Orange Birding

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!

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join what I call “the New Jersey Crew” on an outing this past Sunday to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. The “crew” includes: Judy Cinquina, Tom Millard, Denis Farrell, B.A. McGrath, Gene Tappan, and honorary New Jerseyan, Dennis Murphy. I really enjoy birding with these folks because they are all very good and experienced birders that are extremely generous with me, taking the time to teach me the ins and outs of birding, bird identification, and birding locations. Plus they are all just nice people to spend time with.

Dennis Murphy, Gene Tappan, Judy Cinquina, and Denise Farrell go to work atI can't get enough of these Long-tailed Ducks. Definitely the cutest duck out there. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14. — Dennis Murphy, Gene Tappan, Judy Cinquina, and Denise Farrell go to work at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

I cannot express strongly enough what a great birding location Barnegat is. As soon as we got on the beach, until it was time to leave, there was ALWAYS a large number of birds to observe. Additionally, while some of the birds were a bit distant, most birds were quite close and gave great views. It was a super day for photography with so many birds near and far and the light was beautiful. For me, the icing on the cake was the fact that six (!!!) of the over 30 species that we had for the day were life birds: HARLEQUIN DUCK, COMMON EIDER, PURPLE SANDPIPER, ICELAND GULL, CAROLINA CHICKADEE, and BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE.

So I took tons of photos and I was happy with many of them:

This Iceland Gull was probably my favorite bird of the day. I think it is a very elegant looking gull. The New Jersey Crew was having a discussion about this bird, wondering if it could possibly be a hybrid. The reason for this was that it was very close in size to the Herring Gulls it was found with. According to The Crossley ID Guide, the Iceland is 22" as compared to the Herring Gull at 25". The Iceland Gull was certainly smaller, just not noticeably. — This Iceland Gull was probably my favorite bird of the day. It was a life bird for me, and I think it is a very elegant looking gull. The New Jersey Crew was having a discussion about this bird, wondering if it could possibly be a hybrid. The reason for this was that it was very close in size to the Herring Gulls it was found with. According to The Crossley ID Guide, the Iceland is 22″ as compared to the Herring Gull at 25″. The Iceland Gull was certainly smaller, just not noticeably.

It was great to finally get the Purple Sandpipers. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

Ruddy Turnstone at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

Here's a nice look at female Harlequin Duck, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14. — Here’s a nice look at female Harlequin Duck, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

I was fighting a backlit situation for this Common Eider, so not a great shot, but what an interesting duck. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

I can't get enough of these Long-tailed Ducks. Definitely the cutest duck out there. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14. — I can’t get enough of these Long-tailed Ducks. Definitely the cutest duck out there. Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

Male Harlequin DuckI can't get enough of these Long-tailed Ducks. Definitely Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14. — Male Harlequin Duck at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

After Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, we made a quick stop at the “Bridge to Nowhere”, which is basically small road (Stafford Avenue) that ends in a destroyed bridge. It also borders along the Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area. It was here that I got my life Carolina Chickadee and Boat-tail Grackles.

My life Carolina Chickadee, at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area. While it looks very much like our Black-capped Chickadee, there are some differences, the most notable being their call. It is the same "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" but much more rapid than the Black-capped Chickadee. — My life Carolina Chickadee, at Manahawkin Wildlife Management Area. While it looks very much like our Black-capped Chickadee, there are some differences, the most notable being their call. It is the same “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” but much more rapid than the Black-capped Chickadee.

What a fabulous day of birding, with great company and tons of great birds. Hard to ask for anything more than that.

Barnegat Lighthouse (preview)

Long-tailed Duck at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, 1/19/14.

I had an AMAZING day of birding today at Barnegat Lighthouse State Park today. I do not have enough time tonight for a complete post, but I always try to post on Sunday evenings, so here is one shot from the day. Please check back tomorrow for the full post, it really was an incredible day of birding – tons of photos and six (!!!) life birds!

SNOWY OWL!

Huge thanks to Rob Stone once again for alerting me that he had located a SNOWY OWL in the Black Dirt Region today. As far as I know, this is the first Snowy Owl reported in Orange County since early December. Additionally, in the same field, not far away, were 5 TUNDRA SWANS. I saw Ken McDermott while I was there and he told me that Judy Cinquina had seen 21 (!!!) Tundra Swans there earlier in the day. Another great day for birders in Orange County!

One of 5 Tundra Swans that I saw in the Black Dirt Region today (1/16/14).

Orange County Tundra Swans

Five Tundra Swans did a fly-over at the Wallkill River NWR while I was walking the Liberty Loop today (1/15/14).

I got out of work a little bit early today and took the opportunity to walk the Liberty Loop at the Wallkill River NWR. It was a nice walk around the loop where I had 16 species identified. Highlights included 6 Short-eared Owls being very vocal and putting on quite a show, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and on my way back to the car I had 5 TUNDRA SWANS fly over. The birds were heading south along the west side of the loop. They followed the loop into New Jersey and eventually headed back north, this time on the east side of the loop (which is where I was located), flying right over me, and back into New York State. I could tell from the shape of the head/bill that the birds were not Mute Swans, and I was thinking Tundra. Fortunately one of the birds was calling periodically, which lead me to conclude that they were indeed Tundra Swans. Of course, I had to listen to the call on my phone app to know this! What a nice surprise on an unplanned trip around the Liberty Loop!

Sorry for the super grainy photos, but it was just too dark to do any better. TUSW at Wallkill River NWR, 1/15/14.