Orange Birding

Sunday Shots

Short-eared Owl at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 2/12/14.

I got out Saturday morning and again on Sunday afternoon and birded the Black Dirt and Pine Island areas. I had a decent list of 34 species, most of which are expected at this time of year. I heard my first Great Horned Owl of year just after sunrise on Saturday morning out at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge and I had a Common Raven out there as well. Later Saturday morning I had 3 Lapland Longspurs, so it was good to see they are still around. I struck out with photos for the weekend, so I’ve included a Short-eared Owl shot from Wednesday. Here’s my list for 2/15/14 and 2/16/14:

Canada Goose
American Black Duck
Mallard

Wild Turkey

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier

Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)

Mourning Dove

Great Horned Owl

Snowy Owl
American Kestrel

Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow

Common Raven

White-breasted Nuthatch
Horned Lark
European Starling
Lapland Longspur
Snow Bunting

American Robin

Northern Mockingbird

White-throated Sparrow
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

House Sparrows on Celery Avenue, 2/15/14.

Short-eared Owls at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR

A Short-eared Owl at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 2/9/14.

Photographing the Short-eared Owls out at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is for me the most enjoyable way to shoot birds. Once you are tucked away in one of the photo blinds, the birds are not even aware of your presence. On good days, like today, when the owls get up early, this can result in many good photo opportunities. I love the fact that I can spend hours shooting away and I know that I am not bothering or stressing these birds out at all. All you have to do is be patient and be willing to deal with the cold temperatures. For me it is the perfect way to photograph birds; I only wish that there were more opportunities like this out there.

For the record I counted 6 Short-eared Owls at the refuge tonight, and amazingly, I did not see one Northern Harrier. This weekend is the first time I have ever been to the refuge in the winter and not seen at least one Northern Harrier.

I thought the SEOW on the post would flush, but it held its ground. Two SEOWs at the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 2/9/14.

Short-eared Owl hunting at the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 2/9/14.

Thanks to Ralph for putting this post up in front of the blind - the owls love it. Short-eared Owl at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 2/9/14. — Thanks to Ralph for putting this post up in front of the blind – the owls love it. Short-eared Owl at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, 2/9/14.

Wallkill River NWR

Karen Miller and I decided to start the morning of birding off with some snowshoeing at the Winding Waters Nature Trail at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge. Unfortunately, the frozen crust of ice on top of the snow made every step we took so loud that there was no way we were going to have any success birding. Fortunately a truck had been down the trail, so we decided to forego the snowshoeing a just walk in the tire tracks instead.

Karen Miller in action at the Winding Waters Nature Trail, 2/8/14.

We saw and heard many of the expected species, but our best moment on the trail was not bird related. On our way back, Karen spotted a beaver working hard on a tree on the far side of the Wallkill River. We watched and took photos of this critter for a good while, fascinated by it. In the field, it was really just awesome to see this animal. In photos, however, the beaver is not the most handsome of creatures:

A beaver does its thing. Wallkill River NWR, Winding Waters Nature Trail, 2/8/14. — A beaver does its thing at the Wallkill River NWR, Winding Waters Nature Trail, 2/8/14.

Another highlight for me was watching as a Northern Harrier successfully chased down an unidentified songbird. The harrier made such acrobatic maneuvers in order to successfully kill its prey – the songbird dove down into the brush and the harrier somehow came to a quick stop, changed directions quickly a couple of times and then pounced on the bird. Here is the Northern Harrier flying away with a firm grip on the songbird:

This not much of a photo, but it was fascinating to watch this Northern Harrier successfully hunt. Winding Waters Nature Trail, 2/8/14.

On our way out we made a quick stop at the viewing platform by the Liberty Loop, where not much was flying so we decided to make a few stops in the Black Dirt Region on our way back. We made a couple of stops and Karen got to see the Lapland Longspurs I had seen the evening before, as well as a good number of Horned Larks and some Snow Buntings too.

We headed our separate ways and I took the long way home winding through the Black Dirt. In Goshen, I got lucky and found a nice flock of Horned Larks (with a couple of Snow Buntings in tow) AND another 5 Lapland Longspurs! This was my best opportunity to take photos all morning and I was happy with the results:

LAPLAND LONGSPURS!!!

I had an awesome evening of birding today after work. I headed to the Pine Island area, as I have for the last three evenings; it has been very active with good numbers of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings being seen. Today, my travels were rewarded with quite the treat- at least 12 LAPLAND LONGSPURS feeding on the roadside. While I was in the field I estimated 15 birds, but the most I have in any of my photos is 12. What an experience seeing these birds and to also be able to get some decent photos!

Lapland Longspur in the snow, Pine Island NY 2/7/14.

Just before sunset I headed over to Wallkill River NWR to see if the Short-eared Owls were flying. The owls were up early and putting on a show. I took some photos and I would guess that while I was there, 7 or 8 owls were up flying, all very close to the viewing platform. There were also many Northern Harriers present, I counted at least 8 which is the most I’ve had out there in a while.

Short-eared Owl at Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.

SEOW in a nice sunset light. Wallkill River NWR, 2/7/14.

Here's the top photo with less of a crop - showing 12 Lapland Longspurs in one shot. Pine Island NY, 2/7/14. — Here’s the top photo with less of a crop – showing 12 Lapland Longspurs in one shot. Pine Island NY, 2/7/14.

Bashakill WMA, 2/2/14

It’s been ages since I’ve birded the Bashakill WMA, so I picked up Karen Miller early this morning and we headed over. The warm weather was still holding on, so I was looking forward to getting out of the car and doing a little hiking. Our first stop was the Deli Fields which were pretty active, with a nice flock of American Goldfinches and several Eastern Bluebirds being seen before we even got out of the car. We kept hearing a Pileated Woodpecker off in the distance and we finally got a good look in binoculars of the bird flying over the treetops in the distance.

I haven't seen any American Goldfinches in a while, so it was good to see a flock of 25 or so at the Deli Fields. Bashakill WMA 2/2/14. — I haven’t seen any American Goldfinches in a while, so it was good to see a flock of 25 or so at the Deli Fields. Bashakill WMA 2/2/14.

Next, we headed over to Haven Road. Karen showed me where the new Bald Eagle nest is located and we could also see an adult Bald Eagle perched in a tree in the distance. Some mallards flushed and we noticed that the adult as well as an immature Bald Eagle were both in flight. A small flock of Canada Geese came in for a landing in what I’m assuming is some recently opened water north of Haven Road. We also had a single Ring-billed Gull fly over the road.

If you've seen the winners from Audubon Magazine's Photography Awards, you know why I've been enjoying shooting birds on these stark backgrounds. I never really liked it much, but now it is appealing to me. Ring-billed Gull at Haven Road, Bashakill WMA, 2/2/14. — If you’ve seen the winners from Audubon Magazine’s Photography Awards, you know why I’ve been enjoying shooting birds on these stark backgrounds. Ring-billed Gull at Haven Road, Bashakill WMA, 2/2/14.

Our last stop was at the main boat launch, where we walked a good portion of the Birch Trail, in hopes of finding a Hermit Thrush. We didn’t have any luck with the thrush, but we did well with many of the expected songbirds: Black-capped Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Juncos, Downy Woodpeckers, and Song Sparrows. We also saw and certainly heard my best bird of the day – a Common Raven flying over the Bash, making a racket while it did so.

I had almost forgotten how beautiful the Bashakill can be in all seasons. If you have not been out there in a while, or if you have never been there, do yourself a favor and visit the Bash in the winter. It’s gorgeous.

Here’s my list for the day:

Canada Goose 25
American Black Duck 2
Mallard 30
Bald Eagle 2
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 2
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 8
American Crow 15
Common Raven 1
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Tufted Titmouse 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 2
Eastern Bluebird 4
American Robin 5
American Tree Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 50
Northern Cardinal 3
American Goldfinch 30

Orange County Saturday

Song Sparrow on the Liberty Loop at Wallkill River NWR, 2/1/14.

I woke up before sunrise this morning and headed out; I was going to spend the morning birding in southern Orange County. My first stop was at Wallkill River NWR, where I walked the Liberty Loop for the first time in a while. The weather had finally warmed up a bit after the extended cold spell, so it felt really good to be outside and walking the trail. During my walk I had many of the expected birds for this time of year, but the highlight of my hike was seeing a Coyote crossing the marsh.

It's amazing to me how easily this Coyote disappeared from view in the marsh. Still it was a thrill to see, Wallkill River NWR 2/1/14. — It’s amazing to me how easily this Coyote disappeared from view in the marsh. Still it was a thrill to see, Coyote out at Wallkill River NWR just after sunrise, 2/1/14.

After walking the loop, I did a car tour of Pines Island and the Black Dirt Region. I hit many of my usual stops as well as some of new ones, such as Cedar Swamp Road, where I saw a couple of falconers flying their birds way off in the distance, and not surprisingly, I did not have any luck with the pair of Snowy Owls that were reported there. I ended up with 26 species for the day which I don’t think is too bad for not being anywhere near open water all day. Species highlights for the morning included seeing the same Snowy Owl that I’ve been seeing all week and a pair of LAPLAND LONGSPURS in a flock of approximately 45 Horned Larks. The real highlight for me, however was running into several birders I know while viewing the Snowy Owl. It was good to spend time and shoot the breeze with fellow Mearns Bird Club members Gerhard and Tracey, as well as Jack Austin and Linda – they are all such nice folks.

A Rough-legged Hawk flies over, Black Dirt Region 2/1/14.

American Kestrel in flight, Black Dirt, 2/1/14.

I will keep posting Snowy Owl shots whenever I get them, not matter how distant. I can't get enough of this bird! Black Dirt Region, 2/1/14. — I will keep posting Snowy Owl shots whenever I get them, not matter how distant. I can’t get enough of this bird! Black Dirt Region, 2/1/14.

Here’s my list for the morning, the numbers are a bit rough since I totaled everything I saw while I was out, but I definitely was very conservative with my counts.

It's not very often an American Kestrel flies towards me. This one was flushed by another vehicle, Black Dirt, 2/1/14. — It’s not very often an American Kestrel flies towards me. This one was flushed by another vehicle, Black Dirt, 2/1/14.

Canada Goose 1000
Turkey Vulture 1
Northern Harrier 3
Red-tailed Hawk 8
Rough-legged Hawk 5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 14
Mourning Dove 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 3
American Kestrel 2
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 500
Horned Lark 60
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 18
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 80
Lapland Longspur 2
American Tree Sparrow 10
Song Sparrow 20
Dark-eyed Junco 55
Northern Cardinal 2
House Sparrow 12

American Kestrel perched on some farm equipment. Black Dirt, 2/1/14.

Red-tailed Hawk shot through the grasses at Round Hill Road, Florida NY, 2/1/14.

Orange County Snowy Continues 1/31/14

I saw this bird four out of five evenings this week. So awesome to see. Snowy Owl, Orange County 1/31/14. — I saw this bird four out of five evenings this week. It has been a January to remember that is for sure. Snowy Owl, Orange County 1/31/14.

I got lucky again tonight and enjoyed observing the beautiful Snowy Owl seen above. What a great way to end the work week.

Cackling Goose? – Wallkill River NWR 1/30/14

A likely Cackling Goose does a flyover at Wallkill River NWR, 1/30/14.

I spent the evening at Wallkill River NWR, the light was really nice and I was hoping to get some hawk photos or that maybe the Short-eared Owls would get up early. Neither of those happened, but there was a steady stream of Canada Geese flying over, so I was checking them out, wishing for a Barnacle or Greater White-fronted Goose. Instead, I saw a smaller goose and took several shots. To me this looks like it is good for a Cackling Goose, mostly because of the small stubby bill and the small squarish head. Please comment if you have thoughts on this ID.

Snowy in the Black Dirt 1/28/14

Snowy Owl in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.

The past two evenings after work, I made my way out to the Black Dirt Region hoping to relocate one of the Snowy Owls that has been seen out there. I was successful on both nights and was rewarded with distant but extended views of the bird. It is very enjoyable for me to watch from such a great distance – I can spend some time watching the bird’s behavior and there is no risk of bothering the bird. I can still snap a few distant photos, and sitting in my car, I can entertain the thought that the bird might decide to come a little closer for better looks and photos. This, of course, didn’t happen (this time!), but I like the idea that it might.

Meanwhile, I think I can now identify Snow Buntings by ear. While looking through my binoculars at the Snowy, I heard some birds passing overhead and I immediately thought they sounded like Snow Buntings. My suspicions were confirmed when the flock landed not too far from my car, revealing approximately 15 Horned Larks and 10 Snow Buntings.

Ten Snow Buntings in the Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.

I love these Snow Buntings, they’re so sweet to watch. Black Dirt Region, 1/28/14.

Saturday 1/25/14

Adult Bald Eagle with prey at Charles Point Pier Park, 1/25/14.

Tricia’s sister and her family came up for a visit this weekend. For me, luckily, that means birding with my future brother-in-law Bill. Over Christmas, he took me out on Long Island and we had a great day of birding, highlighted by 2 Snowy Owls on Dune Road, so I wanted to return the favor. I had two target birds for the weekend: Bald Eagles and Short-eared Owls.

Saturday morning we headed over to Newburgh, hoping for Bald Eagles on the Hudson. The river was nearly entirely frozen over, and there were no eagles to be seen. I called my fellow Mt. Peter Hawk Watch counter, Carol Linguanti, and she directed us to head further south, past the Bear Mountain Bridge. We worked our way south, stopping several times, with our final stop being at Croton Point State Park. We ended up with over 30 Bald Eagles for the day and got our best looks at Charles Point Pier Park, where the birds were close enough for some photos.

Bald Eagle at Point Pier Park, 1/25/14. — Bald Eagle at Charles Point Pier Park, 1/25/14.

I love these icy Bald Eagle photos – so much white!

In the afternoon we headed back to Orange County in search of Short-eared Owls where Karen Miller joined us. The temperatures were dropping and the snow was falling pretty heavily, but the owls got up early! Cameras, binoculars filled up with snow as we had at least 10 SEOWs, giving really fabulous looks as they flew all around us and over our heads. Fingers and toes were frozen as we enjoyed the Short-eared Owl show.

This is the first half way decent Short-eared Owl Shot I've gotten since early in the season. This was tough - there was enough light for good photos, but the snow was falling pretty heavily. SEOW, Orange County NY 1/25/14. — This is the first half way decent Short-eared Owl Shot I’ve gotten since early in the season. This was tough – there was enough light for good photos, but the snow was falling pretty heavily. SEOW, Orange County NY 1/25/14.

It was a great day of birding capped of by the fact that Bill got three life birds on the day: Black Vulture (Route 207 north of Goshen), Eastern Meadowlark (Croton Point State Park), and Short-eared Owl (Orange County NY).

**NOTEWORTHY OBSERVATIONS**: In the past week in Orange County, I had Snowy Owl sightings on 1/20, 1/22, and 1/24 (two different owls, one seen twice). It is really great to still have these owls around, it is still so exciting for me to see them every time!