Trip to NE coast brings me to 928

-
     To me, the harshest part of birding in USA in terms of targeting birds is NE US coast during winter. I felt this was the right time to do it, and booked a flight to JFK airport at NY for Chistmas. I wanted to target the birds that come down from Greenland and the parts of Canada near the poles to the NE US coast for the winter. The main target was Purple Sandpiper which I have nowhere else to see in US. Some birds also winter on the NW US coast. I feel NW coast is easier weather-wise and more scenic. Little Gull was a consideration, but it was sighted twice in Dec along the coast. It is sometimes at the Great Lakes, which are out of the way. It also wanders to TX sometimes. So it was not a target, but I wanted to keep an eye out for it. I later heard it is relatively easier on NE coast in April during migration staging with Bonaparte's Gulls. Glaucous Gull had very few reports, and I wanted to keep an eye for it too. Black-legged Kittiwakes had sightings along Cape Cod in MA. Both Glaucous Gull and Black-legged Kittiwake winter on the west coast too. Also, they can be seen at Alaska. I also wanted to keep an eye out for seabirds that fly near the shore, but except Northern Gannets, the others are a hit or miss on a five day trip. Also, these could be low-hanging fruits when I take a pelagic for the other sea birds. I saw reports of Pink-footed Goose in Connecticut, and I was in two minds. With vagrants from Europe and Asia, I feel they are much common in their original range, and maybe it is not worth spending a lot of time in US for them as my focus is not US bird-listing. 

I came up with this list:
King Eider - hard, but getable, can get in AK during summer, try to get 
Common Eider - easy, ok to miss
Black Scoter - easy, ok to miss
Purple Sandpiper - easy, must get
Black-legged Kittiwake - easy, ok to miss
Glaucous Gull - hard, ok to miss
Little Gull - very hard, ok to miss
Razorbill - Cape Cod, keep an eye
Thick-billed Murre - Cape Cod, keep an eye
Snow Bunting - easy, ok to miss
Snowy Owl - easy, ok to miss
Pink-footed Goose - may not be easy, ok to miss

Look out for these which are ok to miss:
American Tree Sparrow - can be seen in other parts of US during winter (even in TX panhandle)
Northern Gannet - can be seen in east and gulf coast during winter
Great Cormorant - can be seen in India
Lapland Longspur - can be seen in north TX during winter

     I decided to make plans for the next day based on what I needed. So, I did not book hotels/motels in advance. There was a chance for bad weather, and I needed to work around it. Maybe just stay at the motel for the whole day in case it was too cold and rainy. 

Here are the photo sets:

Part one: Long Island,NY

Day 1: Best Day

     I slept early on Thu, got up early on Fri and was on the road before sunrise. It was cold but manageable. I headed to Jones Beach State Park. The park was huge. I made the first stop at Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center. I put on a monkey cap and a couple of layers, and did a short walk along a boardwalk and saw little bird activity - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41245310 

   I saw a lot of gulls and a group of Geese at Coast Guard Station and made a short stop - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41245499. I continued to the west end which was productive. After a moderate walk to the sea-shore, I could see a huge group of Dunlins with some Sanderlings standing on one leg and resting. I wasn't too close when they flushed. I looked up to see a Peregrine Falcon trying to strike. Fortunately for the shorebirds, and unfortunately for the Peregrine, all of the shorebirds escaped...but I was thinking 'escaped this time'. I saw a single bird glide over the sea, sometimes two, sometimes a few. These were the low-hanging fruit in terms of sea birds - Northern Gannets were bird 920. At the end of the walk a group of Horned Larks landed, and one of them appeared different - Lapland Longspur was bird 921. Here is the checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41246539.

     I exited Jones Beach SP, and went up the coast. The next stop was a quick one at Robert Moses SP - parking field 5 - not much birds http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41247586. It was time for lunch and I had Caribbean food which had an Indian connection. It seems back in the days, Indians traveled as cooks to that area. After lunch, I went to Ponquogue Beach. From Ponquogue Bridge I could see a lot of distant ducks, all of which appeared to be American Black Ducks - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41251119.

     Next stop was a main stop at Shinnecock Inlet-West. I did a short walk checking the gulls and distant ducks and then headed to the beach. As soon as I arrived at the beach I got Common Eiders for bird 922. I met a birder with a scope with whom I struck a conversation, and he showed me a very very distant Snowy Owl on his scope. I did not want to count it just yet, and the location it was at was the one I wanted to head next anyway.  Walking on a jetty, I saw a male White-winged Scoter for the first time, and checked the rocks for Purple Sandpipers, which I dipped on. There was a group of gulls which I went closer to check. One gull appeared larger than a Herring Gull, and smaller than a Great Black-backed Gull. Relatively flat forehead was distinctive. I was wondering if this could be a Glaucous Gull. I took some pics, and on referring my guide later, the lack of white wing-tips did not make this a Glaucous. So, I concluded this to be a hybrid between Glaucous and some other gull (Herring or Great Black-backed was my guess). Later when I saw the pics, I noted a Lesser Black-backed Gull along with this Gull which ebird flagged. I uploaded the picture and hoped that the reviewer would notice the Gull sp and provide some feedback. He did get back on it and explained that it is a Nelson's Gull which is a hybrid of Glaucous and Herring! Unfortunately I cannot count it, but this was as close to Glaucous Gull I could get. Here is the checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41252549.  It started getting darker with rain clouds. I headed to Shinnecock Inlet-East, and it required a good hike to the point where the Owl was. It wasn't clear if I needed a permit to park the car in the parking lot, and the car cannot go on beach sand. I was wondering what to do sitting in the car when a huge white bird flew and sat on a Parallel Parking sign board. I did not have to go to the owl, but it came to me! Snowy Owl was bird 923. Here is the checklist - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41253665. I stopped at a nearby beach when it started drizzling - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41254105. 

Snowy Owl

     Next day's weather prediction was full day rain. I really wanted to go to the northernmost tip of Long Island. I thought I could stay nearby and stay at the same motel for the next day as well in case it was too rainy. I stayed at Riverbead,NY for the night.

Day 2: Rainy Day

     The rain was not too heavy, but it was still not good for birding. I made a slow start, and felt I had nothing to loose. I thought I would try for Purple Sandpipers. If I get them, it eases pressure. I headed to Montauk Point State Park, and hiked a little in the rain to check out a few ducks - all of them were Common Eiders. I continued to a section of rocks and looked for Purple Sandpipers, which I dipped on. There were ducks which were just too far to id in bad light and rain, most likely Scoters. Here is the checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41266966. Next, I headed out to Lake Montauk Inlet, east side - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41268041. No Purple Sandpipers. On the way to the west side of the same inlet, I saw Gull activity and ducks. I made a short stop - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41268507. I checked the Bonaparte's for Little Gulls with no luck. I continued to Lake Montauk Inlet, west side, where I scanned for Purple Sandpipers from the car mostly, no luck - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41268971. Weather started worsening and it got very foggy. I stopped at Ice House Pond for duck activity - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41269327. After lunch, the weather started clearing slowly, and my natural choice was to go back to Montauk Point since sun sets at 4:25ish. I was just 5 miles away, and so I headed back to the first spot I went in the morning with a small detour to Camp Hero State Park. The view was great, and it was windy at Camp Hero SP. I could see distant ducks but my binocs where shaking due to the wind. I walked a little and stood behind some rocks and plants to cut off the wind. The distant ducks were Black Scoters in huge numbers for bird 924 - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41272286. After this, I headed to Montauk Point SP and walked along the rocky shorelines for Purple Sandpipers which I dipped on again - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41273729. 

     Weather was supposed to be good next day, and I chose Connecticut coast. I drove to Stamford,CT for the night. My main target was Purple Sandpipers, and with multiple spots I planned to go, I was hopping to get them.


Part 2: CT,RI,MA

Day 3: Disappointing Day 

    I got up early, and headed to Sherwood Island State Park. I split up the checklist into two for birding on two sections: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41283860, http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41284336. At the latter, my foot got caught between rocks as my body weight pushed it through a gap! I had to carefully maneuver it out. I then headed to Long Beach. I walked on a couple of jetties to check some shorebirds which were all Sanderlings. This was not a fun thing to do as the rocks were wet and most of them had moss. I started walking further after the end of the parking lot when a group of Horned Larks landed. Among them was a Snow Bunting for bird 925. There were a few birders, and I talked to one of them who was walking back. He did not have the sandpipers that day. This is when I decided between Pink-footed Goose and a couple of other Purple Sandpiper spots. I chose the latter, which on hind sight was a mistake. I headed to Merwin Point after lunch at Chipotle, which was on a busy neighborhood - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41286135. Then to Brazos Road (East Haven), which had a private sign to it. So I just peeped into the rocks and confirmed that there were no Purple Sandpipers. eBird flagged American Oystercatcher as rare - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41287038. Next stop was Hammonasset Beach State Park. I walked for about 2.5 miles round-trip on the beach sand to a jetty which had people moving around. I should not have done this at all! Purple Sandpipers were a no-show -  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41291120.  I then drove to the Pink-footed Goose spot after a stop at McD for a hot Choc. I checked Canada Geese which were distant and couldn't single out anything different. The light started fading much before sunset. I should have come earlier! I was thinking I'll try for it the next day if possible, which did not happen due to the bad weather. I drove straight up north to Cape Cod area of MA, and stayed at a studio. Next day was supposed to be rainy here, so I had my hopes low. At the end of the day, I was disappointed after not seeing Purple Sandpipers after so much effort, with the sole new bird being Snow Bunting.

Day 4: Snow, cold, windy day

     I got up leisurely, and started out in light rain. There was a high wind advisory. It was not windy and not too cold when I started. I decided to see what I can make of this day, which is as good as gone birding point of view. First stop was MacMillan Wharf, where I stayed in the car during rain - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41301369. I finished off a sandwich which I could get from a gas station that was open during Christmas. The rain became less intense when I reached Herring Cove Beach. I drove a little, walked a little - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41301917. Then I headed to the main point where Black-legged Kittiwakes were reported in good numbers. Ideally I needed to walk on the beach for a while and look into the sea for some seabirds and Gulls, but with the rain I decided against it - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41302881. The Black-legged Kittiwake can be found in west coast and AK. It also makes occasional appearances in TX. So, it was not worth it. When I entered the car, the winds picked up, and I was facing the winds head on. The wind warning said 35-45 mph with gusts of 65 mph. 65 mph is a lot! The car started shaking. Rain became rain and snow mix. I was awestruck with this. The snow became heavier and visibility dropped. This is when I slightly panicked and started heading back to my place of stay which was less than 5 miles away. I slowly and carefully headed back and then went to my room and relaxed a bit.

Here are some videos of the windy snowfall:
     It wasn't a good idea to head out! With this weather my chances for Razorbills and Thick-billed Murres were gone. Sun started appearing but then in a few minutes it was windy snowfall again. I waited this out, and headed to Head of the Meadow Beach. The wind was crazy and the temperature had dropped down. After a short walk on the beach with snow, it started raining again . I went back into the car - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41305202. I checked a few places - but after short walks or looking from inside the car I gave up on the idea to bird. Negative Celsius and wind are not a good combination. The following are the stops: Nauset Bay East - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41305954, Chatham Lighthouse - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41307015, a lake from the road which had good ducks and a Herring Gull catching a crab - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41307728. With this wind on the coast, it was impossible to bird. I headed down to Rhode Island. On the way to Sachuest Point NWR, I stopped at Purgatory Chasm to look for any interesting gulls - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41309365. At Sachuest Point NWR, a male King Eider was reported a week or more ago, but was not seen ever since. I walked a loop trail for about a mile and-a-half, and it was painful due to the chilly winds. I got good looks at all the three Scoter species - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41310471. This walk in the cold wind was much easier than what I was to experience the next day! I took a motel at Westerly,RI and had a good sleep in a comfortable place. The warmth was good!

Day 5: Torture followed by Purple Sandpipers 

     If you see my list, Purple Sandpiper was a must get, and I still didn't have it. I would need to do another trip to NE in the winter if I miss it now. I got up early, had good breakfast and headed to Napatree Point. The temperature was -4C, and it was windy. I saw a jetty about a mile out, and walked. When I turned a bend along the waterline, the wind was on my face. After  a while I couldn't take it. I felt I needed to do this and started walking backwards. Realizing I was slower, I alternatively waked forwards and backwards towards the section of rocks. My eyes and nose were hit with the cold wind, and water from both started flying horizontally! I forgot to put on gloves and my hands were getting cold and painful, even when I put them into my pockets. At some point I couldn't stand it, and by this time I had already walked about a mile. My right thumb started feeling weird. I decided to give up for fear of getting into a problem. My hands were numb by now. I started running thinking that it would help me get back into the car quicker and also help in circulation of blood. It was useless, birding point of view - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41320908. I put my hands near the heater for a while,  and headed to my next spot - Harkness Memorial SP. I used the GPS location from eBird, which took me to Waterford Beach. The rocks had no Purple Sandpipers. Birding-wise it was poor as well - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41321985. When I took the gloves off, my hands were bleeding near the nails due to the cold! I was disappointed that this was my final place for the Sandpipers. I talked to a walker who told me that the State Park was just bordering the place I was at. I went to the state park, and walked along the shore. Soon, I hit rocks! I scanned the rocks, saw no movements. I saw a birder on the trail walking back, and I walked back to the trail from the rocks to chat with him. He said he had two Purple Sandpipers nearby, and it seems that section of rocks has lots of them usually. I don't care about the numbers, and two is more than good enough. The rock he said he saw them at was empty, but he encouraged me to stay and look around as this is THE spot for them. As I was scanning the rocks near the shoreline which is where they like to hangout according to the guy, I saw two heads pop out on a rock far away! Purple Sandpiper was bird 926! The main purpose of the trip was over! The guy was a photographer and he told me that these birds are not shy and will tolerate close approaches. I walked carefully on the wet rocks and got closer to them for better photos. I got back to the trail on a high, and while on the trail, a sparrow landed a few feet away. Bi-colored bill, dark spot on chest - American Tree Sparrow was 927. This was a bonus! A birder had just set up his scope nearby. He gave me the information about Little Gulls being easier to find in April in CT. I did see a distant cormorant from  Waterford Beach, but with that distance I couldn't id.  I asked for recommendations on places to check for Great Cormorants. He said they could be anywhere, even here. They will keep some distance from the land. Just when he finished, he noted a distant cormorant and pointed me to it. He put his scope to confirm it as a Great Cormorant for bird 928! Three lifers in the last 10 minutes of what had been a punishing day in terms of cold and wind! Here is the checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41324037. I headed to Silver Sands SP for a final stop on the way to JFK airport,NY - http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41327567. Due to cold and windy conditions I gave up early, which turned out to be a good decision. The 90 mile drive to the airport took about 4 hours! Sections of I-95 were bumper-to-bumper, and last 20 miles to JFK took an hour! 

     I expected the trip to be harsh, which is what I got. I got nine new species. For some reason, the ABA code 1 Purple Sandpiper required a lot of effort! 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Crossed 1000 with a trip to UT-ID border

-
Image
     I found time to make a short visit to either Dry Tortugas to see the Noddies or south Idaho to see the endemic Cassia Crossbill. I called the Dry Tortugas NPS and got a response that seeing Noddies at a relatively close distance wasn't a guarantee. The only place a ferry would take you to is Garden Key, and the place (Bush Key) where the Noddies nest is closed for the bird's breeding season. I did see birds sitting somewhere on Garden Key photo'ed and submitted to ebird, but I want a good guarantee before purchasing tickets to Keywest and finding accomodation at the expensive place. Also, spring time would have the added benefit of getting to see migrants. This made be choose south Idaho.      Ticket to SLC was much cheaper than to Boise,ID and I booked tickets to start on Aug 17th and be back on 20th night. My first task was to research about Cassia Crossbill and the following link was very useful: https://idahobirds.net/birding-idaho/cassia-cr...
Read more

Chase 4: Bachman's Sparrow is bird 980

-
Image
East Texas Piney Woods      Bachman's Sparrow is a specialty bird of the Pineywoods. It is a 'Nearly Threatened' species due to loss of it's habitat. The bird is best found when it is singing. It starts singing from March mid, and it would be better for me to chase it in March rather than in April so that I can look at passage migrants in April. I had put off finding the bird until now as it is out of the way from anywhere. There is no reliable spot near Houston.  The best spot in Texas is Angelina National Forest which is 4.5 hrs away from Austin. Bachman's Sparrow       I took tea in a flask, some energy bars and started the drive Sat morning from ATX. I reached at 1:30 pm and slowly drove around Boykin Springs. I heard one singing around 3:30 pm but could not locate it. I heard another one around 4:10 pm, and I was joined by another birder visiting from out of the country. None of us could spot it, and we decided to play a tape. Out ...
Read more

Jungle Prinia brings me to 914

-
Image
     When I visited Vandalur zoo sometime in 1997/98, I had just started birding seriously. I was not impressed with seeing wildlife in cages. Though the good thing was they started giving plenty of space for wildlife to roam around instead of smaller cages. A couple of Red-whiskered Bul-buls outside excited me more. I could see green hills in Perungalathur/Vandalur area. A few years later I wanted to bird the hills, but had no idea where to go. Twenty years from my first sighting of Red-whiskered Bul-buls, I found the best spot to bird around that area - Repeater road, which went through a forest. I wanted to see my favourite Bul-bul species which I hadn't seen for a while. I got up early and took multiple buses and walked to the Repeater road entrance. People were taking walks, and sadly they were loud! Also, they stare at you when you bird in Chennai, but I got used to it just like the ladies in the city. I saw birds which I did not see in my previous trips to India -...
Read more