December 27, 2025 marked the 71st Central Suffolk Christmas Bird Count.
Extending from Smith Point and Cupsogue County Parks north to Lake
Panamoka, and from Gabreski Airport in Westhampton to the Suffolk County
Farm in Yaphank, this count includes ocean, bay, marshland, pond, farm
field, wooded area, and a massive residential habitat.
The second snowstorm of the season dumped 6 inches of snow across the
circle, beginning the evening before and ending mid morning on count day.
Plowed in driveways and messy roads made it impossible or too dangerous for
many participants to venture out into the field, but many were able to stay
indoors and conduct feeder watches instead. Those that were able to drive
were greatly rewarded by many species!
Notable highlights of the day in the field included Iceland Gull, Virginia
Rail, Baltimore Oriole, Rusty Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Saltmarsh
Sparrow, Lapland Longspur, Northern Saw-whet and Long-eared Owl.
All together tallied were 115 species on count day, with an additional 3
species noted during count week of Cackling Goose, Redhead, and Pine
Warbler, bringing the total to 118.
Our compilation dinner was held in Eastport and hosted with many thanks to
the Eastern Long Island Audubon Society who has sponsored the count since
1967. Participants warmed up with hot drinks and delicious food catered by
Mary’s in Speonk and shared their stories from the day.
Thank you so much to all of our participants that made this year a great
success despite the snow. They are truly as hardy as the birds that
overwinter on Long Island! Next year’s count is planned for Sunday,
December 27, 2026 and we hope you can join us! Email me if you’d like to
be included on our mailing list.
