*Huntington - TUFTED DUCK* (see post earlier from the field), At Heckscher State Park LI, Tom Burke, Gail Benson and I caught up with the continuing *LAPLAND LONGSPUR *that was in the same area where it was initially reported on the 31st, (field 6). Thanks to Michael McBrien and his mom who had the bird all lined up for us. Later on, we all got excellent looks at both Red and White-winged Crossbills thanks to some intel sharing from John Gluth and Ken Thompson.
Highlights on the way to Jones Beach West End II included an adult *BALD EAGLE *flying over the Robert Moses Causeway (spotted by Tom) , *AMERICAN PIPIT* along Ocean Parkway *(I had a few more on my out of Jones)*, about 1400-15000 *DUNLINS *on the Oceanside not far from Gilgo Beach (very likely the same flock from the Southern Nassau CBC). At Jones Beach the West End II parking lot had a very spiffy looking adult *ICELAND GULL*. Other notables at Jones Beach that I did not see included a *TREE SWALLOW* and *PALM WARBLER*. Later on in the Bronx, I spent some time unsuccessfully looking for the *BARNACLE GOOSE* at Van Cortlandt Park. The Parade Ground Field was devoid of Geese and I only found 6 Canada's on the Lake. It remains to be seen if the large flock of Canada's with the Barnacle was elsewhere and will return during the week. Despite not finding the BRNG (Barnacle Goose), I managed two very good birds for the Bronx, in *HORNED LARKS* a flock of 21 and a single *LAPLAND LONGSPUR *(LALO). eBird does not show any record of LALO in the Bronx, but it could be that I mucked up the query or no entries means old records have yet to make their way into the database. In any case, the birds were on the Parade Grounds and I only came upon them because I was scratching around trying to dig up a *PIPIT* or any sparrow that might be sheltering/feeding in the grass. The field has many dips, so if you go looking for them, you might have to put in some time to look unless they flush. I'll have some photos of today's highlights for viewing on my blog including the Lapland Longspur from Van Cortlandt Park. Andrew Baksh Queens, NY www.birdingdude.blogspot.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --