It's the Patagonia picnic table effect where birders looking for one rarity discover another. After seeing the LARK SPARROW once, Dave Wheeler looked out the other window and found a PRAIRIE WARBLER! We were unable to identify the bird so we went outside for a closer look. Even then we were uncertain, though based on the general plumage and constant tail-pumping, I was thinking it had to be a PRAIRIE WARBLER. We lost it but spotted it later, again from inside the house, and confirmed the ID. I was able to shoot a couple of digiscoped photos. This is the second latest record in the Buffalo Region. The latest was at Buckhorn Island State Park (Erie County) from 6-14 December 1998.
The LARK SPARROW has been successfully seen by all six visitors so far today. I suspect the Prairie Warbler will be much harder to relocate after today but you never know. Directions We live at 4777 East Lake Road, Burt, NY 14028. However, this is not accurate on Google maps. So, just use this link: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4777+East+Lake+Road,+Wilson,+NY+14172&rls=com. microsoft:en-US&oe=utf8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=4777+E+Lake+Rd,+Wilson,+NY+1 4172&gl=us&ei=JkvkTIv9KML6lweip9niDg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum= 1&ved=0CBQQ8gEwAA This is in the Town of Wilson (Niagara County) about halfway between the northern termini of Rt 425 and Rt 78 (roughly three miles from either). There is a common driveway on the north side of Rt 18 (Lake Road) that leads to several homes, including ours. Look for a hanging sign in front of an area of woods and brush with our number on it (4777), on the west side of the driveway. There is a wooden stockade fence to the east of the driveway. After turning into the common driveway, make the first or second left into our driveway. Please park so that you allow at least one way in and out. Good birding! Willie and Betsy ---------------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Wilson, NY dannapotterATroadrunner.com http://www.betsypottersart.com -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
