Just before the graceful arch of the new Ponquogue Bridge is Ponquogue Beach on the left with a large parking lot and ocean views (also, in season, rest rooms and refreshments). Almost directly opposite (on the right side of Dune Road and just before the bridge turnoff) is a road to a public area that has been established on the bayside for boat launching, as well as a fishing pier (a remnant of the old Ponquogue Causeway Bridge).
The first thing to inspect in September and October is the small little-used parking lot on the left, which typically attracts small flocks of migrant sparrows of several different varieties. Vagrants that have turned up on this road and on Road I over the years include Ash-throated Flycatcher, Sage Thrasher and a probable Bell’s Vireo.
Past this parking lot, at the boat-launching site and fishing area, there are often Boat-tailed Grackles; the local colony is or was a northeasterly outpost of this southern species. There is also a lot of overhead traffic (I am talking about avian over-flights not the cars on the bridge) and shorebird flats are visible on both sides.
To the west are mussel beds that are usually full of Oystercatcher and, often, a variety of other shore birds (this is one of the best spots for Whimbrel, which is often heard here in flight). The spoil island (often called Gull Island) on this side has breeding gulls and was the site of the first major heronry known from the bay (seven species including Little Blue Heron and Glossy Ibis, mostly nesting on the ground in reeds, bittersweet and poison ivy!).
To the east there are sandy flats and views of a tiny island which used to have nesting Roseate Terns as well as Black Skimmers; in recent years however this island has been over-washed by high tides and is now little used for nesting. Further out, there is a much larger nesting island, which houses a variety of species (best observed from a boat).
It is possible to walk the shoreline to the southeast around a half-moon curve. Black-necked Stilts have been seen here and, at low tide, there are generally a variety of shore birds throughout the summer. |
