Registrar: Christina Black
Participants: 10
Weather: Sunny, warm, breezy, 75-85 degrees
Bird Species: 40
For five delightful hours, Paul Sweet led our group through the marshland, beaches and small forest areas of the Fire Island National Seashore in Watch Hill, NY. Joining and guiding us as well was Deborah Swambeck, a Queens County Bird Club member and volunteer, and a Watch Hill part-time resident and birder.
We began our day along the small bayside beach next to the ferry channel. This area at low tide yielded Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers, American Oystercatchers and a Willet – a very cheerful way to begin the walk. Next, the group headed to the newly restored boardwalk over the saltmarsh, a significant area of cordgrass with narrow tidal streams.
Two target species were immediately visible, if for brief moments during flight until they dropped into the grass – the Seaside and Saltmarsh Sparrows. Eventually, both species momentarily perched on clumps of dead grass which allowed for great views and photos.
Continuing along the boardwalk, the group was treated to small flocks of Willets, flashing their black-and-white wing stripes and white rumps as they repeatedly took off and landed in the marsh. In addition, a Willow Flycatcher, was first heard and then was visible in the scrubby trees along the edge of the marsh; while Glossy Ibis, four gull species, and an Osprey passed overhead.
After about 90 minutes, we left the marsh and headed back toward the small forest area between the ocean and the bay, characterized by low tree and shrub cover. Here we found numerous Northern Yellow Warblers darting about, along with scolding Gray Catbirds. Emerging into a lunch spot brought many swooping Tree and some Barn Swallows.
After lunch, we headed to the ocean beach in search of nesting Piping Plovers. After much walking and scanning, the group did spot one, standing alertly near the area they prefer for nesting – success!
We then headed back towards the marsh, finding an Eastern Kingbird and Eastern Towhee in the trees along the way, ending with more views of the special sparrows and a thunderstorm way out at sea. We were treated as well to more Glossy Ibis, Egrets and Osprey flying by. An amazing day was capped off with some ice cream and a pleasant ferry ride back to our LIRR train.
Species List
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Mourning Dove
American Oystercatcher
Piping Plover
Willet
Ruddy Turnstone
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Osprey
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Fish Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Purple Martin
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
American Goldfinch
Seaside Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Yellow Warbler
