Shearwater congregations off Montauk Point - 18 Jul 2009

This evening, a mixed feeding flock comprising 171 CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 46 GREAT SHEARWATERS, 1 SOOTY SHEARWATER, 2 MANX SHEARWATER and 3 NORTHERN GANNETS were directly south of the bluffs at Camp Hero near Montauk Point (Suffolk Co.). A similarly sized flock was actively feeding east of the Point but conditions were a bit too hazy to make out much beyond the Cory's and Greats.

A quick stop to look at Rita's Pond, revealed 12 Killdeer, 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 2 Least Sandpipers and a fresh juvenile Glossy Ibis (presumably hatched on Gardiner's Island, where the species may nest). A young Cooper's Hawk flew over the pond, chased by an angry flock of grackles.