I'm backkkkkk....

[jle...@gmail.com]

I got back from Florida yesterday.  I don't usually fly in the afternoons because the weather is iffy, with rain storms coming up suddenly.  Afternoon flights are often delayed.  No trouble with security, no bad behavior at the gate and the flight was on time and got in early..... but the ticket was the most I ever spent for a trip home. 

Hank met me at Islip and had a Welcome Home gathering at my neighbors. Today we went birding at Jack Levin, a stop at Moore's Woods, a brief stop at the Old Barge spot for OYSTERCATCHERS.  Highlight birds,  RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, a late leaving WHITE-CROWN SPARROW and HAIRY WOODPECKER.  The bad winter had a cost on the little birds, especially CHICKADEES.    We had all the corvids possible, FISH and AMERICAN CROWS, RAVEN and BLUE JAYS.  I'm waiting for a Magpie to appear here!

My convertible didn't start in the morning. Eventually Hank got it to started in the afternoon and we went for a ride.  My Jeep is on its way via Hampton Jitney.....  We took the long way to Goldsmith's Inlet. Saw LONG-TAILS, BUFFLEHEADS, RED-BREAST MERGANSERS, COMMON LOONS and WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS.  All new birds for me!  

Took the long way home because I wanted to see the damage at Town Beach.  Sad.  Jack's Shack..... In the '38, the Shack ended up across the street and in Hurricane Donna, it was knock off its pins..... History.....

Had a good season birding in Florida mostly with Chuck and Pat and some solo birding. I saw KJ in Florida and we birded Wellington Preserve.  I took a trip to Linda's and we got to Merritt Island and Joe Overstreet, two of the favs....I had several 'firsts' in Florida, Clapper Rail, a female Common Eider, a female Ruff, called a Reeve and Field Sparrow.  

So, time to fill the fridge and see neighbors and friends.  See you out there.....