Birds Migrating into Riverhead

Thanks for checking out my new blog on the Riverhead Patch.  I'll be posting at least once a week and every post will include at least one of my nature photos taken in or around the area.  In case you haven't checked out my bio - I reside on the East End of Long Island and work for the Town of Brookhaven as an Environmental Analyst.  I attended school at LIU Southampton and finished at SUNY Stony Brook where I earned a degree in Environmental Studies.  I try and get out in nature - be it the woods, the bay, the ocean or anywhere in between - as often as possible and always have my camera.  Lately, I've been doing some photography in Riverhead at a place so many of us drive by daily and would never give a second thought to but this time of year is perfect to stop by for a couple minutes and see what's around.

The spot I'm talking about is actually relatively new to me - I've known about it for years but until this month had never visited it.  It's called the "Lower Peconic River Fishing Station" and is located on the South Side of Main Street directly across from Snowflake Ice Cream.  There is a small, unmarked road that leads to a small parking lot (if you continue down the road you will access a LIPA substation - not a terribly great place to look for wildlife!).   Once here, take a stroll across the bridge checking out both sides of the River looking and listening for birds.  There's an excellent chance of seeing and hearing Baltimore Orioles, the strikingly beautiful Yellow Warbler, the shy Common Yellowthroat and the quick moving Black and White Warbler.  

But keep your eyes peeled!  There are a few other things to be on the lookout for - such as Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Eastern Kingbirds which will catch insects midair over the water and Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows.  On my first visit, I was extremely fortunate to see an Osprey fly toward me with a freshly caught fish which I luckly caught on camera. If birds aren't really your thing (or you can't tell one from the other) be on the lookout for other creatures like the Muskrat, White-tailed deer, Bullfrog or you might even spot a fish jumping out of the water.  (Just be cautious if walking through the field/wetlands/woods - ticks are out so make sure you check yourself during and after your adventure)

This spot is also wonderful for freshwater fishing (provided you have the proper NYS permits), kayaking and canoeing (be cautious of the small waterfall!) or just marveling at nature's beauty right off main st.  

I hope you have enjoyed the few photos I provided and next time you are driving by you will stop by for a few minutes - or do what I did and grab some ice cream across the street before enjoying it at the waters edge!  

If you are interested in seeing more photos from this spot - just hop on over to my bird blog located at www.birdsoflongisland.blogspot.com