Sampson SP 11/16/24

On Saturday, November 16,  nine dauntless explorers set out to see what could be seen at Sampson Naval Base.

Present were Allyn P., Steve & Linda B., Bruce & Carol K., Lyn J., Holly N., and Steve & Lori V.

It was very quiet, bird-wise, but we had some interesting looks along the way, including four female Turkeys traipsing across the yard as we waited for folks to show up.

First stop was the marina in search of Common Loons. Two were spotted, fairly close to shore, and as soon as Lyn wished one would call, it did. Quite a moment. A bit further along we spotted a few Snow Buntings foraging in a crack in the walkway. Very busy birds, and not too concerned by our presence. At the same location were several Ring-billed Gulls lined up on a picnic table - a really nice photo-op, but no one brought a camera. Nearby was a lone American Herring Gull, obviously injured - bright red streak across the flank and quite a bit of pinkish staining on or above the wing.

It was very blustery by the water, so we moved into the woods for the remainder of our time. A nice walk on a sunny day, but not much in the way of birds.

Sampson SP, Seneca, New York, US

Nov 16, 2024 7:41 AM - 8:54 AM

Protocol: Traveling

1.09 mile(s)

14 species

Mallard  2

Wild Turkey  4 Female

Ring-billed Gull  14

American Herring Gull  1

Common Loon  2  Observed diving amid the waves. Gave one call.

Bald Eagle  2  Perched in a tree near the eagle statue next to the museum.

American Crow  19

White-breasted Nuthatch  1

Carolina Wren  2

European Starling  10

Northern Mockingbird  1

Snow Bunting  3  Foraging on and next to the lakeside sidewalk, alternately hunkering low in the grass against a chill wind off the lake. Between the marina and the playground.

Dark-eyed Junco  1

Northern Cardinal  1

Submitted 11/18/23

Steve VanKirk