Montauk Nature Walk Recap

It was a cold, overcast, blustery day out in Montauk for the chapter’s field trip on January 7th. But there was a good turnout of participants willing to brave the elements and see some birds that are most easily seen at ‘The End’.

We started by joining a throng of other birders already on the north overlook at Montauk Point State Park. They had already witnessed a good flight of Razorbills, and several Dovekies (aka Little Auk), their smaller alcid cousin. Things had slowed down by the time we came on the scene, but we managed to see some of each, as well as small numbers of sea ducks such as Common Eider, all three scoter species (Black, Surf and White-winged) and other avian denizens that typically inhabit the winter waters off the point, such as loons and gannets.

From there we visited the tried and true locations we usually do on this trip, seeing a few more highlights such as Great Cormorant, Bonaparte’s Gull and Common Goldeneye. It wasn’t the most productive day by past Montauk trip standards, but it was still an enjoyable start to a new year with the birds. John Gluth.