Perched Rough-legged Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk on a foggy and rainy Saturday morning. Jessup Switch Road in Goshen, 1/11/14.
Rough-legged Hawk on a foggy and rainy Saturday morning. Jessup Switch Road in Goshen, 1/11/14.

I got out briefly this morning in the rain and fog and managed to get a few shots of the above light morph Rough-legged Hawk. This bird was located on Jessup Switch Road in Goshen, but I initially went out to Indiana Road where I had five RLHAs yesterday evening (2 dark morphs and 3 light).

Orange County Black Dirt

Red-tailed Hawk with prey, on Round Hill Road in the Black Dirt Region, 1/4/14.
Red-tailed Hawk with prey, on Round Hill Road in the Black Dirt Region, 1/4/14.

When I woke up this morning, the thermometer read zero degrees Fahrenheit. With this information in hand, I decided it would be best to bird by car today. So I did a driving tour of the Black Dirt Region, hitting many of the usual spots: Pumpkin Swamp Road, Skinner Lane, Mt. Eve Road, Big Island Road, Missionland Road, Scenic Farms Golf Course, and Wallkill River NWR. Raptors were plentiful, I had eight (!!!) Rough-legged Hawks, one American Kestrel, four Northern Harriers, and I lost count of how many Red-tailed Hawks I saw (at least 15?).

This was my best shot of a Rough-legged Hawk today, this one was at Round Hill Road, 1/4/14.
One of eight Rough-legged Hawks on the day! This one was at Round Hill Road. Seven of the eight  RLHAs were light morphs.

I had two small flocks of Horned Larks at Skinner Lane and at Missionland Road I had a larger flock of about 50 HOLAs that included a single SNOW BUNTING. White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos were a constant roadside bird throughout the morning, Song Sparrows were also seen in lesser numbers, and I had a pair of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS at Skinner Lane. I ran into the Antonys (fellow Mearnsers) on Mt. Eve Road where they also had WCSPs.

White-crowned Sparrow on farm equipment out at Skinner Lane, 1/4/14.
White-crowned Sparrow on farm equipment out at Skinner Lane, 1/4/14.

Long Island – South Shore

Long-tailed Duck at Oak Beach, 12/15/13.
Long-tailed Duck at Oak Beach, 12/15/13.

Tricia and I went to Long Island on Saturday afternoon to attend my sister’s annual Christmas Caroling Party. We left a little early to beat the worst of the snow that was coming, so we joined up with Tricia’s brother-in-law Bill to do some birding on the south shore. Bill has a nice “birding by car” loop that he does, which includes Robert Moses Park, Captree Island, Gilgo Beach, Oak Beach, Cedar Beach, Cedar Beach Marina, and various other stops. We did the loop while the snow got heavier and the winds started to pick up. I think due to the high winds, it was not overly birdy; our best birds where several Northern Harriers and a Merlin fly-by. We went to Cedar Beach Marina to look for the Gyrfalcon that had been reported there, but had no luck.

Nothern Harrier, I think this bird was at Oak Beach, 12/15/13.
A Northern Harrier that had recently had a meal – look at the size of that crop! I think this bird was at Oak Beach, 12/15/13.

The party was a blast on Saturday night, but we were still up relatively early, ready to try Bill’s loop again in some better weather. Tricia’s sister Carolyn and her niece Cameron also joined us. The highlight of the day was, without a doubt, finding a SNOWY OWL on Captree Island. It was really exciting because this was a life bird for Bill, Carolyn, and Cameron. Although the bird was very distant (see photo!), we got some decent looks in binoculars and in the scope as the bird changed perches from time to time.

SNOWY OWL on Captree Island, 12/15/13. I can't get enough of the Snowies, this is my fourth!
SNOWY OWL on Captree Island, 12/15/13. I can’t get enough of the Snowies, this is my fourth!

Other highlights of the day included: 2 Peregrine Falcons, Several Northern Harriers, a flock of Brant, many Buffleheads, a handful of Northern Shovelers, several Common Loons, 3 Red-throated Loons, and my personal favorite birds of the day – 4 Long-tailed Ducks. We struck out on the Gyrfalcon once again, but really it was a great day of birding. Huge thanks to Bill and Carolyn for taking us around and showing us all the spots; it’s so good to have the local knowledge and good company too.

I feel like it's been a while since I've gotten close enough to a Great Blue Heron for a photo. This one was on Captree Island, 12/15/13.
I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve gotten close enough to a Great Blue Heron for a photo. This one was on Captree Island, 12/15/13.
I have this as a first winter Herring Gull. Oak Beach, 12/15/13.
I have this as a first winter Herring Gull. Oak Beach, 12/15/13.
Here's a shot of me taking a photo of the Long-tailed Duck. Photo by Bill Martocci.
Where am I? Here’s a shot of me taking a shot of the Long-tailed Duck. Photo by Bill Martocci – thanks Bill. 
And a close-up. Photo by Bill Martocci.
And a close-up. Photo by Bill Martocci.

 

 

 

 

Sullivan Snowy!

Snowy Owl in Bethel, Sullivan County NY 12/1/13.
Snowy Owl in Bethel, Sullivan County NY 12/1/13.

The Snow Owl invasion continues. It was just before 3:00 pm and I had just gotten home. I thought my birding for the day was done when I received a phone call from John Haas: He was looking at a Snowy Owl in Bethel, NY. Tricia and I jumped into the car in hopes of getting a look at the bird. When we arrived, the bird was still present, and what a beauty! The markings on this bird were darker than the two I had seen in Orange County and the effect was striking. Many birders were present or on their way to see the bird. I was particularly happy for all the Sullivan County birders to finally get a Snowy Owl for the county. Thanks once again to John Haas for the call. You can go to The Bashakill Birder to see John’s account of the events.

This bird was actively hunting while we were there, and seemed to have success at one point. SNOW in Bethel NY, 12/1/13.
This bird was actively hunting while we were there, and seemed to have success at one point. SNOW in Bethel NY, 12/1/13.

Northern Shrike Update

I also did some birding in Orange County in the morning and I wanted to add that the Northern Shrike on Lower Wisner Road in Warwick, NY continues. I located the bird working the old fence line between Upper and Lower Wisner between 10:00 and 11:00 am. I’m still working on a good photo…

Northern Shrike at Lower Wisner Road, 12/1/13.
Northern Shrike at Lower Wisner Road, 12/1/13.

 

Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

 

 

An immature Bald Eagle enjoys a meal at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
An immature Bald Eagle enjoys a meal at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.

I woke up very early Thanksgiving morning to drive up to Syracuse to join Tricia at her Mom’s place to celebrate the holiday. I left early enough so that I could make a quick stop beforehand at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It was a cold an snowy morning with strong wind gusts. I was at the refuge for just over an hour and in that time I identified 14 species. Here’s my list:

Canada Goose  125
Tundra Swan  80
Mallard  45
Ring-necked Duck  100
Common Merganser  25
Northern Harrier  2
Cooper’s Hawk  1
Bald Eagle  7
Red-tailed Hawk  3
Ring-billed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  30
Mourning Dove  12
American Crow  X
American Tree Sparrow  1

At first glance I thought this bird was a Rough-legged Hawk because of the way it was hunting - hovering and flapping. Red-tailed Hawk at Montezuma NWR 11/28/13.
At first glance I thought this bird was a Rough-legged Hawk because of the way it was hunting – hovering and flapping. Red-tailed Hawk at Montezuma NWR 11/28/13.

 

I saw plenty of Tundra Swans, but unfortunately no Trumpeters. These birds were completely unconcerned with the adult Bald Eagle hanging out nearby. Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
I saw plenty of Tundra Swans, but unfortunately no Trumpeters. These birds were completely unconcerned with the adult Bald Eagle hanging out nearby. Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.

 

Tundra Swans in flight at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
Tundra Swans in flight at Montezuma NWR, 11/28/13.
I had ample opportunity to get a good shot of this young Bald Eagle, but I was disappointed, with nearly every photo being underexposed. This was my best effort.
I had ample opportunity to get a good shot of this young Bald Eagle, but I was disappointed, with nearly every photo being underexposed. This was my best effort.

Second SNOWY!

The second Snowy Owl in as many days. Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY 11/27/13.
The second Snowy Owl in as many days. Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY 11/27/13.

I got home early from work today, and as I was walking in the door I got a call from Rob Stone: A second SNOWY OWL had been located by Ken McDermott! In case you are thinking this is perhaps the same owl, Rob was out looking at the first Snowy Owl when Ken called him to say he had a second one! Incredible birding days in Orange County!  I zipped right over to check out the bird and snap some photos. Thanks again to Rob and of course, Ken who located the bird.

I also went to check on the first owl (which I did not locate), but thanks to fellow birder Maria (sorry I did not catch her last name), I was able to finally get some decent Snow Bunting photos:

Snow Bunting in the Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY, 11/27/13.
Snow Bunting in the Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY, 11/27/13.
Snow Bunting in the rain. Black Dirt Region 11/27/13.
Snow Bunting in the rain. Black Dirt Region 11/27/13.

 

 

A SNOWY Day in the Black Dirt Region

Wow! Snowy Owl in Orange County 11/26/13.
Wow! Snowy Owl in Orange County 11/26/13.

Last night I received an email posting through the Mearns Bird Club. Elizabeth McKnight had located a SNOWY OWL in the Black Dirt Region, not 15 minutes from our house! I was losing my mind last night thinking about this bird. I got up early to look for the bird before work. While I was out, it started to snow pretty good, making the task a bit more difficult. I looked for just over an hour, but I was unsuccessful in relocating the bird. Off to work I went. Just before noon I received a call from Bruce Nott. The bird had been relocated! I believe it was Curt McDermott and Scott Baldinger that found the bird. I jumped on the phone with my boss, and he was kind enough to let me go run for this bird. On my way there I called Tricia and Karen Miller to give them the heads up. I joined Bruce, Curt, John Haas, and Ajit Antony who were viewing the bird. Ken McDermott, Tricia, and Karen Miller joined us not long after that. Rob Stone, his son Anthony, and Jeff Goulding were the last to arrive. We were not disappointed as we all got really great looks at the bird. The folks who know more than I do generally agreed that it was likely a first year female. Thanks to everyone involved, this was a life bird for me and a really special one at that.

Another angle of the SNOWY OWL in flight. Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY 11/26/13.
SNOWY OWL in flight. Black Dirt Region, Orange County NY 11/26/13.
The bird seemed to be doing some hunting, taking short flights before returning to its perch.
The bird seemed to be doing some hunting, taking short flights before returning to its perch.

 

 

Mt. Peter Hawk Watch 11/9/13

A Red-tailed Hawk passes over the viewing platform at Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
A Red-tailed Hawk passes over the viewing platform at Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.

So it was my last day of the season as official counter out at Mt. Peter Hawk Watch. On my way to Mt. Peter, I stopped at Lower Wisner Road to look for the NORTHERN SHRIKE that Rob Stone reported yesterday. I relocated the bird in the distance right after my arrival. The bird flew and I didn’t track it very well – I think I was expecting it to return to its perch. Well, it never did, and I only got a brief and distant look at the bird.  So, I tried for it again after the watch and I apparently missed it by 15 minutes. Several folks got to see the bird today, so that is good. Hopefully the bird will stick around and I will get a better look and possibly a photo.

At Mt. Peter,  I had another slow day, but I had some decent photo ops of the birds I did see. Here is my report:

Mount Peter
Warwick, New York, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2013
——————————————————————-

Species            Day’s Count    Month Total   Season Total
—————— ———– ————– ————–
Black Vulture                0              5             53
Turkey Vulture               4             31            110
Osprey                       0              1            124
Bald Eagle                   2             15            109
Northern Harrier             1             11             50
Sharp-shinned Hawk           0             34           1021
Cooper’s Hawk                2              9             60
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          2             20            106
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7611
Red-tailed Hawk              7            350            429
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              3              4
American Kestrel             0              0            112
Merlin                       0              0             14
Peregrine Falcon             0              1             14
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              3
Unknown Buteo                0              0              6
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Falcon               0              0              1
Unknown Raptor               1              5             26

Total:                      19            485           9853
———————————————————————-

Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end   time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 6.5 hours

Official Counter:        Matt Zeitler

Observers:        Rob Stone

Weather:
Cold and cloudy with temperatures from 1 degree Celsius to 9 degrees
Celsius. Light winds all day; from the west in the morning and shifting to
southwest in the afternoon.

Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagle: 1 Adult, 1 Immature
Red-shouldered Hawk: 2 Unknown
Northern Harrier: 1 Male

Non-raptor Observations:
Non-raptor Species: American Robin (66), Cedar Waxwing (20), Dark-eyed
Junco (5), Ring-billed Gull (1), Common Raven (4), American Crow (13),
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)

A "Gray Ghost" was my last bird of the day. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
A “Gray Ghost” was my last bird of the day. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
I got a really good look at this immature Bald Eagle, Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
Just when I thought I wasn’t going to get any birds for the day, this immature Bald Eagle passed over nice and low,  Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
I got a really good look at this immature Bald Eagle, Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.
I got a really good look at this adult Bald Eagle, Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 11/9/13.

 

Mt. Peter Hawk Watch 11/2/13

Here's the obligatory Turkey Vulture photo of the week. I almost missed out this week as all birds were flying very high...
Here’s the obligatory Turkey Vulture photo of the week. I almost missed out this week as all birds were flying very high…

Here’s my report for the day:

Mount Peter
Warwick, New York, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2013
——————————————————————-

Species            Day’s Count    Month Total   Season Total
—————— ———– ————– ————–
Black Vulture                2              2             50
Turkey Vulture               2              2             81
Osprey                       0              0            123
Bald Eagle                   4              4             98
Northern Harrier             2              2             41
Sharp-shinned Hawk           6              6            993
Cooper’s Hawk                1              1             52
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          7              7             93
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7611
Red-tailed Hawk              9              9             88
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              0              1
American Kestrel             0              0            112
Merlin                       0              0             14
Peregrine Falcon             0              0             13
Unknown Accipiter            0              0              3
Unknown Buteo                0              0              6
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Falcon               0              0              1
Unknown Raptor               0              0             21

Total:                      33             33           9401
———————————————————————-

Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end   time: 15:30:00
Total observation time: 7 hours

Official Counter:        Matt Zeitler

Observers:

Weather:
Mix of clouds and sun, seasonably warm. Temperatures ranged from 11 degrees
Celsius to 17 degrees Celsius.

Raptor Observations:
Bald Eagles: 3 Adult and 1 Immature
Northern Harrier: 1 Male and 1 Unknown
Red-shouldered Hawk: 2 Adult and 5 Unknown

Non-raptor Observations:
Non Raptor Species: Downy Woodpecker (2), Pileated Woodpecker (1), Common
Raven (2), Red-bellied Woodpecker (1), Black-capped Chickadee (4), Tufted
Titmouse (1), Dark-eyed Junco (1), Blue Jay (10), Canada Goose (39), Cedar
Waxwing (12), American Robin (3), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1), American Crow
(22)

This is the firs Dark-eyed Junco I've had at the watch this year.
This is the firs Dark-eyed Junco I’ve had at the watch this year.

Mt. Peter Hawk Watch

A local Red-tailed Hawk flies over the platform. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.
A local Red-tailed Hawk flies over the platform. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.

I had a nice day out at Mt. Peter Hawk Watch today. I had nearly 40 migrating raptors which is not too bad considering that we had a Southwest wind all day. I had a nice variety of birds, with the highlight being 5 Bald Eagles – 3 adults and 2 immatures. Many birds flew over pretty low, which gave me the opportunity to take some photos. I was generally disappointed with my efforts, but I did manage a few decent shots.

A low flying Sharp-shinned Hawk, flying right over my head. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.
A low flying Sharp-shinned Hawk, flying right over my head. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.

Here’s my report for the day:

Mount Peter
Warwick, New York, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 26, 2013
——————————————————————-

Species            Day’s Count    Month Total   Season Total
—————— ———– ————– ————–
Black Vulture                0             22             47
Turkey Vulture               0              6              9
Osprey                       0             18            121
Bald Eagle                   5             22             93
Northern Harrier             2             10             37
Sharp-shinned Hawk          25            541            941
Cooper’s Hawk                0             26             50
Northern Goshawk             0              0              0
Red-shouldered Hawk          3             37             58
Broad-winged Hawk            0              0           7611
Red-tailed Hawk              2             35             41
Rough-legged Hawk            0              0              0
Golden Eagle                 0              1              1
American Kestrel             1             21            111
Merlin                       0              8             13
Peregrine Falcon             0              7             13
Unknown Accipiter            0              3              3
Unknown Buteo                0              3              6
Unknown Eagle                0              0              0
Unknown Falcon               0              0              1
Unknown Raptor               0              2             20

Total:                      38            762           9176
———————————————————————-

Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end   time: 15:15:00
Total observation time: 7.25 hours

Official Counter:        Matt Zeitler

Observers:        Rob Stone

Visitors:
Girl Scout Troop 670

Weather:
Cool, sunny with a SW wind. Temperatures ranged from 4 degrees Celsius to
12 degrees Celsius.

Raptor Observations:
Three adult Bald Eagles and 2 immature Bald Eagles migrated. Three
Red-shouldered Hawks included 1 unknown, 1 adult, and 1 immature. One
unknown Northern Harrier and 1 male Northern Harrier came through, and the
first bird of the day was a female American Kestrel.

Non-raptor Observations:
Non-raptor species: Bluejay (22), American Crow (42), Downy Woodpecker (2),
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1), Tufted Titmouse (3), Black-capped Chickadee
(2), Mourning Dove (1), Common Raven (1), Yellow-rumped Warbler (1),
American Pipit (5), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)

And, here is my weekly Turkey Vulture photo. I have started to enjoy the challenge of getting a decent exposure with this bird each week. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.
And, here is my weekly Turkey Vulture photo. I have started to enjoy the challenge of getting a decent shot of this bird each week. Mt. Peter Hawk Watch, 10/26/13.