A quick report on the *Ruff* as I just left the East Pond. The bird was last seen by a few of us at the North End before it flew south around 9:25 a.m.
I continued birding the pond heading south and spotted the Ruff on the West side in an area just before the new blind. On my return trip, I again picked up the Ruff near the island, this was around 1:30 p.m. So, for those of you trying for the bird, I have kept the e-mail thread together so that you could read through for all the apparently favored spots that this bird has been seen. * I would check the North West and North East corners first before trying other spots.* Other shorebird highlights of the day included *4 Pectoral Sandpipers* and *2 Western Sandpipers*. Both Western Sandpipers, were digiscoped/photographed. One bird retained some rufous on the scapulars and cap while the other barely had any traces to be seen; neither of these individuals in my opinion were overly bright. I'll post the shorebird numbers and some images later. Now for the unpleasant experience: After leaving the pond, I picked up a voice message from naturalist Mike Feder, (*I obtained permission to post his experience)*, who informed me that he was unfortunately escorted off the dyke road by someone with a badge in an unmarked car, who told Mike that no one is allowed there. Mike informed the individual that the road is the access point to the East Pond North End for bird watchers; the individual then informed Mike that since Hurricane Sandy, the road was now private property. Unfortunately, Mike did not get the badge number, license plate or the agency this person works for but this individual is definitely misinformed. If you have an encounter like this, please call the refuge at (718) 318-4340 and ask for a ranger. I have already put in a few calls to NPS management and I will follow up with something in writing. They need to contact all agencies and let them know that the dyke is open to bird watchers who need to access the East Pond. Hopefully, we could address this quickly and not have this happen to anyone else. Don't just tick, enjoy the birds...all of them! Andrew Baksh Queens, NY www.birdingdude.blogspot.com On Sat, Jul 20, 2013 at 8:20 AM, Andrew Baksh <[email protected]> wrote: > Right now in the North East corner of the East Pond. > > Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! > > Andrew Baksh > www.birdingdude.blogspot.com > > On Jul 19, 2013, at 5:09 PM, Andrew Baksh <[email protected]> wrote: > > Hello all, > > Here is a link to photos of today's Ruff at Jamaica Bay East > Pond<http://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2013/07/ruff-redux-at-jamaica-bay-wildlife.html>( > http://birdingdude.blogspot.com/2013/07/ruff-redux-at-jamaica-bay-wildlife.html) > . The birds looks a lot like last year's "Rufus"/'Rufous" Ruff. > > Included in my post are the shorebird numbers from today, for those of you > who are interested in what shorebirds are present. Lots of birds, but the > diversity has not started building as yet. It is *very, very hot* out on > the East Pond, so if you decide to visit, have lots of water and light > clothes. Remember knee high boots are best to shorebird on the East Pond. > > Good luck and Good Shorebirding! > > Andrew Baksh > Queens, NY > www.birdingdude.blogspot.com > > > > On Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 1:03 PM, Andrew Baksh <[email protected]>wrote: > >> A Ruff that looks a lot like last year's "Rufus Ruff" was seen first >> near the south end of the East Pond. The bird relocated and I refound >> it near Dead Man's Cove on the west side of the North End of the East >> Pond. It has ventured right at the entrance so if you are going to >> twitch this bird, be careful as you enter as it may just be there. >> >> I would stick around but I have been working the pond since 5:30 this >> morning and I am out of water. Good luck if you try for it. For >> those of you not too familiar with the pond. Check my blog for a >> recent post on how to bird the pond with the changes since Hurricane >> Sandy. >> >> Photos of the Ruff will also be posted later. >> >> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! >> >> Andrew Baksh >> 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/[email protected]/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/ --
