Today a DEC worker located six BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS at Morningside Park in Sullivan County and apparently put the word out. I received a call from Ken McDermott in the early afternoon and I knew that I was going to miss my Tuesday afternoon golf league. According to Ken, this is the first sighting on record of these birds in Sullivan County. The birds were originally located on shore by the pavilion, but picked up and relocated out into the lake by the time I had arrived. The view was not too distant, but did not allow for great photos. To see good, close-ups of the birds, go to John Haas’ blog, The Bashakill Birder. It was a really great afternoon where I got to see a lot of birders I know and we all got great looks at these beautiful rarities.
Congratulations on a great lifer Matt!
Thanks John! I forgot to even mention that it was a lifer for me. Great to see you tonight. Matt
Congrats & thanks for the call, Matt. Would’ve liked to go but had to stay at that meeting. First had this species previously on the NY side of Oil City Rd in 2011, but too distant for good photos & never got to see them cross into Sussex. If they head south, please let me know!
Thanks Marianne- I hope that we can see these birds again, hopefully they will stick around. I’ll let you know if I hear anything. Matt
Matt,
Did you submit an ebird report on the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks? I can’t find a record of it. If not, would you mind submitting one. Thanks, John
Life has been super hectic the last couple of days and I hadn’t gotten around to it…I’ll do it now! Matt
Thanks Matt, much appreciated!