Registrar: Nick Dawson Participants: 30 Weather: Sunny, a few clouds, 65 degrees Bird Species: 25
A small group of birders gathered at 1:00 pm on a beautiful October afternoon at Belvedere Castle for a fall hawk watch. While the winds had not been ideal for migration, there was slow, but reasonably steady, activity from the north. The gathering was designated as “leaderless,” but Anne Ribolow and Kevin Sisco were among those who helped to spot and identify raptors and other species for the group, including a few of our very own NYC non-migratory Red-tailed Hawks.
The group stayed for about two hours, enjoying the experience and also baffling tourists, who occasionally asked why we were staring at the seemingly empty sky. Eventually, the group walked west through the Shakespeare Garden and towards the Swedish Cottage, picking up along the way a Scarlet Tanager, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo (gorging on Spotted Lanternflies), and a busy Hooded Warbler (photogenically visible in the grass and undergrowth).
Species List
Canada Goose Mallard Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Yellow-billed Cuckoo Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull (American) Turkey Vulture Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Kestrel Peregrine Falcon Blue Jay Common Raven Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Winter Wren American Robin House Sparrow Common Grackle Hooded Warbler Pine Warbler Scarlet Tanager
Registrar: Lisa Kroop Participants: 12 Weather: 56°F to 70°F; sunny; 4 mph north wind Bird Species: 45
The weather was beautiful, the skies were a cloudless blue, and the overnight bird migration forecast had been impressive—even the popular news had broadcast it. And so as we began our walk we wondered whether all that would translate into our seeing a lot of birds in Inwood Hill Park. First evidence, as it turned out, was positive: among the first birds that we saw were a couple of kinglets in a low tree and an Eastern Phoebe perched exceptionally high on the crown of a very tall tree—and as we continued our walk we found more kinglets and phoebes throughout the park.
We walked at a “birders’ pace,” as our leader called it, starting along the edge of the recreation fields, passing House Sparrows, Blue Jays, some Dark-eyed Juncos, and a large group of Mourning Doves, and made our way down to the salt marsh. There, we sorted through the sparrows foraging in the grass and spotted the next phoebe as well as the first warbler of the day, a Blackpoll. Next—as we headed towards the woods, with a soccer field to our left, and wooded cliffs on our right—we paused. There were many Palm Warblers on the edge of the soccer field feeding in the grass and flying up into the nearby trees, with a Yellow-rumped Warbler joining them, and in the woods, our first Brown Creeper. We entered The Clove, a place sheltered from the noises of the city and darkened by shadows of the mature trees and the steep rock ridge. Birds were calling and, furtively moving along a log, a Winter Wren made a brief appearance to the delight of the group.
As we continued through the woods to the summit, and made our way back down, we encountered spots of migrant bird activity, including some winter arrivals. There were Northern Parulas and Yellow-rump Warblers, a Black-throated Blue Warbler, Hermit and Swainson’s Thrushes, a Blue-headed Vireo, a Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and more kinglets—both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned—and more phoebes.
We reached Spuyten Duyvil Creek as our walk drew to a close. In the distance, flying over the Hudson River, was a Bald Eagle, our first and only raptor of the day. While only a couple of us saw it, we were all happy to hear it was there.
Many thanks to Loyan Beausoleil for leading us on this wonderful walk through such a precious park in New York City.
Species Lists
Birds Mallard Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Ring-billed Gull Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Belted Kingfisher Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) Eastern Phoebe Blue-headed Vireo Blue Jay Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Winter Wren Carolina Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Swainson’s Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin House Sparrow House Finch Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) White-throated Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Eastern Towhee Black-and-white Warbler Northern Parula Blackpoll Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) Northern Cardinal
Enthusiastic birders and sharp-eyed leaders spent up to nine (!) hours in Central Park finding many species. Highlights included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Belted Kingfisher, both Nuthatches, Lincoln and Field Sparrows and eleven Wood Warbler species.
Species List
Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall Mallard Green-winged Teal Hooded Merganser Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Yellow-billed Cuckoo Ruby-throated Hummingbird Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Great Blue Heron Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Belted Kingfisher Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Peregrine Falcon Eastern Wood Pewee Eastern Phoebe Blue-headed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet (h) White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper House Wren Winter Wren Carolina Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Northern Mockingbird Veery Swainson’s Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Cedar Waxwing House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Chipping Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Field Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Lincoln Sparrow Eastern Towhee Common Grackle Ovenbird Black and white Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Palm Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Scarlet Tanager Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Our annual fall walk to celebrate and remember the iconic birding guide, Starr Saphir, focused on Central Park’s Ramble and surrounding areas. We began in Strawberry Fields, where we quickly spotted several Scarlet Tanagers, a Veery and a Brown Creeper, among other species.
As we moved through the Park, we saw four species of warbler, especially appreciating our good looks at a Blackpoll. Later in the morning we were treated to extended views from the Oak Bridge of a Belted Kingfisher as it flew back and forth over the Lake, stopping to perch quite close to the bridge.
Unfortunately, the unexpected rain continued through the morning, causing us to end the walk earlier than planned, but our group was pleased with the over 30 species seen in the two hours we spent in the Park.
Species List
Mallard Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Chimney Swift Herring Gull Black-crowned Night Heron Green Heron Great Blue Heron Red-tailed Hawk Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker – Heard Northern Flicker Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay Ruby-crowned Kinglet Brown Creeper House Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Veery Swainson’s Thrush American Robin House Sparrow House Finch White-throated Sparrow Black-and-white Warbler Common Yellowthroat Northern Parula Blackpoll Warbler Scarlet Tanager Northern Cardinal
The group met our leader, Anne Swaim, at 7am to get a start on exploring Rockefeller State Park Preserve before the peaceful morning quiet was disturbed. We were immediately greeted by a number of warblers, including a Chestnut-sided, not far from the parking area. As we walked the trails on the way to Swan Lake, we continued to be treated to warbler sightings, including the first of over fifty Northern Parulas we saw. The total for the day was six different warbler species.
As we moved on to the more forested paths, we got great looks at the hoped-for Pileated Woodpecker—one of the five species of woodpecker we saw over the course of the day. Later in the morning, we had nice views of five Eastern Bluebirds perched on fence posts in a meadow and a variety of sparrows in the surrounding area. Our group greatly appreciated Anne’s leadership and extensive knowledge of both the birds and the park.
Species List
Mourning Dove Chimney Swift Black Vulture Osprey Coopers Hawk Accipiter sp. Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Wood-Pewee Eastern Phoebe Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Gray Catbird Eastern Bluebird Veery American Robin Cedar Waxwing House Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Eastern Towhee (heard) Common Grackle Tennessee Warbler Common Yellowthroat Northern Parula Chestnut-sided Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Scarlet Tanager Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak
The Beginners Bird Walk began with a demonstration on how to use binoculars, how to find birds in the trees with the binoculars, and how to use guide books and bird apps to confirm their identification. We then proceeded to the Pool, where we spent most of the time spotting migrating songbirds—especially warblers—as well as observing the resident populations and listening to their songs and calls. Other birders in the Park joined us from time to time to show us birds they had found and to share their birding knowledge. It was a successful and fun introduction to birding.
Species List
Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard American Black Duck Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Ruby-crowned Kinglet House Wren Carolina Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Swainson’s Thrush American Robin House Sparrow American Goldfinch White-throated Sparrow Common Grackle Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Black-and-white Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Northern Cardinal
Our walk started out slowly, with little bird activity in Strawberry Fields. However, things quickly picked up when we spotted a beautiful Prairie Warbler and Northern Parula giving us great looks in Shakespeare Garden. Our good luck continued when a perched Common Nighthawk was reported near the Polish King statue. We quickly made our way over there and were thrilled to get a good view of this rarity.
Shortly thereafter, we noticed a Hairy Woodpecker on a bare branch of a tall tree a little further west, on the south side of Turtle Pond, and were shocked to find a second Common Nighthawk perched in clear view on the same branch.
Next, our group entered Maintenance Field, where we were delighted to find a White-eyed Vireo and three Brown Thrashers. In the same area, a Philadelphia Vireo also delighted many birders later in the morning. Thank you to Kevin and Ken for leading a great walk, and to all of the enthusiastic participants!
Species List
Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Common Nighthawk Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Solitary Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Double-crested Cormorant Black-crowned Night Heron Great Blue Heron Cooper’s Hawk Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Northern Flicker White-eyed Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Philadelphia Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Ruby-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher Veery Swainson’s Thrush Wood Thrush American Robin Cedar Waxwing House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Common Grackle Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Black-and-white Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Northern Parula Magnolia Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Black-throated Blue Warbler Pine Warbler Prairie Warbler Canada Warbler Northern Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Registrar: Gillian Henry Participants: 15 participants Weather: 68 ℉, clear and sunny with mild northern winds. Bird Species: 47 species
On a beautiful September morning, we met our guide, Rob Jett, at 8 am and embarked on a pleasant walk through historic Green-Wood Cemetery in search of fall migrants. Although the day was relatively quiet, we still spotted ten early fall warbler species. Highlights included excellent views of a Broad-winged Hawk and a Red-tailed Hawk in flight, as well as the unmistakable sight and sound of the famous Monk Parakeets tending to their large, colonial stick nest above the main entrance to the cemetery. In total, we observed 47 species, making for a delightful day of fall birding!
Species Lists
Canada Goose 36 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 28 Mourning Dove 17 Chimney Swift 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3 Green Heron 1 Broad-winged Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 8 American Kestrel 1 Merlin 1 Monk Parakeet 20 Willow Flycatcher 1 Empidonax sp. 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Red-eyed Vireo 10 Blue Jay 18 American Crow 5 Northern House Wren 1 Carolina Wren 2 European Starling 25 Gray Catbird 3 Northern Mockingbird 12 Veery 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson’s Thrush 1 American Robin 18 House Sparrow 15 House Finch 3 American Goldfinch 1 Chipping Sparrow 6 Song Sparrow 2 Baltimore Oriole 1 Common Grackle 2 Ovenbird 1 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Common Yellowthroat 6 American Redstart 4 Northern Parula 1 Magnolia Warbler 2 Yellow Warbler 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 Palm Warbler 1 Northern Cardinal 7
