New Haven area - Roughie, Harley, Barrow's Goldeneye & hybrid, and Iceland Gulls

Winter birding can feel a bit static at times, especially in late January when birds have settled into their wintering grounds and spring migration has yet to begin. A big storm or drastic weather change can spice things up, though. I always enjoy birding after deep freezes or major snow events, as birds can be forced to move around, even if only locally. But even a minor change in position due to weather could reveal an interesting bird that was previously undiscovered. A rare goose or duck that was along a private stretch of river might be forced to more visible water. Or a vagrant sparrow that was wintering on the wrong side of a farm field could be pushed to a patch of dirt exposed by a snow plow.

Last weekend's nor'easter dumped 1-2 feet of snow throughout southern New England and beyond. This was followed by the coldest air of the season, and that's saying something this year! We've enjoyed an "old school" winter for the first time in a while. So, given all that, I was eager to spend some time in the field today, with a focus on New Haven Harbor.

On my way to the coast I diverted to a segment of the Quinnipiac River that often holds waterfowl and gulls during winter, and I could see from the highway that there was open water. Sure enough the area was loaded with birds. Plenty of Canada Geese and Herring Gulls to sort through. Among the Common Goldeneye was a first winter male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, a plumage that probably goes underreported. The bird's head & bill profile were classic, with short bill, steep forehead, and puffy "mane." The white crescent on the face was forming and actually seen quite well in the scope at moderate distance. Sadly I didn't carry my camera with me, as I could have gotten at least OK images of that bird. On the marina docks by the car was a first cycle "KUMLIEN'S" ICELAND GULL, the first of three on the day.

"Kumlien's" Iceland Gull

Laying eyes on the harbor for the first time in a while, I was amazed at how extensive the ice was. Most of the upper harbor was iced in. I hadn't seen it like this in years, if ever. After a delicious burrito from the Long Wharf taco trucks (where another ICELAND GULL was hanging out), I headed over to Lighthouse Point where I figured I would find more open water. Immediately upon stepping out of the car I looked up naked eye to see a light morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK gliding westward. Fantastic views as it streamed overhead, towards the lighthouse, and out over the harbor. This is classic behavior and route for the migrating raptors we observe here during autumn. This bird was likely on the move in search of better hunting real estate. This is a species that is prone to mid-winter irruptions following big snowstorms, so it was kinda on my radar today.

Rough-legged Hawk

I walked around Lighthouse a bit, seeing a third ICELAND GULL on the water to the east, but not much in the way of landbirds at all.

The last stop of the day was at nearby East Haven Town Beach. Scoping to the west I spotted a male hybrid COMMON x BARROW'S GOLDENEYE, a hybrid that I haven't seen in a while. While following that bird, a drake HARLEQUIN DUCK popped into view. Views were distant, but acceptable.

Harlequin Duck

hybrid goldeneye

hybrid at left

hybrid center

hybrid at left

On the hybrid goldeneye, two things popped even from a distance. First, the teardrop-shaped white patch on the face is intermediate between parent species. Also, it had a bit more black on the upperparts than the adjacent Commons, notably with a bit of extra black where the spur exists on a pure male Barrow's.

It was a gorgeous day to be outside, though the thermometer probably scared some folks from outdoor activities. The sun was actually quite warm, and the lack of wind was appreciated. Luckily there were plenty of good birds to be found, perhaps in part thanks to the recent weather.

 - Nick