[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills irrupting into the Adirondacks
Midday on October 27, 2021, I heard a flock of White-winged Crossbills flying over our house in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) as I was getting in my car. At Sabattis Bog, I heard more White-winged Crossbills as I got out of the car and counted 14 birds fly over me. A few minutes later, a large flock of over 40 birds came from the same direction! (I had an appointment in Plattsburgh and had to quickly leave the bog - frustrating!) On October 29, I was heading to Willsboro and slowed down on the Blue Ridge Road where White-winged Crossbills (WWCRs) nest when they irrupt and I immediately saw a large flock flying across the road - I put the windows down and heard WWCRs calling! Late this afternoon around 4 p.m. (Oct. 30), Betsy Miner, Mar Bodine, and I briefly visited Sabattis Bog and we tallied 62 White-winged Crossbills in 3 different flocks (12, 20 - exact counts, and a conservative estimate of 30 on another large flock). It certainly appears that there is a large movement into the area going on! Matt Young and I always pine for another "2000-2001"-type remarkable crossbill winter, and this may finally be the year!!! (At least I can hope!) Both Red and White-winged Crossbills nested in the Adirondacks this past summer - arriving in June. This seems to be the typical pattern in irruptive years, with good numbers of Red Crossbills and smaller numbers of White-winged Crossbills irrupting in the summer - and then larger numbers of WWCRs irrupting for the winter. There is a nice stretch of weather (no precipitation and calm winds) beginning on Wednesday and I plan to spend some time visiting other typical WWCR nesting locations. Betsy and Mar said they'd visit locations in Bloomingdale to check. I have also been hearing Pine Siskins moving into the area over the past month. With excellent food crops in the Adirondacks, it should be an exciting winter! Here is the link to the annual Winter Finch Forecast from Tyler Hoar: https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2021-2022-by-tyler-hoar Other recent observations: On Oct. 29 at 1 p.m., there was a Northern Shrike perched at the top of a tree along Jersey St. in Essex just west of the intersection with Sanders Road. Late that same day, a solo Rusty Blackbird flew over Shaw Pond in Long Lake and dropped into a muddy section. (On 9/28/21, we observed 16 Rusty Blackbirds foraging in the mud at Shaw Pond - we could see 16 at once, there were likely more. Sadly, this is the largest group of migrants I've observed in many years - a good sign, but nothing like flocks of over 100 common many years ago.) Waterfowl numbers are still high at Shaw Pond and I also noted at least 10 Beavers foraging in the lily pads! Robert Buckert and his friend Jules (both from Rochester) were up birding in the Adirondacks and I joined them one of the days (Oct. 18) - we had a terrific birding day, but the highlight was a male Moose that Robert spotted when we hiked the rail bed in Minerva! (We were looking for Red Crossbills.) It was a young male foraging in Vanderwhacker Brook. We observed it through my scope for a long time - and then we walked away without disturbing it at all! I've never walked away from a Moose sighting before! On the climate change subject: We just experienced our first September without a frost in the Adirondacks, and the first October without snow. At this point, October is now like September used to be. (First frost was on Oct. 24, 2021 - over a month later than was typical years ago.) On a positive note, my 18-month old grandson is a birder! (I didn't know this was possible!) I've noticed it since he was a baby in his stroller and he would attend to every bird that vocalized. I told my son and daughter-in-law then and they just laughed - well, they aren't laughing anymore! My grandson knows more birds than they do now! (He knows Red Crossbill and I can't wait to show him gritting birds in the road this winter!) He has his father's pianist ears and his mother's keen eyes, and he points out flying birds to me! I was talking with his mother yesterday, and he interrupted us by giving a Common Raven call (I taught him that and it is really funny to see him do it!) alerting me to a nearby raven that I hadn't noticed! He has the same interest in trees, plants, flowers, mushrooms, mammals, insects, etc. He wants me to name everything! I wish I could see him every day (I do see him several times a week). His mother sends me videos of him on my phone and it is so frustrating because I see him reacting to bird song and no one names the bird for him like I'd do! (In one video a Brown Creeper was singing and he turned and pointed to it, but no one named it for him!) Keep an eye on young people in your life with an interest in birds - it's never too early! Joan Collins Adirondack Avian Expeditions & Workshops LLC Editor, New York Birders Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills irrupting into the Adirondacks
Midday on October 27, 2021, I heard a flock of White-winged Crossbills flying over our house in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) as I was getting in my car. At Sabattis Bog, I heard more White-winged Crossbills as I got out of the car and counted 14 birds fly over me. A few minutes later, a large flock of over 40 birds came from the same direction! (I had an appointment in Plattsburgh and had to quickly leave the bog - frustrating!) On October 29, I was heading to Willsboro and slowed down on the Blue Ridge Road where White-winged Crossbills (WWCRs) nest when they irrupt and I immediately saw a large flock flying across the road - I put the windows down and heard WWCRs calling! Late this afternoon around 4 p.m. (Oct. 30), Betsy Miner, Mar Bodine, and I briefly visited Sabattis Bog and we tallied 62 White-winged Crossbills in 3 different flocks (12, 20 - exact counts, and a conservative estimate of 30 on another large flock). It certainly appears that there is a large movement into the area going on! Matt Young and I always pine for another "2000-2001"-type remarkable crossbill winter, and this may finally be the year!!! (At least I can hope!) Both Red and White-winged Crossbills nested in the Adirondacks this past summer - arriving in June. This seems to be the typical pattern in irruptive years, with good numbers of Red Crossbills and smaller numbers of White-winged Crossbills irrupting in the summer - and then larger numbers of WWCRs irrupting for the winter. There is a nice stretch of weather (no precipitation and calm winds) beginning on Wednesday and I plan to spend some time visiting other typical WWCR nesting locations. Betsy and Mar said they'd visit locations in Bloomingdale to check. I have also been hearing Pine Siskins moving into the area over the past month. With excellent food crops in the Adirondacks, it should be an exciting winter! Here is the link to the annual Winter Finch Forecast from Tyler Hoar: https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2021-2022-by-tyler-hoar Other recent observations: On Oct. 29 at 1 p.m., there was a Northern Shrike perched at the top of a tree along Jersey St. in Essex just west of the intersection with Sanders Road. Late that same day, a solo Rusty Blackbird flew over Shaw Pond in Long Lake and dropped into a muddy section. (On 9/28/21, we observed 16 Rusty Blackbirds foraging in the mud at Shaw Pond - we could see 16 at once, there were likely more. Sadly, this is the largest group of migrants I've observed in many years - a good sign, but nothing like flocks of over 100 common many years ago.) Waterfowl numbers are still high at Shaw Pond and I also noted at least 10 Beavers foraging in the lily pads! Robert Buckert and his friend Jules (both from Rochester) were up birding in the Adirondacks and I joined them one of the days (Oct. 18) - we had a terrific birding day, but the highlight was a male Moose that Robert spotted when we hiked the rail bed in Minerva! (We were looking for Red Crossbills.) It was a young male foraging in Vanderwhacker Brook. We observed it through my scope for a long time - and then we walked away without disturbing it at all! I've never walked away from a Moose sighting before! On the climate change subject: We just experienced our first September without a frost in the Adirondacks, and the first October without snow. At this point, October is now like September used to be. (First frost was on Oct. 24, 2021 - over a month later than was typical years ago.) On a positive note, my 18-month old grandson is a birder! (I didn't know this was possible!) I've noticed it since he was a baby in his stroller and he would attend to every bird that vocalized. I told my son and daughter-in-law then and they just laughed - well, they aren't laughing anymore! My grandson knows more birds than they do now! (He knows Red Crossbill and I can't wait to show him gritting birds in the road this winter!) He has his father's pianist ears and his mother's keen eyes, and he points out flying birds to me! I was talking with his mother yesterday, and he interrupted us by giving a Common Raven call (I taught him that and it is really funny to see him do it!) alerting me to a nearby raven that I hadn't noticed! He has the same interest in trees, plants, flowers, mushrooms, mammals, insects, etc. He wants me to name everything! I wish I could see him every day (I do see him several times a week). His mother sends me videos of him on my phone and it is so frustrating because I see him reacting to bird song and no one names the bird for him like I'd do! (In one video a Brown Creeper was singing and he turned and pointed to it, but no one named it for him!) Keep an eye on young people in your life with an interest in birds - it's never too early! Joan Collins Adirondack Avian Expeditions & Workshops LLC Editor, New York Birders Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home
[nysbirds-l] White-winged crossbills in Hamilton County; siskins and snow bunting in Newcomb
On Sunday March 25, Denise and I birded Sabattis Circle Rd. in Hamilton County, finding Pine Siskins at several locations along the road, and two Gray Jays at the feeders near Sabattis bog. At the inlet to Little Tupper Lake along Sabattis Circle Road (where rt 10 and 10A come together with the road that goes west along Little Tupper Lake) we had more Pine Siskins and about 8 White-winged Crossbills. A male and female crossbill came down to the parking area the intersection of these 3 roads, where a large John Deere construction vehicle with a plow was parked. They were both gritting and drinking form the puddles there. As we walked the roads in that area, we observed several singing male WW crossbill, mostly in the treetops. A lone American Robin in the snow was also present. Earlier in the day, we had a flyover Snow Bunting at the Newcomb welcome center park, along with about 20 purple finches and several pine siskins at the feeders at the Newcomb - ESF Adirondack Info. Center. photos are being added to our ebird reports as we finish processing them. Scott Stoner Denise Hackert-Stoner Loudonville (Albany) NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm 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://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged crossbills in Hamilton County; siskins and snow bunting in Newcomb
On Sunday March 25, Denise and I birded Sabattis Circle Rd. in Hamilton County, finding Pine Siskins at several locations along the road, and two Gray Jays at the feeders near Sabattis bog. At the inlet to Little Tupper Lake along Sabattis Circle Road (where rt 10 and 10A come together with the road that goes west along Little Tupper Lake) we had more Pine Siskins and about 8 White-winged Crossbills. A male and female crossbill came down to the parking area the intersection of these 3 roads, where a large John Deere construction vehicle with a plow was parked. They were both gritting and drinking form the puddles there. As we walked the roads in that area, we observed several singing male WW crossbill, mostly in the treetops. A lone American Robin in the snow was also present. Earlier in the day, we had a flyover Snow Bunting at the Newcomb welcome center park, along with about 20 purple finches and several pine siskins at the feeders at the Newcomb - ESF Adirondack Info. Center. photos are being added to our ebird reports as we finish processing them. Scott Stoner Denise Hackert-Stoner Loudonville (Albany) NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm 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://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Red Crossbills/Common Redpoll & more
12/21/15 Long Lake, Newcomb, & Minerva (Hamilton & Essex Counties) At our feeders, we continue to have Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Amer. Goldfinches. The Pine Siskin numbers increase each day and it sounded like a jungle outside our house today! I'm also finding these 3 finch species nearly everywhere I go. I found a huge mixed flock of finches gritting on Route 28N between Long Lake and Newcomb. Large lakes are still completely open, and small, still ponds and lakes are partially frozen. We have just a dusting of snow (that will melt when it reaches nearly 60 degrees on Christmas Eve). A few other species found this morning: Gray Jay - 6 at Sabattis Bog (& many Blue Jays) Boreal Chickadee - 3 at a marsh near the Newcomb-Minerva town line Amer. Tree Sparrow - marsh in Newcomb Dark-eyed Junco - Tahawus Road in Newcomb Purple Finch - widespread Red Crossbill - at least 12 (2 along Sabattis Circle Road near the Little Tupper Lake inlet - male singing, at least 5 in Newcomb (including a pair with a singing male), 3 near the railroad bed in Minerva, and at least 2 by the Boreas River Bridge) The birds in Newcomb sounded like Type 2s. I posted photos of the Newcomb pair on my Facebook page below. The male's upper mandible pointed to the right and the female's to the left. Pine Siskin - widespread with several large flocks American Goldfinch - widespread 12/17/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake I found 4 Gray Jays at Sabattis Bog and 4 Red Crossbills by the Little Tupper Lake inlet on my drive out. 12/16/15 Sabattis Circle Road & Long Lake This was a 6 finch species day on Sabattis Circle Road! Here are some of the species found: Greater Scaup - 2 (male & female) on Long Lake Hooded Merganser - 2 (male & female) on Little Tupper Lake Common Merganser - ~30 (all females) on Long Lake Pileated Woodpecker - 3 Gray Jay - 6 at Sabattis Bog Blue Jay - many Purple Finch Red Crossbill - at least 3 (a pair observed at Sabattis Bog, and calling heard at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake) White-winged Crossbill - 9 at Sabattis Bog! (Common, I assume) Redpoll - 1 that circled me calling before flying off Pine Siskin Amer. Goldfinch 12/14/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake Black-backed Woodpecker - 1 at Sabattis Bog Gray Jay - 6 (4 at Sabattis Bog and 2 along Route 30 just outside the Long Lake village) Bohemian Waxwing - heard by the inlet of Little Tupper Lake Purple Finch Red Crossbill - 4 (pair at the Sabattis Bog, and pair at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake) I photographed the pair at the inlet - the male's upper mandible points to the right and the female's to the left. They were taking turns gritting in the road - when the male was perched in the tree above the gritting female, he sang non-stop. I got some bad recordings on my iPhone, but Matt Young (Cornell Lab) was still able to determine the type - Type 10 - from the recordings. I also took a video of the male and a video of the female as they gritted - I posted them to my Facebook page along with photos of this pair. White-winged Crossbill - fly-over flock at Sabattis Bog Pine Siskin Amer. Goldfinch Joan Collins President, NYS Ornithological Association Editor, New York Birders Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Red Crossbills/Common Redpoll & more
12/21/15 Long Lake, Newcomb, & Minerva (Hamilton & Essex Counties) At our feeders, we continue to have Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Amer. Goldfinches. The Pine Siskin numbers increase each day and it sounded like a jungle outside our house today! I'm also finding these 3 finch species nearly everywhere I go. I found a huge mixed flock of finches gritting on Route 28N between Long Lake and Newcomb. Large lakes are still completely open, and small, still ponds and lakes are partially frozen. We have just a dusting of snow (that will melt when it reaches nearly 60 degrees on Christmas Eve). A few other species found this morning: Gray Jay - 6 at Sabattis Bog (& many Blue Jays) Boreal Chickadee - 3 at a marsh near the Newcomb-Minerva town line Amer. Tree Sparrow - marsh in Newcomb Dark-eyed Junco - Tahawus Road in Newcomb Purple Finch - widespread Red Crossbill - at least 12 (2 along Sabattis Circle Road near the Little Tupper Lake inlet - male singing, at least 5 in Newcomb (including a pair with a singing male), 3 near the railroad bed in Minerva, and at least 2 by the Boreas River Bridge) The birds in Newcomb sounded like Type 2s. I posted photos of the Newcomb pair on my Facebook page below. The male's upper mandible pointed to the right and the female's to the left. Pine Siskin - widespread with several large flocks American Goldfinch - widespread 12/17/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake I found 4 Gray Jays at Sabattis Bog and 4 Red Crossbills by the Little Tupper Lake inlet on my drive out. 12/16/15 Sabattis Circle Road & Long Lake This was a 6 finch species day on Sabattis Circle Road! Here are some of the species found: Greater Scaup - 2 (male & female) on Long Lake Hooded Merganser - 2 (male & female) on Little Tupper Lake Common Merganser - ~30 (all females) on Long Lake Pileated Woodpecker - 3 Gray Jay - 6 at Sabattis Bog Blue Jay - many Purple Finch Red Crossbill - at least 3 (a pair observed at Sabattis Bog, and calling heard at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake) White-winged Crossbill - 9 at Sabattis Bog! (Common, I assume) Redpoll - 1 that circled me calling before flying off Pine Siskin Amer. Goldfinch 12/14/15 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake Black-backed Woodpecker - 1 at Sabattis Bog Gray Jay - 6 (4 at Sabattis Bog and 2 along Route 30 just outside the Long Lake village) Bohemian Waxwing - heard by the inlet of Little Tupper Lake Purple Finch Red Crossbill - 4 (pair at the Sabattis Bog, and pair at the inlet of Little Tupper Lake) I photographed the pair at the inlet - the male's upper mandible points to the right and the female's to the left. They were taking turns gritting in the road - when the male was perched in the tree above the gritting female, he sang non-stop. I got some bad recordings on my iPhone, but Matt Young (Cornell Lab) was still able to determine the type - Type 10 - from the recordings. I also took a video of the male and a video of the female as they gritted - I posted them to my Facebook page along with photos of this pair. White-winged Crossbill - fly-over flock at Sabattis Bog Pine Siskin Amer. Goldfinch Joan Collins President, NYS Ornithological Association Editor, New York Birders Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Common Loon chicks!/Bicknell's Thrush/Boreal Chickadee/Black-backed Woodpecker & more
On a June 27, 2015 tour with a birder from NYC and a birder from Florida, we found 62 species by visiting Massawepie Mire, Spring Pond Bog, and Sabattis Circle Road - all 3 locations are Important Bird Areas (IBAs). It was a pleasant surprise to find White-winged Crossbills - at least two flew across the bog at Massawepie from the South Branch of the Grass River. Later, I heard more near the same river. With the great cone crop on the spruces (Black, Red, and White), and Balsam Fir, it could be an exciting winter for finches! It was also thrilling to see two Common Loon chicks riding on the back of one of the two adults. We have been inundated with rain, and I think it will be a tough nesting year for many bird species. Here is our list of species: Mallard Ring-necked Duck Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Common Loon - 4! (pair with two chicks) Broad-winged Hawk Chimney Swift - 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - nest! Hairy Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker - heard calling and drumming across the bog Northern Flicker Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Gray Jay - 5 including a juvenile Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Veery Hermit Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird Black-and-white Warbler Nashville Warbler Mourning Warbler - beautiful views! Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Blackburnian Warbler - nice views! Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler - nice views! Pine Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler - nice views! Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler - nice views! Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow - nice views! Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Scarlet Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Purple Finch White-winged Crossbill - likely 4 (2 vocalizing and flying over the mire, and more heard near the South Branch of the Grass River while we were at the bridge). I added photos of the loons, Mourning Warbler, and sunrise over Long Lake on my Facebook page. On a June 26, 2015 Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain with a birder from Texas and a birder from Saranac Lake, NY, we found 58 species birding in high and low elevation boreal habitat and mixed habitat areas. Here is our list: Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Broad-winged Hawk American Woodcock - 4! Mourning Dove Barred Owl Hairy Woodpecker - nest! Black-backed Woodpecker - at least 7! (3 observed at a nest site - 2 adults and a young male in the cavity) Northern Flicker - nest! Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Gray Jay - at least 4 that came to hands for raisins! Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Boreal Chickadee - nice views of a foraging bird on Whiteface! Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Bicknell's Thrush - nice views! (Many singing and calling birds.) Swainson's Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird Black-and-white Warbler Nashville Warbler Mourning Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackpoll Warbler - views Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Chipping Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Indigo Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Purple Finch I added photos of Bicknell's Thrush, the sunrise on Whiteface, baby birds (Hairy Woodpecker, Gray Jay, & Northern Flicker), and a Black-backed Woodpecker pair feeding a young male at a nest cavity, to my Facebook page. On a June 24, 2015 tour with a couple from Florida (& Willsboro, NY), we found 55 species by visiting boreal habitat areas of Newcomb, Minerva, and Long Lake. Here is our list: Ruffed Grouse - with young! Wild Turkey Sharp-shinned Hawk Broad-winged Hawk - a couple including a nest site Ruby-throated Hummingbird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 4 nests! Hairy Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker - at least 5 (two different nest sites) Pileated Woodpecker Olive-sided Flycatcher - nice views! Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - nice views! Alder Flycatcher - nice views! Least Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Swainson's Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Common Loon chicks!/Bicknell's Thrush/Boreal Chickadee/Black-backed Woodpecker more
On a June 27, 2015 tour with a birder from NYC and a birder from Florida, we found 62 species by visiting Massawepie Mire, Spring Pond Bog, and Sabattis Circle Road - all 3 locations are Important Bird Areas (IBAs). It was a pleasant surprise to find White-winged Crossbills - at least two flew across the bog at Massawepie from the South Branch of the Grass River. Later, I heard more near the same river. With the great cone crop on the spruces (Black, Red, and White), and Balsam Fir, it could be an exciting winter for finches! It was also thrilling to see two Common Loon chicks riding on the back of one of the two adults. We have been inundated with rain, and I think it will be a tough nesting year for many bird species. Here is our list of species: Mallard Ring-necked Duck Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Common Loon - 4! (pair with two chicks) Broad-winged Hawk Chimney Swift - 3 Ruby-throated Hummingbird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - nest! Hairy Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker - heard calling and drumming across the bog Northern Flicker Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Gray Jay - 5 including a juvenile Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Veery Hermit Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird Black-and-white Warbler Nashville Warbler Mourning Warbler - beautiful views! Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Blackburnian Warbler - nice views! Chestnut-sided Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler - nice views! Pine Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler - nice views! Black-throated Green Warbler Canada Warbler - nice views! Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln's Sparrow - nice views! Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Scarlet Tanager Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Purple Finch White-winged Crossbill - likely 4 (2 vocalizing and flying over the mire, and more heard near the South Branch of the Grass River while we were at the bridge). I added photos of the loons, Mourning Warbler, and sunrise over Long Lake on my Facebook page. On a June 26, 2015 Dawn Tour up Whiteface Mountain with a birder from Texas and a birder from Saranac Lake, NY, we found 58 species birding in high and low elevation boreal habitat and mixed habitat areas. Here is our list: Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Broad-winged Hawk American Woodcock - 4! Mourning Dove Barred Owl Hairy Woodpecker - nest! Black-backed Woodpecker - at least 7! (3 observed at a nest site - 2 adults and a young male in the cavity) Northern Flicker - nest! Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Gray Jay - at least 4 that came to hands for raisins! Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Boreal Chickadee - nice views of a foraging bird on Whiteface! Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Bicknell's Thrush - nice views! (Many singing and calling birds.) Swainson's Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin European Starling Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird Black-and-white Warbler Nashville Warbler Mourning Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackpoll Warbler - views Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Chipping Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Indigo Bunting Bobolink Red-winged Blackbird Purple Finch I added photos of Bicknell's Thrush, the sunrise on Whiteface, baby birds (Hairy Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Northern Flicker), and a Black-backed Woodpecker pair feeding a young male at a nest cavity, to my Facebook page. On a June 24, 2015 tour with a couple from Florida ( Willsboro, NY), we found 55 species by visiting boreal habitat areas of Newcomb, Minerva, and Long Lake. Here is our list: Ruffed Grouse - with young! Wild Turkey Sharp-shinned Hawk Broad-winged Hawk - a couple including a nest site Ruby-throated Hummingbird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 4 nests! Hairy Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker - at least 5 (two different nest sites) Pileated Woodpecker Olive-sided Flycatcher - nice views! Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - nice views! Alder Flycatcher - nice views! Least Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Tree Swallow Black-capped Chickadee Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet Eastern Bluebird Swainson's Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin Cedar Waxwing Ovenbird
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Northern Goshawk/other boreal birds/Ermine
It has been over two weeks since I've heard or observed any Pine Siskins or Purple Finches in the central Adirondacks. American Goldfinches continue to visit our feeders, increasing in numbers. I hear them everywhere I hike also. I encountered Evening Grosbeaks again along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake. I've heard low-flyover White-winged Crossbills twice along Sabattis Circle Road. 11/11/14 Sabattis Circle Road, Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) Northern Cardinal - female; This is the second Northern Cardinal I've encountered in the past week - this species continues its range expansion White-winged Crossbill - small group heard flying over Sabattis Bog 11/10/14 Bloomingdale Areas and several roads in Spring Pond Bog (Franklin Co.) On a tour with a couple from Brooklyn, we spent the day in boreal habitat in Franklin Co. Here are some of the species found: Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruffed Grouse Northern Goshawk - flying across Oregon Plains Rd. in Bloomingdale! Black-backed Woodpecker - 2; photograph of a male on my Facebook page below Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Gray Jay - at least 7 in 4 different groups (2,2,1,2) including one that came to a hand for raisins! (5 photos on my Facebook page below) Boreal Chickadee - at least 11 in 4 different groups (2,3,2,4) Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet We also observed an Ermine cross the road in front of our car on Route 30. It was already in its winter white plumage (about 95% white with just a few brown hairs left). Daylight (not cold) is the trigger that stops hormone production in Ermine. Fur is shed and white fur is the result of no pigment. (There is also genetics involved since southern U.S. Ermine remain brown.) I have been observing white Snowshoe Hares and Ermine for the past decade sticking out like sore thumbs in a landscape devoid of snow. (The Snowshoe Hare often appear as white plastic bags on brown ground - in the snow, you would never notice them.) The timing of this change likely evolved over a long period of time. Climate changes in the past couple decades have been rapid and dramatic. I suspect this is causing serious problems for the white mammals. It has gotten to the point where the only month we can count on total snow cover in the Adirondacks is now down to just February. (Historically, it was late Oct. to late April.) Worrisome. 11/8/14 Sabattis Circle Road (Long Lake, Hamilton Co.) and Spring Pond Bog (Franklin Co.) At the Little Tupper Lake/Round Lake outlet area, I stopped the car to listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers. I didn't hear a woodpecker, but I did immediately hear White-winged Crossbills! I jumped out, and the White-winged Crossbill vocalizations faded away, and then I heard Evening Grosbeaks! There were several Bufflehead on Little Tupper Lake. In the afternoon at Spring Pond Bog, I found 3 different Ruffed Grouse, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 8 Gray Jays (3 different groups), and 3 Boreal Chickadees. Joan Collins Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills/Northern Goshawk/other boreal birds/Ermine
It has been over two weeks since I've heard or observed any Pine Siskins or Purple Finches in the central Adirondacks. American Goldfinches continue to visit our feeders, increasing in numbers. I hear them everywhere I hike also. I encountered Evening Grosbeaks again along Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake. I've heard low-flyover White-winged Crossbills twice along Sabattis Circle Road. 11/11/14 Sabattis Circle Road, Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) Northern Cardinal - female; This is the second Northern Cardinal I've encountered in the past week - this species continues its range expansion White-winged Crossbill - small group heard flying over Sabattis Bog 11/10/14 Bloomingdale Areas and several roads in Spring Pond Bog (Franklin Co.) On a tour with a couple from Brooklyn, we spent the day in boreal habitat in Franklin Co. Here are some of the species found: Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Ruffed Grouse Northern Goshawk - flying across Oregon Plains Rd. in Bloomingdale! Black-backed Woodpecker - 2; photograph of a male on my Facebook page below Pileated Woodpecker - 2 Gray Jay - at least 7 in 4 different groups (2,2,1,2) including one that came to a hand for raisins! (5 photos on my Facebook page below) Boreal Chickadee - at least 11 in 4 different groups (2,3,2,4) Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet We also observed an Ermine cross the road in front of our car on Route 30. It was already in its winter white plumage (about 95% white with just a few brown hairs left). Daylight (not cold) is the trigger that stops hormone production in Ermine. Fur is shed and white fur is the result of no pigment. (There is also genetics involved since southern U.S. Ermine remain brown.) I have been observing white Snowshoe Hares and Ermine for the past decade sticking out like sore thumbs in a landscape devoid of snow. (The Snowshoe Hare often appear as white plastic bags on brown ground - in the snow, you would never notice them.) The timing of this change likely evolved over a long period of time. Climate changes in the past couple decades have been rapid and dramatic. I suspect this is causing serious problems for the white mammals. It has gotten to the point where the only month we can count on total snow cover in the Adirondacks is now down to just February. (Historically, it was late Oct. to late April.) Worrisome. 11/8/14 Sabattis Circle Road (Long Lake, Hamilton Co.) and Spring Pond Bog (Franklin Co.) At the Little Tupper Lake/Round Lake outlet area, I stopped the car to listen for Black-backed Woodpeckers. I didn't hear a woodpecker, but I did immediately hear White-winged Crossbills! I jumped out, and the White-winged Crossbill vocalizations faded away, and then I heard Evening Grosbeaks! There were several Bufflehead on Little Tupper Lake. In the afternoon at Spring Pond Bog, I found 3 different Ruffed Grouse, 1 adult Bald Eagle, 2 Black-backed Woodpeckers, 8 Gray Jays (3 different groups), and 3 Boreal Chickadees. Joan Collins Long Lake, NY (315) 244-7127 cell (518) 624-5528 home http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/ http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills
There were a dozen White-winged Crossbills on Ocean Parkway near Oak Beach Long Island this am. -- Ken Thompson Sayville 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills
There were a dozen White-winged Crossbills on Ocean Parkway near Oak Beach Long Island this am. -- Ken Thompson Sayville 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Hampton Bays
Inspired by the recent post about the sightings at the IGA pines in Montauk, I searched for a resembling landscape along Dune Road. Similar to the pine trees of the parking lot of IGA, there is just a small patch of Pitch or Black Pines on both the east and west side of the Ponguogue bridge where it meets the barrier island. No maritime forest exists on this area of the barrier island so these pines seem to be a small "island" to forage at. I observed a flock of ~40 White-winged Crossbills frequent these pines this morning. The NW corner of the Ponquogue Beach parking lot is a close but respectful viewing point. Peter Priolo Center Moriches -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Hampton Bays
Inspired by the recent post about the sightings at the IGA pines in Montauk, I searched for a resembling landscape along Dune Road. Similar to the pine trees of the parking lot of IGA, there is just a small patch of Pitch or Black Pines on both the east and west side of the Ponguogue bridge where it meets the barrier island. No maritime forest exists on this area of the barrier island so these pines seem to be a small island to forage at. I observed a flock of ~40 White-winged Crossbills frequent these pines this morning. The NW corner of the Ponquogue Beach parking lot is a close but respectful viewing point. Peter Priolo Center Moriches -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Heckscher SP
I also had some luck with crossbills this morning at Heckscher SP, spending about half-hour at close range with a tame flock of 18 White-winged. This flock remained in a grove of pines next to the beach around 11;30 AM; a few birds occasionally flew onto the sand briefly to pick at something before returning to the trees. They were quite tame and at one point I stood directly underneath a tree holding 10 birds at just above eye-level, while they looked back at me with that "who is this idiot?" look in their eyes. Sometimes only 4 or 5 of the flock would be visible for some time while the others remained quietly hidden. They can easily be overlooked. The crossbills were here: 40.698748, -73.160352, between fields 7 and 8 (both closed to cars). I parked at field 6 and walked east. Other birds included Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and a few American Goldfinches, plus endless Red-breasted Nuthatches. Glenn Quinn Hauppauge, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Heckscher SP
I also had some luck with crossbills this morning at Heckscher SP, spending about half-hour at close range with a tame flock of 18 White-winged. This flock remained in a grove of pines next to the beach around 11;30 AM; a few birds occasionally flew onto the sand briefly to pick at something before returning to the trees. They were quite tame and at one point I stood directly underneath a tree holding 10 birds at just above eye-level, while they looked back at me with that who is this idiot? look in their eyes. Sometimes only 4 or 5 of the flock would be visible for some time while the others remained quietly hidden. They can easily be overlooked. The crossbills were here: 40.698748, -73.160352, between fields 7 and 8 (both closed to cars). I parked at field 6 and walked east. Other birds included Field Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, and a few American Goldfinches, plus endless Red-breasted Nuthatches. Glenn Quinn Hauppauge, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Edgewood Preserve (Suffolk Co.)
I birded the northeast corner of the Edgewood DEC Preserve this morning from 8:30-10:05. I mainly worked along the north-south power line right of way on the eastern edge of the preserve. The highlight of the visit were 5 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. The first 3 were heard calling and then seen as they flew high overhead, going west. The other two birds were unseen, heard calling from fixed positions. One of those birds was fairly close and vocalized long enough for me to home in on its location. I was closing in on it when I heard its calls began to recede to the northeast. Edgewood is extensively wooded, primarily a mix of Pitch Pine and oaks. In addition, the power line cut I walked has quite a few larches growing along the fence line of the still active section of the Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center, on which there are several large, cone-studded spruce trees, and stands of Eastern White Pine. Probably enough food in the area to keep some WWCRs happy for a while. I know I'll be going back regularly in hope of another, closer encounter. Link to full eBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/ny/view/checklist?subID=S12007426 -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Edgewood Preserve (Suffolk Co.)
I birded the northeast corner of the Edgewood DEC Preserve this morning from 8:30-10:05. I mainly worked along the north-south power line right of way on the eastern edge of the preserve. The highlight of the visit were 5 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. The first 3 were heard calling and then seen as they flew high overhead, going west. The other two birds were unseen, heard calling from fixed positions. One of those birds was fairly close and vocalized long enough for me to home in on its location. I was closing in on it when I heard its calls began to recede to the northeast. Edgewood is extensively wooded, primarily a mix of Pitch Pine and oaks. In addition, the power line cut I walked has quite a few larches growing along the fence line of the still active section of the Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center, on which there are several large, cone-studded spruce trees, and stands of Eastern White Pine. Probably enough food in the area to keep some WWCRs happy for a while. I know I'll be going back regularly in hope of another, closer encounter. Link to full eBird list: http://ebird.org/ebird/ny/view/checklist?subID=S12007426 -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, etc., Setauket (Suffolk)
Not knowing if there is yet any access to the south shore in central Long Island, I went to the shore of Long Island Sound in Setauket this morning, hoping for passing migrants. After a fruitless half-hour at West Meadow Beach, I stationed myself at the Oldfield Point lighthouse (at the end of Oldfield Road) from 7:20 to 9:00 EST. There were many waves of American Robins, at least 2300 in all, accompanied by small numbers of other species that included at least 5 Rusty Blackbirds. The highlight, by far, was a flock of about 10 White-winged Crossbills at 7:45, which alerted me by their calls as they approached. I was able to follow two adult males, obtaining clear views of their pinkish red venter and striking white wing-bars. Other species included Cedar Waxwing (ca. 65), Yellow-rumped Warbler (35), Eastern Bluebird (heard on three occasions), Northern Flicker (7), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2 or 3), Purple Finch (1 heard), several American Goldfinch, and a single Pine Siskin, In addition to 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, I had many sightings of Merlins, but could not tell how often the same several birds repeated. Doug Futuyma Stony Brook, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills (Queens County)...
Usually, I do not post about my yard birds, but this one is worth it! Just minutes ago, thinking I had heard a Common Redpoll in the backyard, I ventured outside with camera in hand. No Redpoll, but while looking over the birds at my feeders that included Siskins *(finally) *and Purple Finches. I heard then saw a flock of about 9 birds alighting on the Pines on the backyard. Putting my bins up, I was surprised and ABSOLUTELY delighted to see *WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS* feeding on the cones. I snapped off a few shots and thought about fetching the scope for a video shoot, but they took off shortly heading in a south westerly direction. Earlier, I had reports from both Doug Futumya who had WW Crossbills in Setauket Northshore LI and Tom Burke who had them as well in Rye. So they are coming through, keep an ear and eye out for them!! For those interested, I'll have photos of the White-winged Crossbills as well as the other winter finches on my blog later today. Good Birding in Queens!!! 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills (Queens County)...
Usually, I do not post about my yard birds, but this one is worth it! Just minutes ago, thinking I had heard a Common Redpoll in the backyard, I ventured outside with camera in hand. No Redpoll, but while looking over the birds at my feeders that included Siskins *(finally) *and Purple Finches. I heard then saw a flock of about 9 birds alighting on the Pines on the backyard. Putting my bins up, I was surprised and ABSOLUTELY delighted to see *WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS* feeding on the cones. I snapped off a few shots and thought about fetching the scope for a video shoot, but they took off shortly heading in a south westerly direction. Earlier, I had reports from both Doug Futumya who had WW Crossbills in Setauket Northshore LI and Tom Burke who had them as well in Rye. So they are coming through, keep an ear and eye out for them!! For those interested, I'll have photos of the White-winged Crossbills as well as the other winter finches on my blog later today. Good Birding in Queens!!! 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, etc., Setauket (Suffolk)
Not knowing if there is yet any access to the south shore in central Long Island, I went to the shore of Long Island Sound in Setauket this morning, hoping for passing migrants. After a fruitless half-hour at West Meadow Beach, I stationed myself at the Oldfield Point lighthouse (at the end of Oldfield Road) from 7:20 to 9:00 EST. There were many waves of American Robins, at least 2300 in all, accompanied by small numbers of other species that included at least 5 Rusty Blackbirds. The highlight, by far, was a flock of about 10 White-winged Crossbills at 7:45, which alerted me by their calls as they approached. I was able to follow two adult males, obtaining clear views of their pinkish red venter and striking white wing-bars. Other species included Cedar Waxwing (ca. 65), Yellow-rumped Warbler (35), Eastern Bluebird (heard on three occasions), Northern Flicker (7), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2 or 3), Purple Finch (1 heard), several American Goldfinch, and a single Pine Siskin, In addition to 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, I had many sightings of Merlins, but could not tell how often the same several birds repeated. Doug Futuyma Stony Brook, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills & Bohemian Waxwings
11/2/12 Roosevelt Truck Trail (Minerva in Essex Co.) 36 degrees, overcast/drizzling/a few snowflakes! Janet Allison and I hiked about 4 miles round trip on the Roosevelt Truck Trail this morning. The most abundant species was White-winged Crossbill - even outnumbering the Pine Siskins! White-winged Crossbills were heard throughout the hike with two larger flocks encountered. We saw the second large flock, which numbered about 25 to 30, as the birds flew over us at the end of our hike. Other finches: Pine Siskins (several locations) and Evening Grosbeaks (2 locations). We also found two different Black-backed Woodpeckers (1 male and 1 female) and 6 Boreal Chickadees (groups of 4 and 2). On my drive back to Long Lake, I ventured down Adams lane in Newcomb hoping to find Bohemian Waxwings. At the intersection of Adams and Sanford Lanes, I spotted a waxwing flock (~25) perched over a crab apple tree, which flew off as I approached. I drove around the neighborhood and came back to the crab apple tree and found a solo Cedar Waxwing, which flew off after a few seconds. I birded another location by the Hudson River and came back again to find a solo Bohemian Waxwing in the crab apple tree! I watched the bird for a long time and it was still in the tree when I left. I suspect most of the flock I found earlier were Bohemians. The tree had plenty of fruit, so they will be there for at least a couple more days. A Bald Eagle was flying over the golf course along the Hudson River. At the bridge over the Hudson on Route 28N, ~40 Evening Grosbeaks were visiting feeders on the northwest side of the bridge. I've encountered White-winged Crossbills on every outing I've done in the past couple weeks. I found them again on Wednesday (10/31/12) at the outlet of Little Tupper Lake (Hamilton Co.) along Sabattis Circle Rd. (also a Black-backed Woodpecker at Sabattis Bog down the road from this location). During the Northern NY Audubon field trip up Azure Mountain (Franklin Co.) on Sunday (10/28/12), White-winged Crossbills were heard on the summit and at the parking area (in addition to several locations along Blue Mountain Rd. after the climb). Joan Collins Long Lake, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills Bohemian Waxwings
11/2/12 Roosevelt Truck Trail (Minerva in Essex Co.) 36 degrees, overcast/drizzling/a few snowflakes! Janet Allison and I hiked about 4 miles round trip on the Roosevelt Truck Trail this morning. The most abundant species was White-winged Crossbill - even outnumbering the Pine Siskins! White-winged Crossbills were heard throughout the hike with two larger flocks encountered. We saw the second large flock, which numbered about 25 to 30, as the birds flew over us at the end of our hike. Other finches: Pine Siskins (several locations) and Evening Grosbeaks (2 locations). We also found two different Black-backed Woodpeckers (1 male and 1 female) and 6 Boreal Chickadees (groups of 4 and 2). On my drive back to Long Lake, I ventured down Adams lane in Newcomb hoping to find Bohemian Waxwings. At the intersection of Adams and Sanford Lanes, I spotted a waxwing flock (~25) perched over a crab apple tree, which flew off as I approached. I drove around the neighborhood and came back to the crab apple tree and found a solo Cedar Waxwing, which flew off after a few seconds. I birded another location by the Hudson River and came back again to find a solo Bohemian Waxwing in the crab apple tree! I watched the bird for a long time and it was still in the tree when I left. I suspect most of the flock I found earlier were Bohemians. The tree had plenty of fruit, so they will be there for at least a couple more days. A Bald Eagle was flying over the golf course along the Hudson River. At the bridge over the Hudson on Route 28N, ~40 Evening Grosbeaks were visiting feeders on the northwest side of the bridge. I've encountered White-winged Crossbills on every outing I've done in the past couple weeks. I found them again on Wednesday (10/31/12) at the outlet of Little Tupper Lake (Hamilton Co.) along Sabattis Circle Rd. (also a Black-backed Woodpecker at Sabattis Bog down the road from this location). During the Northern NY Audubon field trip up Azure Mountain (Franklin Co.) on Sunday (10/28/12), White-winged Crossbills were heard on the summit and at the parking area (in addition to several locations along Blue Mountain Rd. after the climb). Joan Collins Long Lake, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills in the Adirondacks
Today (10/27/12) was the fifth day in a row that I've found White-winged Crossbills. (Mary Beth Warburton mentioned she found a flock of over 20 in Potsdam (St. Lawrence Co.) this past Tuesday.) All 5 locations are areas where White-winged Crossbills nested this past winter. I did continue to observe/hear White-winged Crossbills throughout the summer, but I have not heard any in a couple months. Crossbill movements are often a bit perplexing, and I don't know if the birds I've found during the past week are still the winter nesters hanging around or birds on the move. 12/27/12 Blueberry Mountain in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) & the Hewitt Eddy Trail & Boreas River Bridge in Minerva (Essex Co.) Mid-afternoon, my husband and I did our annual bushwhack up Blueberry Mountain and we were joined by my sister's 9-old granddaughter (her first mountain climb). After boating for about 4 to 5 miles, the climb is a 2-mile round trip hike with a 1,000' elevation gain to open cliffs with spectacular views. Just before coming out of the trees to the open rocks near the summit, I found a female Black-backed Woodpecker. My 9-year old grand-niece is unusually coordinated with binocs - after only a sentence or two trying to describe the bird's location, I handed her the binocs. Just as I was going to explain how to location the bird with them, she said, "I'm looking at it!" And, "Wow, it has a black back!" On the summit rocks, I heard White-winged Crossbills the entire time - foraging all around us. When we got back to the boat at sunset, 19 Common Loons were grouped together across the lake! This is the largest gathering I've ever observed on Long Lake. We found two more on the ride home (bill touching, which was also observed in the large group), so a total of 21. The lake was a mirror and the rising moon over the mountains was gorgeous. In the morning, after a brief hike on the Hewitt Eddy Trail in Minerva (lots of Pine Siskins, which are still everywhere), I stopped at the Boreas River and found Boreal Chickadees vocalizing in a mixed flock. A Snowshoe Hare hopped along Route 28N - its legs had turned completely white, but its body was still brown! At our home, we continue to have Evening Grosbeaks visiting our feeders each day, in addition to hoards of Pine Siskins (going through a lot of seed). Two raccoons have also discovered the feeders. 10/26/12 Long Lake - home White-winged Crossbills flew over our house as I filled the feeders at dawn. 10/25/12 Shallow Lake Trail & Ferd's Bog (Town of Long Lake in Hamilton Co.) Late afternoon, at Beaver Brook on the trail to Shallow Lake, I found 2 Gray Jays, a Yellow-rumped Warbler (fly-catching insects in the 70 degree heat), White-winged Crossbills foraging in the trees across the brook, Pine Siskins, and 6 hunters (3 parties) - there is one less Ruffed Grouse on that trail now (they planned to eat it). At Ferd's Bog, now sunset, 3 Gray Jays came to the boardwalk and I shared my almonds. I put almond pieces a few feet from me so the birds wouldn't be nervous and I sat very still. One of the birds hopped up to me and it reached its bill under my pant-leg and came out with a piece of almond I must have dropped! Their powers of observation are remarkable! 10/24/12 Sabattis Circle Road in Long Lake (Hamilton Co.) While I was watching the first-of-the-season (for me) American Tree Sparrows at the outlet of Little Tupper Lake on Sabattis Circle Road, White-winged Crossbills flew over (around 4:30 p.m.) 10/23/12 Roosevelt Truck Trail in Minerva (Essex Co.) In a late afternoon hike of the Roosevelt Truck Trail, I found a calling White-winged Crossbill (around 4:30 p.m.). Joan Collins Long Lake, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills
Late this morning found John Haas's White-winged Crossbills on Cooley Rd in Sullivan Co. Also present were great #s of Pine Siskins. Peter Schoenberger, Woodstock -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Prospect Park 2/1
Hi All, Adam Welz just texted saying he just saw and photographed a white-winged crossbill at the feeders in Prospect Park. Good luck to those who look. Good Birding, Jacob Drucker -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Prospect Park 2/1
Hi All, Adam Welz just texted saying he just saw and photographed a white-winged crossbill at the feeders in Prospect Park. Good luck to those who look. Good Birding, Jacob Drucker -- 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, etc.
11-9-11 (Submitted most locations to eBird, but I'll do a quick summary) Pine Siskins continue to be remarkably abundant in the Adirondacks. There are so many, that it feels like the entire population must currently be in the Adirondacks! Everywhere you stop, you hear them. This morning, the trees outside our house were once again filled with siskins (none yet at the feeders). Purple Finches and Amer. Goldfinches are also currently widespread, but in far fewer numbers than siskins. Blue Jays also continue to be abundant. Most exciting this morning, I found 4 flocks of White-winged Crossbills! (Total of 35) I was able to view 2 flocks with my scope. Here are some of the species found: (Birded from 7:45 a.m. to noon, clear skies, 37 to 64 degree range) Our house (Long Lake, Hamilton Co.): Purple Finch - 5 Pine Siskin - 40 Amer. Goldfinch - 3 Route 28N .7 miles southeast of the intersection with the Blue Ridge Rd. in Newcomb, Essex Co.: Black-backed Woodpecker - 1 (I find them here about 50% of the time I stop) Boreal Chickadee - 5 (3 on one side of the road and 2 on the other) Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 25 (two flocks: one 19 and one 6. The flock of 19 was feeding on tamarack cones - nice scope views!) Pine Siskin - 60 Amer. Goldfinch - 7 Railroad Bed south off Route 28N in Minerva, Essex Co.: (This is one of the locations where Red Crossbills nested this past summer, but I didn't find any today.) Pileated Woodpecker - 3 Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 8 (One flock feeding on black spruce cones - nice scope views!) Pine Siskin - 100 (Feeding on black spruce cones, balsam fir cones, and tamarack cones. It was very hard to count the number of siskins and 100 is a very conservative estimate. You could see them all the way down the railroad bed in the trees.) Evening Grosbeak - 12 (In a large white pine. I was able to see 5 before the flock of 12 flew off (4 males, 1 female)). As I was hiking back to my car on the railroad bed, I was thinking it would really make my day if I could also find Evening Grosbeaks. Just a few seconds later, I found the flock of 12! They were in a large white pine right along Route 28N across from my car. Hewitt Eddy Trail in Minerva, Essex Co.: Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 2 (They were flying over as I got out of my car. It is possible I was seeing the end of a larger flock.) Pine Siskin - 40 Amer. Goldfinch - 6 Blue Jays are abundant everywhere also. One of the Blue Jays gave a perfect Broad-winged Hawk vocalization! I also found a few flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos. I had hoped to also visit the Boreas River bridge area and hike the Roosevelt Truck Trail, but both locations had hunters. It appears we have an exciting finch winter ahead! There is certainly an abundance of food for them this year. Joan Collins Long Lake, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, Evening Grosbeaks, etc.
11-9-11 (Submitted most locations to eBird, but I'll do a quick summary) Pine Siskins continue to be remarkably abundant in the Adirondacks. There are so many, that it feels like the entire population must currently be in the Adirondacks! Everywhere you stop, you hear them. This morning, the trees outside our house were once again filled with siskins (none yet at the feeders). Purple Finches and Amer. Goldfinches are also currently widespread, but in far fewer numbers than siskins. Blue Jays also continue to be abundant. Most exciting this morning, I found 4 flocks of White-winged Crossbills! (Total of 35) I was able to view 2 flocks with my scope. Here are some of the species found: (Birded from 7:45 a.m. to noon, clear skies, 37 to 64 degree range) Our house (Long Lake, Hamilton Co.): Purple Finch - 5 Pine Siskin - 40 Amer. Goldfinch - 3 Route 28N .7 miles southeast of the intersection with the Blue Ridge Rd. in Newcomb, Essex Co.: Black-backed Woodpecker - 1 (I find them here about 50% of the time I stop) Boreal Chickadee - 5 (3 on one side of the road and 2 on the other) Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 25 (two flocks: one 19 and one 6. The flock of 19 was feeding on tamarack cones - nice scope views!) Pine Siskin - 60 Amer. Goldfinch - 7 Railroad Bed south off Route 28N in Minerva, Essex Co.: (This is one of the locations where Red Crossbills nested this past summer, but I didn't find any today.) Pileated Woodpecker - 3 Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 8 (One flock feeding on black spruce cones - nice scope views!) Pine Siskin - 100 (Feeding on black spruce cones, balsam fir cones, and tamarack cones. It was very hard to count the number of siskins and 100 is a very conservative estimate. You could see them all the way down the railroad bed in the trees.) Evening Grosbeak - 12 (In a large white pine. I was able to see 5 before the flock of 12 flew off (4 males, 1 female)). As I was hiking back to my car on the railroad bed, I was thinking it would really make my day if I could also find Evening Grosbeaks. Just a few seconds later, I found the flock of 12! They were in a large white pine right along Route 28N across from my car. Hewitt Eddy Trail in Minerva, Essex Co.: Purple Finch - 6 White-winged Crossbill - 2 (They were flying over as I got out of my car. It is possible I was seeing the end of a larger flock.) Pine Siskin - 40 Amer. Goldfinch - 6 Blue Jays are abundant everywhere also. One of the Blue Jays gave a perfect Broad-winged Hawk vocalization! I also found a few flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos. I had hoped to also visit the Boreas River bridge area and hike the Roosevelt Truck Trail, but both locations had hunters. It appears we have an exciting finch winter ahead! There is certainly an abundance of food for them this year. Joan Collins Long Lake, 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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills and Common Redpolls - Stephentown - 3/5 and 3/6
March 5, 2011 - Stephentown, Rensselaer County - Observed at a bird feeder: ~ 6 common redpolls 2 white-winged crossbills ~ 24 American goldfinches Several black-capped chickadees March 6, 2011 - Stephentown - Observed at a bird feeder during rainy weather: 2 common redpolls 3 house finches 2 mourning doves 2 American goldfinches 1 blue jay Several black-capped chickadees Jesse Jaycox -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/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/ --
[nysbirds-l] White-winged Crossbills and Common Redpolls - Stephentown - 3/5 and 3/6
March 5, 2011 - Stephentown, Rensselaer County - Observed at a bird feeder: ~ 6 common redpolls 2 white-winged crossbills ~ 24 American goldfinches Several black-capped chickadees March 6, 2011 - Stephentown - Observed at a bird feeder during rainy weather: 2 common redpolls 3 house finches 2 mourning doves 2 American goldfinches 1 blue jay Several black-capped chickadees Jesse Jaycox -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/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/ --
