I decided to get up at around 7:30am and head on over to Crookes Point on Staten Island. There were a myriad of birds, especially bank swallows and tree swallows. I haven’t spent much time there as it is a ten minute walk from the parking lot and I usually spend my time near the salt Marsh when I’m in the Great kills Park/ Gateway National Sea shore area. It really is a beautiful little spot. Reminds me of the shores of cape cod with its sand dunes and quiet nature. Only a few fisherman and the birds. When I got my gear and first walked toward the area I could see hundreds and hundreds of swallows flying from bush to bush and then perching in this giant tree. I attempted to capture the lot of them on ‘film’, but the scene proved to be too grand a moment. I went searching for perches for birds to land on in the lower light. A few dead trees provided a few interesting sightings. The Crookes Point area is truly a tranquil section to be respected and enjoyed.

On my way out a kind woman by the name of Helen had started talking to me. Informed me that the area actually used to be a ‘cleanfill’ (corrected from landfill from Seth). Interestingly enough before it was a landfill it used to be called plum island due the the beach plum abundance there at one time.

What I believe to be a grey catbird. (Nikon 80-400mm on Sandisk digital film)

A female Baltimore oriole. I loved the golden coat. It really stood out amongst the other birds in the area. (Nikon 80-400mm on Sandisk digital film)

What amazing camouflage this little grasshopper had. I barely noticed him. If it wasn’t for him jumping out of my way I would have never seen him. (Sigma 150mm f/2.8 on Sandisk digital film)

A beautiful tree swallow just caught on take off. (Nikon 80-400mm on Sandisk digital film)

Found this guy on the way back to the car (a starling). Turned the corner and he was hanging out with pigeons enjoying the left overs. A Starling. (Nikon 80-400mm on Sandisk digital film)