Gull Identification at Coney Island with Bobbi Manian & Dennis Hrehowsik, 11/11/2023

Registrar: Dom Ricci
Participants: 18 (including leaders & registrar)
Weather: High 40s F, sunny & clear, light wind
Bird Species: 15

After several consecutive weekends of rain, fortune smiled upon a group of Linnaean birders: they were greeted by ideal conditions when they gathered on Veterans’ Day morning at the Coney Island beach. The objective of this outing was educational—to take part in Bobbi & Dennis’s masterclass in gull identification—and there was no shortage of study subjects among the abundant flocks lining the sandy shore. All five of the most frequent local gull species were present: Herring, Ring-billed, Laughing, Great Black-backed, and even two Lesser Black-backed. As we walked back and forth along the beach below the boardwalk, our leaders instructed us on how to analyze the features of each individual bird—its size, plumage and other coloration, and behavior—to determine its species and age. We were also treated to some non-gull sideshows, including a flock of ruddy turnstones scurrying about among the rocky jetties, a common loon preening in the surf, an animated flock of fish crows, and a solitary kestrel surveying its domain from on high. By the time the walk ended around lunchtime, we had all gained a foundation of knowledge to carry forward to our future gull-watching experiences.


Species Lists

Birds
Brant
Mute Swan
Rock Pigeon
Ruddy Turnstone
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
American Kestrel
Fish Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow

Central Park with Alice Deutsch and Kevin Sisco, 11/7/2023

Registrar: Laura Lincks
Participants: 32
Weather: 55-61 degrees F, mostly overcast, winds SW at 4 mph
Bird Species: 47

Considering that fall migration is almost over, it was interesting to see a Black-and-White Warbler and a couple of Blue-headed Vireos. The Green-winged Teal drake put on an amusing display while being manipulated by a Mallard hen!

This registrar’s favorite was probably the uber-adorable Eastern Phoebe, who was extra fluffy this morning.
All in all, it was a nice way to end the season. Many thanks to our volunteer leaders, Kevin, Alice, and co-leader Evelyn, who assisted Alice.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
American Black Duck
Green-winged Teal
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Central Park with Alan Drogin, Carine Mitchell, and Kevin Sisco, 10/24/2023

Registrar: Sally Weiner
Participants: 29
Weather: 48-60 degrees, calm to light winds
Bird species: 63

The weather was ideal for enjoying the mixture of migrants that occurs at this time of year, with warblers departing and sparrows arriving. Especially notable were the large numbers of Hermit Thrushes throughout the park, more than any other species—including House Sparrows!

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose 
Wood Duck 
Northern Shoveler 
Gadwall 
Mallard 
American Black Duck 
Green-winged Teal 
Ruddy Duck 
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird       
American Coot 
American Woodcock 
Ring-billed Gull 
Herring Gull 
Great Black-backed Gull 
Double-crested Cormorant 
Cooper’s Hawk 
Red-tailed Hawk 
Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Flaco, continuing)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Downy Woodpecker 
Northern Flicker 
Eastern Phoebe 
Blue-headed Vireo 
Blue Jay 
American Crow 
Tufted Titmouse 
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 
Golden-crowned Kinglet 
Brown Creeper 
Winter Wren 
Carolina Wren 
European Starling 
Gray Catbird 
Northern Mockingbird 
Hermit Thrush    
American Robin 
Cedar Waxwing 
House Sparrow 
House Finch 
Chipping Sparrow 
Field Sparrow 
Dark-eyed Junco 
White-crowned Sparrow 
White-throated Sparrow 
Savannah Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Swamp Sparrow 
Eastern Towhee 
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird 
Common Grackle 
Yellow-breasted Chat
American Redstart       
Cape May Warbler 
Northern Parula       
Palm Warbler 
Pine Warbler 
Yellow-rumped Warbler 
Northern Cardinal 

Floyd Bennett Field with Rob Jett, 10/22/2023

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 8
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 47–61 degrees F, westerly winds at 15–20 miles per hour
Bird Species: 38

We enjoyed a beautiful fall day at Floyd Bennett Field under the excellent leadership of Rob Jett. Fewer species were seen than is usual for this location and date, probably due to the brisk winds that dogged us all morning. We birded the overgrown fields near Aviator Sports in search of sparrows and other grassland species before heading to the North Forty, followed by the boat launch area and the community gardens. We ended the day on the shore of Jamaica Bay near Archery Road. We could not help but notice the enormous tents the city was erecting on several runways to house refugees.

The highlights of the trip were an American Pipit, an Eastern Meadowlark, and two Northern Harriers. Seventy Brant were seen on Jamaica Bay, a “first of season” bird for many participants.

Species List

Birds
Brant
Wood Duck
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Black-bellied Plover
Dunlin
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Downy Woodpecker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
American Pipit
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Brown-headed Cowbird
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Staten Island Hot Spots and Fall Migrants with Seth Wollney, 10/22/2023

Registrar: Theresa Brown
Participants: 8
Weather: Cool, windy, and sunny with some clouds.
Bird Species: 48

Leader Seth Wollney led the participants through the Mount Loretto Unique Area in Staten Island and shared the history of its development. Flying overhead was a Sharp-shinned Hawk, a Cooper’s Hawk, and a Red-tailed Hawk. We also saw a juvenile Bald Eagle, and Seth pointed out the nest. Equally thrilling was the sighting of a Northern Harrier. Overall, it was a good day to see raptors.

Next, we explored the newly opened section of Fresh Kills Park, likely the first birding group to do so. We discovered that it is excellent for viewing sparrows and were able to ID a Chipping Sparrow, a Field Sparrow, a White-throated Sparrow, a Savannah Sparrow, a Song Sparrow, and a Swamp Sparrow. The most exciting sparrow we found was a Grasshopper Sparrow. Despite high winds, we had many good looks because the sparrows frequently perched at the top of the nearby fence.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Rock Pigeon
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Snowy Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Grasshopper Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler

Butterflies
Cabbage White Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly

Odonates
European Hornets
Differential Grasshopper

Herps
Red-eared Slider

Mammals
Harbor Seal

Central Park with Ardith Bondi, Alan Drogin, and Kevin Sisco, 10/17/2023

Registrar: Michelle Zorzi
Participants: 34
Weather: 52F and partly cloudy, light breeze
Bird Species: 58

It was a beautiful fall day for our weekly Tuesday walk in Central Park. Strawberry Fields started out a little slow, with a Cape May Warbler grabbing much of our attention until a small flock of Pine Siskins surprisingly flew in and perched. They didn’t stay long, but birders were delighted to see and hear these birds, which are rarely seen (especially perched) in Manhattan. At least three lingering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds gave us outstanding views in Shakespeare Garden, perhaps recently released from the Wild Bird Fund. We continued on to the Pinetum, a favorite birding spot in the fall, where we saw many sparrows, kinglets and sapsuckers.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Pine Siskin
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco

Randall’s Island with Alan Drogin, 10/15/2023

Registrar: Annie Wilker
Participants: 13
Weather: 46-59°F, alternating between cloudy and clear, northwest wind 10 mph
Bird Species: 49

We saw some great migratory birds and hotspots on Randall’s Island. The group drove to several locations across the island, and we were lucky enough to have a lot of nice sun in the afternoon. Highlights included a Yellow-crowned Night Heron and a Black-crowned Night Heron in the salt marsh, giving us a great opportunity to compare the two. We were also happy to pause and admire a Vesper Sparrow among a group of Savannah Sparrows in the northeast ball fields. Thanks so much to Alan and our excellent group of birders for a wonderful day. 


Species Lists
Brant
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush 
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Central Park with Carline Mitchell, William Papp and Kevin Sisco, 10/10/2023

Registrar: Richard Davis
Participants: 34
Weather: 54 F–61 F, beginning partly sunny with occasional clouds. North wind 5 mph.
Bird Species: 64

Thirty-four participants explored Central Park with good humor and congeniality. Strawberry Field was fairly active to start the morning, and the Ruby-crowned Kinglets were out in force. There was some drama when an American Kestrel dove on a Northern Flicker.Additionally, a Scarlet Tanager and Yellow-Billed Cuckoo brightened the day for all who saw them.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak