Registrar: Mary Ann Zovko
Participants: 12
Weather: High 20’s at dawn to low 40’s in the afternoon. Abundant sunshine and low wind.
Bird Species: 45
We had a stellar start to the day with the appearance of a Snowy Owl as everyone was en route to Shinnecock Inlet. We returned to Dune Road, where we were able to get excellent (yet respectfully distant) views of this beautiful bird.
We then proceeded to the inlet, where we were met with groups of Common Eiders (totaling 1,000) actively foraging close to shore. Nearby at Ponquogue Bridge, we found another 1,500, bringing the total to over 2,000. With them were numerous other sea ducks, including all three scoters (Black, Surf, and White-winged), Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, and cooperative Common and Red-throated Loons, allowing for great side-by-side comparisons on the water and in flight. Gulls and gannets were in short supply, though a quick flyby from a Bonaparte’s Gull was a nice surprise. On the small islands nearby, we viewed distant Black-bellied Plovers and a large group of seals sunning. On an island to the west, a group of 10 Great Blue Herons were roosting.
At Ponquogue Beach, we found a beautiful flock of Snow Buntings darting around the dunes, along with our first Yellow-rumped Warblers. Driving toward the usual Dune Road stops—Tiana, Hot Dog Beach, and Triton—we searched the wetlands for previously reported Short-eared Owls and a Bittern. No luck, but we did see Harriers.
During our parking lot lunch break, we saw a large group of Song Sparrows, Juncos, and a quickly passing flock of Dunlin.
Moving on to Eastport Ponds, we encountered even more avian activity. We were immediately presented with hundreds of Canada Geese and American Black Ducks, along with a healthy sprinkling of other species. Our group soon picked out several beautiful Canvasbacks, dozens of American Wigeon and Lesser Scaup, and even a well-camouflaged Double-crested Cormorant.
Across the street, we found three gorgeous adult Black-crowned Night Herons, a nice group of songbirds, woodpeckers, and a Belted Kingfisher to end the day.
We wrapped up around 3:45. It was a beautiful day spent in great company, both human and avian alike.
Species List
Snowy Owl
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Wigeon
Mallard
American Black Duck
Canvasback
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Common Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Black-bellied Plover
Dunlin
Bonaparte’s Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Blue Heron
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Carolina Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Snow Bunting
Dark-eyed Junco
Savanna Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
