a hidden woodland

Went with Eileen Schwinn to Western Suffolk (near the Nassau border) to chase a reported Pileated Woodpecker, a very rare bird on Long Island. No Pileated turned up but we found a hidden morainal pine-and-oak woodland in the midst of suburban Suffolk. The spring here is much further along than on the East End and the place was very birdy. There is some reason to believe that a Pileated may have visited but we didn't see it. What we did see was some very active Red-bellied Woodpeckers and N. Flicker as well. There was more. As we walked into the woods, we were greeted by a Least Flycatcher, several warblers and loudly singing Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (at least two, maybe three males with a female or two also seen). Also some loud Baltimore Orioles and a Scarlet Tanager (see photo). Besides the Least Flycatcher, there were also Great Cresteds (but no Wood Pewees). Many Robins but also Hermit and Swainson's Thrushes. Many, many Catbirds; also Black-capped Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatch. 

The strong winds made warbler observation very difficult but nonetheless the following were seen or well heard: N. Parula, Yellow, Chestnut-sided (see photo of the backside of one), Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Pine, Black-and-white, American Redstart, Ovenbird and Common Yellowthroat. There were other warblers, heard but not seen and not securely ID'd. But no Pileated Woodpecker.

Thanks to George Fern for tipping us off about this place. George, who teaches at the nearby SUNY college, actually turned up on the trail and joined us as we birded our way out. The two photos were taken by Eileen on the site in the very windy conditions that prevailed all morning.

P.S.: For some reason, I omitted American Redstart from Sunday's warbler list. That made the Hunters Garden list an even dozen and the day's total 14 species in all. It was not a densely birdy day but, in the end, there was a decent variety of species.

Eric Salzman

14 Randall Lane
P.O. Box 775
East Quogue NY 11942
631 653-3387
es@ericsalzman.com
www.ericsalzman.com