Today, between ~ 0845 & 1025, I was one of 10 gawkers (the # being fluid, due to comings and goings). Upon arrival, I found 4 N.J.birders, who had already found, what they referred to as "a white goose". They helped me get on it, but couldn't get me on the G. White-fronted Goose they found a short time later (there are drops in elevation on the far side of the field that can "swallow" a goose whole ! ). Arie Gilbert arrived a little before they left, in pursuit of the adult Iceland Gull, at Iron Pier Beach, Jamesport. Anthony Collerton arrived a tad after that, and, through his "mega-scope", confirmed our "Ross's call. Arie then found the White-fronted for us. Anthony proceeded to call Derek Rogers (of twin Pink-footed Goose fame, but still in need of the Ross's) who seemed to appear in "Nano-time" ! A half walk, half run (while readying his scope for action) put him at my side almost immediately. A very vocal "got it", was then followed by a very large smile ! We were then joined by Bob Gerdts of Laurel, and the North Fork A.S. Unfortunately, I had to leave early, and as I drove off, noticed that my place was taken by someone who I don't think was a birder...or at least, not dressed like the rest of us. She was a chic-ally dressed woman who had just parked her BMW, walked up to the to the line of scopes and ...? Was it just for directions...I'm hoping someone will let me know offline,
This afternoon, I finally caught up with the owner of the house where as many as 20 (up from 15 this past Tuesday) Turkey Vultures have been spending part of their days this winter. For the past 7 years, in both the spring & fall seasons, the T.V's. have visited. This is the first winter they have spent at this location. Most of the ~ 20 mature pines that they use are in the rear property of a house situated at the south end of Newton Ave, Riverhead. Newton runs between Elton Ave on the north and Corwin St. on the south end. The best location to view the birds is from Corwin St. There is plenty of parking, and you have an unobstructed view at the afore mentioned trees from the open property w/o house # 520. Another spot to view the birds from (just not as full) is on Newton, just n/o Corwin. The owner has asked me to emphasize the following: 1) She is glad to share. 2) She has small children 3) Please stay off her property. 4) Please don't ring her bell. 5) She will be contacting me if any visitor is not respectful of her wishes. 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/ --
