As I arrived at Cupsogue , 4 of the earlier birders were on their way out, all giving me high hopes for a successful hunt. Low tide made getting to the flats easy, while making my bathing suit "overkill". Upon arrival I found 4 birders, Dick Bolanger, Aaron Virgin and Tom Moran, all whom I knew, and Jim Cullen, whom I met for the first time. During my approach, what looked to me to be "stint-study-time", turned out to be 4 guys trying to locate the bird. Jim, it turns out, had arrived before the others and had seen the Red-necked Stint, before the bird was flushed by someone/ something. This unfortunate turn of events was followed (in just a few minutes} by the arrival of the afore mentioned trio. After a good amount of time and a thorough search, we decided to look for the stint at the Westhampton Dunes "Overlook", which also proved to be unsuccessful.
Although we missed the prize, among the many Common Terns, we did pick out a 1st year Arctic Turn, a single Roseate Tern and 2 Black Terns (I in full alternate & I in 3/4 alternate plumages). While leaving the flats, I also found my FOS Western Willet, which Aaron got to see too. Also seen at Cupsogue were 3 Red Knots, ~ 10 short-billed Dowitchers, 2 Saltmarsh Sharpe-tailed Sparrows and 2 Seaside Sparrows, both carrying food. Cheers, Bob -- 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/ --
