Noting the less than desirable weekend forecast Shane Blodgett and I made an impromptu run to Montauk today, eventually making our way to the farm fields north of Riverhead in search of flocks of geese. The scoter and eider spectacle at Montauk Point did not disappoint. Highlights included the continuing drake King Eider, over 50 Razorbills and close looks at all 3 scoter species. Although we didn't see the Chat reported earlier in the week we did photograph 2 towhees and a Brown Thrasher sunning themselves in windbreaks in the parking area. A Hermit Thrush was teed up along Montauk Highway. A quick stop at Culloden Point turned up a Red-necked Grebe.
Hook Pond was completely frozen. Luckily the 2 Tundra Swans were resting on the ice. Most of the fields in the area of Sound Ave in Riverhead were empty, but we eventually found a group of roughly 5000 Canada Geese in two adjacent fields off Penny's Rd. Eventually a Cackling Goose and Snow Goose were found among the masses. Decent numbers of Horned Larks were present as well. Good birding, Sean Sime Brooklyn, NY -- 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/ --
