Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki
Participants: 7
Weather: Sunny, but cold and windy, 30 degrees
Bird Species: 38
The group met our leader, Ethan Goodman, at noon at the Croton Harmon train station and quickly travelled the short distance to Croton Point Park. The viewing day began with good looks at an Eastern Screech-Owl fast asleep in its frequent roosting spot.
We made our way over to the large grassy area on top of the former landfill, where as we walked we saw numerous Bald Eagles in flight, including adults, sub-adults, and juveniles. We also spotted a Northern Harrier as it flew low over the grass. Unfortunately, due to the windy conditions, we did not see many sparrows or other song birds in this area.
After leaving the mound, we began walking a path with views of Croton Bay. Here we saw a number of birds, including a Cooper’s Hawk moving from post to post in the distance and several Song Sparrows. We took a brief break for snacks and to warm up, and then headed out along another trail in the direction of The Point (where you can see both the Bay and the Hudson River). Along the way, we spotted an accipiter perched above us, and spent some time studying the bird before determining that it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
As we got closer to The Point, Ethan spotted some Bufflehead, Common Mergansers, and American Black Ducks down below in Croton Bay and shared his scope to provide better looks. We also spotted a majestic adult Bald Eagle easily visible in a nearby tree. On our way back to the parking area, we continued to spot other species, including a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and some White-breasted Nuthatches.
As dusk began to fall, the group discussed how much time we would give ourselves to try to spot a Short-eared Owl. As Ethan was managing our expectations, one sharp-eyed birder pointed out what she initially thought was another Northern Harrier. Ethan quickly corrected her i.d. – it was the Short-eared Owl we were all hoping for.
What a great way to end our walk. Despite the chilly temperatures, we all enjoyed ourselves and greatly appreciate Ethan’s sharing his deep knowledge of Croton Point Park and its birds with us (not to mention sharing coffee and donuts too).
Species List
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Bufflehead
Common Merganser
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Eastern Screech-Owl
Short-eared Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Merlin
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
