The birds and the beaches on Long Island

Here, chickadees!

On a weekend visit to Noyac, Dan, Julie, Andy, Christine and her boyfriend Matt took to the nature trails on Jessup's Neck. As in past years, they brought along sunflower seeds to feed the chickadees -- and so did quite a few other visitors on this summer Sunday. At one point four groups converged at one spot, making for the amusing photo above.

Dan says: Feeding the chickadees has become one of our favorite activities when we get out to Noyac. Over the years it seems some of the other critters also have been getting bolder about taking snacks from humans. A couple of years ago, Patrick had a cardinal land on his hand for some seeds.

Chipmunks, too, will sometimes come for a handout. This one didn't just grab and run. It filled its cheeks with seeds, as chipmunks do, before scampering away.

We also got in some relaxing time at the "back beach" on Pine Neck...


...and a late-day visit to the ocean at Bridgehampton. It was a too-brief but enjoyable visit.