March 16 - Washington County Rarities

This morning we took the 175-mile trek up to New York State's Washington County.  First stop was in the town of Salem where we had wonderful views of Pine Grosbeaks.  I had not seen this species in 6 years so it was a treat.  At one point the birds were having a drink of water practically at our feet !

click to enlarge

Credit: Scott Varney


Afterwards we visited the Fort Edward Grasslands, where we had several Long-Eared Owls.




There were also a pair of Short-Eared Owls too !

March 9 - Shawangunk Grasslands

This evening I brought my wife along to meet up with my regular friends at the Shawangunk Grasslands in Ulster County's Galeville, NY.

Here we waited for and saw 3 of the Short-Eared Owls that are being seen each evening during the months of February and March.  Very Soon they will be gone north.

March 3 - Return to Merrill Creek

With only brief looks last weekend at the Boreal Chickadee, a return trip to Merrill Creek was on the docket today.  I arrived and immediately had the bird at very close range, and at points it appeared on the feeding station.

Later I also saw the female Barrow's Goldeneye from the Hawkwatch Overlook by the I/O Tower.