When I last left Earic Miller and Birdingdude, the light was gone as we walked away from the Snowy Owl on the 17th. Our attention turned to the other goodies around, and would we be going after them.
Two items were discussed - cleaning up some loose ends on Saturday the 19th, and would we put together a trip for Sunday the 20th for the goodies upstate. Way upstate...
With the great finds on the recent Bronx CBC, it was opportune to get them for the year, after work Saturday. Earic went to the Bronx earlier with Birdingdude, while I met Bob Hayes at the convenient McD on 20th avenue after work.
We started at the location I found a Barred Owl on the CBC, but came up empty. We then tried a second spot, but it was over run with people enjoying the park and playing loud music. I was going to try a third spot but Bob suggested we try the fourth spot where it was most recently seen.
Arriving there, we ran into Earic and Birdingdude, so we were able to get right on the Barred Owl. I also snagged the porcelain electrical wire insulators that Jean had left behind on her prior visit, and good thing too, as the utility workers were there replacing the wires and poles that had come down and they would have disappeared.
From here we decided to go to the 'secret warbler spot'. This is Earic's name for the unusual places he finds micro-habitats that harbor over wintering birds. True, he uses this name for more than one place, but this is the Bronx secret warbler spot. It was the south facing side of the embankment of the highway as it passes over the Hutchinson River. A place none too easy to find, and not a place one would associate with good birds in winter, let alone several warblers.
The birds cooperated, being found in roughly the same location. The first being a Prairie Warbler that queued up nicely in a grounsel bush, and then shortly thereafter a western Palm Warbler.
After a coffee stop, we headed back to Owl spot #3, where we were not disappointed and had a second Owl. I snagged two more insulators off of the downed power poles, and we headed out to the baseball field in hopes of relocating at least one of the seven Fox Sparrows I had seen on the CBC. No dice.
There were birds around though, and mixed in with the flock of Goldfinches Earic and Birdingdude heard "either Pine Siskin or Common Redpoll". Birdingdude was the one to locate the bird and we all got great looks at a Common Redpoll. Fourth year bird for the day.
We spent the rest of the time exploring a trail the went down to Orchard Beach. Bob and I took a more leisurely pace, while the other two forged on ahead. They had seen Fox Sparrow, but we missed it. Doh!
Back at out cars, we made plans for the next day. Hoary Redpoll, Bohemian Waxwing, Northern Shrike, and Pine Grosbeak were too tempting to pass up, so we agreed to met at 4:30am to go after them.
I contacted Joan Collins of Long Lake, NY who had as many as three Hoary Redpolls coming to her feeders{!} and she graciously invited us to come up and see her birds. She also offered reconnaissance info regarding several other good birds in the region.
So with expectations of a looooong day we set out dark and early. This allowed us to miss the inevitable regional traffic, which was good because we lost time later on. As the Adirondacks are wont to do, the weather can be fine surrounding them, but once within the belly of the beast, it snows, and snows hard!
We traveled up I-87 to exit 26, then headed west towards Hamilton County. shortly thereafter, snow began to fall, and as we progressed it got worse and more had accumulated on the ground. The curvy one lane roads are bad enough at impeding progress; covered with snow makes them a lot less fun.
Add to this that the navigation software stopped working. Verizon recently pushed out an obligatory OS update and this really screwed up the functions of the S3. The GPS was not able to find the satellites on it's own, though it is supposed to. Cell coverage is for all intents and purposes non existent in this region, so navigation was lost. So much for all the planning and marking google maps. I was pissed.But hey, we got Ravens. year bird one for the day.
Birdingdude's phone was able to get satellite lock, so we found Joans place in due course. But on arrival, there was a good 2" of snow on the ground, and her very steep driveway was not one my car could go up. I decided to back down the short distance traversed and park on the main road's pullout.
It was in the 20's, windy as all heck, and Bob somehow forgot his coat. We had stopped at a rest stop along the way and he bought a sweatshirt, and I also offered him another layer I had brought, and we all trudged up the hill.
Joan cheerfully greeted us, and in short order she had found one of the Hoary Redpolls in a tree and lined it up in her scope. We all got great looks, and Birdingdude some great shots digiscoped. Year bird two!
Finding it hard to tear away, we eventually started making our way further north and west. We spied Tupper Lake from a few vantages, but no doubt due to the high winds we could not locate the deer carcass Joan told us about. A group the previous day had spotted it on the lake replete with Ravens, Bald Eagle, and Golden Eagle. What a score that would have been, but it did not materialize. Ravens were all about as expected in the 'dax, just not the other birds.
With the GPS not working I made a wrong turn and it sent us way out of the way. It didn't help that the snow was sticking to the road signs and completely obscuring them. None the less we did eventually get to Potsdam and Canton. Doing our best to search the various locations, we were hindered by weather and insufficient time. If there were 100's of birds around, they sure did a good job hiding.
On one of the back roads, Earic spied a bird way up in a tree. It looked good for Northern Shrike, one of our targets. Unfortunately, the distance, lighting and the bird dropping down before we could get a scope on it made confirmation impossible, and we all declared that it was presumptively a NOSH but that none of us would officially count it.
Out of 7 possible birds I got a stinking two. The rest of the trip was just long. Very long. The navigation routed us poorly, the roads were slick and snow covered, and the snow did not let up until Schenectady.
I was beat, and I mean really beat, having driven for 14 hrs before relinquishing the driver's seat. Bob took over for a while, and then Earic did the last leg. We didn't get back to our cars in Queens until 1am.
Ah sleep, perchance to dream...
...about chasing that next bird!
Showing posts with label Rare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rare. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Perfect Storming {and Triple Dipping}
So Friday came along and after dinner and killing time at Jean’s place, I headed off to JFK to pick up Carlos Sanchez, here to do a hit and run weekend of cleaning up some great rarities and a chance at birds not often or never seen down in Miami Florida.
As airlines are way too often want to do in my experience, there was a delay. Carlos called me to inform me of that, though I was far from surprised. I went to the Jetblue website and signed up for text alerts, and waited. Supposedly, the crew needed a break, and the flight was delayed for 50 min. In the end they probably flew a bit faster and made it to New York just about as scheduled. With the text alerts, I knew about when to head to the airport, and waiting in cue before the actual terminal, I got a text on the status, and went to the curbside pick up. A port authority officer asked me and others to leave, but when I showed him the text that the flight had arrived, he radioed in and confirmed my story and let me stay. The others had to go though!
Carlos hopped in, and we made a hasty retreat for my place. We made good time at that hour, and had a chance to catch up. Of course we got back later than we wanted, and this was compounded by aquaculture talk as he inspected my planted 125. With a planned departure of 5 am, less sleep was gotten than I would have liked.
We did get up and out without a hitch however, and in the dark we blasted out to Montauk Point for the first of many targets. As the sun started to peek out, I got a call from Derek Rogers who I had invited to join us. He was making his way out in his own, and was only minutes behind us.
Our first stop was at Hook Pond in East Hampton, as well as the nearby Further Lane. Largely frozen, a quick perusal did not reveal much either at the pond or on the lane where there were zero geese. No time to waste, we continued on.
Next stop was Kirk Beach where we hoped for the long lingering Crossbills. On arrival, it was quiet. We walked around a bit and then heard some call notes, and I caught sight of some birds alighting in a pine in the far corner of the lot. Approaching closer, I was able to resolve three White-winged Crossbills, though Carlos could muster only silhouette views. When we tried to view from the other side, they snuck out.
Shortly afterwards, a nice flock of Red Crossbills landed in one of the bigger pines next to the main road, and we both got good views though they were noticeably more wary than usual. And in short order the cause became obvious. A small raptor zoomed by, scattering the flock and explaining their behavior. [Lifer 1]
The next stop was Montauk Point. We arrived to find Tom Burke, Gail Benson and Doug Futuyma and Derek Rogers on site, as well as a disappointingly barren seascape. Typically, the ocean around the point is coated with thousands of ducks and seabirds, and arriving at sunrise is the best way to get the best effect - before they take off for the day.
We did manage to see Common Eider, Black and White-winged scoter, Oldsquaw, Common and Red-throated Loon, and Razorbill. Out in the distance, we saw a paltry number of Bonaparte’s Gulls as has been the trend in recent years. Scanning, we searched in vain for Dovekie and Kittiwake, but like a magician pulling a rabbit from his hat, Tom Burke alerted us to an adult Black-headed Gull [lifer 2] way out, not to far below the horizon. We were all able to get on the bird and view it through our scopes.
Stopping at Camp Hero, we had much the same assortment and lack of density but as I had anticipated, we had Am Tree Sparrow in the brush that afforded photographic opportunity to Carlos, [Lifer 3 ]on the way out. Stopping at Deep Hollow Ranch we were quickly rewarded with Cackling Goose and Snow Goose.
Coming up East Lake drive, we managed to arrive just in time to see Tom and Doug stop at a hitherto unknown vantage point, where we were able to get a good view of a flock of Goldeneye, but the slight chop and their incessant diving made getting on the prizes; a male ~and~ female Barrows Goldeneye a bit of a challenge. Tom, ever the eagle-eye was able to find them repeatedly and helped everyone else in attendance get on the birds, including Carlos who got Lifer 4. The female with the bright orange bill was actually easier to find that I had previously thought.
In short order Michael McBrien and his dad joined us, after alerting us to their finding the immature Black-headed Gull from nearby South Lake Drive. Having good looks at the Goldeneyes, we went for a closer look at these gulls.
The Gulls were in a mixed flock of Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s in the corner of the bay, feeding on wind tossed morsels. From the lot we could not see the Black-headed, so we moved further up. Tom once again pulled the subtly different bird from the flock and we got good looks at it, before Carlos and I ventured even closer to afford him taking some photos.
Derek apprized us of the situation at the East Jetty, and we went off to catch up to him. We too could not locate any Purple Sandpipers, or interesting gulls, but we did have nice views of Great Cormorants and closer looks at both Loons. We stopped at Little Reed Pond where Carlos found a Grey Catbird, unusual for this time of year.
Having been alerted by Michael that the Eurasian Wigeon was not at Rita’s Stable, we went straight to the West Jetty. Michael and Derek had a Kumlien’s Iceland Gull sitting on the beach, but its position and the lighting made it indiscernible from the nearby Herring Gulls. We ventured a bit further south to the town dock where the angle was reversed and picked the bird out easily.
A shop at the head of the dock had a feeder and Carlos mused that he finally got House Sparrow. Wanting to try for the Crossbills again, we skirted the top of Fort Pond where we found Pied-billed Grebe and not much else of interest. Back at Kirk Beach the crossbills were scarce, but Carlos scored a Black-capped Chickadee for Lifer 5.
Hopeful for the Crossbills to return, we were interrupted by a call from Derek alerting us to a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Edward Ecker Park on the west side of Fort Pond Bay. We raced back and got it, and then on the way back Derek picked another one out of a flock on the bay a distance away. Hopeful for one final try for the x-bills, we were joined by Michael and his father at Kirk yet again, where Michael found yet another LBB Gull at Fort Pond across the street. Not surprisingly, Carlos was not interested in another LBB Gull, as he informed me that they were quite common back in Miami as well.
The reds returned briefly, but the White-winged’s were absent, so we decided to got to Napeague but ~not~ for the LBB Gull that had been a target! On the way, Derek called to inform us that the Snowy Owl was a no-show, and that multiple birders had struck out all day. He instead suggested that we head straight for Napeague Harbor Road where a Yellow-breasted Chat was being seen.
As we turned down the road we came across Anthony Collerton, who also clued us in to the Chat, and offered that the Owl was absent on weekends probably due to the increased boat and clamming activity. This assumption would prove to be spot on, as the next day the Owl was re-found.
Driving down the road, as we approached the line of parked cars the Chat made itself obvious, and we enjoyed observing it; Carlos commenting that the Chat thought itself a Robin, as it was acting more like one that the typically skulky behavior it normally frustrates us with.
Our next stop we skipped as the Owl was a no show and we had our fill of LBB Gulls. We headed to Further Lane for a second try for the geese, where there was a modest flock, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was at that point that Anthony sent me a text with news that he had both the GWF Goose and Common Mergansers [Lifer 6] at Hook Pond.
We arrived and Carlos was able to get scope views of both birds thanks to Anthony. Amusingly, I had difficulty finding the GWF Goose, while Carlos Had difficulty finding the Mergs. We thanked Anthony and set off for Shinnecock Inlet and Dune Road where Anthony had previously found an American Bittern, and he offered too, that he had also had a Great Egret.
The inlet was quiet, and we saw the same variety of birds. We started down Dune road, with Carlos boasting that he would find the Bittern as he has so much experience with them back home. And find it he did. And then further along two more, as well as a Great Egret. Hoping to quell his boastfulness, I required him to find a fourth Bittern, and dambit, he did! And another Great Egret too.
We ended by trying to pull some more ducks out of ponds along Montauk Hwy, but the light was fading fast. What a day! Not only was the birding great, but the experience was made better by a seemingly choreographed effort by the participants. Thanks to Anthony, Derek, Doug, Gail, Michael, and Tom!
Phew! That was quite a Saturday. Sunday I had a lot planned as well so we got to sleep a lot earlier than the previous night. Bob Hayes, Helen Wheelock, Jean, Carlos and I assembled at 6:30 am, and went to Belmont Lake STPK. Originally the plan was to go to the Cemeteries on Wellwood Avenue, but spurred on by a report the day before that the wily Barnacle Goose, potential lifer for both Carlos and Helen, was present on the lake we arrived before sun up and began to scan the numerous geese. Helen picked out a Cackling Goose, but we could not find Barney. More Common Mergansers were present, but not wanting to delay our attempt at Huntington Harbor after an hour we headed for the mercurial Tufted Duck; or as Bob refers to it: the Tough Duck.
We tried numerous vantage points and had no luck. Conferring with other birders we crossed paths with, neither did they. I decided to explore the west side and went as far as Lloyd Harbor, but no dice, or Tufted Duck. Dang, two strikes.
We then headed off to Heckscher STPK, being able to skip Seatauket with our success at Montauk of no less than two Black-headed Gulls! We explored the field east of lot 6, but no Horned larks or Longspur. At the other side of the field we found a lot of Tree Sparrows, a fallback if we had not gotten them the day before. As we walked farther, we passed more sparrows, and then Carlos picked out a Clay-colored Sparrow! This has certainly been the best year for them that I can recall.
After the long walk that Bob decided to do in his jeep, we found Snow Bunting in lot 7, and once we came upon the favored pines, there not to disappoint were the crossbills, and we got great looks at both species. [Lifer 7] Good thing, I was beginning to think I had lost my mojo. [ or maybe I had used it all up the day before? ]
A bit more exploring, and then we were off again. Originally I had planned stops for some other good species, but daylight was burning and I decided to go to another location for Longspur after we discovered a falafel and gyro restaurant just west of the Wantaugh Hwy on Merrick Road that really hit the spot!
Jones beach was disappointingly quiet, though Peregrine was a nice sighting. Horned Lark and Snow Bunting, but no Longspurs. Dang, another dip. With light fading, we bolted for Forest Park.
Blind-folded and sworn to secrecy, we made our way to a pine grove where we found a Saw-whet Owl. Cute little buggers. Carlos got some nice pictures, and Lifer 8. And then we headed to the water hole to clean up some year birds for Carlos, beginning with a BC Chickadee that ate out of his hand. Also scored was WB Nuthatch, and a very accommodating Winter Wren. The latter showed up right in the section of downed trees where earlier Jean had pointed out the Wren likes to forage. Spooky!
Well, the light was just about gone and after a nice sushi dinner we dropped Carlos at the airport to end one hell of a birding weekend.
As airlines are way too often want to do in my experience, there was a delay. Carlos called me to inform me of that, though I was far from surprised. I went to the Jetblue website and signed up for text alerts, and waited. Supposedly, the crew needed a break, and the flight was delayed for 50 min. In the end they probably flew a bit faster and made it to New York just about as scheduled. With the text alerts, I knew about when to head to the airport, and waiting in cue before the actual terminal, I got a text on the status, and went to the curbside pick up. A port authority officer asked me and others to leave, but when I showed him the text that the flight had arrived, he radioed in and confirmed my story and let me stay. The others had to go though!
Carlos hopped in, and we made a hasty retreat for my place. We made good time at that hour, and had a chance to catch up. Of course we got back later than we wanted, and this was compounded by aquaculture talk as he inspected my planted 125. With a planned departure of 5 am, less sleep was gotten than I would have liked.
We did get up and out without a hitch however, and in the dark we blasted out to Montauk Point for the first of many targets. As the sun started to peek out, I got a call from Derek Rogers who I had invited to join us. He was making his way out in his own, and was only minutes behind us.
Our first stop was at Hook Pond in East Hampton, as well as the nearby Further Lane. Largely frozen, a quick perusal did not reveal much either at the pond or on the lane where there were zero geese. No time to waste, we continued on.
Next stop was Kirk Beach where we hoped for the long lingering Crossbills. On arrival, it was quiet. We walked around a bit and then heard some call notes, and I caught sight of some birds alighting in a pine in the far corner of the lot. Approaching closer, I was able to resolve three White-winged Crossbills, though Carlos could muster only silhouette views. When we tried to view from the other side, they snuck out.
Shortly afterwards, a nice flock of Red Crossbills landed in one of the bigger pines next to the main road, and we both got good views though they were noticeably more wary than usual. And in short order the cause became obvious. A small raptor zoomed by, scattering the flock and explaining their behavior. [Lifer 1]
The next stop was Montauk Point. We arrived to find Tom Burke, Gail Benson and Doug Futuyma and Derek Rogers on site, as well as a disappointingly barren seascape. Typically, the ocean around the point is coated with thousands of ducks and seabirds, and arriving at sunrise is the best way to get the best effect - before they take off for the day.
We did manage to see Common Eider, Black and White-winged scoter, Oldsquaw, Common and Red-throated Loon, and Razorbill. Out in the distance, we saw a paltry number of Bonaparte’s Gulls as has been the trend in recent years. Scanning, we searched in vain for Dovekie and Kittiwake, but like a magician pulling a rabbit from his hat, Tom Burke alerted us to an adult Black-headed Gull [lifer 2] way out, not to far below the horizon. We were all able to get on the bird and view it through our scopes.
Stopping at Camp Hero, we had much the same assortment and lack of density but as I had anticipated, we had Am Tree Sparrow in the brush that afforded photographic opportunity to Carlos, [Lifer 3 ]on the way out. Stopping at Deep Hollow Ranch we were quickly rewarded with Cackling Goose and Snow Goose.
Coming up East Lake drive, we managed to arrive just in time to see Tom and Doug stop at a hitherto unknown vantage point, where we were able to get a good view of a flock of Goldeneye, but the slight chop and their incessant diving made getting on the prizes; a male ~and~ female Barrows Goldeneye a bit of a challenge. Tom, ever the eagle-eye was able to find them repeatedly and helped everyone else in attendance get on the birds, including Carlos who got Lifer 4. The female with the bright orange bill was actually easier to find that I had previously thought.
In short order Michael McBrien and his dad joined us, after alerting us to their finding the immature Black-headed Gull from nearby South Lake Drive. Having good looks at the Goldeneyes, we went for a closer look at these gulls.
The Gulls were in a mixed flock of Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s in the corner of the bay, feeding on wind tossed morsels. From the lot we could not see the Black-headed, so we moved further up. Tom once again pulled the subtly different bird from the flock and we got good looks at it, before Carlos and I ventured even closer to afford him taking some photos.
Derek apprized us of the situation at the East Jetty, and we went off to catch up to him. We too could not locate any Purple Sandpipers, or interesting gulls, but we did have nice views of Great Cormorants and closer looks at both Loons. We stopped at Little Reed Pond where Carlos found a Grey Catbird, unusual for this time of year.
Having been alerted by Michael that the Eurasian Wigeon was not at Rita’s Stable, we went straight to the West Jetty. Michael and Derek had a Kumlien’s Iceland Gull sitting on the beach, but its position and the lighting made it indiscernible from the nearby Herring Gulls. We ventured a bit further south to the town dock where the angle was reversed and picked the bird out easily.
A shop at the head of the dock had a feeder and Carlos mused that he finally got House Sparrow. Wanting to try for the Crossbills again, we skirted the top of Fort Pond where we found Pied-billed Grebe and not much else of interest. Back at Kirk Beach the crossbills were scarce, but Carlos scored a Black-capped Chickadee for Lifer 5.
Hopeful for the Crossbills to return, we were interrupted by a call from Derek alerting us to a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Edward Ecker Park on the west side of Fort Pond Bay. We raced back and got it, and then on the way back Derek picked another one out of a flock on the bay a distance away. Hopeful for one final try for the x-bills, we were joined by Michael and his father at Kirk yet again, where Michael found yet another LBB Gull at Fort Pond across the street. Not surprisingly, Carlos was not interested in another LBB Gull, as he informed me that they were quite common back in Miami as well.
The reds returned briefly, but the White-winged’s were absent, so we decided to got to Napeague but ~not~ for the LBB Gull that had been a target! On the way, Derek called to inform us that the Snowy Owl was a no-show, and that multiple birders had struck out all day. He instead suggested that we head straight for Napeague Harbor Road where a Yellow-breasted Chat was being seen.
As we turned down the road we came across Anthony Collerton, who also clued us in to the Chat, and offered that the Owl was absent on weekends probably due to the increased boat and clamming activity. This assumption would prove to be spot on, as the next day the Owl was re-found.
Driving down the road, as we approached the line of parked cars the Chat made itself obvious, and we enjoyed observing it; Carlos commenting that the Chat thought itself a Robin, as it was acting more like one that the typically skulky behavior it normally frustrates us with.
Our next stop we skipped as the Owl was a no show and we had our fill of LBB Gulls. We headed to Further Lane for a second try for the geese, where there was a modest flock, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was at that point that Anthony sent me a text with news that he had both the GWF Goose and Common Mergansers [Lifer 6] at Hook Pond.
We arrived and Carlos was able to get scope views of both birds thanks to Anthony. Amusingly, I had difficulty finding the GWF Goose, while Carlos Had difficulty finding the Mergs. We thanked Anthony and set off for Shinnecock Inlet and Dune Road where Anthony had previously found an American Bittern, and he offered too, that he had also had a Great Egret.
The inlet was quiet, and we saw the same variety of birds. We started down Dune road, with Carlos boasting that he would find the Bittern as he has so much experience with them back home. And find it he did. And then further along two more, as well as a Great Egret. Hoping to quell his boastfulness, I required him to find a fourth Bittern, and dambit, he did! And another Great Egret too.
We ended by trying to pull some more ducks out of ponds along Montauk Hwy, but the light was fading fast. What a day! Not only was the birding great, but the experience was made better by a seemingly choreographed effort by the participants. Thanks to Anthony, Derek, Doug, Gail, Michael, and Tom!
Phew! That was quite a Saturday. Sunday I had a lot planned as well so we got to sleep a lot earlier than the previous night. Bob Hayes, Helen Wheelock, Jean, Carlos and I assembled at 6:30 am, and went to Belmont Lake STPK. Originally the plan was to go to the Cemeteries on Wellwood Avenue, but spurred on by a report the day before that the wily Barnacle Goose, potential lifer for both Carlos and Helen, was present on the lake we arrived before sun up and began to scan the numerous geese. Helen picked out a Cackling Goose, but we could not find Barney. More Common Mergansers were present, but not wanting to delay our attempt at Huntington Harbor after an hour we headed for the mercurial Tufted Duck; or as Bob refers to it: the Tough Duck.
We tried numerous vantage points and had no luck. Conferring with other birders we crossed paths with, neither did they. I decided to explore the west side and went as far as Lloyd Harbor, but no dice, or Tufted Duck. Dang, two strikes.
We then headed off to Heckscher STPK, being able to skip Seatauket with our success at Montauk of no less than two Black-headed Gulls! We explored the field east of lot 6, but no Horned larks or Longspur. At the other side of the field we found a lot of Tree Sparrows, a fallback if we had not gotten them the day before. As we walked farther, we passed more sparrows, and then Carlos picked out a Clay-colored Sparrow! This has certainly been the best year for them that I can recall.
After the long walk that Bob decided to do in his jeep, we found Snow Bunting in lot 7, and once we came upon the favored pines, there not to disappoint were the crossbills, and we got great looks at both species. [Lifer 7] Good thing, I was beginning to think I had lost my mojo. [ or maybe I had used it all up the day before? ]
A bit more exploring, and then we were off again. Originally I had planned stops for some other good species, but daylight was burning and I decided to go to another location for Longspur after we discovered a falafel and gyro restaurant just west of the Wantaugh Hwy on Merrick Road that really hit the spot!
Jones beach was disappointingly quiet, though Peregrine was a nice sighting. Horned Lark and Snow Bunting, but no Longspurs. Dang, another dip. With light fading, we bolted for Forest Park.
Blind-folded and sworn to secrecy, we made our way to a pine grove where we found a Saw-whet Owl. Cute little buggers. Carlos got some nice pictures, and Lifer 8. And then we headed to the water hole to clean up some year birds for Carlos, beginning with a BC Chickadee that ate out of his hand. Also scored was WB Nuthatch, and a very accommodating Winter Wren. The latter showed up right in the section of downed trees where earlier Jean had pointed out the Wren likes to forage. Spooky!
Well, the light was just about gone and after a nice sushi dinner we dropped Carlos at the airport to end one hell of a birding weekend.
Friday, January 4, 2013
A New Year, And The Birds Are All New Again!
Gone are the days of drunken revelry to welcome in the New Year { at least for me that is } I can drink too much at any time if I so choose, { but I don't } and I would rather be able to awaken less painfully and go out birding!
With some great reports and a visit from Carlos looming ever closer, Jean and I went out to do more scouting, and score some new year's birds!
In a perfect example of 'the tide turning' it would appear that 'listing' is no longer as dirty a concept as it had been. In the '90's being a 'gasp' lister was down right despised, and gave some the opportunity to project an air of superiority whilst claiming not to list. Sour grapes *.
So now that listing is out of the closet so to speak, and more and more people are doing big years, little big years, local big years, state big years and etc, I too have decided to make a concerted effort to be a more diligent birder for 2013.
It also doesn't hurt that I have the added incentive of helping 'born-again birder' Bob Haze wanting to ever increase his life list. Heck, if I can't get a lifer for myself I can at least have the vicarious thrill of getting them for someone else.
2012 started off in an exciting way, what with the exceptional find by Doug Gochfeld of a Graces Warbler on the South Nassau CBC. And spurred by this excited I had designs on making a big year effort in 2012. But as is often the case, I do have other interests and responsibilities, and sometimes it had been hard to muster the enthusiasm to chase a bird.
So here I go again. I will try to see as many of the available birds as possible in 2013, and Bob wants to do a big year too. Someone will no doubt announce they are doing a NYS big year, though good luck breaking Anthony Collerton's extraordinary 2012 record of 361 birds! More reasonable are the announcements of county big years that are being thrown out there.
But back to the birding!
So Jean and I got in some birding on what looked like not the nicest of days. We headed for Heckscher stpk, a not too distant location with an eye on not spending the whole day out, but still getting some quality birding in.
Driving in the park road, our first nice find of the day was a Merlin prominently perched on a distant tree top.
Making an all important 'pit-stop' at field 6 was fortuitous for a number of reasons. While it appeared a bit quiet bird wise, a lone Snow Goose together with a single Canada Goose flew over making a nice sighting for the day, and indicated that this bird was lingering in the park.
We also crossed paths with Ken Thompson, and he relayed some bird info. We had been slowly cruising and stopping here and there, and he offered that the lots further on were all closed leaving field 6 as the closest one to out desired location.
He headed off across the field, while Jean and I drove on instead, I wanting not so much to brave the semi raw conditions. As we drove past field 7, Jean heard some chipping and we stopped to investigate. Song Sparrow, lots of Chickadees, lots of Red-hatches, Downy Woodpeckers, and a Hairy Woodpecker! Doing her best Earic imitation, Jean spished out some furtive Tree Sparrows! This was great as it was one of the targets we were hoping to pin down for Carlos.
At that point, we turned to see Ken had caught up with us, and informed us he had almost stepped on a Lapland Longspur, right in that first grassy field he crossed leaving the field 6 lot. We decided that with the parking limitations and this bird we missed it would be best to head back.
Jean availed herself of the facilities as she is often want to do, and I stepped out into the field, scanning with my binos. Promptly, I located a group of 3 Horned Larks, adjacent to a pile of storm deposited schmutz. Blending in perfectly with the background items was the Longspur! Camouflage at work.
This little beastie that I missed last year did it's best to stay hidden, while its cohorts the Horned Larks, did not so much seem to care. Yes!
Continuing on we stopped again at field 7 and tried to relocate the birds we had earlier, to no avail.
As we walked on, we saw several birders pass by and making a deliberate path to the trees by field 8. We saw them get out and train their scopes on the trees, a sure sign that they had something in view.
We finally caught up to them, only to simultaneously have the flock of 50+ birds fly off! What timing!! They flew off and landed prominently in a bare tree way on the other side of the internal marsh. What a tease; the light was so poor it was hard to make out that they were Crossbills, let alone which species.
Convinced that they would return, we perused the pines while waiting for them to return. We added Junco to the day list while disturbing more Tree Sparrows. Compared to the other birds, they seemed to be the most shy, furtively making limited jaunts beyond the skirts of the pines.
Finally, the Crossbills returned, and alighted in a bare deciduous tree. Both species were present, as were individuals of various ages and sexes. The lighting was horrid and the photos were slightly better than a silhouette.
Getting hungry, we decided to depart. Walking back to the car some more accomodating Tree Sparrows posed for me. Another stop use the facilities, and we were thinking of making a try for the Tufted Duck.
We instead went to Smith Point Park. Black Scoters in good numbers were seen, as well as a few other day birds.
Heading back, as we exited the parkway we passed a flock of Canada Geese in Belmont Park and we decided to make a pit stop. No Barnacle, but perusing the lake we found 3 Common Mergansers: another bird I was hoping to pin down for Carlos! Can't wait for the weekend...
So this is how my year began.
With some great reports and a visit from Carlos looming ever closer, Jean and I went out to do more scouting, and score some new year's birds!
In a perfect example of 'the tide turning' it would appear that 'listing' is no longer as dirty a concept as it had been. In the '90's being a 'gasp' lister was down right despised, and gave some the opportunity to project an air of superiority whilst claiming not to list. Sour grapes *.
So now that listing is out of the closet so to speak, and more and more people are doing big years, little big years, local big years, state big years and etc, I too have decided to make a concerted effort to be a more diligent birder for 2013.
It also doesn't hurt that I have the added incentive of helping 'born-again birder' Bob Haze wanting to ever increase his life list. Heck, if I can't get a lifer for myself I can at least have the vicarious thrill of getting them for someone else.
2012 started off in an exciting way, what with the exceptional find by Doug Gochfeld of a Graces Warbler on the South Nassau CBC. And spurred by this excited I had designs on making a big year effort in 2012. But as is often the case, I do have other interests and responsibilities, and sometimes it had been hard to muster the enthusiasm to chase a bird.
So here I go again. I will try to see as many of the available birds as possible in 2013, and Bob wants to do a big year too. Someone will no doubt announce they are doing a NYS big year, though good luck breaking Anthony Collerton's extraordinary 2012 record of 361 birds! More reasonable are the announcements of county big years that are being thrown out there.
But back to the birding!
So Jean and I got in some birding on what looked like not the nicest of days. We headed for Heckscher stpk, a not too distant location with an eye on not spending the whole day out, but still getting some quality birding in.
Driving in the park road, our first nice find of the day was a Merlin prominently perched on a distant tree top.
Making an all important 'pit-stop' at field 6 was fortuitous for a number of reasons. While it appeared a bit quiet bird wise, a lone Snow Goose together with a single Canada Goose flew over making a nice sighting for the day, and indicated that this bird was lingering in the park.
We also crossed paths with Ken Thompson, and he relayed some bird info. We had been slowly cruising and stopping here and there, and he offered that the lots further on were all closed leaving field 6 as the closest one to out desired location.
He headed off across the field, while Jean and I drove on instead, I wanting not so much to brave the semi raw conditions. As we drove past field 7, Jean heard some chipping and we stopped to investigate. Song Sparrow, lots of Chickadees, lots of Red-hatches, Downy Woodpeckers, and a Hairy Woodpecker! Doing her best Earic imitation, Jean spished out some furtive Tree Sparrows! This was great as it was one of the targets we were hoping to pin down for Carlos.
 |
| Red-hatch: a bird that is hard to miss this year |
Jean availed herself of the facilities as she is often want to do, and I stepped out into the field, scanning with my binos. Promptly, I located a group of 3 Horned Larks, adjacent to a pile of storm deposited schmutz. Blending in perfectly with the background items was the Longspur! Camouflage at work.
 |
| Lapland Longspur |
Continuing on we stopped again at field 7 and tried to relocate the birds we had earlier, to no avail.
 |
| Hello, hello, HOLA! |
We finally caught up to them, only to simultaneously have the flock of 50+ birds fly off! What timing!! They flew off and landed prominently in a bare tree way on the other side of the internal marsh. What a tease; the light was so poor it was hard to make out that they were Crossbills, let alone which species.
Convinced that they would return, we perused the pines while waiting for them to return. We added Junco to the day list while disturbing more Tree Sparrows. Compared to the other birds, they seemed to be the most shy, furtively making limited jaunts beyond the skirts of the pines.
Finally, the Crossbills returned, and alighted in a bare deciduous tree. Both species were present, as were individuals of various ages and sexes. The lighting was horrid and the photos were slightly better than a silhouette.
 |
| Both Crossbills nicely cued up in a bare tree |
 |
| Am. Tree Sparrow |
We instead went to Smith Point Park. Black Scoters in good numbers were seen, as well as a few other day birds.
Heading back, as we exited the parkway we passed a flock of Canada Geese in Belmont Park and we decided to make a pit stop. No Barnacle, but perusing the lake we found 3 Common Mergansers: another bird I was hoping to pin down for Carlos! Can't wait for the weekend...
So this is how my year began.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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.
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.
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:
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 |
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 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:
Friday, September 14, 2012
If its Thursday, I Must be Birding #4
After a whole slew of more responsibilities than time could accommodate, the dust has been starting to clear. With reports of some great birds in New Jersey, and a conveniently placed Thursday, I tried in vain to assemble a posse. Gosh darn work and doctor's appointments...
Almost as good as a co-conspiritor, Donna Schulman provided me with information and updates both before and during the day. Most important, one of her contacts confirmed that the Tern had been seen...
Setting off bright and early at 5 am, I made my way to my first target: a Crested Caracara that had been haunting a farm field in Windsor, Mercer County. Normally found in Texas or Florida, a few have been wandering lately. The current thinking is that this is a 'countable' bird, not and escapee or other undesirable.
The only nice thing to be said for leaving so early, is missing all the %#@^!^) traffic. Which is not to say that I missed it all, but satisfyingly less people who were not quite sure where they were going.
see map: http://goo.gl/maps/X2tbe
Arriving on location, I spied two other birders set up just across from the dirt road into the abandoned farm, neither of whom had their glasses up. 1st bad sign. Upon joining them, one birder, a local, said that he had seen the bird at 6:30 am, but that it took off too parts unknown shortly thereafter. The other birder was from Bucks County PA, and he was here having missed it a few times already...
So we scanned the fields for some time and chatted hoping that the bird would fly back in, sooner than on other days, which was in the evening. As time passed, more birders arrived. Amongst them were two college students from Princeton, who said their professor had told them about the bird.
More time passed, more birders arrived. Looking at 'Loretta' I was able to see that there was other favorable habitat not too distant as the Caracara flies. Some folks walked south towards the Beth Chaim Synogogue, while I exchanged cell #'s with others. The bird had also been seen on nearby Old Trenton Road, and it was worth a shot, as was Mercer County Park which was in the direction the first birder had said the bird flew off in.
Before I left, the two college students came back, asking for scopes as they had a candidate on a chimney a ways away, but could not resolve it through their glasses. A group of us walked back with them, set up scopes, only to find that the bird in question was an Americrow. The student looked at us sheepishly for his well intensioned but ultimately hope-dashing effort. So I smirked as I inquired: "That Princeton, is it one of those Ivy-league schools..."
Exchanging phone numbers with Fred, I was going to try some other places and was about to leave when with ultimate redemption, the same young fellow saw a bird off in the distance that this time ~was~ the Caracara! Amusingly, had we stayed where we were we would have had it right in front of us, so we all walked all the way back to where we started from. Timing is everything! Of course, this was another example of one of the "Universal Birding Laws": The Coast Is Clear Law.
As is distance and sun position. No one wanted to enter the presumed private property, nor worse, scare off the bird, so we photographed from Village Road East. Nice! But the photos were distant and poorly lit. Oh well, I am happy just to have seen the bird.
As the crowd contemplated what to do next, having succeeded in getting this highly prized target, I mentioned the Elegant Tern of Sandy Hook. Sandra Keller, having not seen that bird decided to meet me there and take me up on my offer to share my telescope.
Loretta guided me via route this and route that while Sandra took the highways, and longer trip. We met up within a few minutes of each other, I having just started down the trail to the beach. While walking I was treated to Field Sparrow and Magnolia Warbler, and a Commonthroat that I tried to bend into a Connecticut Warbler but could not.
Sandra caught up to me as I approached the beach, and togeteher we slowly approached the group of resting Common Terns, Sanderlings, and Skimmers resting by a 'tidal cut'. This was an area where water was slowly flowing out of the high tide's flooding of a low area in the dunes. Fortunately, it was mere inches deep; but at high tide may have to be waded across. This spot is the western of the 2 sighting markers.
see Sam Galick's map: http://goo.gl/maps/4Wrq
We scanned the birds to no avail. Shortly, two fisherman approached from the other side and as anticipated they put the birds up. They were helpful though, telling us where they had heard that the bird was most frequently. Encouraged, we walked on.
We picked up a few Black-bellied Plovers on the way, and also crossed paths with two other birders who had not had any luck. The four of us walked down the beach, and I picked out a juvenile Bonaparts Gull with the Juvenile Laughing Gulls. But no Tern. That is no Elegant Tern, but we did manage to find a few imm. Black Terns.
Walking further on we made our way to the eastern of the 2 sighting markers, where we watched Bluefish in a feeding frenzy no more than 25' from shore, as well as Gulls and Terns taking advantage of all the concentrated bait fish. What a sight!
We decided to head back after a time, and found the two other birders checking the birds at the 'first' spot. No luck. There was one odd bird there though, a young Common Tern I had initially mistaken for a Black Tern, but was in fact coated with Ulva - Sea Lettuce. After getting a look in my book at what the target bird was supposed to look like, the two of them departed.
Unfortunately for them, shortly after their departure I picked the bird out of the crowd eliciting an exhuberant if not a wee bit embarrasing exclaimation from Sandra. I told her it was a perfectly okay response after having had an eyegasm.
Feeling a tad guilty that the others had just missed the bird, I informed Sandra that this was an example of another of the "Universal Birding Laws": The Sacrificial Lamb Law. We owe them a jar of mint jelly.
We enjoyed the bird as it hung out on the shore near the rest of the mixed flock, and watched as it caught small fish. What a great day of birding.
Almost as good as a co-conspiritor, Donna Schulman provided me with information and updates both before and during the day. Most important, one of her contacts confirmed that the Tern had been seen...
Setting off bright and early at 5 am, I made my way to my first target: a Crested Caracara that had been haunting a farm field in Windsor, Mercer County. Normally found in Texas or Florida, a few have been wandering lately. The current thinking is that this is a 'countable' bird, not and escapee or other undesirable.
The only nice thing to be said for leaving so early, is missing all the %#@^!^) traffic. Which is not to say that I missed it all, but satisfyingly less people who were not quite sure where they were going.
see map: http://goo.gl/maps/X2tbe
Arriving on location, I spied two other birders set up just across from the dirt road into the abandoned farm, neither of whom had their glasses up. 1st bad sign. Upon joining them, one birder, a local, said that he had seen the bird at 6:30 am, but that it took off too parts unknown shortly thereafter. The other birder was from Bucks County PA, and he was here having missed it a few times already...
So we scanned the fields for some time and chatted hoping that the bird would fly back in, sooner than on other days, which was in the evening. As time passed, more birders arrived. Amongst them were two college students from Princeton, who said their professor had told them about the bird.
More time passed, more birders arrived. Looking at 'Loretta' I was able to see that there was other favorable habitat not too distant as the Caracara flies. Some folks walked south towards the Beth Chaim Synogogue, while I exchanged cell #'s with others. The bird had also been seen on nearby Old Trenton Road, and it was worth a shot, as was Mercer County Park which was in the direction the first birder had said the bird flew off in.
Before I left, the two college students came back, asking for scopes as they had a candidate on a chimney a ways away, but could not resolve it through their glasses. A group of us walked back with them, set up scopes, only to find that the bird in question was an Americrow. The student looked at us sheepishly for his well intensioned but ultimately hope-dashing effort. So I smirked as I inquired: "That Princeton, is it one of those Ivy-league schools..."
Exchanging phone numbers with Fred, I was going to try some other places and was about to leave when with ultimate redemption, the same young fellow saw a bird off in the distance that this time ~was~ the Caracara! Amusingly, had we stayed where we were we would have had it right in front of us, so we all walked all the way back to where we started from. Timing is everything! Of course, this was another example of one of the "Universal Birding Laws": The Coast Is Clear Law.
As is distance and sun position. No one wanted to enter the presumed private property, nor worse, scare off the bird, so we photographed from Village Road East. Nice! But the photos were distant and poorly lit. Oh well, I am happy just to have seen the bird.
 |
| Crested Caracara on a stick |
Loretta guided me via route this and route that while Sandra took the highways, and longer trip. We met up within a few minutes of each other, I having just started down the trail to the beach. While walking I was treated to Field Sparrow and Magnolia Warbler, and a Commonthroat that I tried to bend into a Connecticut Warbler but could not.
Sandra caught up to me as I approached the beach, and togeteher we slowly approached the group of resting Common Terns, Sanderlings, and Skimmers resting by a 'tidal cut'. This was an area where water was slowly flowing out of the high tide's flooding of a low area in the dunes. Fortunately, it was mere inches deep; but at high tide may have to be waded across. This spot is the western of the 2 sighting markers.
see Sam Galick's map: http://goo.gl/maps/4Wrq
We scanned the birds to no avail. Shortly, two fisherman approached from the other side and as anticipated they put the birds up. They were helpful though, telling us where they had heard that the bird was most frequently. Encouraged, we walked on.
We picked up a few Black-bellied Plovers on the way, and also crossed paths with two other birders who had not had any luck. The four of us walked down the beach, and I picked out a juvenile Bonaparts Gull with the Juvenile Laughing Gulls. But no Tern. That is no Elegant Tern, but we did manage to find a few imm. Black Terns.
Walking further on we made our way to the eastern of the 2 sighting markers, where we watched Bluefish in a feeding frenzy no more than 25' from shore, as well as Gulls and Terns taking advantage of all the concentrated bait fish. What a sight!
We decided to head back after a time, and found the two other birders checking the birds at the 'first' spot. No luck. There was one odd bird there though, a young Common Tern I had initially mistaken for a Black Tern, but was in fact coated with Ulva - Sea Lettuce. After getting a look in my book at what the target bird was supposed to look like, the two of them departed.
Unfortunately for them, shortly after their departure I picked the bird out of the crowd eliciting an exhuberant if not a wee bit embarrasing exclaimation from Sandra. I told her it was a perfectly okay response after having had an eyegasm.
Feeling a tad guilty that the others had just missed the bird, I informed Sandra that this was an example of another of the "Universal Birding Laws": The Sacrificial Lamb Law. We owe them a jar of mint jelly.
We enjoyed the bird as it hung out on the shore near the rest of the mixed flock, and watched as it caught small fish. What a great day of birding.
 |
| Elegant Tern with snack |
Monday, March 12, 2012
Double Indignity
Ever since I got a copy of the National Geographic Guide to birds, I have salivated over the numerous species on the other side of the country. Among them was the Rosy-finches. I can’t say why for certain, but there was something about them that was particularly appealing.
So when I made a trip out to Colorado in 1999, Rosy-finches were high on my most wanted list. I went with Ian Resnick, and long time Compuserve friend Ann AJ Johnson joined up with us for several days. We had a blast.
When we got to Rocky Mountain National Park, the rangers informed us that the high mountain pass was closed due to snow, and might not be opened during our stay. Thankfully, the road was cleared and we had an opportunity.
It was particularly rewarding for AJ as we all got the White-tailed Ptarmigan; but for her it was after way too many years of trying. 40 years is undoubtedly a long time! But while we got the Ptarmigan at the Alpine Visitor’s center, there were no Rosy-finches around the pass and this was supposed to be the place to look for them. We celebrated our collective Ptarmigan at a local establishment with some excellent Elk burgers, and ~several~ celebratory shots of tequila.
That night it snowed an awful amount and the pass was closed again. Inquiring of the ranger, he said that it would take a week or more to remove the snow! Drat! ( a euphemistic approximation of what I actually said) I did my best to convey the urgency and importance of seeing the Rosy-finches to the ranger, and he offered as much helpful information as he had. And then I pushed a bit harder, so he then offered to contact a local birder with the Audubon Society who might perhaps have more knowledge...
Speaking with this woman, she gave us the location of a home in town where the finches had been reported coming to a feeder. I thanked her profusely, did the same to the ranger, and then Ian and I beat a hasty retreat. Persistence pays!
Arriving at the address, we immediately saw the finches at the feeders and set up our scopes from the street to get a good look. In short order, one of the residents came out to see what we were up to. I excitedly showed them a picture of the finch in my guide, and explained that we had come all the way from back east to see them. She then went inside and told her daughter, who had recently moved from Manhattan to Colorado, and was tickled to know that she had such good birds at her feeders. The best part was when they invited us to sit on the porch and get a better view; at times too close to focus with my camera lens!
Expected in Colorado were Brown-capped Rosy-finches, but as an added bonus we also had a Black Rosy-finch. It would have been nice, but we could hardly complain about not also having a
Gray-crowned Rosy-finch.
Fast forward to December 2011, and a birder named David Rankin hiking in the Catskills of New York happens upon one! { must be related to Doug Gochfeld with luck like that!}
His picture left no question as to ID; but the wisdom of chasing this bird on the summit of Black Dome Mountain in the Catskills in the throws of winter was certainly questionable. But not by me so I did it.
It would be a lifer, and a cherry of a NYS bird. And besides, who needs sleep? I coordinated with other foo... Ahem. ...other enthusiastic birders and a group of us met at the trail-head at 7am. Mind you I could only manage to get to sleep by midnight with the prep and excitement, and woke up at 2am to drive upstate to meet Tait Johansson, and from his digs we car pooled to meet the others.
When we arrived it was still dark and it had snowed the night before. So here we are, in bitter cold, hiking up a trail with loose rocks and covered with snow, all in search of a bird. One bird. In a whole lot of mountain. The third highest in the region.
Well it was a beautiful hike. The scenery was breathtaking, truly. The sun was glistening off of the snow that heavily weighted down the branches of the conifers. Besides I like hiking a lot too. Corey Finger, Tait Johansson, Rich Fried, Lila Fried, Jacob Drucker, Rob Bate and his wife all made the attempt. I tried to talk two others into doing it, but in the end it may have been wise that they did not. Rich Fried, intrepid and successful champion 2011 NYS year lister that he is, tried to add this bird to his astounding accomplishment, but instead got a number of bumps and bruises instead, from the less than safe conditions of the hike. Some might think him a bit foolhardy, I admire his dam the torpedoes attitude. And he’s only been birding a few years to boot! I must have a pocket full of kryptonite.
Fast forward once again and its march 2012 and a Grey-crowned Rosy-finch is discovered at a feeder in even further upstate New York. No rigorous hike in below freezing weather, but a shlep non the less. A 275 mile shlep to be exact.
Of course those with union jobs or work with animals were able to make a mad dash and see the bird, while us mere mortals had to wait for a more opportune time. In my case this would be Thursday, my day off.
Historically, Thursday is a great day to chase a bird. Reports are usually generated predominantly on weekends, and a disappointing number of good birds move on before the next weekend arrives. But not so for Thursdays, they usually stick around...
So calling around, I searched for co-conspirators. Most could not go, had earlier plans, or already had gone. Bob Hayes called me, and then winced when he heard how far away the bird was. Then he caved in. I also called Ian Resnick, my co-conspirator or enabler, depending upon your point of view, but also knew that he ~never~ takes a day off from work.
I have been trying to corrupt him for years and to date had not succeeded. Perhaps it was something that Donna Schulman said to him that changed his mind, but I suppose it was bound to happen at least once. It is after all, one of the signs of the apocalypse.
So the three of us set off at a reasonably early time to make the long drive to Boonville NY. Traffic was light, the weather was beautiful, and we arrived on location an hour ahead of schedule.
Along the way as the light came up we amassed a nice list of sightings. American Crow was our first bird of the day, and Red-tailed Hawks were plentiful as expected. Blackbirds appear to be on the move and Grackles and Red-wings were all about. I even spied a Piliated Woodpecker as it flew across the road!
Most pleasing to see, and continuing a trend that I am enjoying is sightings of Bald Eagles- we had at least three along the way, and Ravens are becoming more plentiful too. Both were birds that one used to have to ‘work’ for.
But as omens go, once we got off the thruway and headed up into the Adirondack region, the clouds got thicker and it began to drizzle. As suspected, the address location was not completely accurate either as far as Loretta was concerned, but I have come to not rely 100% on GPS and we did get to the correct location.
Nancy Loomis, the home-owner, is to be commended for her quick thinking and extraordinary hospitality. We arrived to find an area set aside for visitors to park, and she even left the door to her garage open and welcomed visiting birders to make use of the restroom within when necessary.
So upon arrival we knew we were in the right place when we saw other birders. Getting out for a look though, we were told that it was last seen at 6:30 am, and not since! It was now 9 am.
Well the wind really picked up, and it started to rain heavily so I pulled the car up so that we could be sheltered while looking at the feeders. The three of us were amazed at the other birders who were happy to stand outside in the wind and rain, but not us. We’re smarter than that I thought, until I remembered that we just drove 275 miles....
So I enjoyed all the goldfinches coming to the feeders, and hoped as had been reported that the GCRF would be amongst them or the other birds it had been associating with. And then I saw one! A Grey-crowned Weaver-finch. And another, and about 20 or so hogging the feeder.
But no Rosy finch. Also present were Downey and Hairy woodpeckers, as well as a White-breasted Nuthatch, but no Rosy.
It was not to long into our vigil that I began to feel the oncoming sting of irony poisoning. Yes, irony poisoning. I had tried to convince Ian to take off from work literally for years, and now that he finally does so, it is on the occasion when the bird ~doesn’t~ stick around. Obviously, he is to blame. He didn’t even proffer a consolation beer. I also began to wonder if Thursdays had lost their touch, but in fact the GCRF was present, just not long enough!
We stuck it out, and Bob, a new initiate to the irrational world of chasers kept a good attitude regarding how long we kept vigil. When we finally gave up, we stopped at the Sugar River but none of the previously reported goodies were about. I did spot Wild Turkey, and that was a year bird for me.
In town, we ate at a pleasantly anachronistic diner where burgers are still under $5 and you get chips instead of fries. Due to the proximity, of course I suggested we give it one last try, and the others were amenable.
But no GCRF. So I can claim to have tried twice for this bird in NYS and achieved a double dip. Like a birding George Costanza, I fear someone might try to wrestle my binos away from me. I wonder where my feathered fatale with lead me next, and if and when I will get to consummate the relationship.
So when I made a trip out to Colorado in 1999, Rosy-finches were high on my most wanted list. I went with Ian Resnick, and long time Compuserve friend Ann AJ Johnson joined up with us for several days. We had a blast.
When we got to Rocky Mountain National Park, the rangers informed us that the high mountain pass was closed due to snow, and might not be opened during our stay. Thankfully, the road was cleared and we had an opportunity.
It was particularly rewarding for AJ as we all got the White-tailed Ptarmigan; but for her it was after way too many years of trying. 40 years is undoubtedly a long time! But while we got the Ptarmigan at the Alpine Visitor’s center, there were no Rosy-finches around the pass and this was supposed to be the place to look for them. We celebrated our collective Ptarmigan at a local establishment with some excellent Elk burgers, and ~several~ celebratory shots of tequila.
That night it snowed an awful amount and the pass was closed again. Inquiring of the ranger, he said that it would take a week or more to remove the snow! Drat! ( a euphemistic approximation of what I actually said) I did my best to convey the urgency and importance of seeing the Rosy-finches to the ranger, and he offered as much helpful information as he had. And then I pushed a bit harder, so he then offered to contact a local birder with the Audubon Society who might perhaps have more knowledge...
Speaking with this woman, she gave us the location of a home in town where the finches had been reported coming to a feeder. I thanked her profusely, did the same to the ranger, and then Ian and I beat a hasty retreat. Persistence pays!
Arriving at the address, we immediately saw the finches at the feeders and set up our scopes from the street to get a good look. In short order, one of the residents came out to see what we were up to. I excitedly showed them a picture of the finch in my guide, and explained that we had come all the way from back east to see them. She then went inside and told her daughter, who had recently moved from Manhattan to Colorado, and was tickled to know that she had such good birds at her feeders. The best part was when they invited us to sit on the porch and get a better view; at times too close to focus with my camera lens!
Expected in Colorado were Brown-capped Rosy-finches, but as an added bonus we also had a Black Rosy-finch. It would have been nice, but we could hardly complain about not also having a
Gray-crowned Rosy-finch.
Fast forward to December 2011, and a birder named David Rankin hiking in the Catskills of New York happens upon one! { must be related to Doug Gochfeld with luck like that!}
His picture left no question as to ID; but the wisdom of chasing this bird on the summit of Black Dome Mountain in the Catskills in the throws of winter was certainly questionable. But not by me so I did it.
It would be a lifer, and a cherry of a NYS bird. And besides, who needs sleep? I coordinated with other foo... Ahem. ...other enthusiastic birders and a group of us met at the trail-head at 7am. Mind you I could only manage to get to sleep by midnight with the prep and excitement, and woke up at 2am to drive upstate to meet Tait Johansson, and from his digs we car pooled to meet the others.
When we arrived it was still dark and it had snowed the night before. So here we are, in bitter cold, hiking up a trail with loose rocks and covered with snow, all in search of a bird. One bird. In a whole lot of mountain. The third highest in the region.
Well it was a beautiful hike. The scenery was breathtaking, truly. The sun was glistening off of the snow that heavily weighted down the branches of the conifers. Besides I like hiking a lot too. Corey Finger, Tait Johansson, Rich Fried, Lila Fried, Jacob Drucker, Rob Bate and his wife all made the attempt. I tried to talk two others into doing it, but in the end it may have been wise that they did not. Rich Fried, intrepid and successful champion 2011 NYS year lister that he is, tried to add this bird to his astounding accomplishment, but instead got a number of bumps and bruises instead, from the less than safe conditions of the hike. Some might think him a bit foolhardy, I admire his dam the torpedoes attitude. And he’s only been birding a few years to boot! I must have a pocket full of kryptonite.
Fast forward once again and its march 2012 and a Grey-crowned Rosy-finch is discovered at a feeder in even further upstate New York. No rigorous hike in below freezing weather, but a shlep non the less. A 275 mile shlep to be exact.
Of course those with union jobs or work with animals were able to make a mad dash and see the bird, while us mere mortals had to wait for a more opportune time. In my case this would be Thursday, my day off.
Historically, Thursday is a great day to chase a bird. Reports are usually generated predominantly on weekends, and a disappointing number of good birds move on before the next weekend arrives. But not so for Thursdays, they usually stick around...
So calling around, I searched for co-conspirators. Most could not go, had earlier plans, or already had gone. Bob Hayes called me, and then winced when he heard how far away the bird was. Then he caved in. I also called Ian Resnick, my co-conspirator or enabler, depending upon your point of view, but also knew that he ~never~ takes a day off from work.
I have been trying to corrupt him for years and to date had not succeeded. Perhaps it was something that Donna Schulman said to him that changed his mind, but I suppose it was bound to happen at least once. It is after all, one of the signs of the apocalypse.
So the three of us set off at a reasonably early time to make the long drive to Boonville NY. Traffic was light, the weather was beautiful, and we arrived on location an hour ahead of schedule.
Along the way as the light came up we amassed a nice list of sightings. American Crow was our first bird of the day, and Red-tailed Hawks were plentiful as expected. Blackbirds appear to be on the move and Grackles and Red-wings were all about. I even spied a Piliated Woodpecker as it flew across the road!
Most pleasing to see, and continuing a trend that I am enjoying is sightings of Bald Eagles- we had at least three along the way, and Ravens are becoming more plentiful too. Both were birds that one used to have to ‘work’ for.
But as omens go, once we got off the thruway and headed up into the Adirondack region, the clouds got thicker and it began to drizzle. As suspected, the address location was not completely accurate either as far as Loretta was concerned, but I have come to not rely 100% on GPS and we did get to the correct location.
Nancy Loomis, the home-owner, is to be commended for her quick thinking and extraordinary hospitality. We arrived to find an area set aside for visitors to park, and she even left the door to her garage open and welcomed visiting birders to make use of the restroom within when necessary.
So upon arrival we knew we were in the right place when we saw other birders. Getting out for a look though, we were told that it was last seen at 6:30 am, and not since! It was now 9 am.
Well the wind really picked up, and it started to rain heavily so I pulled the car up so that we could be sheltered while looking at the feeders. The three of us were amazed at the other birders who were happy to stand outside in the wind and rain, but not us. We’re smarter than that I thought, until I remembered that we just drove 275 miles....
So I enjoyed all the goldfinches coming to the feeders, and hoped as had been reported that the GCRF would be amongst them or the other birds it had been associating with. And then I saw one! A Grey-crowned Weaver-finch. And another, and about 20 or so hogging the feeder.
But no Rosy finch. Also present were Downey and Hairy woodpeckers, as well as a White-breasted Nuthatch, but no Rosy.
It was not to long into our vigil that I began to feel the oncoming sting of irony poisoning. Yes, irony poisoning. I had tried to convince Ian to take off from work literally for years, and now that he finally does so, it is on the occasion when the bird ~doesn’t~ stick around. Obviously, he is to blame. He didn’t even proffer a consolation beer. I also began to wonder if Thursdays had lost their touch, but in fact the GCRF was present, just not long enough!
We stuck it out, and Bob, a new initiate to the irrational world of chasers kept a good attitude regarding how long we kept vigil. When we finally gave up, we stopped at the Sugar River but none of the previously reported goodies were about. I did spot Wild Turkey, and that was a year bird for me.
In town, we ate at a pleasantly anachronistic diner where burgers are still under $5 and you get chips instead of fries. Due to the proximity, of course I suggested we give it one last try, and the others were amenable.
But no GCRF. So I can claim to have tried twice for this bird in NYS and achieved a double dip. Like a birding George Costanza, I fear someone might try to wrestle my binos away from me. I wonder where my feathered fatale with lead me next, and if and when I will get to consummate the relationship.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
If its Thursday, I Must be Birding #2
There are birds that are just too good to pass up, and then again there are birds you will probably see, but I for one hate famous last words like: “ I’ll just wait until ... ...and I’ll get it then”. Saying that is the kiss of death. Its not that I am superstitious { I’m not, because being superstitious is bad luck } Its just that nothing in life is that certain.
Having succeeded in getting a target bird and a bonus bird on Tuesday, my agenda for Thursday was lessened by no longer needing the Northern Shrike. Good thing too, its not always the easiest bird to track down. Now I can focus on two birds that are always a pleasure to see: Yellow-throated Warbler and Harris’ Sparrow.
Both birds have been nearby in Connecticut, but until there was more than one reason to take a longish ride my chasing juices did not get pumping. I would have gone if either was a life bird, but a year bird? Two birds makes it much more appealing. {Reasonable?}
And a co-conspirator helps too. Long rides are made for listening to music or for conversation. I have converted Bob Hayes, AKA Captain Surley the dive-master, into Captain Bob the birder. He still has a lot of holes in his life-list, so he gets an actual lifer, while I get a vicarious lifer.
We met dark and early and set off for our first target the Yellow-throated Warbler. This is the type of bird that anyone, birder or not, reflexively blurts out wow!
We made good time because of favorable traffic conditions, and an easy location to get to. I set up my camera next to a tree a ways from the feeder, and we waited for the bird. There were none around when we arrived, or maybe our arrival scared them off. Soon though, one by one birds came in. The Black-capped Chickadees led the way and others followed.
With my eyes on the feeder, Bob called out “there it is” as he saw it fly into the tree right above us. It then obligingly went to the feeder and put on quite the show.
 |
| Yellow-throated Warbler |
When sated, we went on our way to our next target, a Harris’ Sparrow. On the way, I spied an albino Turkey Vulture! I yelled for Bob to stop, and he pulled over to the side of the highway. Unfortunately, I could not get him on it through he trees, nor could I get a photo.
We kept an eye out, but could not relocate it as we made our way, and on arrival we saw another birder parked at the destination. It turned out to be none other than Mike Perko, whose wife Annie is the original discoverer of this gem.
Mike has been keeping vigil on the bird and putting down seed to ensure that as many birders as possible who want to see the bird will have the opportunity. He directed us to where the seeds were and predicted how the bird would come in.
While waiting for the bird, I walked around a bit and had a nice flock of Eastern Bluebirds, and a few Am. Tree Sparrows amongst the more common stuff. Looking into the field behind us I spotted an adult Bald Eagle. There are everywhere lately or so it seems. Yay! DDT didn’t do them in, and more importantly conservation works!!
As predicted, Mike saw the bird fly into one of the small trees by the wall, and then made its way from the wall to the seed pile. Gorgeous bird, best example of this species I have ever seen - definitely worth the trip.
 |
| Harris' Sparrow |
We did relocate a Great-horned Owl, and looked for his leucistic White-throated Sparrow with Andrew Baksh who had also joined us. Comparing notes, I was gratified that both Eric and Andrew were keen to help me with my effort to make this a big year [ of sorts ]
I want to try for as many species as possible, not limit it to NY, and not go too crazy. In addition to the mornings activities, I added Pheasant, Winter Wren, Swamp Sparrow, and the owl, to name a few.
As the light was fading, we watched as a large flock of mostly Grackles massed in the trees before heading down to roost in the Phragmites. Earlier, Andrew had picked out a Rusty Blackbird, another year bird for me! The birds were a bit nervous, and for good reason.: a Coopers Hawk was trying to pick up dinner. Eventually, a lone bird was nabbed by the Coop, and as we were walking out Andrew spotted the GHO again in a tree. What a day!
 |
| Great-horned Owl |
Thursday, January 19, 2012
A Brilliant Start to the New Year
At various times in the past I have been encouraged or coaxed into doing yet another CBC. My two 'standards' are the Bronx and Queens counts, but this year I was given a sucker punch by a nasty stomach virus and missed out on the Bx CBC.
So this year I was 'volunteered' for the south Nassau count, and found out about some nifty places on the Queens / Nassau border I'd previously not explored. It's a good thing I'm not much for new years partying, because it made it that much easier to get up way too early on January 1 to count birds.
Though cold, the weather was pleasant enough, and it even warmed up enough for us to remove layers. The birding was as to be expected for a winter's day, though it was punctuated by a simple text message Jean received.
So this year I was 'volunteered' for the south Nassau count, and found out about some nifty places on the Queens / Nassau border I'd previously not explored. It's a good thing I'm not much for new years partying, because it made it that much easier to get up way too early on January 1 to count birds.
Though cold, the weather was pleasant enough, and it even warmed up enough for us to remove layers. The birding was as to be expected for a winter's day, though it was punctuated by a simple text message Jean received.
Grace's Warbler Point Lookout
What else does it say? Lets Go!! While some others may not have immediately grasped the significance of the report, I pointed out in a hurried and 'enthusiastic' manner that this bird is not ever been seen in New York, and probably not on the east coast as well! The New York status was quickly verified by checking my Avysis checklist in my Palm Treo.
Lets go! I said emphatically again, but there was some hesitation on the part of the other CBC participants. I pointed out that Point Lookout was not that far away, so we could go and come back in short order. I convinced Jean and then Eric. But George steadfastly wanted to stay on task and was detectably annoyed [ or worse ] that some of us were jumping ship.
So Jean Eric and I decided to run over to try and see the bird, while George and another birder stayed behind. I felt no remorse; this was not a count I was that 'committed' to, and this was after all a monumental find. Jean remembered that we had planned to leave early anyway to attend her niece's birthday party. For Eric's part, his plan was to see the bird then return and resume the CBC. I gladly offered to run him back afterwards.
So I fired up Loretta [ my GPS ] and had her guide us to our destination. But speed limits and traffic lights are the bane of Power Birders everywhere. They provoke that special twitchy nervous feeling one gets when contemplating how close yet how far one is from a bird that they hope to get to in time to see.
Arriving on location, we were amazed by the hoard of birders already assembled. But this is a good thing! More eyes makes finding a target easier! In fact the scene was like a who's who of birding in Kingbird region 10. Present too were other members of our CBC who also got the message and made a 'detour'.
And in short order the bird was pointed out, though at first furtively. Depending on where you were standing, the tangle of Pine branches made catching a glimpse acutely critical. Thankfully, the bird was largely accommodating and no one to my
knowledge left disappointed. Those with cameras were able to get some
rather nice shots, and much to my chagrin, several noticed the absence
of mine. Groan. I had left it home as I thought it would be easier to
travel light.
Sated in that peculiar '1st State Record' way, we drove back to drop off Eric, and then headed east. On the way I convinced Jean that we should shoot out to Wading River and try for the Mountain Bluebird we had dipped on previously. After glaring at me, she conferred with her sister and learned that things had been pushed back a wee bit, and this gave us a modicum of breathing room.
We now had time to stop home and change from birding gear into more presentable attire, and venture for the bluebird. Arriving on the location we spied another car pulled over a short way down, and the occupants began pointing a long lens in a suggestive direction. We joined them , got on the bird, and this time I also had my camera!
Wow, what a day... what could make it better? BEER! Well a short way down the road we perused the fine selection of beers at a distributor, and I availed myself of some Mother's Milk. Mmmm.
And oh yes, the party was nice too.
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