New Arrivals at Jamaica Bay

Last Saturday I took a walk around the West Pond of Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with a friend. I had not been for a couple of weeks, so I wanted to see what new migrants had come back.
Nesting Canadian Goose


There was so much to see. I love shore birds and Glossy Ibis, Foster's Terns, Boneparte's Gulls, and Oystercatchers were present. There were Northern Shovelers and Green-Winged Teal and plenty of Ruddy ducks. On the back side we saw a male Yellow Warbler, White-Throated Sparrows and I think a Hermit Thrush (picture below-but not too clear).



Oystercatchers (love those orange eyes and bill)

>
I think this is a Hermit Thrush

Foster's Tern

A bunch of Foster's Terns hanging out with a couple of Boneparte's Gulls.

Yellow-Throated Warbler in CT

It was exciting to be on a bird walk and see a rarity for the area. Luke Tiller from Sunrise Birding www.sunrisebirding.com led our group to several birding spots in Westport, CT. We ended up at Sherwood Island State Park where the good ears of Katie and Luke heard the warbler. We had great views for about half an hour and were able to get a couple of teen girls, who walked over to us, views as well. My thanks to Luke for a great outing.

We saw: yellow-rumped warblers

downy and red bellied woodpeckers

chipping and swamp sparrows

great egret

canadian geese

and lots of the everyday birds from the area

Wordless Wednesday

Blooming

Brooklyn is just busting out in blooms. Seems like just yesterday that I was taking pictures of trees laden with snow. Ah, Spring is here....
Star Magnolia Tree
Tulip



Saucer Magnolia Tree

Daffodil

In Flight

Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Jones Beach Boat Basin

I did a little birding this weekend visiting a favorite place, Jamaica Bay, and trying out some new places, Jones Beach Boat Basin and Oceanside Marine Nature Study area. I saw a pair of Clapper Rails at the Marine Nature Study area. They ran out of the berm and then just as quickly disappeared back under it, not to be seen for the rest of the afternoon, although I heard them once.

Tree Swallows, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Oystercatcher, Jones Beach Boat Basin

Osprey, Marine Nature Study Area
Osprey launch, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Mute Swan, Jamaica Bay Wildlife

Canadian Geese, Jones Beach Boat Basin