Loading...
January 11, 1990 - 97 Species Counted; 1 Counter FrozenMO The Suffolk Times -' January VT,* 1990 97 Species Counted. By Paul Stoutenburyh Last week we flew to Gardiners Island with 40 mph winds and temperatures in the low 20s for our part in the Montauk Christmas Bird Count. You will re- member my part was to count all the birds on the sand spit to the south and I had just crossed a channel in my hip - boots. I was trying to warm myself up by clapping and stomping and in doing so my commotion aroused three horned larks feeding in the sand and stones of the frozen beach. Here they had found their niche in the food chain. No one else was willing to claim their wild ter- ritory. Here they would pick up seeds that somehow had been lodged amongst the grains of sand. Here they'll stay, feeding on what appears to me the im- possible. Few will ever know their struggle for survival. Through eons of time Nature has developed extra -long toenails so that they can cling to the frozen ground de- spite winter's wind. These little sand - colored birds, as small as a sparrow, are one of my favorites for they seem to survive despite the odds. The stones of the beach made walking difficult but good walking boots came in handy. Off to the east a small flock of ducks winged its way slowly into the wind. They seemed oblivious to my presence and flew over my head. Red - breasted mergansers — their long sword -like bills, light underparts and Thursday means The Suffolk Times To keep your birds warm this winter. bird bath heaters Focus on Nature quick wing beat gave them away. A group of brant seemed satisfied to paddle further offshore as I approached They're not too common out here but evidently there is enough sea vegetation to sup- port them. Eel grass is what they love and I know it lies off these shores for I dove here years ago. I plodded along, the wind and cold try- ing every trick to discourage me, but I carried my own bag of tricks with my warm clothing, down hat and energy from Barbara's snacks and, of course, that will to survive. They'd have to do better than that to make me give up for I loved the challenge of it all. It's some- thing few people will ever experience. Now a small flock of scaup flew over. How I remember these ducks of 50 years ago when they ruled in our bays and how I wish they would return. Then there were another hundred more blank ducks I'd add to the list. These sprung out of the water as if they had been shot at. There was a haze when they left as they beat the water with their wings. As they rose they showed the white under their flashing wings. Tough Little Birds Then I saw three — no, four small shorebirds. This is what I was looking for. They were almost white. Despite my windblown binoculars, I could see they were sanderlings, that tough little race of shorebirds that sometimes is left behind when all the rest go south. Whatever possesses a few stragglers to hang around rather than move with their fellow migrants we'll never know. They seem so cold and out of place, their lit- tle feet in the cold water and occasion- ally their little bills dipping to pick some morsel up. I couldn't disturb them for they need to conserve every bit of energy; so I walked up the beach and around them, leaving them to their food gathering. Any faltering and they'd soon be victims of the patrolling gulls to whom any food, dead or alive, is fair game. Now widgeons flew by. Here again these seemed out of place for we usually see them in the freshwater ponds on the island but now the ponds were all frozen over. Later I'd see them close in shore feeding on seaweeds of sorts. Further offshore I could see goldeneyes, those true winter ducks who always seem to Photo by Paul Stouter COMMON GOLDENEYE—A true winter duck, this visitor from north Is called whistler by the duck hunters because on quiet day wings make a distinct whistling sound. breathing deeply. Bundled up as I was and fighting the wind, sand and spray was real work. Almost down at the end was a•huge mass of gulls resting on the beach. I wanted to look them over to see if I could find any white ones. If so, they'd be from the north and rare visi- tors; glaucous gulls, Iceland gulls, or perhaps the little ivory gull. But no, none was there. As I approached the whole flock arose in unison and I could see that half of them were herring gulls, the other half black- backed gulls. They veered off and settled in the water downwind to continue their resting. My walk back was no easier. My ex- posed face was taking a beating and I'd often cover it with my large gloves. It seemed so much better then. I again jumped my tiny shorebird and was able to see more distinct markings this time and to make a more positive identifica- tion. I'm sure it was a semi- palmated sandpiper. A marsh hawk got up in front of me as I crossed a large patch of dune grass. He was probably feeding on mice that somehow live amongst the driftwood and grasses. I've often picked up big planks and found their tunnels and nests securely hidden from the predators above. Once again my shoes came off and I waded across the now -high tide that 1 A HEAP of Hell) 1 crept perilously close to the top o boots. Another hour and I woul have made it. I met Peter and we sl hot chocolate and more energy -gi foods. The rest of the day was adding to our list 'til the lowering told us we had to be back at the pla Once in and packed we were of off in no time for the wind did its in lifting us. On our way home 1,000 feet, the outside wind was b ing 50 mph and the temperature ar 10 degrees. It was a bumpy ride 1 but an exciting adventure in birding Orient Christmas Count Following is a list of the 97 spy and 19,867 individuals seen on Orient Christmas Bird Count. Common Loon. 10. Horned (:rrb._ Great Cormorant, 1, Double -cr. Connors Great Blue Heron, 24, Tundra Swan, 1, Swan, 103, Brant, 1, Canada Goose, 1 Wood Duck, 2, Green- winged Teal American Black Duck, 3,246, Mallard, Northern Pintail, 11, Gadwall, 40. Wigeon, 1, Canvasback, 157, Ring -nc Duck, 6, Greater Scaup, 49, Lesser Scan' Oldsquaw, 799, Bladt Scoter, 1, Surf S 12, White- winged Scoter, 362, Scoter 1,505, •Common Goldeneye, t Bufllehead, 653, Red - breasted Mergans, Northern harrier, 15. Sharp- shinned Hawk, 7, Red - tailed 15, American Kestrel, 5, Ring -ne Pheasant, 5, N. Bobwhite, 31, Clapper 1, Ruddy Turnatone, 40, Sanderling Purple Sandpiper, 3, Common Snip American Woodcock, 1, Bonaparte's Gi Ring - billed Gull, 233, Herring Gull, 2 Great BI-backed Gull, 371, Rock Dove, Mournine Dove. 352. Common Ram 0 Ul haler,. Vii W LUG Ga L a .pilau £AVGa of ducks winged its way slowly into the wind. They seemed oblivious to my presence and flew over my head. Red - breasted mergansers - their long sword -like bills, light underparts and Thursday means The Suffolk Times To keep your birds warm this winter, bird bath heaters plus... • 75 Different Bitdfeeders • Audubon Squirrel - Proof Feeder •'Aviarium' window feeder • Full line of Binoculars • Spotting Scopes •Tripods • 7 Types of Seed/Suet • Birdhouses • Purple Martin Houses • Birdbaths • Feld Guides • 135 Book Titles •'Gone Binding' VCR Game are Birdwatcker's Companion North Road, (County Road 48) Southold • 765 -5872 Open dally 10.6 (Sunday 12-5) Closed Monday and Wednesday Ir.' .ti l ti their wings. As they rose they showed the white under their flashing wings. Tough Little Birds Then I saw three - no, four small shorebirds. This is what I was looking for. They were almost white. Despite my windblown binoculars, I could see they were sanderlings, that tough little race of shorebirds that sometimes is left behind when all the rest go south. Whatever possesses a few stragglers to hang around rather than move with their fellow migrants we'll never know. They seem so cold and out of place, their lit- tle feet in the cold water and o^,. sion- ally their little bills dipping to pick some morsel up. I couldn't disturb them for they need to conserve every bit of energy; so I walked up the beach and around them, leaving them to their food gathering. Any faltering and they'd soon be victims of the patrolling gulls to whom any food, dead or alive, is fair game. Now widgeons flew by. Here again these seemed out of place for we usually see them in the freshwater ponds on the island but now the ponds were all frozen over. Later I'd see them close in shore feeding on seaweeds of sorts. Further offshore I could see goldeneyes, those true winter ducks who always seem to enjoy themselves no matter what the weather. After all they were under water more than they were above, searching the bottom for food; there it was warm and still compared to the wild sea above. Oldsquaw ducks moved about feeding in the shallow bottoms nearby. They, too, paid little attention to the cold and wind. Then, almost under my feet, a small shorebird got up and darted around and then headed up the beach. I'd seen its shape before. It was one of the smallest of our shorebirds, a "peep" as the gun- ners called them, a semi - palmated sand- piper as the birders call them. This was a real find. I'd double -check it on my way back for I knew it wouldn't leave the area with this tempest blowing. Gulls on the Beach When I stopped to check on this tiny bit of fluff I realized how strenuous the walking had been for I was puffing and. beach. I wanted to look them over to see if I could find any white ones. If so, they'd be from the north and rare visi- tors; glaucous gulls, Iceland gulls, or perhaps the little ivory gull. But no, none was there. As I approached the whole flock arose in unison and I could see that half of them were herring gulls, the other half black - backed gulls. They veered off and settled in the water downwind to continue their resting. My walk back was no easier. My ex- posed face was taking a beating and I'd often cover it with my large gloves. It seemed so much better then. I again jumped my tiny shorebird and was able to see more distinct markings this time and to make a more positive identifica- tion. I'm sure it was a semi - palmated sandpiper. A marsh hawk got up in front of me as I crossed a large patch of dune grass. He was probably feeding on mice that somehow live amongst the driftwood and grasses. I've often picked up big planks and found their tunnels and nests securely hidden from the predators above. Once again my shoes came off and I waded across the now -high tide that A HEAP of Help GREENPORT -If your heating expenses are more than you can handle, you may be eligible for a federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program grant. A HEAP representative is available to give information and handle applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the CAST office at 110 South St., Greenport. The program is offered through the North Fork Housing Alliance. For more information, call 477 -1070. The Alliance is currently accepting applications for a weatherization program sponsored by the Suffolk County Development Corporation. Contact Marilyn Sierra at 477 -1070 for information about what kind of work can be performed and eligibility requirements. foods. The rest of the day was si adding to our list 'til the lowering told us we had to beback at the plan Once in and packed we were up off in no time for the wind did its in lifting us. On our way home 1,000 feet, the outside wind was bl ing 50 mph and the temperature arc 10 degrees. It was a bumpy ride t but an exciting adventure in birding, Orient Christmas Count Following is a list of the 97 spe and 19,867 individuals seen on Orient Christmas Bird Count. Common Loon, 10, Honied Gy be, Great Cormorant, 1, Double -cr. Connorai Great Blue Heron, 24, Tundra Swan, 1, 1 Swan, 103, Brant, 1, Canada Goose, 1, Wood Duck, 2, Green- winged Teal, American Black Duck, 3,246, Mallard, Northern Pintail, 11, Gadwall, 40, Wigeon, 1, Canvasback, 157, Ring -ne Duck, 6, Greater Scaup, 49, Lesser Scan; Oldsquaw, 799, Black Scoter, 1, Surf Sc 12, White - winged Scoter, 362, Scoter 1,505, •Common Goldeneye, 1, Bufflehead, 653, Red - breasted Mergans, Northern Harrier, 15. Sharp - shinned Hawk, 7, Red - tailed 11 15, American Kestrel, 5, Ring -ne Pheasant, 5, N. Bobwhite, 31, Clapper 1, Ruddy Turnstone, 40, Sanderling, Purple Sandpiper, 3, Common Snipe American Woodcock, 1, Bonaparte': Gu Ring - billed Gull, 233, Herring Gull, 2 Great Bl•backed Gull, 371, Rock Dove, Mourning Dove, 352, Common Bam Ov E. Screech Owl, 5, Great Horned Ow Long -eared Owl, 1, Belted Kingfisher, Red - bellied Woodpecker, 23, YL-bel Sapsucker, '., Downy Woodpecker, 47, Woodpecker, 7, Northern Flicker, Horned Lark, 72, Blue Jay, 307, Ann Crow, 223. Black- capped Chickadee, 320, T Titmouse, 88, Red- breasted Nuthatcl White- breasted Nuthatch, 51, Brown Cn 4, Carolina Wren, 72, Winter Wrei Eastern Bluebird, 14, Hermit Thrus: American Robin, 67, Grey Catbird, Mockingbird, 62, Brown Thrashes European Starling, 1,662, Yellow -ru. Ws 142, Pine Warbler, 1, Common Yellowt 1, N. Cardinal, 180, Rufous -sided Towh American Tree Sparrow, 43, Field Spa 12, Vesper Sparrow, 1, Savannah Sparrc Sharp - tailed Sparrow, 2, Seaside Sparra Fox Sparrow, 4, Song Sparrow, 458, S, Sparrow, 25, White - throated Sparrow, Dark -eyed Junco, 140, Lapland Longspi Snow Bunting, 22, Red - winged Blacl 391, Eastern Meadowlark, 46, F Blackbird, 3, Br.- headed Cowbird, 1, 1 Finch, 408, American Goldfinch, 9, 1 Sparrow, 240. . - , 810 The Suffolk Times • January 11, 1990 97 Species Counted; 1 Counter Frozen By Paul Stoutenburah Last week we flew to Gardiners Island with 40 mph winds and temperatures in the low 20s for our part in the Montauk Christmas Bird Count. You will re- member my part was to count all the birds on the sand spit to the south and I had just crossed a channel in my hip - boots. I was trying to warm myself up by clapping and stomping and in doing so my commotion aroused three horned larks feeding in the sand and stones of the frozen beach. Here they had found their niche in the food chain. No one else was willing to claim their wild ter- ritory. Here they would pick up seeds that somehow had been lodged amongst the grains of sand. Here they'll stay, feeding on what appears to me the im- possible. Few will ever know their struggle for survival. Through eons of time Nature has developed extra -long toenails so that they can cling to the frozen ground de- spite winter's wind. These little sand - colored birds, as small as a sparrow, are one of my favorites for they seem to survive despite the odds. The stones of the beach made walking difficult but good walking boots came in handy. Off to the east a small flock of ducks winged its way slowly into the wind. They seemed oblivious to my presence and flew over my head. Red - breasted mergansers - their long sword -like bills, light underparts and Thursday means The Suffolk Times O O Jkix)� To keep your birds warm this winter, bird bath heaters plus... • 75 Different Birdfeeders • Audubon Squirrel -Proof Feeder • 'Aviarium' window feeder • Full line of Binoculars • Spotting Scopes • Tripods • 7 Types of Seed /Suet • Birdhouses • Purple Martin Houses • Birdbaths • Field Guides • 135 Book Tides • 'Gone Birding' VCR Game Tee Birdwatcher s Q) Companion North Road, (County Road 48) Southold • 765 -5872 Open dally 10-5 (Sunday 12 -5) Cloned Monday and Wednesday Focus on Nature quick wing beat gave them away. A group of brant seemed satisfied to paddle further offshore as I approached. They're not too common out here but evidently there is enough sea vegetation to sup- port them. Eel grass is what they love and I know it lies off these shores for I dove here years ago. I plodded along, the wind and cold try- ing every trick to discourage me, but I carried my own bag of tricks with my warm clothing, down hat and energy from Barbara's snacks and, of course, that will to survive. They'd have to do better than that to make me give up for I loved the challenge of it all. It's some- thing few people will ever experience. Now a small flock of Scaup flew over. How I remember these ducks of 50 years ago when they ruled in our bays and how I wish they would return. Then there were another hundred more black ducks I'd add to the list. These sprung out of the water as if they had been shot at. There was a haze when they left as they beat the water with their wings. As they rose they showed the white under their flashing wings. Tough Little Birds Then I saw three - no, four small shorebirds. This is what I was looking for. They were almost white. Despite my windblown binoculars, I could see they were sanderlings, that tough little race of shorebirds that sometimes is left behind when all the rest go south. Whatever possesses a few stragglers to hang around rather than move with their fellow migrants we'll never know. They seem so cold and out of place, their lit- tle feet in the cold water and occasion- ally their little bills dipping to pick some morsel up. I couldn't disturb them for they need to conserve every bit of energy; so I walked up the beach and around them, leaving them to their food gathering. Any faltering and they'd soon be victims of the patrolling gulls to whom any food, dead or alive, is fair game. Now widgeons flew by. Here again these seemed out of place for we usually see them in the freshwater ponds on the island but now the ponds were all frozen over. Later I'd see them close in shore feeding on seaweeds of sorts. Further offshore I could see goldeneyes, those true winter ducks who always seem to enjoy themselves no matter what the weather. After all they were under water more than they were above, searching the bottom for food; there it was warm and still compared to the wild sea above. Oldsquaw ducks moved about feeding in the shallow bottoms nearby. They, too, paid little attention to the cold and wind. Then, almost under my feet, a small shorebird got up and darted around and then headed up the beach. I'd seen its shape before. It was one of the smallest of our shorebirds, a "peep" as the gun- ners called them, a semi - palmated sand- piper as the birders call them. This was a real find. I'd double -check it on my way back for I knew it wouldn't leave the area with this tempest blowing. Gulls on the Beach When I stopped to check on this tiny bit of fluff I realized how strenuous the walking had been for I was puffitlg jaud., Photo by Paul Stoutenburgl COMMON GOLDENEYE -A true winter duck, this visitor from the north is called whistler by the duck hunters because on quiet days its wings make a distinct whistling sound. breathing deeply. Bundled up as I was and fighting the wind, sand and spray was real work. Almost down at the end was a huge mass of gulls resting on the beach. I wanted to look them over to see if I could find any white ones. If so, they'd be from the north and rare visi- tors; glaucous gulls, Iceland gulls, or perhaps the little ivory gull. But no, none was there. As I approached the whole flock arose in unison and I could see that half of them were herring gulls, the other half black - backed gulls. They veered off and settled in the water downwind to continue their resting. My walk back was no easier. My ex- posed face was taking a beating and I'd often cover it with my large gloves. It seemed so much better then. I again jumped my tiny shorebird and was able to see more distinct markings this time and to make a more positive identifica- tion. I'm sure it was a semi - palmated sandpiper. A marsh hawk got up in front of me as I crossed a large patch of dune grass. He was probably feeding on mice that somehow live amongst the driftwood and grasses. I've often picked up big planks and found their tunnels and nests securely hidden from the predators above. Once again my shoes came off and I waded across the now -high tide that A HEAP of Help GREENPORT -If your heating expenses are more than you can handle, you may be eligible for a federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program grant. A HEAP representative is available to give information and handle applications on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the CAST office at 110 South St., Greenport. The program is offered through the North Fork Housing Alliance. For more information, call 477 -1070. The Alliance is currently accepting applications for a weatherization program sponsored by the Suffolk County Development Corporation. Contact Marilyn Siena at 477 -1070 for information about what kind of work can be performed and eligibility requirements. crept perilously close to the top of my boots. Another hour and I wouldn't have made it. I met Peter and we shared hot chocolate and more energy- giving foods. The rest of the day was spent adding to our list 'til the lowering sun told us we had to be back at the plane. Once in and packed we were up and off in no time for the wind did its part in lifting us. On our way home, at 1,000 feet, the outside wind was blow- ing 50 mph and the temperature around 10 degrees. It was a bumpy ride back but an exciting adventure in birding. Orient Christmas Count Following is a list of the 97 species and 19,867 individuals seen on the Orient Christmas Bird Count. Common Loon, 10, Horned Grebe, 13, Great Cormorant, 1, Double -cr. Cormorant, 1, Great Blue Heron, 24, Tundra Swan, 1, Mute Swan, 103, Brant, 1, Canada Goose, 1,148, Wood Duck, 2, Green - winged Teal, 3, American Black Duck, 3,246, Mallard, 738, Northern Pintail, 11, Gadwall, 40, Am. Wigeon, 1, Canvasback, 157, Ring- necked Duck, 6, Greater Scaup, 49, Lesser Scaup, 15, Oldsquaw, 799, Black Scoter, 1, Surf Scoter, 12, White - winged Scoter, 362, Scoter sp., 1,505, Common Goldeneye, 1,008, Bufflehead, 653, Red - breasted Mergans, 202, Northern Harrier, 15. Sharp- shinned Hawk, 7, Red - tailed hawk, 15, American Kestrel, 5, Ring- necked Pheasant, 5, N. Bobwhite, 31, Clapper Rail, 1, Ruddy Turnstone, 40, Sanderling, 13, Purple Sandpiper, 3, Common Snipe, 2, American Woodcock, 1, Bonaparte's Gull, 3, Ring - billed Gull, 233, Herring Gull, 2,331, Great Bl- backed Gull, 371, Rock Dove, 179, Mourning Dove, 352, Common Barn Owl, 1, E. Screech Owl, 5, Great horned Owl, 4, Long -eared Owl, 1, Belted Kingfisher, 13, Red - bellied Woodpecker, 23, Yl.- bellied Sapsucker, 1, Downy Woodpecker, 47, Iiairy Woodpecker, 7, Northern Flicker, 100, Homed Lark, 72, Blue Jay, 307, American Crow, 223. Black- capped Chickadee, 320, Tufted Titmouse, 88, Red - breasted Nuthatch, 5, White- breasted Nuthatch, 51, Brown Creeper, 4, Carolina Wren, 72, Winter Wren, 5, Eastern Bluebird, 14, Hermit Thrush, 8, American Robin, 67, Grey Catbird, 5, N. Mockingbird, 62, Brown Thrasher, 1, European Starling, 1,662, Yellow -ru. Warbler, 142, Pine Warbler, 1, Common Yellowthroat, 1, N. Cardinal, 180, Rufous -sided Towhee, 9, American Tree Sparrow, 43, Field Sparrow, 12, Vesper Sparrow, 1, Savannah Sparrow, 2, Sharp- tailed Sparrow, 2, Seaside Sparrow, 1, Fox Sparrow, 4, Song Sparrow, 458, Swamp Sparrow, 25, White - throated Sparrow, 837, Dark -eyed Junco, 140, Lapland Longspur, 2, Snow Bunting, 22, Red - winged Blackbird, 391, Eastern Meadowlark, 46, Rusty Blackbird, 3, Br.- headed Cowbird, 1, House Finch, 408, American Goldfinch, 9, House Sparrow, 240.