More Loonage

Saturday, April 27, 2019,

Two posts back, I shared a pair of photos of a Loon I had encountered in Stony Brook Harbor. Those photos were well received both here and on Facebook. So, here are two more for you to peruse. They are all of the same bird, but what a beauty this bird is. Loons in breeding plumage are truly a sight to behold. JK.

JK

All Dressed Up

Tuesday, April 23, 2019,

This is a Common Loon in all it’s breeding plumage glory. This is one beautiful bird. Loons often winter here on Long Island before heading north to breed and raise families. Unfortunately, their winter plumage is very plain. It’s not until Spring that they get that black and white checked body and neck or that wonderful green cummerbund on the lower part of the neck. This particular bird is one of the final holdouts left here on the Island. I imagine he’ll be gone by next week or even sooner but in the meantime, it is a real treat to see such a  magnificent bird in the harbor. JK

JK

Gull in Flight

Friday, March 30, 2018,

This is the Greater Black-backed Gull, the biggest and baddest gull in the world. This is the gull that other gulls wish they could grow up to be. Maybe because some of those other, smaller, gulls sometimes end up being eaten by these tyrants.

Yes, the Greater Black-backed Gull is the bully on the beach. When he’s not kicking sand on some poor scrawny peace and sand loving bird, he’s eating their chicks or their eggs. These gulls have even been attack and devour full grown ducks. Nobody can count themselves safe around these guys. JK.

JK