 March
19, 2010
Spring Hotspots
Spring migration is arguably the most productive time to
go birding on Long Island. Every year millions of
neotropical migrants pass through our area headed to various
points across eastern North America. Perhaps the most
beloved family of these migrants are the warblers, noted for
their flashy plumages and buzzy songs. Being on the coast,
we have the opportunity to view these species and others en
masse, as northbound songbirds tend to be funneled towards
the shore of the Atlantic Ocean by the prevailing westerly
winds. This article will inform you of some of the best
locations for enjoying these species in our area.
The Muttontown Preserve, located
fittingly in Muttontown, is a 550 sanctuary owned by Nassau
County. It has been listed by the National Audubon Society
as an Important Bird Area, and is one of the largest
preserved parcels in the county. Habitats include small
ponds, deciduous forest, open fields, clearings, and areas
of conifers. Birders visit each spring in search of species
such as Blackburnian, Blue-winged, and Chestnut-sided
Warblers, along with a myriad of common species. In the
fall, species such as Connecticut Warbler have been seen.
The preserve can be reached by driving to the end of
Muttontown Lane, which is the first left after Rt. 106 when
coming from the east on 25a.
Another excellent site for migrants in our area is
Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge.
Although small and somewhat limited in terms of habitat, the
refuge nonetheless attracts warblers of numerous species,
including Blackburnian, Canada, and Nashville Warblers. On
occasion, Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers have been seen.
Target Rock NWR can be reached by taking the second left off
of Lloyd Harbor Rd after entering Lloyd’s Neck. The
entrance is clearly marked.
My personal favorite hotspot is the Crab Meadow
complex, composed of the connected Ingraham, Fuchs, Ambro,
and Makamah Preserves. The habitat is extremely varied,
with conifers, deciduous woodland, open field, small ponds
and streams, marsh, and swamp. This naturally makes it
attractive to the more aquatic warblers. A sample of
species seen here includes the uncommon Louisiana
Waterthrush, Blue-winged, Prairie, and Chestnut-sided
Warblers. Also, the rare and gorgeous Prothonotary Warbler
has been seen here. HAS will be fielding a trip to this
site on May 16th.
Something to appreciate about migrants is that they
generally aren’t picky as to which habitat they land in,
which is why common species such as Northern Paula,
Yellow-rumped, and Black-throated Green Warblers can often
be seen in places such as suburban yards. However, these
three hotspots will certainly enhance your enjoyment of
these species and others, by placing you in some of the most
pristine and tranquil preserves on Long Island. |
