see them too.

Our next stop was at the Wallkill NWR where a Say's Phoebe of all things had been found earlier in the day. The GPS guided us through some beautiful bucolic back roads and we arrived to a parking lot filled with the cars of other birders.

On the way up the trail we were told that the bird was being seen so we made haste to join the hoard and look for this unexpected bonus. Despite it previously having been perched, it was currently flying back and forth along a creek. I ran into Orange county birder Linda Skua, who generously offered to leave her scope with me, but I declined because I knew that I would be offered a look through someone's scope, or at least be able to beg or shove them out of the way long enough to get a look. ;)

At first we got glimpses, and then I was able to locate it on top of a stalk pumping its tail. A tall fellow standing next to us got in his scope, and I had to tip toe to look through it, but at this point in the day I was kinda floating.

And the hits kept coming!!

We then headed to Indiana Road where we got Rough-legged Hawks, Harriers, Short-eared Owl, and Kestrel. What a day!

We ended the days activity at the Goshen Plaza Diner with a hearty repast and a celebratory beer. Lifers for some of us and NYS bird #426 for me. Thanks Lance!