The 2013 Merganser trifecta is complete. In just 4 days, all three merganser species are accounted for , so "getting those out of the way " was quick and easy. This morning Shane Blodgett reported COMMON MERGANSER (COME) , a hen seen well along the northwest shore and Peninsula meadow side.The COME was still being seen as of my lunch hour, very close to the shore, diving and feeding.
If the rare merganser wasn't enough, throw in a LESSER SCAUP too ! Russ saw the scaup with Keir near in reporting this very uncommon species along the northwest shore, with RUDDY DUCKS.
AMERICAN PIPITS are broadening their horizons, now also using the Peninsula Meadow ( Shane Blodgett), 13 birds obviously moving around.. Shane also reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs in the Ravine sweetgum along the Ambergill, and as well , 14 PINE SISKINS in the feeders.YBChat also was seen at the feeders by Russ.
A good winter day birding for some birders today.
PS. COME still present as of 4 pm. Pipits at Baseball Field #2 outside the "diamond" . See later posts.
From
Keir Randall:
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 4, 2013 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
33 species
Canada Goose 300
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 20
Northern Shoveler 45
Lesser Scaup 1 A drake sleeping with Ruddy Ducks on Prospect Lake near L249 (thanks to Russ Alderson). No white spur on side, very pointed head shape. Photos.
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 16 Counted in one sweep of lake.
Common Merganser 1 Found by Shane Blodgett. Hugging the Peninsula meadow shore of Prospect Lake. Female type - chocolate brown head with crisp demarcation to white chest, white chin patch, one big tuft on crest. Photos.
Ruddy Duck 35
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
American Robin 3
European Starling 12
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 16
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 30
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Russ Alderson:
Thanks for the ID on the Scaup, Kier.
I saw the Chat near the Breeze Hill feeders this morning around 9:30. It was actually in the big tree near the viewing area for the feeders, flew across the drive and disappeared in the brushy area.