When the cold weather months are upon us , it’s with warm thoughts that we look back on our spring and summer birding. The arrival of our early migrants such as the Gray Catbirds, the bubbly sounds of House Wrens, the stateliness of Rose Breasted Grosbeak. Then comes May and the jewels of the forest, the wood warblers high in the trees, some staying, some passing through. And Orioles whistling for joy and territory.
Every season has it’s own charms and now we are seeing the birds of winter arrive. In late October the Loons, Grebes and Ducks of the north are arriving to spend their winter here along our sound, bays, creeks and estuaries. Compared to the pan arctic areas and prairie potholes of northern Canada where they breed our waters, although cold to us, are like spending the winter in Florida to them. An observer can spend hours watching the Sea Ducks diving for the plentiful food on our sound and bays. My favorite viewing spot is at the south end of Indian Neck Road. Here in Peconic Bay you can see Loons, Grebes, Brant, Greater Scaup, Eiders, Long Tailed Duck, Black, Surf and White-winged Scoters, Common Goldeneye, Buffelhead, Hooded and Red-Breasted Mergansers and Ruddy Ducks. Many of these same species are visible on the Sound. Two spots I like are the parking lot at Goldsmiths Inlet and the views from Horton Point Light. Looking around the rocky areas of Horton Point east to the town beach, you might see the Harlequin Duck, whom I consider the most beautiful of ducks. We have fine lakes and ponds for viewing wildlife. Great Pond near Kenny’s Beach is one. Marratooka Lake is a great place to see Wood Duck, Green Winged Teal, Black Duck. Mallard, Northern Pintail, Blue Winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring Necked Duck and Lesser Scaup.
Gadwall
Northern Pintail
Lets not forget the winter woodland birds, There are so many new preserves to walk and ramble through such as Laurel Lake, Dam Pond, Arshamomaque, Wolf, and Downs Farm, just to name a few. In these woodlands you might look up into the evergreens and see a sleeping Owl. If it's not too frozen then Belted Kingfishers will still be at the forest edge near wetlands or ponds. There could be four species of woodpecker, and of course the irrepressible Chickadees, Titmouse and in winter Red and White Breasted Nuthatch. In recent years the Carolina Wren, as well as Robins have extended their winter range into our area. Of course there's the beautiful Northern Cardinal, don't wait for your holiday cards to see them.
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Beaches at Orient Point State Park will have Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs. And your backyard birds of winter such as the White Throated Sparrow and the Dark Eyed Junco. The pink billed Junco also known as the snowbird is a winter resident to enjoy. Principally a ground feeder and not too talkative in winter The junco if seen in the north country in summer stays high in the trees and has a rich trilling song. We are lucky to see it in winter so a feeder will definitely attract these birds. Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of our year round residents such as the Cardinal. A suet feeder will bring Red bellied, Downy, Hairy and Northern Flicker, all are great woodpeckers. It’s easy to overlook the common yearound birds we have here. I have seen birders from Europe marvel at our Bluejays. So give them all a second look. Winter can be a time of Plenty if you just look around.
by RICK KEDENBURG