A few new birds came in this morning -- notably Red-eyed Vireos (first of season around here, I believe) and a few more American Redstarts (all females and 1st year males). Also around: Ruby-throated Hummingbird, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hairy (as well as Downy and Red-bellied) Woodpeckers, Common Yellowthroat, Black-and-white Warblers. Looked for the Olive-sided Flycatcher but didn't find it. There are ten species of flycatchers in northeastern North America that show up here regularly as breeders or migrants (plus two or three others that are vagrants from afar); we've had seven or eight of them so far this year.
A smallish falcon was zipping around Pine Neck hugging the tree tops and roiling up the Crows. From its flight pattern and silhouette and the habitat, I would say that it was a Merlin rather than a Kestrel (Merlins like woodlands more than Kestrels and I often see them at this time of year).
Royal Terns remain active on the creek along with a few Common Terns, Belted Kingfisher, several Osprey and Double-crested Cormorants. And my daughters and granddaughter have been catching snappers (baby Bluefish) at the Town Dock. So, in spite of all the problems with Shinnecock Bay (absence of Shiners, for instance), there are some fish around.
Eric Salzman
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