Dan's Papers - December 21, 2007

Very few things so tangibly illustrate the health of an ecosystem as the bird species that are able to thrive there. The East End is one of the best places on the East Coast for bird watching, which says a great deal about the dedication and success of preservation efforts. However, this amazing gift with which we as East Enders have been endowed often goes unappreciated. Too often, the only relationship we have with the piping plovers is the hostile confrontation at the fireworks display every Fourth of July. Instead of standing bitterly on the outside of the protection fences, we have an opportunity to join in the ecosystem through the simple, quiet and rewarding process of birdwatching.

Because of its coastal location, many species of birds that are being pushed out of their usual habitats find the East End a sort of last resort before they're pushed out to sea. So they make their home here. This is great news for the East End, because it means many rare and interesting species show up and enjoy the well-established habitats. It's difficult to calculate exactly how many species of birds have made habitats here, but it's well over 300. Most of those birds are migratory, which means they only come to the area for part of the year. Approximately 70 to 100 species live out here year-round (comparable ratios to the humans who find the Hamptons a seasonal spot versus year-rounders).

According to birding enthusiast Dr. Hugh McGuiness, Suffolk County probably records more species of birds than any other county in New York. And the East End is where about 90% of those spottings occur. "The East End is a bird watching gem," he said.

All you need to start appreciating the dynamic bird culture of the East End is a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Then, as a solo observer or as part of a group, you can begin to take in the wealth of bird activity. Once you've gotten your bearings as a birdwatcher, you may increase your toolkit to include a tripod with a scope. Then, you may want a good camera to document the sightings you've made. Over time, you may build your library of specialty books on identifying rare birds. Most people involved with birding go out on their own, but it's important to go out in groups as well. When you go out in groups, you may learn what to look for. But going out on your own, you'll have to do the work of identifying the birds yourself, which will help you learn more. The best time to go is at the first light of dawn. At that time there's a lot of bird activity. You'll find your favorite spots, and there are so many to choose from.

There are many spots on the East End that are particularly significant for bird populations. Mecox Bay, Georgica Pond, Shinnecock Bay and the Calverton grasslands are just a few. However, with the increase in housing development in the past thirty years, many of these ecosystems have suffered. Luckily, the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society and other organizations have helped to keep building in check in important areas. Nonetheless, some species have died out completely from this area due to a variety of factors, like reduction in farmland, waterfront building (especially on ponds and bays), driving on the beach and pets.

Even though most birding enthusiasts go it alone, there is a strong database to which many people contribute. Anyone can check out what species have recently been documented on Dr. McGuiness' web site, www.hmcguiness.com. People alert Dr. McGuiness when they spot a species of bird and he keeps a record. You can find out the date of the sighting, as well as the location and the name of the bird. This casual relationship among fellow birders has turned into an excellent resource for all residents trying to learn about which species they may expect to find out here.

Of course, there are always some surprises. Montauk has historically been a destination for unexpected visitors for the aforementioned reason that it is the last resort before birds are swept out to sea. Dr. McGuiness is hoping to find a Cassin's Kingbird in Montauk this year, as it's had a history of vagrancy. Even though it's native to the western U.S. and makes its migration to Mexico, the Cassin's Kingbird has been spotted in New Jersey, and now folks are looking for the New York tour.

By looking at the East End from the point of view of a birder, you will greatly expand your understanding of the fragile ecosystems out here and their deep significance. You'll understanding why building on one patch of grassland could throw off the balance of the whole ecosystem, leading to the loss of an entire species.

If you are looking to spark this unique relationship with nature, you can happily head out solo with your field guide in tow. But if you feel you need more support, there are plenty of avenues to follow. The Eastern Long Island Audubon Society has a number of trips already scheduled between now and March, and they're free and open to the public. Find out their schedule at www.easternlongislandaudubon.com.

This month, Dr. McGuiness leads a walk in Montauk because, in his own emphatic words, "It's the best place for birding in New York State!" The area is famous for its sea ducks in the winter, so hopefully the group will get to see some of them.

Birds, which generally need intact ecosystems to live their lives, are telltale messengers of the health of an environment. It's a great sign that so many birds find their homes on the East End, and hopefully by increasing our awareness of these creatures, we can appreciate, support and preserve their habitats and ecosystems.