(9-20) Quest For Migrants at Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Tilden...

Fall Migration, is in full swing and many birders are out and about in search of migrants.  Birding Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn on Monday turned up a few birds with the most notable bird being a DICKCISSEL (seen twice) moving around and feeding on grass seeds. Other notables included SWAINSON's THRUSH, NASHVILLE WARBLER and several MAGNOLIA WARBLERS.

Common Yellowthroats kept popping up instead of a Connecticut Warbler :)

The 4 Buff-breasted Sandpipers continued in the field across from the aviator center; however, they seemed very skittish and took flight several times while I watched them via scope views from the parking lot. This, was quite in contrast to a few weeks ago when these birds appeared very comfortable allowing many folks to get close to them with their point and shoot cameras for photos. Maybe these birds are getting ready to move on?  Over on the grasslands there were numerous American Kestrels hunting over the mowed fields. On a conservative count, I estimated well over 40 Kestrels hunting.

Since I am on the topic of birding at Floyd Bennett Field, let me remind readers that there are scheduled public meetings (one already held in Brooklyn); the other to be held in Queens to discuss what politicians are referring to as the "improvements" of Floyd Bennett Field. Are you shuddering as I am at this? The Queens meeting will be held on September 27th, 2010 from 6-8 PM at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Following Floyd Bennett Field, I visited Fort Tilden, where the action was slow probably due to all the activity on the fields.  Nevertheless, I did manage to add a FIELD SPARROW to my day list.   Hopefully, more birds continue to come through and I get to share them with you.

Tags: Floyd Bennett Field, Dickcissel, Fort Tilden