Post Migration 2025

[jle...@gmail.com]

I'm exhausted.... Rest day and I'm sitting in jammies to write and reflect on the migration. I'm smelling smoke for all the fires. Maybe should put in the AC.....

With good Southwest winds bought species to the Island and the North Fork and climate change has brought changes to species seen. I birded a lot since I got back from Florida. Mostly with Hank but also solo, with Peggy and Linda.  Since returning, I went to Connecticut for business and pleasure and had a mini-reunion of Southold High School friends so I've been busy.

I've been concentrating on the North Shore, EPCAL and Calverton, Preston Ponds Complex, Frank Melville, Fuch's Pond, Chandler Estate, Cordwood Path and a new place for me and Hank, Hangerman Park in Rocky Point, Jack Levin and Dam Pond. Hitting Bayard and Timber Point once. No wonder I'm exhausted!  I'm not a young as I used to be!

I've seen rare birds, SUMMER TANAGER, BLUE GROSBEAK, HOODED, MOURNING, PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS and saw and heard both YELLOW-BILLED and BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, heard and seen SWAINSON'S THRUSH, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER and BROAD-WINGED HAWK.  

One thing that concerned me is the CHICKADEE population.  Chickadee are the bravest bird in the forests!  The populations are plummeted.  We've have experienced two-three years of fires burning and it effected the small birds, less with the TITMOUSE. I think all the local species are being effective.  The climate deniers are hunting ALL of us, people and species.  We are so screwed.

I have had a few tick bites.  Sigh.... In spite of all the precautions I take, be careful out there.

So, time to concentrate on other things.  Seeing non-birding friends, family, make doctor appointments and the visitors.  Got to get deck furniture out of the garage. My kitchen garden is finally planted. Extended family is coming in June celebrated cousin Carol's 80th birthday! Yikes!  Life goes on.....