Category: Field Trip Reports

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 36
Weather: 44° F; cloudy at 7:30 am, warming to 55°F and clear by mid-morning
Bird Species: 51

An enthusiastic group came out for the first spring migration walk of 2025. Very chilly conditions at the beginning of the walk had many people wishing they had worn gloves, but by late morning conditions had improved. Migration is definitely underway, as evidenced by the abundance of Pine Warblers and Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Other harbingers of spring included Palm Warblers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Phoebes, and Swamp Sparrows. At least a dozen Brown Creepers were seen in the Ramble, often several on the same tree, and Rusty Blackbirds at Evodia Field and Swampy Pin Oak were a special treat. Part of the group birded the reservoir to see the winter ducks that will be leaving us soon for their northern nesting grounds.

Species List

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Northern Cardinal

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

Registrar: Steve Holleran
Participants: 10
Weather: Warm, in well lighted rooms

Combining his birding expertise with a lifelong love of art and a detailed knowledge of the museum’s collection, Kevin led us through centuries of bird-related images, from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods.  We explored the significance of birds in all of these cultures, depicted as everything from military mascots to symbols of virtue, food resources, and divine intermediaries, all while enjoying the beauty of the artworks and the leisurely fun of watching birds that don’t move.

While the birds were very cooperative, many were highly stylized and some completely imaginary. Here are some of the ones we recognized, and some of the things they’re thought to represent.

Species List

Ibis (Egyptian god Thoth, wisdom, magic, hieroglyphic symbol)
Doves (peace, purity, Holy Spirit, messengers)
Ducks, Geese (food offerings mostly)
Swans (fidelity, love, Greek god Zeus)
Eagles (coins, military mascots)
European Goldfinch (joy, renewal, redemption)
Falcons (Egyptian god Horus, kinship, hieroglyphic symbol)
Owls (wisdom, Greek goddess Athena)
Parrots, Macaws (decorative)(Note: eBird would question the identity of some of these)
Peacocks (luxury, wealth)
Rooster (reawakening)
Raven (divine guidance)

Registrars: Amanda Bielskas & Kristin Ellington
Participants: 14
Weather: Cold, around freezing, clear skies for most of Saturday with snow (3-5 inches) overnight into Sunday morning and then overcast.
Bird Species: 73

Participants met in Manhattan and carpooled to our first stop, the Jones Beach Coastguard Station. Most of the groups were greeted there by a perched Peregrine Falcon, and some early arrivals also spotted Horned Larks in one of the medians in the area. Additionally, good numbers of ducks were seen, and there were distant views of a Common Loon and a Northern Harrier.

Our next stop was at Point Lookout, where a flock of Harlequin ducks was hanging out at the end of the closest jetty; there was also a large group of sanderlings foraging at the shoreline. After Point Lookout, we stopped briefly at Jones Beach again in search of some rarities that had been reported, but moved on after not finding them.

Our next stop, Eastport Lake, showed us large numbers of ducks and geese, including American Wigeons, Black Ducks, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, three types of Mergansers and one continuing Pink-footed Goose.  In addition to the waterfowl, we had a Snowy Egret, a Belted Kingfisher, a Black-crowned Night Heron, a pair of nesting Bald Eagles, and a flyby Turkey Vulture and Cooper’s Hawk. At Mecox Bay we saw a Common Goldeneye and a Killdeer.

Last, we stopped at Sagaponack Pond, where a Dovekie was spotted in the surf just offshore, in addition to three types of Scoters. We proceeded to our hotel in Montauk for a quick break before heading to The Shagwong Tavern for dinner.

Sunday morning greeted us with a bit of lingering snow. After a quick stop at The Hampton Coffee Company for breakfast and/or coffee, we headed to Montauk Point, where we saw many Common Eiders, three types of Scoters, and—new for the trip—a handful of Razorbills. Second stop was at Camp Hero, where we spotted some Long-tailed Ducks and a Red-throated Loon.

After the morning stops we had a full breakfast at Jon’s Pancake House before heading back to the hotel to check out. Early afternoon stops included Lake Montauk, where we added Iceland Gull and Great Cormorant to our list, and Napeague, where we saw a Greater Yellowlegs; this species was also new to the trip.

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was a roadside stop in Water Mill, where we saw a rare (to the region) Northern Lapwing. There was also a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, among which were some Savanna Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, and, towards the end of the stop, some Snow Buntings that flew in.

We then stopped at a farm stand—also in Water Mill—where a Lark Sparrow had been hanging out; we almost missed it, but it popped up right in front of some of the cars as we were about to leave the parking lot, giving us great views. Our last stop out east was at Shinnecock inlet, where there were large rafts of Common Eiders and a single continuing King Eider. We also had some nice views of Long-tailed Ducks and another Northern Harrier that flew over the inlet entrance.

We cruised Dune Road in search of more birds, but other than a few sparrows, gulls, and a Great Blue Heron, we didn’t add any new species to the trip list. Everyone then headed off in their cars and made their way back to Manhattan after a very successful weekend.

Species Lists

Birds
Pink-footed Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Wigeon
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Canvasback
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
King Eider
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Northern Lapwing
Greater Yellowlegs
Sanderling
Razorbill
Dovekie
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Iceland Gull
Horned Grebe
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper’s Hawk
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Belted Kingfisher
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Horned Lark
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Finch
Snow Bunting
Clay-colored Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Red Fox
White-tailed Deer

Registrar: Ursula Mitra
Participants: 13
Weather: 21–26 deg F, briefly sunny, mostly overcast and windy
Bird Species: 43

Thirteen of us braved the cold–and it was cold–in order to visit several sites on Staten Island under the expert guidance of Richard ZainEldeen. We began our tour at Wolfe’s Pond Park, where we saw a beautiful Wood Duck drake, a Surf and a White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers.

From there we proceeded to Blue Heron Park Preserve, where we were hoping to see Pileated Woodpeckers. Unfortunately, although we saw lots of evidence of their presence in the form of large, oval-shaped holes in dead trees, we did not see or hear the birds. However, we enjoyed seeing a Raven flyover and a Hairy Woodpecker at the feeders.

Our final stop was at Mount Loretto Unique Area, where we hoped to see the King Eider that had been reported there for some time. This time we were successful and had very close looks at the female bird. We thank Richard for yet another wonderful trip!

Here is the link to the ebird trip report:
https://ebird.org/tripreport/327206


Species Lists

Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Mallard
American Black Duck
King Eider
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Sanderling
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Horned Grebe
Great Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Raven
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow8
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 4
Weather: 20° F with westerly winds at 15 mph
Bird Species: 21

Weather is not always our friend on January birding trips, and this year it certainly was not. The trip was rescheduled for one week later than originally planned to avoid the bad weather that was forecast for January 7, but although conditionshad improved slightly by January 14, it was still a cold and blustery day.

We started at Shinnecock Inlet, hoping to see the King Eider that had been there most of the winter. Unfortunately, the eider rafts were far out in the bay, making it difficult to distinguish a single King Eider from among the hundreds of Common Eiders there.

After battling the wind for an hour, we moved on to Swan Lake, where we saw a nice collection of ducks. Patchogue Lake, however, was almost completely frozen over, and only a few species were visible.

We ended the day at the Atlantic Point Apartments, where Iceland and Glaucous Gulls had been reported recently. We were fortunate to spot a juvenile Iceland Gull on one of the small ponds in the apartment complex, but the Glaucous Gull was not present for our visit.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Common Eider
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Iceland Gull
Common Raven
Carolina Wren

Registrar: Miriam Rakowski
Participants: 20
Weather: 40 degrees F, going to 50, with winds WSW 14 to 25 mph.
Bird Species: 32

The day began with some clouds, but soon turned sunny. As we were always close to the water, it was quite windy. Joe, our leader, asked if we were interested in chasing a rarity—the Sage Thrasher. As it would be a life bird for many, we said yes. There was some concern. as the bird hadn’t been reported for a few days. However, no sooner were we on our way than someone reported spotting it. We waited at the site for a few minutes and the bird soon appeared, giving all of us very good looks for an extended time.

We then went to the Coast Guard Station, where the tide seemed to be receding. There we some many loons and ducks, and one lonely Black Plover. We celebrated our morning sightings, which included lifers for many, by eating lunch.

Our next stop was Point Lookout, where we were hoping to see the Harlequin Ducks and a few other specialties. As  it was windy, the water was very choppy. Happily, we saw at least five Harlequins and many Common Eiders. As we were leaving, having already given up on seeing Purple Sandpipers, we nevertheless took one last look, and there at the jetty, they appeared. A wonderful gift to end a fun day with good birds, and good camaraderie.

Species List

Brant
Canada Goose
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Common Eider
Harlequin Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Killdeer
Black-bellied Plover
Sanderling
Dunlin
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Red-throated Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Sage Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Peregrine Falcon
House Sparrow
Snow Bunting
Song Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler

Registrar: MaryJane Boland
Participants: 11
Weather: Clear, cold with intermittent wind.
Bird Species: 63

We were a collegial group of 11, happy to be in Westchester after struggling to find enough drivers. We visited three separate areas—Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Bowman Avenue Pond, and Marshlands Conservancy—and saw good numbers of many species. The Greater White-fronted Goose was at Bowman Avenue, just as he/she was last year, sleeping but giving good views. Skeins of Canada Geese were constantly going by overhead. This is definitely a trip to do every year.

Species List

Snow Goose
Greater White-fronted Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
Mallard
American Black Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Greater/Lesser Scaup
Surf/Black Scoter
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Wild Turkey
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Purple Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Pied-billed Grebe
Common Loon
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal

Registrar: Matthew Fischer
Participants : 16
Weather: Few clouds; temperatures 50–57°F;  moderate NW breeze; humidity 41-52%
Bird Species: 64

Always very popular, this year’s trip, led by Peter Dorosh, was at capacity and included several younger birders as well as a South African birder in town on business. At Shirley Chisholm, we walked along Hendrix Creek and enjoyed the waterfowl, including Green-winged Teal, American Wigeons, a Pied-billed Grebe, and a Bufflehead, along with Northern Harriers, an American Kestrel and two Belted Kingfishers. We also saw a Fox Sparrow and multiple Purple Finches, including a very cooperative female. At Penn Dock we saw in the distance a huge chaotic commotion caused by hundreds of Larus-type gulls.
Our next stop was the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. We had lunch by the Visitor Center and then tackled the West Pond. At the breach we had an incredible variety of waterfowl, including majestic Northern Pintails, Hooded Mergansers, and Ruddy Ducks. We also had shorebirds, including Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, as well as Dunlin. We were also treated to a Sharp-shinned Hawk and excellent views of a Bald Eagle—a lifer for many on the trip. Closing out our time at the West Pond, we saw a pair of American Barn Owls, Lesser Scaup, a large flock of American Pipits, and a Eurasian Wigeon with its bold rouge head. Across the street at the East Pond, we had distant views of the long continuing American White Pelican.
While the official agenda was complete at that point, half of the group continued on to the after-party at Floyd Bennett Field, where a Greater White-fronted Goose was spotted. Along with a late Royal Tern, this was the perfect ending for a great day of birding with the legendary Peter Dorosh.

Species List

Greater White-fronted Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Eurasian Wigeon
American Wigeon
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon
American Coot
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Dunlin
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
American White Pelican
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Barn Owl <SENSITIVE>
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Pipit
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal