Eastern Long Island RBA
January 28, 2008
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:34:36 -0500
Reply-To: Hugh McGuinness <hdmcguinness@GMAIL.COM>
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From: Hugh McGuinness <hdmcguinness@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: [BIRDEAST] East End Birds, 28 January 2008
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RBA
New York
Eastern Long Island
28 January 2008
NYEE0801.28
***East End Birds, 28 January 2008
***Covering the towns of Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island, Southold
& Riverhead on the eastern end of Long Island, New York.
***This report is distributed by e-mail only. If you would like to receive
East End Birds, contact hmcguinness@ross.org
***Visit East End Birds on line at www.hmcguinness.com.
***Volume 10, Number 3
HIGHLIGHTS
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE, BARNACLE GOOSE, Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling
Goose, Tundra Swan, Eurasian Wigeon, Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Red-necked
Grebe, Northern Goshawk, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk,
Black-headed Gull, Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake,
Razorbill, Dovekie, BLACK GUILLEMOT, Barn Owl, Short-eared Owl, Snowy Owl,
Northern Shrike, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Rusty
Blackbird, Common Redpoll, Red Crossbill
The PINK-FOOTED GOOSE and the BARNACLE GOOSE remain in the vicinity of Deep
Hollow Ranch in Montauk, and both were reported as recently as Jan 27,
although the Barnacle was at Rita's Horse Farm on that date. An annotated
Google map of the area can be found at http://tinyurl.com/38krav. The
Barnacle is generally seen in the pasture south of Montauk Highway and the
Pink-footed is generally seen in the fields to the north of the buildings at
Teddy Roosevelt park. Recently, the Pink-foot has spent much of its time at
the north end of the Deep Hollow pasture and has at times moved into the
Star Top pasture, especially late in the day. On Jan 12, Angus Wilson tried
to follow the Barnacle Goose to roost. The birds flew west of Montauk
village into Hither Woods, and may have put down on Fresh Pond. At least 15
EASTERN BLUEBIRDS were seen in the pasture on Jan 12 (PR), and 10 were there
on Jan 20 (BBk). An immature BALD EAGLE flushed all the geese on the pasture
on Jan 16 (PWP). A WILSON'S SNIPE was in Teddy Roosevelt Park on Jan 20 (RK
et al.). CEDAR WAXWINGS have also been regular in the area, and should be
scrutinized for Bohemian Waxwings.
Twenty RAZORBILLS were at Montauk Point on Jan 12 (KF, GH, SA), as were an
estimated 30,000 scoters. An immature male KING EIDER was spotted later in
the day on Jan 12 (MMcB). A BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE, the first of the year,
was seen off the Point on Jan 15, along with 130 RAZORBILLS (DF). A BLACK
GUILLEMOT was at the Point on Jan 19 (VB). Also on Jan 19, there were 2
adult male KING EIDERS, a DOVEKIE, a RED-NECKED GREBE, 50 RAZORBILLS, 2
COMMON REDPOLLS and thousands of scoter and eiders (SM, PL). On Jan 23 there
were 15 RAZORBILLS, an immature male KING EIDER, and a RUSTY BLACKBIRD (KF).
At Camp Hero State Park there were 7 PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the rocks on Jan
16 (MH, ESch). The TURKEY VULTURE was seen at Camp Hero on Jan 10, at the
Deep Hollow Ranch on Jan 12, and as recently as Jan 23 & 24. Northbound
migrant Turkey Vultures should be spotted within the next two weeks.
At the Lake Montauk Inlet, there were 4 PURPLE SANDPIPERS on the west jetty
(KF) and 7 COMMON REDPOLLS in the grass east of the east jetty on Jan 12
(VB). Ten REDPOLLS were in this location on Jan 19 and 8 on Jan 22 (VB et
al.). The Redpolls seem to be easier to find at this spot in the morning. An
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was spotted at Gin Beach on Jan 23 (KF), while 4
PURPLE SANDPIPERS were on the jetty (CS, ESch). At least 300 AMERICAN ROBINS
were along East Lake Drive on Jan 15 (DF). RED CROSSBILL numbers along East
Lake are dwindling, but 16 were seen on Jan 16 just south of the air strip
(ESch, MH), and 2 were found on Jan 24 (HY, JA). At least 30 AMERICAN TREE
SPARROWS were along East Lake on Jan 20 (BBk). A PINE SISKIN was at an East
Lake feeder on Jan 16, 17 (VB).
At Culloden Point, the year's first DOVEKIE was spotted on Jan 12, along
with 4 RAZORBILLS and a RED-NECKED GREBE (GH, SA). The RED-NECKED GREBE was
also spotted on Jan 19. Eight RAZORBILLS were spotted on Jan 23 (KF).
At Ditch Plains, the HARLEQUIN DUCKS have been seen on several occasions,
although they are not always visible. Four were seen on Jan 12 (GH, SA) and
Jan 16 (DK), while 5 were there on Jan 19 (K&BRu, VB, PS). The KING EIDER
flock continues as well and has varied in size. Six (4 young males) were
seen on Jan 12, 5 on Jan 15 (DF), and 7 (including 5 young males) on Jan 19
(SM). On Jan 19, there were at least 1000 COMMON EIDERS and a fly-by MURRE,
which was thought to be most likely a Thick-billed (SM). A first-year
ICELAND GULL was present on Jan 23 (KF).
At Fort Pond, there was an adult ICELAND GULL on Jan 23 (KF).
Eleven WILD TURKEYS were in the Montauk Landfill on Jan 13 (AW).
The immature NORTHERN SHRIKE continues along Cranberry Hole Rd in Napeague,
although it has only been seen sporadically, having been spotted on Jan 12,
19, & 23. It can be found in the first quarter to half mile west of the
tower. A SNOWY OWL was at Hick's Island on Jan 23 (CS, ESch).
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was still at a Springs feeder on Jan 13 & 18
(RG).
The TUNDRA SWANS at Hook Pond were reported on Jan 12, 13, 15, 16, & 21.
Twenty-nine COMMON MERGANSERS were on the pond on Jan 13 (AW). A GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was spotted on one of the lawns on the north side of the
pond on Jan 20 (BBk). Fourteen PURPLE SANDPIPERS were on the rock jetty east
on East Hampton Main Beach on Jan 13 (VB). A TURKEY VULTURE was along
Further Lane in East Hampton on Jan 23 (CS, ESch).
The pair of ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were seen along Daniel's Lane in Sagaponack
on Jan 12. The dark morph was seen on Jan 13.
At Sagaponack Pond there was an adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Jan 13
(AW). A census of RED-THROTED LOONS from Sagaponack to Amagansett yielded
364 individuals on Jan 13 (AW, KRu et al.)
An immature NORTHERN GOSHAWK was spotted on Jan 12 first just west of
Sagaponack Pond, and then later along Dune Rd at Mecox (MPa, PHo, HM).
Thirty RED CROSSBILLS were spotted along Dune Rd in Bridgehampton on Jan 12
(KF). The ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was last seen in the same place on Jan 15
(DF). Ten NORTHERN SHOVELERS were on Mecox Bay on Jan 15 (DF). Two GREAT
EGRETS were spotted in the small creek along Montauk Highway just east of
Scuttlehole Rd in Watermill on Jan 23 (SB). A SNOWY EGRET was found roosting
along a private lane on the west side of Mecox Bay on Jan 13 (DAn, SH), and
was still present Jan 14. It was subsequently seen north of Montauk Highway
where Mecox Bay crosses the road west of the Watermill hamlet on Jan 20-21,
23. An immature BLACK-HEADED GULL was also found in this location, but south
of the highway on Jan 21 (RK). An adult BALD EAGLE was over Watermill on Jan
25 (RWW). This is possibly the adult that was reported several times last
month but has not been seen since.
The CACKLING GOOSE at Short's Pond in Watermill was spotted on Jan 12, 15,
20, & 21. Twenty-two SNOW GEESE were on the pond on Jan 12 (mob). Nine
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were at the farm pond on Cook's Lane in Watermill on
Jan 15 (DF).
At Cooper's Neck Pond in Southampton the EURASIAN WIGEON was seen again on
Jan 12, 13, & 16. Two REDHEADS were on Cooper's Neck Pond on Jan 10 (ESch);
eight were seen on Jan 13 (JA, BBl).
A BARN OWL was spotted early in the morning of Jan 5 along Dune Rd at
Shinnecock (EL). A dead DOVEKIE was found near the inlet on Jan 13 (CS, BA).
Ten COMMON EIDERS were on the sand bar north of the inlet on Jan 12 (SB),
while 16 were in the inlet on Jan 13 (MMcB). An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was
at the inlet on Jan 28 (mob), as was an ICELAND GULL (AGi). The SNOWY OWL
continues to be seen between the bridge and the inlet, often on the big
island. It was reported on Jan 12, 16, 17, 23, 24 & 28. A SHORT-EARED OWL
was spotted west of Road L on Jan 12 (CS, BA). AMERICAN BITTERNS continue
along Dune Rd, with a maximum count of 3 on Jan 16 (DK). The BOAT-TAILED
GRACKLES have been reported as follows: 25 on Jan 12 west of the Ponquogue
Bridge (AW); 25 were spotted along the south side old bridge road and then
flew west to 183 Dune Rd in Quogue (MH); an unspecified number was at the
Coast Guard Station north of the bridge on Jan 17; 51 (which is an all-time
high count for the East End) were seen east of the bridge on Jan 28 (BA). At
least 50 COMMON REDPOLLS and an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER were in the parking
lot on the old bridge road on Jan 17 (SBm, DPa, TBa). At Tiana Beach parking
lot there were 40 SNOW BUNTINGS on Jan 17 (SBm et al.). A PALM WARBLER was
found along Dune Rd on Jan 21 (RK et al.). On Foster Ave, north of the
Ponquogue Bridge, 2 MONK PARAKEETS were spotted on Jan 12.
A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was spotted at the boat basin at the dead end of
Landing Lane in East Quogue on Jan 21 & 25 (ESch). At Quogue Wildlife
Refuge, there were 2 WOOD DUCKS on Jan 9 & 15, and an AMERICAN KESTREL on
Jan 10. Three GREATER YELLOWLEGS were in an East Quogue Creek on Jan 26
(OB).
On Shelter Island, the first RUDDY TURNSTONES of the year were spotted on
Jan 13 at Reel Pt. (LD).
At the EPCAL property in Calverton there were 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS, 1 ROUGH
LEGGED HAWK (KF), as well as 5 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and 35 EASTERN MEADOWLARKS
on Jan 12 (GH, SA). The year's first EASTERN PHOEBE was along Grumman Blvd
on jan 21 (RK et al.). Three SHORT-EARED OWLS were spotted on Jan 15, 1 on
Jan 19, 3 on Jan 23 (BA), and 4 on Jan 26 (H, J & LM). A MERLIN was at
Middle Rd, Calverton on Jan 23 (BA). A dark morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was on
River Rd on Jan 24 (BA).
An adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was in Northville on Jan 12-13 (MLL)
A MERLIN was on Locust Ave in Cutchogue on Jan 15 (PG). A CACKLING GOOSE was
spotted in a large flock of Canada Geese along Oregon Rd, Cutchogue on Jan
16, while another was on Mill Rd in Mattituck (SBm).
If you are still looking for AMERICAN KESTREL for your year list (as I am),
you might want to try the North Fork. On Jan 13 there was one on Sound Ave
near Church Lane, another one further east near Ackerly Pond Lane, and a
third over the Walmart parking lot on Hwy 58 in Riverhead (EL).
A SNOWY OWL was at Smith Point Park on Jan 16. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
was in the parking lot on Jan 18 (MLL). A PEREGRINE FALCON and 60
RED-THROATED LOONS were spotted on Jan 24, as was a SHORT-EARED OWL on
Pattersquash Island 1 mile east of the bridge (CS).
THE ORIENT CBC
The Orient Christmas Bird Count, which took place on Dec 29 recorded 116
species. Highlights included: BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in Sag Harbor, WOOD
DUCK on Shelter Island, 15 COMMON EIDERS at Orient, 2 COMMON MERGANSERS in
Greenport, 2 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS at Orient, 3 AMERICAN KESTRELS, 2 PEREGRINE
FALCONS at Orient, 3 NORTHERN BOBWHITE in Southold, 1 GREATER YELLOWLEGS in
Orient, 1 SPOTTED SANDPIPER in Greenport, 1 ICELAND GULL in Greenport, 1
LAUGHING GULL in Southold, 3 RAZORBILLS at Orient, 1 HOUSE WREN at Jessup's
Neck, 2 MARSH WRENS on Shelter Island, 1 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and 1
PRAIRIE WARBLER in Orient, PALM WARBLER & YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT on Shelter
Island, 1 IPSWICH SPARROW on Shelter Island, 29 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, 12
EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, 3 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, 4 COMMON REDPOLLS, and 21 PINE
SISKINS.
THE YEAR LIST
The East End Year List currently stands at 152. Species not yet reported
include: Barrow's Goldeneye, Northern Bobwhite, Virginia & Clapper Rail, Red
Knot, American Woodcock, Little Gull, Saw Whet Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker,
Fish Crow, Marsh Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler, Chipping Sparrow,
Nelson's Sparrow, Saltmarsh Sparrow, Seaside Sparrow and Lapland Longspur.
If you have seen one of these, please send details to me so I can add it to
the year list.
This week I received reports from Bob Adamo, Diane & Gus Antell (D&GAn), Jim
Ash, Seth Ausubel, Trudy Battaly (TBa), Gail Benson, Steve Biasetti, Shawn
Billerman (SBm), Orhan Birol, Barbara Blaisdell (BBl), Andrew Block, Brent
Bonkamp (BBk), Tom Burke (TWB), Vicki Bustamante, Jennifer Clement (JCm),
Ken Fuestel, Doug Futuyma, Chris Gangemi, Arie Gilbert (AGi), Paul Gillen,
Roger Grunewald, Nick Hamblet, Chip Hamilton, Gene Herskovics, Mike
Higgiston, Paul Hogan (PHo), Sandra Hunter, Dave Klauber, Bob Krinksy (RK),
Mary Laura Lamont, Ernie Lewis, Patricia Lindsay, Michael, McBrien (MMcB),
Hugh McGuinness, Jackson Mcguinness, Linnaea McGuinness, Shai Mitra, Andy
Murphy, Drew Panko (DPa), Mike Parr (MPa), Peter Post (PWP), Pauline Rosen,
George Rowsom, Karen & Barbara Rubinstein (K&BRu), Patrick Santinello,
Eileen Schwinn (ESch), Kathryn Staley, Carl Starace, Angus Wilson, Harris
Yulin
Good Birding to All!
Hugh McGuinness
The Ross School
18 Goodfriend Park
East Hampton, NY 11937
631 697 2099 (cell)
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