Today was the day to make my annual trip to Bohemia to have our income taxes prepared. Due to Derek Rogers' post re: the Red-necked Grebe he saw at Patchogue Lake yesterday, I took a slight detour en-route, and finally caught up with my 1st of the winter ! The bird is still seen well from 2nd St. (e/o Waverly Ave), although when I arrived, it was more north, toward the middle of the lake, hanging out with 5 Pied-billed Grebes. It then provided me with, what I think was a first, when it picked up and flew to the south end. I can't remember ever seeing this specie fly, and was able to see the white on the inner sections of the leading edge of the wings, as well as with it's neck & head below it's shoulders ! The bird's large size is certainly more pronounced in flight, than when it's on the water. Also, it's breeding plumage is starting to show, as it is with some of the Ruddy Ducks on the lake. In addition, American Coot was represented quite well here, with a total of ~ 85.
Cheers, Bob -- 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/ --
