Floyd Bennett Field with Rob Jett, 10/15/2022

Registrar: Michelle Talich
Participants: 17
Weather: Clear, sunny, 51 degrees at 8:00 am going up to 68 degrees
Bird Species: 60

We birded the fields near Aviator Sports, the north 40, the community gardens, the sea grass nursery, the waterfront at the end of Archery Road and the Eco Village. Our bird list includes a beautiful Northern Red Bishop, an African species believed to be an escaped pet. Observed at the Floyd Bennett Community gardens, people have been reporting it on eBird for weeks.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Forster’s Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Northern Red Bishop
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Butterflies
Monarch
Orange Sulphur
Cabbage White

Mammals
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Green Roof Tour on Randall’s Island with Artie Rollins, 10/12/2022

Registrar: Mary Beth Kooper
Participants: 10
Weather: Clear skies, 59–66°F, light wind, N-SW
Bird Species: 47

Our group of Linnaean Society of New York members and Randall’s Island Park employees were treated to an in-depth tour of the green roof on the Five Borough Technical Services Division of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation headquarters on Randall’s Island. The tour was led by Artie Rollins, who came up with the idea of creating the green roof and took the initiative of figuring out how to get it made. While touring the roof, Mr. Rollins gave us a comprehensive description of the entire Green Roof, which includes 30 unique growing systems. After his talk, we had time to leisurely walk around and ask questions. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about green roofs and see a great example of one.

For more information: Green Roof Tour Information.

After our tour, a few from the group spent some time birding on the north end of Randall’s Island, where we were treated to a nice assortment of species, including the very special Grasshopper Sparrow!

Species List

Birds
Canada Goose
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Cooper’s Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Grasshopper Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Central Park with Will Papp and Kevin Sisco, 10/11/2022

Registrar: Richard Davis
Participants: 38
Weather: 51–64 F, wind 3 mph, sunny
Bird Species: 76

Thirty-eight participants gathered under sunny skies on a crisp and beautiful mid-fall morning that would turn out to be very birdy. Already at our starting point in Strawberry Field we counted 40 species. Also observed there was a Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus tree) covered in Spotted Lanternflies. Several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers worked this same tree, with Cape May and Black-throated Blue warblers following them for sap and insects. A few of the warblers even showed fairly bright plumage in the morning sunlight.

A good number of warblers were also seen throughout the Ramble and elsewhere. At the Pinetum a rare juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker was the star of the show, seen by both groups. And a full-color Prairie Warbler came close in the wildflowers at Sparrow Rock.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
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
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Starr Saphir Memorial Fall Migration Walk with Lenore Swenson, 10/9/2022

Registrar: Lenore Swenson
Participants: 19
Weather: Sunny, 46-57 F, wind SW 10–20 mph
Bird species: 55

The group met at 7:30 am at the West 103rd Street entrance to Central Park. While we waited
for everyone to arrive, I related my memories of Starr, her history of leading bird walks in the
Park, and the amazing breadth of her knowledge.

We explored the north end of the Park, first around the Pool, then up the Great Hill, back down
and along the Ravine and Loch to the Wildflower Meadow, the Grassy Knoll, the Nursery, and
the Conservatory Garden. The walk ended at 11:30 am on the East Side, at East 106th Street
and Fifth Avenue.

Species List

Birds
Canada Goose
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Herring Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Cedar Waxwing
Red-breasted Nuthatch (h)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
Winter Wren
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
Purple Finch (h)
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal

MAMMALS
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Raccoon

INSECTS
Monarch (butterfly)
Common Green Darner (dragonfly)

Staten Island with Seth Wollney, 10/08/2022

Registrar: Judy Rabi
Participants: 8
Weather: Sunny, 59-62 degrees, winds north by northwest 8-15 mph
Bird Species: 71

We started our day at Conference House Park on the southeastern edge of Staten Island. As we walked the paths of the park we spotted many species of warblers, including Cape May, Blackpoll, Nashville, and Pine. There were also a variety of other song birds: Purple Finch, Indigo Bunting, Lincoln Sparrow, Belted Kingfisher, etc. While we did see a Swainson’s Thrush, we were surprised that at this date not a single Hermit Thrush was seen. Several species of raptors, including Bald Eagle (mature and immature), Merlin, American Kestrel, migrating Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Osprey were spotted. A Green Heron, well hidden behind a tree in a marshy area, was present. One of the most interesting sights, seen each year, was the incredible number of migrating Blue Jays pirouetting through the sky in wave after wave. At the Conference House itself, Seth shared with us the history of this 18th-century home, as well as that of other significant historical figures and sites on Staten Island. From the Conference House we made our way to Great Kills. We were more than excited to see two Common Nighthawks here, one flying very high and the other quite low and missing its tail.

Our last stop was Miller’s Field. This year only one shorebird was seen at the pond, a Semipalmated Sandpiper, missing part of its left leg. A rewarding end to our day were the White-crowned and Clay-colored Sparrows feeding among more common sparrows.

A huge thank you to Seth whose incredible birding skills and knowledge of the flora, fauna, and history of Staten Island added so much to our birding experience.

Species Lists

Birds
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Merlin
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow 
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville 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
Indigo Bunting

Randall’s Island Partnership Walk with LatinoOutdoors NYC with Rochelle Thomas, 10/8/2022

Registrar: Mary Beth Kooper
Participants: 3
Weather: Clear skies, 50 – 55°F, Moderate NW wind
Bird Species: 53

Species List

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Black-billed Cuckoo
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
House Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Magnolia Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Dickcissel

Central Park–East Side with Janet Wooten, 9/27/2022

Registrar: Janet Wooten
Participants: 16
Weather: Sunny, 64F, WSW winds, 10mph
Bird Species: 56 species (+2 other taxa)

A beautiful late September morning yielded wonderful birding. Along our usual route from the Boathouse to Evodia field, we spotted our first Eastern Towhee of the season, a female, and a Gray-cheeked Thrush. We moved on to the Maintenance Meadow where we were treated to close views of warblers including Nashville, Magnolia, Tennessee, Chestnut-sided, Northern Parula, Ovenbird, and American Redstart. Brown Thrashers bolted through the trees and Northern Flickers streaked through the air.

Our next stop was Tupelo Meadow. Right away, two rare Yellow-billed Cuckoos flew in together, offering excellent views! American Robins and Gray Catbirds surrounded a Rose-breasted Grosbeak in the Tupelo tree while several Swainson’s Thrushes and a Wood Thrush foraged on the ground below.

We stopped at the Overlook in the Ramble, where Cape May, Black-and-white, and Black-throated Blue Warblers chased insects with a small Empidonax flycatcher that could have been a Least Flycatcher. We also noted our first Central Park Yellow-rumped Warblers of the season here.

As we headed towards the Swedish Cottage, we could hear a Red-breasted Nuthatch call. On our way to Sparrow Rock we spotted another Yellow-Billed Cuckoo near the Delacorte Theatre!

We concluded the walk at the Pinetum with nice views of Pine and Blackpoll Warblers, and several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. With a tally of 14 warbler species and satisfying views of three Yellow-billed Cuckoos, our field trip was a success. You can view the detailed checklist here.

Species Lists

Birds
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Herring Gull
Larus sp.
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Empidonax sp.
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Butterflies
Monarch
Cabbage White
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Central Park with Alice Deutsch, Kevin Sisco, and Will Papp, 9/27/2022

Registrar: Steve Holleran
Participants: 37
Weather: Perfect
Bird Species: 69

On a gorgeous fall morning we set out in three groups and found a total of 69 bird species, including 18 warblers. Several Yellow-billed Cuckoos were spotted, and one lucky group had repeated sightings of a Summer Tanager near the Shakespeare Garden. 

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Empidonax sp.
Eastern Phoebe
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak