November 17 - Long Island rarities

This morning frinds Andy, Jen, Bill & I went out east to Long Island.  First stop was Caumsett State Park to try for the Northern Shrike that was reported by John Gluth earlier this week. We did not see the Shrike but did locate a Lark Sparrow.

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Next we went to Herkscher State Park and enjoyed both Red and White-Winged Crossbills, and many Red-Breasted Nuthatches.

The last stop on our way back west was Jones Beach, which recently re-opened partially after Hurricane Sandy.  Here we had both Red and White-Winged Crossbills, and a pair of Cave Swallows all in the West End Lot 2.

November 11 - NY Rarities

Today some friends & I went out to Queens' Alley Pond Park to look for the Virginia's Warbler that had been recently found.  Fortune was with us as just after first light the bird was seen by Corey Finger.  He got us on the bird and we enjoyed fine views of this western species. In fact, this is the first NY-State record of this species !

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Visit Corey's blog for more info & some more of his fine images of this bird.

John Gluth also posted some of his work from yesterday


Our group then heard about the Northern Lapwings being re-located out on the east end of Long Island near Montauk Point. After a brief bit of anxiety over not seeing the birds right away, we were soon rewarded.  These birds were lifers for me, and come in as my #623 ABA species.

After soaking up the Lapwings for a bit we then stopped at nearby Rita's Stables and were able to get views of the female Brewer's Blackbird there.  I have seen this species before both out west and in New Jersey, but this is my first time seeing this bird in NY State and becomes my 339th bird for this State.

November 10 - Home Birding

I had a late Baltimore Oriole at my feeder this morning & it returned several times, the last being 4:30

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