I went over to Hempstead Lake State Park (HJSP) this morning to see if the previously reported Chat was present - no luck. Other birders reported the same results. However, taking my normal "Spring" circuit of the park resulted in a decent variety of birds, including Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Brown Thrasher. The South Pond had Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, American Wigeon, and Ruddy Duck. Fortunately the rain held off and the windless conditions seemed ideal so I proceeded to Jones Beach/West End. There were plenty of Loons in the Inlet, and a smattering of Razorbills (nine total). The previously reported plover buddies (Piping & Semipalmated) were still at the north end of the West End jetty. Three Harlequin Ducks (two males and a female) were off the tip of the west End jetty. The highlight of the trip (bird-wise) were two dowitchers feeding in the brackish pond as viewed from the southeast corner of the WE2 parking lot. These birds were observed among the numerous Black Duck, and often hidden from view. Based on the bill length, and humped-backed appearance while feeding they are probably Long-billed Dowitchers. However, I did not hear them call and couldn't observe critical plumage details in order to be certain.
On the way back from the WE2 jetty there was a seal hauled out on the beach. I took a few photos for identification and being concerned about the seals health, headed down to the T.R. Nature Center to inform the staff of the seals presence. Based on my photos the seal was identified as a Gray Seal pup. The T.R. staff decided to head down the beach to determine the condition of the pup. I will put a few photos of the seal on my flickr site when I clear up some problems with my computer. Ken Feustel -- 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/[email protected]/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/ --
