Central Park South End Afternoon Spring Walk, with Debbie Becker, 4/28/2023

Registrar: Debbie Becker
Participants: 8
Weather: Overcast with spotty rain
Bird Species: 17

This was the inaugural Central Park South End Afternoon Spring Walk.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Blue Jay
Common Raven
American Robin
House Finch
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Waterthrush
Northern Cardinal

Central Park with Ken Chaya, Kristin Ellington, Erika Piik, and Kevin Sisco, 4/25/2023

Registrar: Kathleen Howley
Participants: 55
Weather: Sunny, 48–54° F; 3 mph N wind
Bird Species: 65

Every birder is excited when spring arrives, and the migrants begin to appear. As you can see from the total number of species sighted on this walk— compiled from the three groups we split into—spring had definitely arrived. But it was the type of morning when you had to be in the right spot at the right time. Thanks to “word of mouth” and cellphone connections, each group got to see many of the species listed. One group even made it to the North End of Central Park, so it ended up with the longest list. I think for everyone it was an enjoyable and somewhat challenging bird walk.

Species List

Birds
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Bufflehead
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Great Horned Owl
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
House Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Northern Parula
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Central Park Walk with Alice Deutsch, Alan Drogin, Lynne Hertzog, and Kevin Sisco, 4/18/2023

Registrar: Kathleen Matthews
Leaders: Alice Deutsch, Alan Drogin, Lynne Hertzog, and Kevin Sisco
Participants: 60
Weather: Cloudy with occasional sun, 52° F
Bird Species: 55

Four groups enjoyed a cool but pleasant morning of birding by fanning out into
Strawberry Fields, then moving to Hernshead, Oak Bridge, and into the Ramble. A
smaller group made it all the way to the Reservoir and North Woods. Highlights of the
day included a Red-Shouldered Hawk, multiple Sparrow and Warbler species, and both a
Great Horned and the well-documented Eurasian Eagle-Owl, nicknamed “Flaco”. Those
who made it to the Loch were rewarded with a lovely look at a Painted Bunting.

Species

Birds:
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Bufflehead
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Great Horned Owl
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Northern Waterthrush
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Painted Bunting

Green-Wood Cemetery with Rob Jett, 4/15/2023

Registrar: Russ Comeau
Participants: 17
Weather: 65°F. Mostly cloudy; humid; gentle breeze from SE–E.
Bird Species: 40

A morning chorus of melodious bird song wafted on the warm breeze as Rob Jett led us through the inner hills and dells of the NE, NW, and SW quadrants of this world-class arboretum. We skirted Green-Wood’s four ponds, and Rob chose different routes on the way out and back to maximize our coverage.

Rob concentrated on tall native trees that are budding and producing catkins (the hanging tassels of tiny tree flowers), which provide many birds with food—not just the edible buds and catkins, but the many juicy insects attracted to them as well. Tail-bobbing, bright yellow Palm Warblers and shrilly trilling Chipping Sparrows were most abundant in such trees, alongside other active songbird species as well. There were nice numbers and a diversity of woodpeckers as well.

On the walk out, Amy Simmons put us on a freshly arrived Blue-headed Vireo, which was a first-of-year look at this dapper species for many in our group.

As we reached the halfway mark, Jim Demers discovered a Wilson’s Snipe resting quietly in the shade of a manmade structure along a pond shoreline. Great views were had by all from a respectful distance, so as not to disturb this woodland member of the shorebird family.

We were delighted to see an Osprey fly overhead—and doubly delighted when the Osprey flew back again a few minutes later, this time gripping a glistening golden fish in its talons.

Amy got a brief glimpse of yet another elusive Blue-headed Vireo. Suzanne Zywicki scanned the nearby landscape and found it (or another one) taking a time-out on a low-hanging branch, then dropping into the grass, giving everyone great views.

We couldn’t have hoped for a better, birdier day than this, sequestered from the city amidst the early spring verdure of Green-Wood Cemetery.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Wilson’s Snipe
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Butterflies
Mourning Cloak

Mammals
Groundhog

Central Park with Alan Drogin, Carine Mitchell, and Kevin Sisco, 4/11/2023

Registrar: Barrie Raik
Participants: 50
Weather: Clear, temp 54 to 73
Bird Species: 53

About 50 enthusiastic birders divided into three groups and spent hours finding birds throughout the southern half of Central Park. The weather was delightful, and the cherry trees were in full blossom. Species highlights were a Hooded Warbler, a singing Carolina Wren and a Louisiana Waterthrush.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose  
Wood duck
Northern Shoveler  
Mallard  
Ring-necked Duck (on conservatory water)
Bufflehead  
Hooded Merganser  
Ruddy Duck  
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  
Mourning Dove  
American Coot  
Ring-billed Gull  
Herring Gull  
Great Black-backed Gull 
Double-crested Cormorant  
Red-tailed Hawk  
Great Horned Owl  
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  
Red-bellied Woodpecker  
Downy Woodpecker  
Northern Flicker  
Blue Jay  
American Crow  
Black-capped Chickadee  
Tufted Titmouse  
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  
Golden-crowned Kinglet  
White-breasted Nuthatch  
Brown Creeper  
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  
Carolina Wren  
European Starling  
Hermit Thrush  
American Robin  
House Sparrow  
American Goldfinch
House Finch  
Chipping Sparrow  
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco  
White-throated Sparrow 
Song Sparrow  
Swamp Sparrow  
Eastern Towhee  
Red-winged Blackbird  
Brown-headed Cowbird  
Common Grackle  
Louisiana Waterthrush  
Hooded Warbler
Palm Warbler  
Pine Warbler  
Yellow-rumped Warbler  
Northern Cardinal  

Mammals
Racoon

Photography-Focused Workshop in Prospect Park with Tom Stephenson, 4/8/2023

Registrar: Richard Davis
Participants: 12
Weather: 40 F–51 F. Mostly sunny. N wind 2–8 mph.
Bird Species: 50

This workshop started with participants assembled in a friendly circle under the chilly shadow of the Brooklyn Library while Tom Stephenson tailored his introductory photography tutelage individually for the diverse skills of the small group. We then moved into the sun and through Prospect Park, spotting a Purple Finch on arriving at the Rose Garden. We later observed the resident European Goldfinch, a first for many in our group. We were delighted to keep spotting Brown Creepers and Rusty Blackbirds, with no fewer than five of each seen. A very generous spirit of sharing photography tips and birding advice prevailed until the session wound up in early afternoon. Tom encouraged us to expand our boundaries—for example, to push our comfort level with ISO settings. All participants happily came away with valuable information to help continue building photography skills.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
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
Tree Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
Purple Finch
European Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Louisiana Waterthrush
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Butterflies
Mourning Cloak

Mammals
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Cottontail

Central Park with Ken Chaya, Alan Drogin, and Kevin Sisco, 4/4/2023

Registrar: Theresa Brown
Participants: 41
Weather: High 40s and sunny, light breeze
Bird Species: 51

A beautiful cool day for our first Central Park walk of the Spring season. Some late migrating winter species combined with our first warblers to make for a lot of variety. We saw a number of nests and many birds carrying nesting material. The park was full of song.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
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
Winter Wren
Brown Creeper
European Starling
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
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Louisiana Waterthrush
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Brooklyn Coastal Birding with Peter Dorosh, 3/18/2023

Registrar: Matthew Fischer
Participants: 15
Weather: Mix of overcast and broken clouds, cloud cover 75–100%; temperature 44–46°F; NW breeze, fresh to strong; humidity 48–56%
Bird Species: 53

Another marathon day of birding with Peter Dorosh. We started the day bright and early at Shirley Chisholm State Park. For many of the 15 participants, this was their first time visiting the park, which opened in 2019. We were immediately treated to multiple rafts of Greater and Lesser Scaup and saw some early American Oystercatchers fly in. It did not take long before Peter captured our first target in his scope, a continuing rarity: an Eared Grebe. After getting the group on it, he explained to us the differences between the Eared Grebe and the nearby Horned Grebes. We were also treated to a Common Goldeneye, Red Throated Loons, and hovering Northern Harriers.

Our second stop of the day was Floyd Bennett Field. There we checked out the North Forty Natural Area, had splendid views of multiple American Kestrels hunting on the derelict runways, and saw a nesting Bald Eagle from the kayak launch. Our third and final stop of the day was Marine Park, where we quickly spotted our second priority target of the day, another continuing rarity: a juvenile Red Headed Woodpecker. We ended the splendid day with a walk on the Salt Marsh Nature Trail.

Species List

Birds
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Eared Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
American Oystercatcher
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red-throated Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-headed Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Merlin
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Common Raven
White-breasted Nuthatch (h)
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal