Check out City Birder Tours, and Green-Wood sponsored tours on their calendar pages here.
Celebrate your inner nerd with my new t-shirt design! Available on my Spreadshirt shop in multiple colors and products.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Butterfly Eggs

I just stumbled on an amazing series of images from the National Geographic website. They are photos of butterfly eggs made with a scanning electron microscope. The resulting photographs by Martin Oeggerli are otherworldly and beautiful.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local nature trips for the weekend of September 4th - 5th, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Fall Migration
Meet the amazing birds of Prospect Park on this expert-guided walk. Start your Sunday morning surrounded by nature!

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.


New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.


Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Prospect Park
Meet 7 am at Bartel Pritchard Square entrance (16th St and PPSW Ave)
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh


Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Prospect Park
Leader: Rob Jett (aka "The City Birder")
No registration necessary.
Meet at Grand Army Plaza (Stranahan Statue) at 7:30 a.m.
Public transportation.


New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, September 4, 9am – 10am
Van Cortlandt Park
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers
With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, Urban Park Rangers
Meet at Van Cortland Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
For more information, please call 718-548-0912.
No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Biking and Birding: Jamaica Bay
Sunday, September 5, 9am – 1pm
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Guide: Gabriel Willow with Transportation Alternatives
Birding and biking, a natural combination! Join us in an eco-friendly excursion. Meet at Grand Army Plaza Arch at Prospect Park followed by a 13 mile ride to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge where we will dismount and explore the trails in search of migratory shore birds and water fowl. Group can return by subway or bike. Limited to 15. Bring lunch, water and binoculars.
$36 (Price includes a 1-year complimentary membership to Transportation Alternatives)
Click here to register


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, September 4, 2010

Bird Club
9:00 a.m.
Bring your own binoculars, as we search for the birds of Van Cortlandt Park.
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Frogs! Turtles! And Snakes! Oh My!
11:00 a.m.
Bring your hiking boots and let’s look for all the reptiles and amphibians that...
Location: Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Canoeing Basics
11:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m.
Explore the tranquility of Martling Pond while getting to know nature. Let’s look for...
Location: Martling Pond (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Denizens of the Dark
7:00 p.m.
Come on an after-hours exploration while we look for bats, raccoons, owls, and whatever...
Location: Parking Lot (in Cunningham Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Ho, Ho, Ho, Green Giant
10:00 a.m.
Tulip trees are the tallest trees in New York City. Learn about the “Alley...
Location: Alley Pond Park Adventure Center (in Alley Pond Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Shore Birding
11:00 a.m.
Come and see the unparalleled bird diversity that can be found along the shores of...
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Mysterious Mushrooms and Treacherous Toadstools
11:00 a.m.
We’ll trek in search of Witches’ Butter, Scaly Tooth, Jack O’Lanterns,...
Location: Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Invasive Plants
12:00 p.m.
What is an invasive plant? Why do we get rid of them? Learn about these types of flora and...
Location: 116 Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Migrating Monarchs
1:00 p.m.
Monarch butterflies spend the summer months in our city parks, and as winter approaches...
Location: Pelham Bay Ranger Station (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Living Log
2:00 p.m.
Find out how much life there is in that “dead” log on the side of the trail.
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Summer Nature Exploration: Series III Nocturnal Edition
6:00 p.m.
The park that you know and love looks much different after the sun sets! Learn the changes...
Location: Margaret Corbin Circle (in Fort Tryon Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free
...Read more

Sunday, August 29, 2010

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, August 27th, 2010:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Aug. 27, 2010
* NYNY1008.27

- Birds mentioned

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Cory's Shearwater
Common Moorhen
AMERICAN AVOCET
Willet (subspecies "Western Willet")
WHIMBREL
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
Western Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
Stilt Sandpiper
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER
GLAUCOUS GULL
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Black Tern
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Common Raven
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Golden-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Wilson's Warbler
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
LINCOLN'S SPARROW
BLUE GROSBEAK

WHITE-TAILED KITE (extralimital: Stratford, Connecticut)

- Transcript

If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc3 [AT] nybirds.org.

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Jeanne Skelly - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd.
Churchville, NY 14428

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

To report sightings call:
Tom Burke (212) 372-1483 (weekdays, during the day)
Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126 (Long Island)

Compiler: Tom Burke, Tony Lauro
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber: Ben Cacace

BEGIN TAPE

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, August 27th 2010 at 11:45pm. The highlights of today's tape are AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, AMERICAN AVOCET, WHIMBREL, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, MARBLED GODWIT, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER, GLAUCOUS GULL, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW and BLUE GROSBEAK.

The previously reported AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was still present Thursday at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay where high water levels last week apparently hindered shorebirding efforts.

The AMERICAN AVOCET also lingered through the week up to today at Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area at the western border along Biddle Creek.

Single WHIMBRELS were reported at Napeague Bay on Sunday and at West End Jones Beach on Wednesday.

Birders had a gorgeous godwit day last Sunday at Cupsogue County Park where 10 MARBLED GODWITS and 12 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were encountered. Another MARBLED GODWIT was reported last Sunday from Mecox Bay among 15 species of shorebirds including 29 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, 5 STILT SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN SANDPIPER and 2 BLACK TERNS.

A BAIRD'S SANDPIPER was found at the cricket field at Floyd Bennett Field on Thursday along with about 100 Semipalmated Plovers.

Last Saturday a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER was found in the swale area in front of the bathhouse at parking field 2 West End Jones Beach among over 200 assorted shorebirds.

A GLAUCOUS GULL was still present through Wednesday at the ferry slip at Orient Point.

A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and a LINCOLN'S SPARROW were found Thursday at the Great Hill area of Central Park. The LINCOLN'S SPARROW was still there on Friday.

A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen Thursday at the Vale of Cashmere area at Prospect Park where 13 species of warblers were found in the park highlighted by a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH. Migrating warbler numbers and species increased last week with 12 to 18 species of warblers reported today by several parties at Central Park highlighted by TENNESSEE WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER and WILSON'S WARBLER.

Yesterday 12 species of warblers were counted at Central Park featuring a WORM-EATING WARBLER. Another WORM-EATING WARBLER was seen with another 12 species of warbler at Prospect Park along with a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER on Tuesday with 12 species of warbler reported last Saturday at Prospect Park.

Other Central Park arrivals on Thursday were RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO.

Other interesting sightings last week were 2 COMMON MOORHENS at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay on Thursday, 160 to 170 BLACK TERNS at Napeague Bay last Saturday, 44 "Western" WILLETS, 26 STILT SANDPIPERS and a GULL-BILLED TERN at West End Jones Beach last Sunday, a COMMON RAVEN and a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER Monday at Alley Pond Park, 8 CORY'S SHEARWATERS at Robert Moses State Park at Fire Island seawatch last Monday, 2 CASPIAN TERNS at Robert Moses State Park at Fire Island on Wednesday.

A WHITE-TAILED KITE was still present today at the Audubon property at Stratford Point in Stratford Connecticut.

Please call in reports to Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126, messages may be left with Tom Burke at (212) 372-1483.

This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.

- End transcript
...Read more

Friday, August 27, 2010

Injured Osprey in Queens

I received an email yesterday about an injured Osprey found in a parking lot near Shea Stadium (I mean, CitiField), in Queens.


James O'Brien met Bobby Horvath at the site and has a follow-up on his blog "The Origin of Species".

Friday's Foto

Diamondback Terrapins are found in brackish waters along the eastern and southern coasts of North America. I spotted this individual on a recent visit to the Marine Park Saltmarsh Nature Center in Brooklyn. There were actually quite a few close to the shoreline, which is very unusual.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Brooklyn Red-tailed Hawk updates

I've been a little negligent this summer with regard to my Red-tailed Hawk family updates. I was reminded of this when I ran into a Brooklyn birder at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge last weekend. She asked how all the hawks were doing (since I hadn't posted on my blog).

Here's a brief recap of the three, known Brooklyn Red-tailed Hawk families:

Prospect Park, Nelly's Lawn

Parents Nelly and Max successfully fledged three hawks. I visited the area several times after the young hawks left the next. A few weeks into their new found freedom I realized that I couldn't find one of the trio. Eventually I learned from Bobby that a juvenile red-tail was picked up by rangers near the north end of the park. The raptor was ill. Wildlife specialists determined that it was afflicted with a fairly common avian disease called "frounce". I don't know if it survived and has been released back into the park. Last week I did find one of the juveniles flying over Lookout Hill, calling for his parents. Nelly and Max appeared in the sky to the north and she followed them towards Nelly's Lawn, crying the whole time.

Prospect Park, Ravine

For the 9th year, adult red-tails Alice and Ralph nested in a pine tree in the Ravine. They had 2 offspring which successfully fledged. I haven't been able to determine where they have gone. Presumably they are alright because the park rangers haven't been called regarding any other ill raptors.

Green-Wood Cemetery

Big Mama and Junior raised two offspring in the cemetery. The carcass of one of the young was discovered a couple of weeks after leaving the nest. Bobby subsequently brought a young, rehabbed red-tail to the cemetery for release. The juvenile male was immediately accepted by his foster family, but vanished within a week. There is good news, however. Heydi emailed me to say that a juvenile red-tail suddenly appeared at the Marine Park Saltmarsh Center, about 4 miles south of the cemetery. The hawk had a band on its leg and during the two week period that it stayed in that area, she was able to photo the band. I had only photographed half the band numbers prior to release, so I emailed Cathy to find out the full band number. It is "1957-01989".

In the enhanced photo that Heydi took you can read "198":


I'll try to track him down again to take more photos, but it seems that the young Red-tailed Hawk that originated in the Bronx has a case of wanderlust. ...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, August 20, 2010:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Aug. 20, 2010
* NYNY1008.20

- Birds mentioned

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Cory's Shearwater
Greater Shearwater
Manx Shearwater
Northern Gannet
BROWN PELICAN
Semipalmated Plover
AMERICAN AVOCET
WHIMBREL
MARBLED GODWIT
Sanderling
Western Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
WILSON'S PHALAROPE
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
GLAUCOUS GULL
Black Tern
Royal Tern
Black Skimmer
Common Nighthawk
White-eyed Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Common Raven
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Veery
Wood Thrush
Mourning Warbler
LARK SPARROW
Bobolink

- Transcript

If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc3 AT nybirds.org.

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Jeanne Skelly - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd.
Churchville, NY 14428

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

To report sightings call:
Tom Burke (212) 372-1483 (weekdays, during the day)
Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126 (Long Island)

Compiler: Tom Burke, Tony Lauro
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber: Ben Cacace

BEGIN TAPE

[Completed tape rerecorded on Sunday morning.]

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, August 20th 2010 at 11:45pm. The highlights of today's tape AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, BROWN PELICAN, AMERICAN AVOCET, WHIMBREL, MARBLED GODWIT, WILSON'S PHALAROPE, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, GLAUCOUS GULL and LARK SPARROW.

The previously reported AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was still present today at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay and a BROWN PELICAN was seen last Sunday at Cupsogue County Park.

An AMERICAN AVOCET appeared on Wednesday and Thursday at the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area at the west side of the south pond along with two ROYAL TERNS on Thursday.

A WHIMBREL was at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay on Wednesday along with a WILSON'S PHALAROPE and 12 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS. Also present today was a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE also at the East Pond.

Six MARBLED GODWITS were seen at Cupsogue County Park from Sunday through Tuesday an another MARBLED GODWIT was at the East Pond at Jamaica Bay on Monday.

The previously reported GLAUCOUS GULL was still present last Friday and Saturday at the ferry dock at Orient Point and 2 LARK SPARROWS were found on Friday, 1 at Floyd Bennett Field near the tree nursery on Archery Road and the other at Fort Tilden just west of the hawkwatch area.

The East Pond at Jamaica Bay continues to be the most productive shorebird area in our region with over 5,000 shorebirds present each day through the week with 15 to 20 species to be found including 40 STILT SANDPIPERS, 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS, 5 WESTERN SANDPIPERS as seen today.

Nine species of warblers plus 4 species of vireo (RED-EYED VIREO, WARBLING VIREO, WHITE-EYED VIREO and BLUE-HEADED VIREO) were seen Thursday at Central Park highlighted by a MOURNING WARBLER at the wildflower area. Also seen were a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, 4 VEERYS and a WOOD THRUSH. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS were reported over the city last week with 15 at Central Park on Tuesday and 4 at Riverside Park on Thursday.

A COMMON RAVEN was seen at the tower at the Nassau County Art Museum in Roslyn on Wednesday.

A seawatch at Cupsogue County Park on Sunday afternoon produced 87 CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 2 GREATER SHEARWATERS, 1 MANX SHEARWATER, 8 NORTHERN GANNETS and a BLACK TERN.

Twenty BOBOLINKS were seen today at the south end of Broad Channel Island and at Breezy Point 4,000 SANDERLINGS, 2,000 SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and 400 BLACK SKIMMERS were seen today resting on the shoreline.

Please call in reports to Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126, messages may be left with Tom Burke at (212) 372-1483.

This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.

- End transcript
...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local nature trips for the weekend of August 28th - 29th, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

Sunday, August 29, 2010
Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.


New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.


Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, August 28th, 2010
A Shorebird Odyssey
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh
Focus: shorebirds in various Brooklyn /Queens locations
Car Fee: $10.00
Registrar: Peter Dorosh, Email Prosbird [AT] aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559
Registration period: August 17th - August 26th

Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Prospect Park
Meet 7 am at Grand Army Plaza entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Trip Leader: Tom Stephenson
Focus: early migrating fall passerines, flycatchers, warblers


Linnaean Society of New York
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Van Cortlandt Park Flora
Leader and Registrar: Joyce Hyon
Registration opens Monday 8/16. Public transportation.


New York City Audubon Society with LIC Community Boathouse
Sat Aug 28 9:30am – 4pm Eastern Time
Kayaking and Birding on the East River
Guide: Gabriel Willow
Meet at the LIC Community Boathouse. Enjoy the unique opportunity to explore the East River by kayak, looking for sea ducks, gulls, herons, and cormorants. See Mill Rock & the Brother Islands for an up-close look at nesting Harbor Herons. Gain a new-found perspective on the City and its aquatic and avian residents in this exciting trip. This trip will require some stamina and strength for several hours kayaking in potentially hot & sunny weather. Picnic lunch at Barretto Point Park. Bring binoculars, water, lunch, and clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Limited to 18. $45
Click here to register
East River (map)


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, August 28, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
High Rock Park
The fall migration actually picks up steam during the Dog Days of Summer and High Rock Park is as good a place to tally new species of neo-tropical migrants as any other. The storied woodland offers good overlooks so warbler identification does not become neck wrenching work. The tanagers and orioles flit about at eye level and the flycatchers may even call out to be heard. Join Howie Fisher and enjoy some of the Northeast’s finest birding right here on Staten Island. Meet in the Nevada Avenue parking lot.
For more information call Howie Fischer at 718-981-4002.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 28, 2010

Early Birding
9:00 a.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers for early morning birding.
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Van Cortlandt Bird Club: Handling the Heat
9:00 a.m.
How do birds stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer? A few nifty tricks. If you...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

John Kieran Trail Hike
11:00 a.m.
Enjoy the scenery and natural beauty of Van Cortlandt Park and learn about New York City's...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Salamander Search
11:00 a.m.
Did you know that New York State is the salamander capital of the World? Delve into their...
Location: Picnic House (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Bike Tour
11:00 a.m.
Pedal your way through Fort Totten’s history, dating back to the Civil War. We will...
Location: Fort Totten Park, Queens
Cost: Free

Osprey Watch
12:00 p.m.
The osprey is quite an impressive raptor to behold with its seven foot wing span and fierce...
Location: Inwood Hill Nature Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Great Bronx Bicycle Tour
11:00 a.m.
Take a leisurely bicycle ride from the Orchard Beach Nature Center to Van Cortlandt Park....
Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Tree Tour
11:00 a.m.
Stroll through our beautiful park as you learn about its wide variety of trees...
Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

They Stand Among Us
12:00 p.m.
Some tall, some short, some dark, some light. A smorgasbord of textures, colors, smells and...
Location: 112 Street and Morningside Drive (in Morningside Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Beautiful Bees
2:00 p.m.
Buzzzz around the park to experience the wide variety of winged wonders. You'll see honey...
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Staten Island
Cost: Free
...Read more

Friday, August 20, 2010

Friday's Foto

This beauty was found at the edge of the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. I was confused by the identification because it had the upper-wing markings of a White Admiral and the under-wing of a Red-Spotted Purple. Kenn Kaufman describes the issue in his Field Guide to Butterflies of North America:

"Formerly regarded as a full species, now considered same species as Red-spotted Purple, they blend where their ranges meet, producing many intermediates. (The species as a whole may be called "Red-spotted Admiral," but it is more useful to identify individuals as White Admiral, Red-spotted Purple, or intergrade.) ... Look for highly variable intergrades with Red-spotted Purple in Ontario and northeastern U.S."

Monday, August 16, 2010

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, August 13, 2010 (apologies for the late posting):

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* August 13, 2010
* NYNY1008.13

- Birds Mentioned:

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Bald Eagle
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
Western Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
WILSON'S PHALAROPE
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Black Tern
Royal Tern
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
"Brewster's" Warble (hybrid)
Tennessee Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Hooded Warbler
Indigo Bunting
Bobolink

Extralimital:
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Stratford, CT)


If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to
nysarc1 [AT] nybirds.org .

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Jeanne Skelly - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd.
Churchville, NY 14428

~ Transcript ~

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Weekly Recording: (212) 979-3070

To report sightings call:
Tony Lauro (631) 734-4126
Tom Burke (212) 372-1483 (leave message)

Compilers: Tony Lauro, Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
Transcriber: Karen Fung

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, August 13th, 2010 at 9:15 pm. The highlights of this week's tape are AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, MARBLED GODWITS, WILSON'S PHALAROPES, and an extralimital report of a WHITE-TAILED KITE.

The AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN continued to be seen through today at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

The HUDSONIAN GODWIT, a MARBLED GODWIT, and three WILSON'S PHALAROPES were present through Thursday at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay.

Approximately 5,000 shorebirds of 22 species were seen on the East Pond, along with LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, WESTERN SANDPIPER, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

Three MARBLED GODWITS were still present at Cupsogue County Park, West Hampton Dunes, last Sunday.

Up to four BLACK TERNS and several GULL-BILLED TERNS were seen through the week at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay.

The best passerine migration of the season occurred Wednesday at Central Park. It included 14 species of warbler, plus a BREWSTER'S WARBLER, highlighted by TENNESSEE WARBLER, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER, WORM-EATING WARBLER, and HOODED WARBLER. Also seen was a GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, an INDIGO BUNTING, and 12 BOBOLINKS.

Other interesting birds reported for the week were: an immature BALD EAGLE at Cupsogue last Saturday (8/7); a CASPIAN TERN at Jamaica Bay on Tuesday; 39 ROYAL TERNS at Pike's Beach, West Hampton Dunes last Sunday; and 18 NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH at Jamaica Bay on Wednesday.

Extralimital: A WHITE-TAILED KITE continued to be found at Stratford, CT through today at Stratford Point and Milford Point, near the Audubon-managed property.

Please call in reports to Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126. Messages may be left with Tom Burke at (212) 372-1483. This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.

[~END TAPE~]

~ End Transcript ~
...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local trips for the weekend of August 21st - 22nd, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

Sunday, August 22, 2010
Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.


New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, August 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mt. Loretto Butterfly Walk
Join naturalist/photographer Sandra Mechanic for an exciting day searching for Spicebush and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Pearl Crescent and Monarch Butterflies and the many wildflowers they feed upon. Bring binoculars, field guides and camera if you wish. Meet at the Mt. Loretto Unique Area parking lot south of Sharrott Avenue off Hylan Blvd. We hope to see many children for this exciting pleasant rural scenic stroll. We will walk along the beach to the stone art statues created by Doug Schwartz.
For more information contact Sandra at (718) 967-1037.

Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Forest Restoration at Egbertville Ravine
Meet at the entry road to the Eger Nursing Home close to the intersection of Manor Road and Rockland Avenue and walk to the entrance of the White Trail off London Road at its intersection with Meisner. We will attempt to finish removing the English Ivy groundcover between the trail and Meisner that we began 4 years ago. If you don't have your own, Protectors will supply gloves and pruners (& refreshments). After a two hour work session (our 170th consecutive monthly workshop), we will take a short walk over nearby trails.
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Chuck Perry at (718) 667-1393.

Sunday, August 22, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Clay Pit State Park Preserve: Pine Barren Trees and Wildlife
Find out why Protectors urged the preservation of this parkland and how we got our name in 1975. It has rare Southern pine and oak trees, nothing like our Greenbelt forest. With a park permit, Sandra will lead the group into the restricted area where few have trod. We will check in the sand or mud for deer prints throughout the park. We'll find the diseased clones of the American Chestnut that has produced flowers and fruit the past few years and the unhealthy 7 to 8 inch diameter chestnut trees, now 20+ feet tall and 9 to 10 inches in diameter and diseased. The trunk-splitting at the base is indicative of chestnut blight. Meet at the old park office building at the end of Carlin Avenue, off Sharrotts Road in Rossville. Wear waterproof shoes.
Call Sandra Mechanic at (718) 967-1037.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 21, 2010

Bird Club: Avian Photography
9:00 a.m.
Capture the moments that fly by. It ain’t easy. Bring a camera.
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Freshkills Tours
10:00 a.m.
Come witness the dramatic transformation, as well as the turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks,...
Location: Freshkills Park/William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge (in Fresh Kills Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Aliens Among Us
11:00 a.m.
Find out which plants came from other lands and now call Fort Greene Park home.
Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Turtle Walk and Talk
11:00 a.m.
Venture out into this shelled reptile’s domain and learn about New York’s...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Insect Insanity
11:00 a.m.
Insects are the most numerous and most misunderstood residents of city parks. Explore the...
Location: Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
Cost: Free

Freshkills Tours
1:00 p.m.
Come witness the dramatic transformation, as well as the turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks,...
Location: Freshkills Park/William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge (in Fresh Kills Park), Staten Island
Cost: Free

Turtle Talk
1:00 p.m.
Snapping, slider, and painted turtles all live in Van Cortlandt Lake. Learn about their...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Berries, Birds and Black Locusts!
11:00 a.m.
Find out what happens when the gardeners step back, and we let nature run its course in the...
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Canoe the Creek
11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a day on Gerritsen Creek as we canoe its sheltered waters in search of wading...
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Canoeing the Lagoon
11:00 a.m.
Paddle through the sparkling blue waters and green marsh grasses of the Orchard Beach...
Location: Orchard Beach Parking Lot (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful Native and Exotic Plants
1:00 p.m.
Learn about our diverse community of green residents, and how they get or don't get along...
Location: Fort Totten Visitor's Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens
Cost: Free
...Read more

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Barn Owl Nestcam

Marge just sent me a link to "Molly the Barn Owl" and her nestcam. She has 4 owlets and the nest is located in a backyard in San Marcos, CA. I could watch for hours:

Live TV : Ustream
...Read more

Friday, August 13, 2010

New Feature

I've just added a new link to the top of the sidebar for my CafePress Store. In and effort to further simplify the look of the sidebar, I'll be adding more of these static pages for items, such as, my Imagekind Photo Store and the Birding Hotspots Maps. The original items would then be removed. Note that you can always return to the main page by clicking "Home".

Friday's Foto

I found this Spot-winged Glider while birding at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. I'm learning that the common names of some dragonflies sound like they are right out of "Dungeons and Dragons", i.e. Dragonhunter, Tawny Sanddragon, Ebony Boghaunter, sundragon, Smoky Shadowdragon and Red-faced Dragonlet.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Heron Nest

I made a surprising discovery in Prospect Park yesterday while out for a bike ride.

I was mainly in the park to get some exercise, but had my bins and camera with me - just in case. The park's breeding birds, for the most park, have completed raising their yearly broods. Some of the more obvious juvenile bird species I noted while pedaling the park's loop roadway were Eastern Kingbird, House Wren, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, Common Grackle, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow. One of the juvenile Red-tailed Hawks was crying for her parents as she soared over Lookout Hill.

As I passed the Boathouse I heard some robins making alert calls, so decided to stop and investigate. Walking towards the source of the sounds next to the East Wood Building, I assumed that the object of the robin's irritation would be one of the park's Red-tailed Hawks. Instead, what I found was a Green Heron perched on a dead branch above the walkway. It was an unlikely Green Heron roost as it was in a fairly dense stand of trees, fifty yards away from the water. I'd never considered that the tiny Green Heron could be a threat to any animals other than small fish, frogs and dragonflies, but a pair of robins seemed extremely unhappy with this bird's presence. As I was watching, two Urban Park Rangers walked out of the building and asked what I was seeing. When I pointed out the heron they remarked that it had been in that spot for 3 or 4 days. It seemed fairly late in the season for Green Herons to be breeding, but its behavior suggested that there was a nest nearby. When the heron flew from its perch to an adjacent Box Elder I scanned the tree for a possible nest. I found it directly above a
white spattered section of path.

I assumed that it was a nest from earlier in the summer and that any young had already fledged. As the rangers walked away, I focused my bins on the nest and noticed something moving. A single young heron was still in the nest! I waved the rangers back to share my discovery.

Green Herons develop very rapidly and begin climbing around outside their nest while still very young. If you'd like to get a glimpse of this cute baby bird (in a homely kind of way), I suggest getting into Prospect Park this weekend. The nest is right above the path to the East Wood Building - that's the small building about 75 yards north of the Audubon Nature Center (The Boathouse).

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 8/11/10
Number of species: 37

Green Heron (2, Adult watching single nestling near the Boathouse.)
Red-tailed Hawk (3)
Spotted Sandpiper
Forster's Tern (5, Roosting on electric boat on Prospect Lake.)
Chimney Swift
Eastern Kingbird (8)
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
House Wren (2)
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow Warbler (3)
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart (2)
Northern Waterthrush (2)
Canada Warbler
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow
...Read more

Monday, August 09, 2010

Eskimo Curlew T-Shirt

In recognition of the plight of migrating shorebirds, I've created a new T-Shirt. The simple design is of an Eskimo Curlew based on the early 20th century woodcut by Edward Howe Forbush. Many of the western hemisphere's species of shorebirds are under increasing pressure from human activities, most notably, the Red Knot. The Eskimo Curlew was once the most abundant species in North America, but is now considered by many experts to be extinct. This is a cautionary tale and urgent reminder that we cannot delay actions to save remaining species.

The Eskimo Curlew T-Shirt is available in yellow here, 9 colors here and an organic cotton shirt in olive or pacific (pictured below) here. The City Birder Shop main page is here.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming, local trips for the weekend of August 14th - 15th, 2010:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

Sunday, August 15, 2010
Discover Tours
Every Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.


New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center.


Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, August 14, 2010
17th Annual Tom Davis Memorial Shorebird Walk at Jamaica Bay
Leader & Registrar: Sean Sime (sean [AT] seansime.com)
Registration opens Monday, 8/2
Public transportation


New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, August 14 (rain date Sunday, August 15), starting at 9am
Annual Shorebird Festival (see my previous post)
Guide: Don Riepe, Andrew Baksh, Lloyd Spitalnik, Kevin Karlson
In partnership with the American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area
An all-day event during peak fall shorebird migration in Jamaica Bay. The day will start with guided walks around the ponds and after lunch experts will give presentations on shorebird identification and nature photography. Limited to 75, suggested donation $20.
For more information or to register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe [AT] nyc.rr.com

Sunday, August 15th, 8:30 - 11:30am
Shorebird Identification Workshop
Guides: Kevin Karison and Lloyd Spitalnik
This hands-on workshop emphasizes a more complete approach to shorebird identification using both non-changeable physical impressions and details of plumage and feather patterns. Kevin Karlson and Lloyd Spitalnik will explain how to build a solid foundation for shorebird ID using basic impressions of size, shape and body language, and then combine detailed study of plumage and feather patterns to fine tune your ID conclusion. This workshop is suitable for birders of all levels, but sometimes includes advanced tips. Kevin’s book “The Shorebird Guide” will be available for sale and a personal inscription. The small class size allows for personal instruction and one-on-one interaction with both instructors that is not possible with larger workshops. Limited to 15.
Cost: $40


Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, August 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Old Mill Road
We’ll stroll along Old Mill Road, a newly designed multi-use trail, next to Freshkills, below the hills of Latourette Golf Course, and return along the Blue Trail. This area has not been accessible for many years and is now open. We are surrounded by beautiful, old woodlands as well as newly grown stands of cottonwoods and other pioneer plants. We’ll see the flow of the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the road and view Freshkills estuary. Park behind St. Andrew’s Church at the base of Snake Hill.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Saturday, August 14, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Mt. Loretto Butterfly Walk
Join naturalist/photographer Sandra Mechanic for an exciting day searching for Spicebush and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Pearl Crescent and Monarch Butterflies and the many wildflowers they feed upon. Bring binoculars, field guides and camera if you wish. Meet at the Mt. Loretto Unique Area parking lot south of Sharrott Avenue off Hylan Blvd. We hope to see many children for this exciting pleasant rural scenic stroll. We will walk along the beach to the stone art statues created by Doug Schwartz.
For more information contact Sandra at (718) 967-1037.


Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, August 14, 2010

Van Cortlandt Bird Club: Hummingbirds
9:00 a.m.
Who beats its wings in a figure-8 so fast that you can’t even see them? Hint: You...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

New York City's Wildlife
11:00 a.m.
We are not talking about New York City’s party scene, but the variety of animals that...
Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Birding by Boat
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Explore the Lullwater by canoe as we go in search of the birds that live along the shore...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Canoeing Basics
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Explore the tranquility of Wolfe's Pond while getting to know nature. Let's look for...
Location: Wolfes Pond Park, Staten Island
Cost: Free

Harbor Herons
11:00 a.m.
Long Island Sound provides plentiful food for the elegant herons that nest in this area....
Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
Cost: Free

Birding on the Hill
11:00 a.m.
Hike to the top of Look Out Hill for a trip to a bird watchers’ wonderland.
Location: Lookout Hill (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Cost: Free

Butterflies and Bees
2:00 p.m.
Learn about their basic biology and their importance to humans. We’ll journey through...
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park), Manhattan
Cost: Free

Orienteering
2:00 p.m.
Learn navigation with a map and compass. You’ll never get lost in the woods!...
Location: Parking Lot (in Cunningham Park), Queens
Cost: Free
...Read more

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival

Mid-August is generally considered the peak of the southbound shorebird migration in New York. In celebration, next Saturday will be the 5th Annual Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for shorebirds during both the Spring and Fall migration. Finding rare species here has become a seemingly regular occurrence. A presentation on shorebird identification by author Kevin Karlson will cap off a great day of birding.

The event is sponsored by American Littoral Society and Gateway National Recreation Area and New York City Audubon Society. For more information or to register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or driepe [AT] nyc.rr.com.

Below is the day's agenda (note an earlier starting time than previously posted):

8:30am - Coffee and Donuts

9:00am - Don Riepe slide show presentation on history of the bay and problems we're facing.

9:30am - Lloyd Spitalnik slide show on "The Shorebirds of Jamaica Bay"

10am to 12:00pm - Guided walks to both the East and West Pond.

12:00pm - Break for lunch (bring your own, there are picnic tables. Both Howard Beach and Broad Channel have several places to purchase food and drink.)

12:45pm - Guided walk on the north end of the East Pond (bring rubber boots or the like.

4:00pm - Kevin Karlson will present Shorebirds by Impression: A Different Approach to Field ID, (60 minutes)

Agenda is subject to change
Suggested donation of $20.00 per person to cover our costs.
...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Saturday, August 7, 2010:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* August 7, 2010
* NYNY1008.07

- Birds Mentioned:

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK+
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN+
MISSISSIPPI KITE+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Cory's Shearwater
Great Shearwater
Sooty Shearwater
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
Brown Pelican
Least Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Tricolored Heron
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Glossy Ibis
AMERICAN AVOCET
"Western" Willet
WHIMBREL
HUDSONIAN GODWIT
MARBLED GODWIT
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Stilt Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher
American Woodcock
WILSON'S PHALAROPE
RED-NECKED PHALAROPE
Glaucous Gull
Black Tern
Royal Tern
Blue-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush


If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc1 AT nybirds.org .

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Jeanne Skelly - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd.
Churchville, NY 14428

~ Transcript ~

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert Weekly Recording: (212) 979-3070

To report sightings call:
Tom Burke (212) 372-1483 (weekdays)
Tony Lauro (631) 734-4126 (Long Island)

Compilers: Tony Lauro, Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
Transcriber: Karen Fung

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm. The highlights of this week's tape are BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, BROWN PELICAN, MISSISSIPPI KITE, AMERICAN AVOCET, WHIMBREL, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, MARBLED GODWITS, WILSON'S PHALAROPES, RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, shorebird migration, and GLAUCOUS GULL.

A BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK was found last Saturday and lingered through Tuesday at the West Pond of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge near Bench 7.

The AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was still present through yesterday at the East Pond Jamaica Bay, and a BROWN PELICAN was found at the Rockaway Inlet on Tuesday.

A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen flying over the North Marsh at Jamaica Bay on Monday.

An AMERICAN AVOCET, a HUDSONIAN GODWIT, and three MARBLED GODWITS were seen yesterday at the East Pond Jamaica Bay. Another three MARBLED GODWITS were seen Thursday and Friday at Cupsogue County Park in West Hampton Dunes.

A WHIMBREL was seen flying over the mussel flats at the Ponquogue Bridge at Shinnecock on Wednesday.

Three WILSON'S PHALAROPES were found yesterday at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay, and a RED-NECKED PHALAROPE along with one SOOTY SHEARWATER, two GREAT SHEARWATERS, one CORY'S SHEARWATER, 20-30 WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS, and two BLACK TERNS were noted on a whale watching trip out of Montauk last Sunday.

Shorebird migration continued at a good pace through the week, with about 20 species totaling about 6000 birds at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay, including those mentioned previously along with "Western" WILLET, WESTERN SANDPIPER, WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, STILT SANDPIPER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, 4000 SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS and 1000 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. The shorebirds at Cupsogue County Park and Pike's Beach at West Hampton Dunes, totaled about 1500 birds of about 15 species, including WESTERN SANDPIPER and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER.

An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was found last Wednesday at the ferry slip at Orient Point. Other interesting bird sightings last week included ten species of waders at Jamaica Bay through the week. These include LEAST BITTERN, GREAT BLUE HERON, GREAT EGRET, SNOWY EGRET, LITTLE BLUE HERON, TRICOLORED HERON, GREEN HERON, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON, and GLOSSY IBIS.

Small numbers of CORY'S SHEARWATERS and WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS have been seen through the week at South Shore vantage points.
36 ROYAL TERNS at Pike's Beach were reported on Tuesday and 42 on Wednesday, along with small numbers of BLACK TERNS at Jamaica Bay and Cupsogue County Park.

Last Sunday six species of warblers were seen in Central Park, including BLUE-WINGED WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH.

Please call in reports to Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126. Messages may be left with Tom Burke at (212) 372-1483. Thank you for calling.

[~END TAPE~]

~ End Transcript ~
...Read more

Friday, August 06, 2010

Friday's Foto

A small number of Common Terns have discovered the fishermen at the Coney Island Pier (aka Steeplechase Pier). They seem to excel at stealing the bait from the hook after the line is cast.