Central Park with Will Papp, Kevin Sisco, and Alice Deutsch, 9/29/2020

Registrar: Marie-Claire Cunningham
Trip Report: Miriam Rakowski
Participants: 29
Weather: Cloudy, temperature range 68-72; winds from the south at 4-6 mph
Bird Species: 51

The weather forecast for this morning’s walk had been threatening for the last few days. I suspect many who came last week performed a non-rain dance. If so, it was successful, as the weather cooperated all morning. Twenty-nine happy people went off in three groups on their birding adventure in Central Park. As the winds had been coming from the south for the last few days, we did not expect to see many birds. Yet our group was able to eke out ten species of warblers, including a Tennessee.

An interesting conversation ensued when we sighted a large, rather bulky raptor. Its size suggested a Red-tailed Hawk but it lacked a belly band. It possessed a longish, striped tail suggesting an accipiter. However, we were puzzled by its large size. We finally agreed on it being a female Cooper’s Hawk.

Some other highlights included a Scarlet Tanager, a couple of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Despite the cloudy weather, we had a bright morning filled with 52 species of birds. 

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Herring Gull
Cooper’s Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Staten Island with Seth Wollney, 9/26/2020

Registrar: Judy Rabi
Participants: 9
Weather: The weather started out cool and partly cloudy. By mid-afternoon the temperature was 76 degrees, sunny and humid. Winds were south-southwest.
Bird Species: 64

We started our day at the Conference House Visitor Center. The number of migrating Blue Jays and Northern Flickers were notable. Ospreys were also abundant. A green-banded Bald Eagle was easily sighted perched in a field with several large trees. Unfortunately we could not make out the full number on the band. Seth informed us that this was most likely a migrating bird, because Bald Eagles are not banded on Staten Island. Two Merlins perched and flying, were also seen in this field. Song birds and woodpeckers were also present in good numbers at the Conference House.

From the Conference House we made our way to Seaside Nature Park. Royal Terns, perhaps ten to fifteen of them, were perched and flying in close proximity in the small harbor-like area. A Belted Kingfisher, Boat-tailed Grackles, Double-crested Cormorants and Fish Crow were also present, not to speak of the many fiddler crabs scrambling in the mud.

We then moved on to Oakwood Beach. In this area an immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, a Little Blue Heron, egrets of both species, a Marsh Wren, Carolina Wren, Tree Swallows, American Crow and Ospreys were present. A white-tailed deer, monarch and cabbage white butterflies were also noted.

Our final destination was Miller Field. The pond at Miller Field yielded several species: Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Savannah Sparrow, Palm Warbler, and the one that many of us considered the bird of the day, an American Pipit.

We had 64 species in total.

Many thanks to Seth, whose ability to spot birds and willingness to share his knowledge of Staten Island habitats and species prevalence were immensely helpful to all of us.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Little Blue Heron
Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Merlin
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Marsh Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
American Pipit
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Palm Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal

Central Park with Will Papp, Kevin Sisco, and Janet Wooten, 9/22/2020

Registrar: Miriam Rakowski
Attendees: 30
Weather: temperatures, 52-70F; Winds, NNW 6-10 mph.
Bird Species: 61

Our walk began on the morning of the fall equinox, with crisp air and warming temperatures as the day progressed. Our group included about 30 old and new friends, divided into three smaller groups.

In the early cool morning, insect activity was slow, with few birds. As it warmed, we began to see warblers, mainly American Redstarts, Magnolias, and Black-and-whites among others. One special warbler seen by Janet and a few others, was a Golden-winged Warbler. Soon, we saw a few kinglets of both types, harbingers of fall. Throughout the morning we saw small groups of perhaps as many as 50 Blue Jays, who make a shorter migration.

At Belvedere Castle, where we had a panoramic view, some of us noticed two raptors with pointy wings flying over. First, we thought they might be falcons. However, one sharp-eyed member of our group noticed white crescents near each of the wing tips, and, excitedly, we realized we were seeing Common Nighthawks.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Herring Gull
Green Heron
Osprey
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Golden-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Butterflies
Question Mark
Red Admiral

Prospect Park with Tom Stephenson, 9/20/2020

Registrar: Marie-Claire Cunningham
Trip report by: Mary Beth Kooper
Participants: 7
Weather: Sunny, 60 degrees F, little wind
Bird Species: 60

As has become an annual tradition, a group of both long-term and a few new Linnaean Society members set out to explore fall migration in Prospect Park at 7:30 am, guided by Tom Stephenson. On this trip highlights included the most Tennessee Warblers any of us had ever seen in one day-at least six, but there may have been more. At one point we were enthralled by watching a Tennessee Warbler and a Nashville Warbler feasting from the same flower. Later, by the lake, we observed multiple Cape May Warblers attracted to a particular area with bees. One of the Cape May Warblers had crossed bills, but it seemed to be doing fine. In the end we had a total of 60 species including 18 species of warblers, and we learned a lot from Tom. As he wrote to our group after the trip, “Highlights were probably the Nashville coming out of the joe pyeweed fuzz, so many low Tennessees, Crystal’s Green-winged Teal; and Lenore’s quote “enough with all of these cape mays already…””.  Our group is very grateful to Tom Stephenson, co-author of The Warbler Guide book and app and the Birdgenie app, for generously sharing his time and expertise with us, and his wonderful photos are included here for all to enjoy. It was a fun and very enjoyable trip.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Mallard
American Black Duck
Green-winged Teal
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Green-Wood Cemetery with Rob Jett, 9/19/2020

Registrar: Barbara Saunders
Participants: 10
Weather: Sunny, breezy, 50 degrees F
Bird Species: 67

On this sunny September morning, Rob Jett led us on an early fall walk through Green-Wood Cemetery in search of fall migrants. Throughout the morning, we wended our way around weathered monuments, tall statues, and up grassy ridges where we spotted an amazing 20 warbler species! Most of the warblers were hawking insects both on the ground and in trees, including fall-out numbers of Chestnut-sided Warblers, an elusive Connecticut Warbler at the Dell Water, and multiple Nashville Warblers here and there. Along the way, we also had three vireo species – Yellow-throated, Blue-headed and Red-eyed. As for sparrows, we counted three Lincoln Sparrows, as well as Chipping, Field, Savannah Sparrows, and more. We even spied a few Scarlet Tanagers busily feeding in the trees.  Early on, Rob glimpsed a Dickcissel before the walk started, which unfortunately wasn’t re-sighted (but not from lack of trying). Even though the winds weren’t favorable for migrating raptors, we managed to spot Red-tailed Hawks, an American Kestrel, a Cooper’s Hawk and a couple of Chimney Swifts (okay, those last ones weren’t raptors!). And, of course, Monk Parakeets were seen and heard near their huge stick nest above the main entrance to Green-Wood. In all, we had 68 species of birds and 4 butterfly species. Happily exhausted at the end, we all agreed it was a great early fall day of birding! 

Species Lists

Birds 
Canada Goose
Wood Duck  (Rob saw prior to walk as a pair flew toward Valley Water)
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Herring Gull
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Monk Parakeet
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Empidonax sp.
Eastern Phoebe
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch  (Rob saw prior to walk near 20^th Street entrance)
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow  (Rob saw at Hill of Graves prior to walk)
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole  (Rob saw prior to walk chattering near Pine Hill)
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Dickcissel  (Rob saw prior to walk in grass on Hill of Graves)

Butterflies
Cabbage White
Common Buckeye
Monarch
Sachem

Central Park with Kevin Sisco, Janet Wooten and Alice Deutsch, 9/15/2020

Registrar: Deborra Mullins
Attendees: 24
Weather: Clear, 55F, 8mph NNE winds
Bird Species: 63

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Blue Heron
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
White-throated Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting

Watch Hill with Paul Sweet, 9/13/2020

Registrar: Miriam Rakowski
Attendees: 10
Weather: Temperatures, 70-75F; Winds, SE 10MPH
Bird Species: 45

Our adventure began on a lovely, mostly sunny Sunday morning, at the Patchogue Ferry dock. We were fortunate to have Paul Sweet, as our guide, a scientist from The Museum of Natural History. As we approached the ferry dock, Paul, pointed out clusters of Milk Weed Bugs on a host plant. Even before boarding the Ferry, a variety of birds were seen flying above. One had a lovely, bright orange bill, which turned out to be a Royal Tern.

After a relaxing 30 minute ferry ride across The Great South Bay, we arrived at Watch Hill, Fire Island part of the national seashore, maintained by the Federal Government. Watch Hill is a transformative place, without vehicles and only small buildings, all surrounded by azure blue water. It is a barrier Island about thirty miles long by about a half mile wide, just south of Long Island. There is a variety of habitats: dunes, marshes, forest, and beaches. With The Great South Bay, on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, we began our exploration.

We walked along the boardwalk, admiring the differing grasses along the marsh, an ideal habitat for a variety birds, during the nesting season. Some birds had already begun their migration. However, we were hoping to still see the Saltmarsh Sparrow. We were distracted by flocks of Least Sandpipers, probably scared up, by the many Northern Harriers, that were seen flying about. At one point we counted three. And yes, we were fortunate enough to have a good long look at the striking Saltmarsh Sparrow, arguably one of the most attractive sparrows, with its muted orange plumage.

We walked through a small forest looking for woodland species. Given that the winds were against us, we were fortunate to see a few warblers, and hear the repeated song of the Carolina Wren.

After a pleasant outdoor lunch, by the bay, we went to visit the ocean. As there had been storms earlier, the surf was strong. At the water’s edge Paul noticed a smaller gull. Upon closer inspection they were determined to be Lesser Black-backed Gulls, an adult and two juveniles. Paul, explained that the bird’s overall appearance was more delicate looking than other gulls nearby, with longer wing extensions, and a smaller bill.

We also spotted a peep. There was some conversation about this bird, as it was alone, with a longer bill that drooped a bit. However, after it demonstrated a typical Sanderling behavior, of running from the surf, we were confident in our identification.

On our way back to the ferry, we walked about half mile through the community of Davis Park. There we encountered a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, among other birds.

At 4:30 we took a relaxing ferry boat, back to Patchogue. Some of the feedback I received from the attendees on the boat were, the following: “Getting out of the city during COVID, felt like a mini-vacation.” Also, “This was a real treat!”


Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
American Black Duck
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Royal Tern
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Snowy Egret
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Downy Woodpecker
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
Northern Cardinal

Mammals
White-tailed Deer

Butterflies
Monarch Larvae

Odonates
Seaside Dragonlet

Plants and Flowers
Spartina Grass
Salicornia
Winged Sumac
Marsh Elder
Bayberry
Sassafras
Poison Ivy

Other Insects
Milk Weed Bugs

Alley Pond Park with Alan Drogin, 9/12/2020

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 8
Weather: 62-67 degrees F, partly cloudy, winds SW 7 mph
Bird Species: 36

Eight masked and socially distanced birders enjoyed a cool late summer morning exploring the southern part of Alley Pond Park. This area of the park contains forests, fresh-water wetlands and open fields. Eight species of warblers were seen, as well as many ruby-throated hummingbirds visiting stands of Jewelweed and Aralia. Twice during the walk we happened upon areas where an exciting variety of warblers and other migrants were passing through in quick succession, giving good up-close looks. Four species of woodpeckers and several irrupting Red-breasted Nuthatches were also observed.

Species Lists

Birds
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Butterflies
Cabbage White

Odonates
Wandering Glider

Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk