Friday's Foto

With the songbird migration pretty much at a close, I decided to check along the coast for migrating shorebirds. This Willet was feeding on horseshoe crab eggs at Brooklyn's Plum Beach. While many of these large shorebirds will only stop off briefly in Brooklyn on their way to nesting grounds as far North as Newfoundland, some will actually breed locally.

Birding in Urban Areas

I was recently interviewed by Timothy Martinez Jr. for the blog "Into the Air", a publication of Backyard Chirper, an online retailer of bird feeder and bird house products. The final piece is entitled "Birding in Cities: Why urban dwellers shouldn’t be discouraged". From the article:

"Tucked away in the greenery of one of the busiest cities in the world, a small group of birders sets their sights on warblers, vireos, orioles, Monk parakeets and many other unique species.

Led by nature and bird enthusiast Rob Jett, these birders of New York City—home to about eight million people and the country’s tallest skyscrapers—see many species that birders in rural areas only dream about."

You can read the entire piece here.

Green-Wood Cemetery Trip Roundup

Participants on this Wednesday's tour of Green-Wood Cemetery were rewarded with an unexpected fallout of late-Spring migrants. Given the previous weekend's scarcity of birds, I was anticipating a very short species list. A couple visiting from California were delighted with the outcome as they went home with 8 life species.

On Saturday my birding pals and I were grumbling about the dearth of birds around Brooklyn and how it seemed that Spring migration had abruptly ended. As I began walking up the hill inside the entrance of Green-Wood Cemetery on Wednesday morning, however, there appeared to be at least one last Northbound push of birds moving through the area. Several Blackpoll Warblers were singing their high-pitched, squeaky wheel song. A monotonous Red-eyed Vireo vocalized from the same tree. Then I spotted a Black-throated Green Warbler, followed by a Northern Parula. We were only about 50 yards from the cemetery entrance and already located our first mixed songbird flock within a single oak tree.

As we passed the DeWitt Clinton monument I heard a Scarlet Tanager singing from somewhere near Fern Avenue and decided to follow it to the bird. Getting closer I noticed the burry song of a Yellow-throated Vireo. These lemon-yellow birds are scarce around New York City on migration, so I decided to give up on the tanager and try to find the vireo. He was singing from somewhere near the top of a hickory tree and while scanning for the source of the song noticed several other songbirds moving within the canopy. I walked up the hillside towards Warrior Path to get a better perspective of the tops of a stand of oaks and hickories. The vireo continued to elude our bins, but the trees were loaded with other birds. Feeding within the tree's dangling catkins were Eastern Wood-Pewee, Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Canada Warbler! Eye-level views of the blackburnian's flame-colored throat and face elicited a spontaneous chorus of "oos" and "aahs".

Throughout the morning we continued to locate scattered pockets of songbird activity, primarily within the flowering hickory trees. One interesting observation on Wednesday was of a calling White-breasted Nuthatch. I've never located a nuthatch nest in Green-Wood Cemetery, but the presence of one at this date indicates that perhaps they are actually breeding here.

In addition to the warblers and vireos we also encountered several Swainson's Thrushes and Veeries. More often than not, we were made aware of the Swainson's presence by their upward spiraling, flute-like song. Listen to the song of the Swainson's Thrush:


Next week I'm taking a short break so there won't be a Green-Wood tour on May 30th. I'll be resuming on June 6th. Hope to see you then.

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Green-Wood Cemetery
May 23, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
45 species

Common Loon (1, Flyover.)
Double-crested Cormorant (1, Flyover.)
Red-tailed Hawk (3; 1 adult, 1 juvenile and at least 1 hatchling on nest.)
Monk Parakeet
Chimney Swift
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee (4.)
Yellow-throated Vireo (1.)
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Tree Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch (1, Heard only.)
House Wren
Veery (4.)
Swainson's Thrush

Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart (abundant.)
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler (common.)
Blackburnian Warbler (2.)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1.)
Blackpoll Warbler (abundant.)
Black-throated Green Warbler (5.)
Canada Warbler (3.)

Chipping Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager (4.)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1.)
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, House Sparrow ...Read more

Treehugger Tuesday

International Map of Biodiversity

Scientists from Yale and the University of Colorado are creating a world-wide digital map of biodiversity called the "Map of Life".

Here is the introduction from the website:

Welcome to the Map of Life first demonstration release!

The current release allows you to explore globally the geographic distributions for any terrestrial vertebrate species (as well as North American freshwater fish). Specifically you are able to:

- Display expert range maps, point occurrence records, records from study areas such as reserves and larger regions. These are shown as layers on maps, and a layer control widget allows you to adjust ordering, visibility, etc .
- Retrieve a list of species for the vicinity of any location worldwide using the species list tool. Simply set search radius and group of interest, and right click (control-click on Macs) your mouse button on a point of the map.

This is a first demo public release, so please let us know if there are any issues or problems. The demo will work on all current browsers but we cannot guarantee backwards compatibility. Two short videos demonstrate taxonomic searches and the species list tool.

The larger vision and many of the next steps for this project are outlined in this 2012 Trends in Ecology and Evolution paper. In near-future releases, we plan to greatly increase and enhance data coverage and functionality. We will soon add more datasets for vertebrates and extend coverage to plants and invertebrates. You will be able to:

- Filter data based on characteristics such as seasonality, or date of observation
- Flag and edit distribution data and provide feedback about those edits
- Upload your own datasets, access them through their own workbench and publish them to the community
- Intersect distribution data products with environmental data such as land cover and climate
- Download redistributable products
- Retrieve more thoroughly annotated species lists
- Calculate, display and download gridded summary patterns of e.g. species richness, endemism, etc.
- Calculate different measures of species global global range size

The mid to long term goal is a modeling framework including environmental data to produce more refined, quantitative estimates of of current-day and projected future species distributions.

We appreciate your feedback on all aspects of Map of Life, especially how we can improve the experience of using the application, and the highest valued next steps based on your needs. Please feel free to click the “Feedback” tab in the application and let us know your thoughts.

Your Map of Life team

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I was really impressed with this amazing tool in the short time that I played around with it. It has incredible potential. You should check it out. ...Read more

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of May 26, 2012 - May 28, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, May 27, 2012
Discover Tour
Every Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Butterflies, flycatchers and other fine things in Upper Manhattan: Fort Tryon and Inwood Parks
Meet 8 am at Fort Tryon Park south main entrance Margaret Corbin Circle; north end of Fort Washington Ave
Subway "A" train to 190th Street station
Trip Leader: Peter Dorosh, Prosbird [AT] aol.com or 347-622-3559 (text message)
Focus: peaking spring migration
NOTE: Extensive walking and high ground with slope paths especially in Inwood Park. Fort Tryon was designed by Prospect Park's own Frederick Olmstead.
Site Profiles: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forttryonpark
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwoodhillpark

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, May 26, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

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Littoral Society
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruises (5-8 PM)
Leave from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn aboard the "Golden Sunshine" for a narrated tour of Jamaica Bay. Learn about the history, ecology, wildlife and management of the refuge and see egrets, herons, osprey, peregrine falcon, terns, shorebirds and waterfowl. Cost: $55 includes tour, wine & cheese, fruit, drink, snacks. Call (718) 318-9344; e-mail: donriepe [AT] gmail.com. (with Gateway NRA and NYC Audubon).

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 26, 2012, 7:30am - 10:30am
StarrTrips
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Monday, April 2 – Wednesday, May 30 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (park-side). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, May 26, 2012, 6am – 7pm
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Sunday, May 27, 2012, 5pm – 8pm
Jamaica Bay Sunset Cruise
Guides: Don Riepe, Mickey Cohen With American Littoral Society
Meet at Pier 2 in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Enjoy a three-hour narrated cruise aboard the 100-foot boat “Golden Sunshine.” Visit backwater marshes near JFK Airport, and learn about the 13,000-acre Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. See nesting peregrine falcons, ospreys, egrets, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Includes refreshments. To register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or donriepe [AT] gmail.com. Limited to 140. $45

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 26, 2012

Birding
8:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Build a Birdfeeder
1:00 p.m.
We connect with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. Children who...
Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
Free! ...Read more

Bird Migration Forecast

Cornell's eBird website has released their bird migration forecasts for this week. I've excerpted the sections relevant to folks here in the northeast, but you can read the entire forecast here.

BirdCast Forecast: 18 - 24 May

While team eBird is in Alaska, our April eBirder of the month, Benjamin Van Doren, is our guest BirdCaster. Benjamin has a talent for understanding migration, developing an ambitious project to gather morning flight data from dozens birdwatchers in the Northeast that was recognized with a 5th place in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search. Take it away, Benjamin!

Many areas of the West will experience light to moderate movements, especially the southeastern portion (New Mexico and environs), when not dealing with precipitation. Strong, far-reaching southerly flow over the Great Plains will spur moderate to heavy passage, interrupted by precipitation with potential to put down migrating birds. The Upper Midwest will also see favorable conditions punctuated by rain, as light to moderate movements continue to the east when not hampered by precipitation. Texas and some parts of the western Gulf Coast will see conditions favorable for movement, but scattered precipitation and subpar winds will slow migrants’ tracks through the Southeast, at least until late next week.

Western Sandpiper

Western Sandpiper is one of the most abundant shorebirds in North America, belonging to the assemblage of small shorebirds frequently referred to as "Peeps". This week, Western Sandpipers will be streaming north toward their breeding grounds, many having already arrived at staging areas in Alaska. Western Sandpiper is a common migrant along the Pacific Flyway in spring and fall, but this species migrates on a broader front in fall, occurring throughout the continent and even to the East Coast. It winters along the Southeast and Gulf Coasts, stretching south to Panama and northern South America (unlike the similar Semipalmated Sandpiper, which winters mainly in South America and the Caribbean). Spring migration is more focused for Western Sandpiper, however, and the species is exceptionally rare in the Northeast at that time. Small numbers move mainly toward the northwest from wintering areas in the Southeast and Caribbean, bypassing the Northeast altogether. Indeed, finding a Western Sandpiper among the hoards of Semipalmated Sandpipers moving through the Northeast is a rare treat in spring. This week, look for Western Sandpipers along the Pacific Coast, and across the interior of the continent.

Weather Forecast

The period will begin with high pressure covering the eastern seaboard as a storm tracks from the northern plains toward Hudson Bay. This will open up a period of south winds up through the Midwest to the Great Lakes. Farther east, winds will remain light under high pressure until a weak cold front crosses the East early next week. This front will be followed by another high pressure and light winds. Across the West, the period will begin tranquil as high pressure dominates. But a storm system will come onshore in the Pacific Northwest early next week and eventually work into the Plains by the end of the week, leading to another strong period of south winds from the Gulf to the northern Plains and Great Lakes.

Upper Midwest and Northeast

The forecast period begins as high pressure dominates the northeast, with conditions favorable for migration west of New York, likely spurring moderate to heavy migration events in that area. Light to moderate movements may still occur to the east, however, ahead of an advancing rain-bearing front, which will then hamper migratory passage until later in the period. Southerly winds return towards the end of the forecast period in the western part of the region, along with the potential for sizable movements. However, depending on the strength of the wind, some light movement may still occur when winds aloft are not  southerly as birds continue to surge towards their breeding grounds. These movements may occur at low altitudes, sometimes below the reach of radar, as birds seek the strata of atmosphere most advantageous for northbound flight. Fronts will bring rain to the area both early in the week and toward the end; birders especially in the Great Lakes region should be aware of possible localized fallouts as masses of migrating birds interact with advancing precipitation. ...Read more

Green-Wood Cemetery Birds

Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery was slightly quieter for Wednesday's tour compared to last week. I tallied 13 species of warbler, with overall abundance lower that over the previous few days - although the early fog and drizzle could have been a factor. Still haven't seen much in the way of flycatchers other than Great Crested and kingbirds. One interesting observation was of an INDIGO BUNTING continuing to sing from the woodland edge near the Dell Water. He has been in that spot for 2 weeks now. It would be extremely rare if he found a mate and nested in the cemetery. Also of note is the arrival of Cedar Waxwings, seen and heard in good numbers.

On a non-avian note, it appears to be snapping turtle breeding season as some of these huge, prehistoric-looking reptiles have dragged themselves out of the ponds in search of soft earth to lay eggs. I spotted one on a hillside about 1/4 mile from the closest body of water. She looked exhausted and I considered giving her a hand down to the Crescent Water, then realized that she probably would have taken both.

Here's a short slideshow of some of the morning's botanics:


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Green-Wood Cemetery
May 16, 2012 8:05 AM - 10:40 AM
56 species

Double-crested Cormorant (1.)
Great Blue Heron (1.)
Great Egret (3.)
Red-tailed Hawk (3.)
Merlin (1.)
Killdeer (1.)
Spotted Sandpiper (1.)
Laughing Gull
Monk Parakeet
Chimney Swift
Northern Flicker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
House Wren
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing (43.)
Ovenbird (2.)
Northern Waterthrush (1.)
Black-and-white Warbler (4.)
Common Yellowthroat (3.)
American Redstart (6.)
Northern Parula (8.)
Magnolia Warbler (9.)
Yellow Warbler (1.)
Chestnut-sided Warbler (1.)
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler (2.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (7.)
Black-throated Green Warbler (1.)
Chipping Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager (2.)
INDIGO BUNTING (1.)
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole (1.)
Baltimore Oriole (4.)

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, House Sparrow ...Read more

Friday's Foto

American Robins around New York City breed early and often. While some birds have yet to nest or are still sitting on eggs, many robins have already fledged their first brood and are working on a second. It is not unusually for them to raise three broods each year. I found this egg shell resting on a patch of Yellow Wood Sorrel in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Treehugger Tuesday

Here's a great TED talk with environmental scientist and founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, Amory Lovins:

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of May 19, 2012 - May 20, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, May 20, 2012
Discover Tour
Every Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

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New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Sunday May 20 2012
Prospect Park "Friends Walk"
Meet 7:30 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Note: there is no trip leader for this walk; instead, birders will gather and lead as a group.

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

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Littoral Society
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Celebrate the Beach Plums in Bloom at Plumb Beach
10:00 a.m. -- noon. Plum Beach Round House. Enjoy the profusion of beach plum flowers while exploring the intricacies of this dynamic maritime habitat with Mickey Maxwell Cohen of the American Littoral Society

Sunday, May 20, 2012 (8:30am - 11am)
Horseshoe Crabs and Red Knots
Meet at the Jamaica Bay Refuge visitor center. Hike along shoreline to view the horseshoe crabs and shorebirds. Leaders; Mickey Cohen, Don Riepe. Free ( with NYC Audubon). Call (718) 318-9344; or e-mail: Donriepe [AT] gmail.com for reservation.

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New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 7:30am - 10:30am
StarrTrips
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Monday, April 2 – Wednesday, May 30 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (park-side). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 6am – 7pm
Van Cortlandt Park Birdathon?
Rain Date: Sunday, May 20 With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Meet at Van Cortlandt Park for a great day of birding and support the park at the same time, whether you’re a birding beginner or a pro! Come any time between 6am and 7pm to participate in Van Cortlandt Park’s first bird-a-thon. Count the number of bird species you spot and get your supporters to chip in for each species you find! Experts will be on hand to help with identification. For more information and to learn about pledge collection, visit www.vcpark.org or call 718-430-1890. Bring binoculars. No limit. Free

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 9am – 12pm
Red Knots and Horseshoe Crabs at Jamaica Bay
Guide: Don Riepe With Gateway National Recreation Area Meet at the the Jamaica Bay NWR Visitor Center to see the annual mating ritual of the prehistoric horseshoe crab, along with red knots, sanderlings, and ruddy turnstones. Hike along the beach and marshland edges to see fiddler crabs, egrets, and other wildlife. Bring lunch and binoculars. To register, contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 or donriepe [AT] gmail.com. Limited to 25. Free

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 9am – 12pm
Spring Migration on Randall's Island
Guides: Gabriel Willow, Victoria Ruzicka With Randall's Island Park Alliance, Inc. Meet on the N.W. corner of 102nd Street and the FDR Drive. We'll walk across the foot bridge to Randall's Island, an under-explored location in the East River that hosts restored freshwater wetlands and salt marsh. We'll look for spring migrants (both waterbirds and land birds) as we explore the results of recent restoration efforts. Two miles of walking and some modest climbs. Limited to 20. $25 Click here to register

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New York City Wildflower Week
Saturday, May 19th and Sunday May 20th, 2012, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Native Plant Habitat At LCBH Community Garden
Location: Meet at the Bowery Gate at Bowery and Houston Street
Guide: Meet at the garden’s Bowery Gate at Bowery and Houston Street
Guide: L. Brandon Krall, Garden Steward
Register for this event
Description: The Liz Christy Bowery Houston Garden was established in 1973; making it one of the first community gardens in the country. In 1985 L. Brandon Krall initiated a native plant habitat and collection in the large shaded area beneath the landmark dawn redwood tree. May is an excellent time to visit LCBH Garden to see the early blooming wildflowers: Virginia bluebells, Dutchman's breeches, trillium, may apples, pinkster azaleas, native ferns and many other delightful specimens from the range of northeastern United States.

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 12 noon – 2 pm
Native Pollinators And Their Plants
Location: Native Plant Display Garden, East 15th Street and Union Square West, Union Square Park
Guide: Judith Van Bers, Seed collector, Greenbelt Native Plant Center, NYC
Register for this event
Description: Explore how the shapes and colors of flowering plants are related to the pollinators they attract and how maintenance of a vibrant and diverse ecosystem includes keeping ‘pests’ as well as butterflies. After all, a world without ‘pests’ would also be a world without chocolate. The walk should help participants create an insect-friendly sustainable garden. We will see native flowers and a variety of bees, butterflies, flies and beetles. In addition, there will be a small collection of insects typical of this region to look at.

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 1 – 3 pm
Native Gardens of Queens Botanical Garden
Location: Meet on the terrace of the Visitor and Administration Building, Queens Botanical Garden
Guide: Fred Gerber, Director of Education Emeritus
Register for this event Entrance to the Botanical Garden is free for this tour
Description: Visit the Garden's 39 acres to see native plants in bloom. Discover natives in the woodland, perennial gardens and the beautiful fragrance walk. See the Green Roof and the native plants around our LEED certified green building. Entrance to the garden is free for this tour (please announce that you are coming for the tour) Parking $5

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 1 – 3 pm
Mud, Marsh and Meadow
Location: Meet at the parking lot of the Toys R Us, 2875 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn.
Guide: Matthew Wills, Naturalist and Blogger
Register for this event
Description: Four Sparrow Marsh in Mill Basin, Brooklyn is one of the last remaining salt marshes on the north shore of Jamaica Bay. The marsh provides critical filtration services for the bay and is habitat for numerous nesting and migratory bird species. Consisting of mudflat, salt marsh, upland meadow, and a sprinkling of deciduous trees, the Four Sparrow landscape hosts a mixture of native and invasive plant species. Wear waterproof boots, hat, bug spray and sun-screen and be prepared to bushwack.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Forest Restoration Workshop at High Rock Park
Meet in the Nevada Avenue parking lot at High Rock Park. We will join other volunteers for It’s My Parks Day removing invasive plants and maintaining the surrounding trails. After the work session (our 191st consecutive monthly workshop) we will take a short walk over nearby trails.
For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 or Chuck Perry at (718) 667-1393.

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Graniteville Quarry Park
Explore one of NYC’s newest parks with Alan Benimof, professor of geology, and discover Early Jurassic Palisades Diabase and an extraordinary xenolith of Lockatong Argillite that melted around its margins to produce a trondhjemite. Also see evidence of past glaciation while you walk the exposed rocks of the Graniteville Quarry. Meet along Forest Avenue at the intersection of Simonson Avenue.
For more information call Alan Benimoff at

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 9:45a.m. to 3:45p.m.
Annual Ten Mile Spring Walk of the Staten Island Greenbelt
Come join others who enjoy a day outdoors. It is ten moderate miles at a comfortable pace. Meet at the beginning of the Blue Line Trail at the end of Staten Island Boulevard, off Ocean Terrace by the Sunnyside campus of Petrides complex. Bring lunch and beverage and sturdy walking shoes. Dress comfortably. We go in all weather. Come see what the spring woodland has to offer; migrant birds, woodland flowers and a canopy of green.
For more information call Dominick Durso at 917-478-7607 or Don Recklies at 718-768-9036.

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Queens County Bird Club
Sunday, May 20, 2012
MiniTrip Forest Park
Leader: Jean Loscalzo 917-575-6824
Meet 7:45am walk starts 8am
See map http://tinyurl.com/yff2lpp
Birding Site Maps page https://sites.google.com/site/qcbirdclub/birding-site-maps

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Van Cortlandt Park Bird-a-Thon
6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Drop in any time this day between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to have fun birding and help out...
Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House Circle (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx

Birding
8:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Birding: Hawk Watch
11:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Lafayette and Metcalf Avenues (in Soundview Park), Bronx
Free!

On A Wing: Family Festival
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Marvel at live native raptors from Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, view feathers under the...
Location: Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
Free!

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Freshkills Park May Birding tour
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join us as we search for the birds of Freshkills Park along the site's wetlands, creeks and...
Location: Eltingville Transit Center (in Freshkills Park), Staten Island
Free!

Birding
1:00 p.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center (in Fort Greene Park), Brooklyn
Free! ...Read more

Bird Migration Forecast

Cornell's eBird website has released their bird migration forecasts for this week. I've excerpted the sections relevant to folks here in the northeast, but you can read the entire forecast here.

BirdCast Forecast: 11 - 17 May

High pressure will dominate much of the country during this forecast period. The West will experience widespread light to moderate migration this week, as high pressure and warmer temperatures build in across most of the region. Moderate to heavy movements will occur in the Great Plains, despite scattered precipitation that may inhibit movements locally. Despite largely unfavorable winds aloft for much of the period, most areas of the Upper Midwest and Northeast will experience moderate to heavy movements this week; the threat of scattered precipitation will diminish movements in some locations. The Gulf Coast and Southeast should see an influx of trans-Gulf migrants in the western Gulf early in the weekend, in the eastern Gulf early next week, and generally widespread moderate to heavy movements inland, despite some periods of unfavorable winds aloft and the threat of scattered precipitation early in the period. Birders in coastal areas should watch for potential fallouts through the early portion of the week.

Warbler migration in full swing

For many birders in the East, spring migration is nearly synonymous with looking for warblers. Next week should continue to offer excitement throughout North America. Throughout much of the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast, this next week promises to offer some of the best warbler watching of the spring with a wide variety of species and large numbers of singing males. By contrast, migration along the Gulf Coast will have slowed, with most migrants being females or 1st-spring birds. That said, there have been very good migration days even this late, including a fair number of rarities. While the best migration days may be past, this is still an excellent time to go birding.

The Connecticut Warbler is among the most enigmatic and highly sought warblers in North America. This species winters in South America and has a fairly narrow migration window. Even in Florida, this species is rarely noted before May (and it is very rare west of Florida along the Gulf Coast). While finding a Connecticut Warbler anywhere is always a treat, we expect a fair number of individuals to be on the move this week from Tennessee northward to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio; by late in the week birds are likely to appear in North Dakota and Ontario. This species is often best detected by song, and otherwise often remains hidden. When not signing, Connecticut Warblers are more likely to be found at isolated migrant traps, particularly in eastern North Dakota and Minnesota.



Connecticut Warbler migration map, May (all years). Note the presumed arrival in Florida after a trans-Caribbean flight from South America. Then quick movement north through the Midwest.

Upper Midwest and Northeast

Although winds aloft are forecast to be mostly marginal during the forecast period, the fact that the region may not see substantial and extensive precipitation suggests that migration volume will be moderate in many areas, with some locally heavy movements. In areas where precipitation occurs, the potential for local fallout conditions could develop; birders across the region should watch the passage of precipitation with this in mind. This is particularly true beginning early in the week, when any checking for migrants should include both passerine traps and inland lakes. ...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, May 11, 2012:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* May. 11, 2012
* NYNY1205.11

- Birds mentioned

WHITE-FACED IBIS+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Cattle Egret
Black Vulture
Red Knot
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black-legged Kittiwake
Least Tern
Gull-billed Tern
Common Tern
Black Skimmer
Parasitic Jaeger
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson's Thrush
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
Cerulean Warbler
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
Kentucky Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Hooded Warbler
Yellow-breasted Chat
SUMMER TANAGER
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
BLUE GROSBEAK
Bobolink

- Transcript

If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc3 AT nybirds.org.

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Jeanne Skelly - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
420 Chili-Scottsville Rd.
Churchville, NY 14428

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

To report sightings call:
Tom Burke (212) 372-1483 (weekdays, during the day)
Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126 (Long Island)

Compiler: Tom Burke, Tony Lauro
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber: Ben Cacace

BEGIN TAPE

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, May 11th 2012 at 7pm. The highlights of today's tape are WHITE-FACED IBIS, SUMMER TANAGER, BLUE GROSBEAK, PROTHONOTARY WARBLER, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER and many Spring migrants.

The adult WHITE-FACED IBIS at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was rather accommodating last weekend spending a decent amount of time along the south shore of the West Pond both with and without accompanying Glossy Ibis and was doing the same routine early in the week. Watch for this nicely marked bird along the south shore anywhere from the southwest corner along the entire south edge. If not there the bird had previously been seen at the north end of the West Pond or in the marsh north of the pond. Also at the bay Saturday was one of several OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS arriving in the area last weekend plus BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and a good selection of herons.

After a decent weekend, poor weather early in the week finally gave way to better conditions and brought good numbers of migrants into the area Thursday and today.

As our regional barometer for migration Central Park noted over 30 species of warblers during the week. The more unusual featured a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in the Ramble Thursday and a KENTUCKY WARBLER noted irregularly at the north end to Thursday along with a CERULEAN WARBLER Tuesday and the first of the later arriving MOURNING WARBLERS on Thursday. Both cuckoos have occurred in the park and flycatchers are on the increase with OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and a few species of empidonax including YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER adding to the mix. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH has also begun to show up joining good numbers of SWAINSON'S THRUSH and VEERYS now present. A SUMMER TANAGER has been lingering in the vicinity of the Ramble this week and a second was reported near West 65th Street Thursday. Sparrows have included LINCOLN'S SPARROW and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and some early morning BOBOLINKS have been noted.

The PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in Bryant Park amazingly was still being reported today as it drifts throughout the park and a nice collection of birds included a HOODED WARBLER Thursday.

The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER was reported Thursday from Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan while Brooklyn's Prospect Park recorded a SUMMER TANAGER Tuesday and MOURNING WARBLER today with PROTHONOTARY and HOODED WARBLERS in nearby Green-wood Cemetery on Thursday.

On Staten Island, Clove Lakes Park had an early MOURNING WARBLER back on the 4th followed by SUMMER TANAGER and OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER Thursday. Last Saturday a KENTUCKY WARBLER was found along the Riis Park / Fort Tilden border and a BLUE GROSBEAK was spotted at Floyd Bennett Field Sunday. A CERULEAN WARBLER was among the birds visiting the waterhole at Forest Park in Queens last Sunday.

Out at Jones Beach West End a SUMMER TANAGER and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT were uncovered around the Turnaround Grove last Saturday and stayed at least through Sunday. Two GULL-BILLED TERNS on the Coast Guard sandbar Saturday increased to 5 by Sunday. Also on Saturday several species of flycatchers including OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER and EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE were noted chasing and devouring some of the abundant Red Admiral butterflies. Lots of RED KNOTS, BLACK SKIMMERS and some LEAST TERNS along with numerous COMMON TERNS were also present around Jones Inlet. Six LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were in the West End 2 parking lot Saturday afternoon.

A male SUMMER TANAGER was spotted again at Valley Stream State Park on Sunday. A KENTUCKY WARBLER appeared at Robert Moses State Park last Saturday, a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT on Sunday and seawatching from field 2 there on Tuesday produced a small number of PARASITIC JAEGERS. Three other PARASITICS were noted off Main Beach in East Hampton Tuesday. The CATTLE EGRET continues at the Mecox Dairy off Mecox Road near Halsey Lane in Bridgehampton.

Other interesting birds on eastern Long Island featured a BLACK VULTURE Sunday and Monday over East Lake Drive in Montauk, a late BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE at Mecox Wednesday, a KENTUCKY WARBLER in Southold Sunday and Monday and at Montauk Point a SUMMER TANAGER at Camp Hero and a BLUE GROSBEAK at Turtle Cove both on Sunday.

A fallout on Great Gull Island featured a KENTUCKY WARBLER last Saturday and a BLUE GROSBEAK was on the Stonybrook University campus Monday and Tuesday.

To phone in reports on Long Island, call Tony Lauro at (631) 734-4126, or weekdays call Tom Burke at (212) 372-1483.

This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.

- End transcript ...Read more

Cool Raptor Video

Check out this really cool behind the scenes video of a raptor photo shoot for the Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon:

Friday's Foto

Even if you've never paid any attention to butterflies, no doubt this Spring you have noticed lots of these lovely Red Admiral butterflies fluttering about. There has been such a huge irruption this year that even the mainstream media has given it coverage. Some attribute the unusual abundance to this past Winter's mild weather. Others say that it is a regular 10 year cycle. Either way, there are so many around that even the birds have noticed and many are feasting on them.

Green-Wood Birds

The morning began with overcast skies and strong northwest winds, not ideal conditions for finding migrating songbirds. Within the first hour of wandering Green-Wood Cemetery, however, we spotted several hotspots of activity and one very special bird.

As we walked through the cemetery I tried to stick to areas where I knew there would be stands of oak trees. The oak's flowers attract insects and the insects attract warblers. While it wasn't as birdy and the past weekend, we did find some pockets of warblers. In addition, orioles were common and sang from treetops throughout the cemetery. We also heard then spotted a few Scarlet Tanagers. A cool, non-avian sighting was of a fat groundhog waddling along the hillside near the Dewitt Clinton monument.

The most exciting observation of the morning occurred after we descended a steep pathway down to the Dell Water. A bright yellow songbird was spotted foraging in the low branches of a Black Cherry tree at the edge of the pond. I put my bins on it expecting to see the relatively common Yellow Warbler. My heart jumped when I saw, instead, a Prothonotary Warbler. This golden yellow warbler is usually found south of NYC, although each Spring a few usually overshoot and end up in our local parks. The photo here is of an individual that was in Prospect Park a few years back. I'd been told that the word "prothonotary" had its roots in the Catholic church and referred to the yellow attire worn by a certain sect. The wikipedia entry for the word doesn't seem to follow that explanation. Most information I've found refer to the clerk position in the church, so maybe this warbler is good with numbers.

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Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
May 10, 2012 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
55 species

Great Blue Heron (2.)
Osprey (1.)
Red-tailed Hawk (2.)
Monk Parakeet
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher (1.)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (1, Heard.)
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Barn Swallow
House Wren
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird

Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (1, Dell Water.)
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
HOODED WARBLER (1, Near Weeping Beeches.)
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler (1.)

Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (1.)
White-throated Sparrow
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, House Finch, House Sparrow ...Read more

Green-Wood Trip Rescheduled

As of 6:50am this morning the rain was coming down pretty hard in Brooklyn so I decided to cancel Wednesday's Green-Wood Cemetery trip. I've rescheduled it for tomorrow, Thursday, May 10th.

Treehugger Tuesday

The National Resources Defense Council has created a new smartphone app, Eat Local, that helps us eat locally grown, seasonal produce. From their website:

Like the idea of eating seasonal produce grown on regional farms but wonder what's in season near you this week? Use these easy search tools to find out. The maps to nearby farmers' markets even include directions by car, bike, walking and public transit. Follow the links to learn more about individual food items including great recipes with which to prepare them.

Want to bring Eat Local shopping with you? Download the new NRDC Eat Local app from the iTunes store!

Weekend Migration Update

Over the past weekend Heydi, Paige and I scoured two of Brooklyn's birding hotspots for migrating birds. It was probably the best weekend for birding thus far this Spring.

Saturday's weather forecasts must have been for a different Brooklyn. Reading "partly sunny" and "70 degrees" off of our phones for the current conditions while shivering and seeking shelter from the rain under a spruce tree was a little disheartening. Poor lighting and mostly taciturn songbirds also made for a challenging day, but our perseverance was ultimately rewarded with many good birds. Had it not been for our ear-birding skills, many birds would have gone uncounted.

We started the morning in Prospect Park, then worked our way over to Green-Wood Cemetery after a brief coffee break. Yellow-rumped Warbler were still the warbler of the day, but several new species had joined the soundscape including Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler and Canada Warbler. Other non-warbler vocalists that were heard throughout our travels were Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Baltimore Oriole. Orioles seemed to have arrived by the busload and their rich, liquid whistles can now be heard nearly everywhere.

At Green-Wood Cemetery we saw our first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the season when it stopped to rest within a Black Cherry tree next to the Dell Water.

On Sunday the sky cleared and the songsters found their voices. At around 6:10am, as we approached the Rose(less) Garden of Prospect Park I heard a song that brought a smile to my face. The loud, clear "ta-wit ta-wit ta-wit tee-yo" whistle of a Hooded Warbler was coming from somewhere near the western edge of the narrow, grassy field where it meets a stretch of woods. I would have been content to just listen, but we spent a few minutes searching for the source, for the full "aahhh" effect. It was a great way to start the morning.

As the morning progressed we found several small areas of mixed flock activity in Prospect Park; The Midwood, the edge of the Nethermead Meadow and Lookout Hill. One of the more interesting observations occurred while we were checking the compost area north of the zoo. During a quiet moment we all suddenly heard a familiar sound and gave each other quizzical looks. I realized it was the call of a Common Loon and looked upward in time to see three loons heading north. For me, Common Loon vocalizations evoke images of summer time and clear, freshwater lakes in New England.

We were pretty beat having spent 5 hours birding, but after a short lunch break outside of the park, we returned for a few more hours of abuse. My friend Steve had reported a Yellow-throated Vireo in the Ravine, so we headed to the footpath just passed the Fallkill waterfall. There was a fair amount of bird activity in the mostly oak canopy, but no yellow-throated. We ran into Rob Bate, who also came looking for the vireo. After a few minutes of looking I spotted what I first thought was a female Indigo Bunting landing on a dead snag in a maple tree. The bird seemed very large, however, with a conspicuous rusty wing covert. When it flew closer to us it became obvious that it was the similar, but much larger Blue Grosbeak. This is a very good bird to find in Brooklyn. We hung around the Ravine for another 30 minutes or so and eventually relocated the Yellow-throated Vireo. He revealed his location high in the deciduous tree cover with his lazy, burry, singsong, "three A, THREE a".

Our total species count by the end of the weekend was 90. Twenty-one of those birds were warblers. Twelve were new for me for the year.

***********

Dates: May 5, 2012 and May 6, 2012
Locations: Green-Wood Cemetery and Prospect Park
Species: 90
Checklists: 3
Observers: Rob Jett, Paige Linden, Heydi Lopes

Ruddy Duck (Prospect Lake.)
Common Loon (Flyover, Prospect Park.)
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Green Heron (Prospect Park.)
Osprey (Prospect Park.)
Accipiter sp.
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel (Rose Garden, Prospect Park.)
Peregrine Falcon (Prospect Park.)
Spotted Sandpiper (Prospect Park.)
Solitary Sandpiper (Prospect Park.)
Laughing Gull
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Prospect Park.)
Great Horned Owl
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Dell Water, Green-Wood Cemetery.)
Belted Kingfisher
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Lookout Hill, Prospect Park.)
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo (Prospect Park.)
Blue-headed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Fish Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Carolina Wren
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Wood Thrush
Gray Catbird
Cedar Waxwing (Dell Water, Green-Wood Cemetery.)

Ovenbird
Worm-eating Warbler (Prospect Park.)
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler (Rose Garden, Prospect Park.)
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler (Crescent Water, Green-Wood Cemetery.)
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler (Prospect Park.)
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson's Warbler (Lookout Hill, Prospect Park.)

Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow (Dell Water, Green-Wood Cemetery.)
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Blue Grosbeak (Ravine, Prospect Park.)
Indigo Bunting
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
American Goldfinch

Other common species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, House Sparrow ...Read more

April Birds

During the month of April I saw the biggest increase in my Brooklyn species list for the year. This doesn't include the month of January, of course, when every species is "new". Of the 48 bird species that I added last month there were few surprises and several misses.

As expected, the month started slowly, with only the earliest north-bound migrants trickling into the NYC area. By mid-month the pace quickened with the typically early arriving warblers, such as, Black-and-White Warbler seen. Possibly the biggest surprise was spotting a Common Merganser flying low over Nelly's Lawn in Prospect Park. This isn't a waterfowl species that I see every year in Brooklyn, in fact, I've probably only observed this large duck once in the past 5 years. The end of the month saw the first relatively big push of neotropic migrants and I tallied 12 new species in a single morning at Prospect Park. Of those birds five were wood-warblers;  Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler. This was just a preview of what we'll be experiencing during the month that all New York birdwatchers dream about - MAY!

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NYS total: 163
Kings total: 161

114) Snowy Egret (Four Sparrow Marsh, 04/01/12)
115) Wilson's Snipe (Four Sparrow Marsh, 04/01/12)

116) Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Prospect Park, 04/03/12)
117) Barn Swallow (Prospect Park, 04/03/12)

118) Brown Thrasher (Prospect Park, 04/05/12)
119) Louisiana Waterthrush (Prospect Park, 04/05/12)
120) Eastern Towhee (Prospect Park, 04/05/12)
121) Rusty Blackbird (Prospect Park, 04/05/12)

122) Blue-headed Vireo (Prospect Park, 04/07/12)
123) Northern Parula (Prospect Park, 04/07/12)

124) Common Merganser (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
125) White-eyed Vireo (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
126) Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
127) Black-and-white Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
128) Yellow-throated Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
129) Field Sparrow (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)
130) Savannah Sparrow (Prospect Park, 04/14/12)

131) House Wren (Green-Wood Cemetery, 04/18/12)

132) Chimney Swift (Prospect Park, 04/21/12)
133) Common Yellowthroat (Prospect Park, 04/21/12)
134) Yellow Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/21/12)
135) Forster's Tern (Floyd Bennett Field, 04/21/12)

136) Rose-breasted Grosbeak (1st Street and Prospect Park West, 04/24/12)

137) Warbling Vireo (Green-Wood Cemetery, 04/25/12)
138) Black-throated Green Warbler (Green-Wood Cemetery, 04/25/12)

139) Clapper Rail (Plumb Beach, 04/28/12)
140) Willet (Plumb Beach, 04/28/12)
141) Black Skimmer (Plumb Beach, 04/28/12)
142) Gray Catbird (Plumb Beach, 04/28/12)
143) Solitary Sandpiper (Floyd Bennett Field, 04/28/12)
144) Northern Waterthrush (Floyd Bennett Field, 04/28/12)

145) Green Heron (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
146) Broad-winged Hawk (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
147) Spotted Sandpiper (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
148) Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
149) Bank Swallow (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
150) Wood Thrush (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
151) Ovenbird (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
152) Worm-eating Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
153) Blue-winged Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
154) Blackpoll Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
155) Black-throated Blue Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)
156) Indigo Bunting (Prospect Park, 04/29/12)

157) Great Crested Flycatcher (Prospect Park, 04/30/12)
158) Nashville Warbler (Prospect Park, 04/30/12)
159) Lincoln's Sparrow (Prospect Park, 04/30/12)
160) Orchard Oriole (Prospect Park, 04/30/12)
161) Baltimore Oriole (Prospect Park, 04/30/12) ...Read more

Winged Animal Week

Gothamist launched "Winged Animal Week" with an interview they did with yours truly. You can read "Talking To The City Birder, Rob Jett" at this link.

Upcoming Nature Trips

Below is a list of upcoming nature trips within NYC's five boroughs for the weekend of May 12, 2012 - May 13, 2012:

Audubon Center in Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Introduction to Birdwatching
Every Saturday, 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Explore the Park's natural areas and learn how to look for amazing birds.

Sunday, May 13, 2012
Discover Tour
Every Sunday, 3 p.m.
Discover the Prospect Park you never knew! Meet birds and other wildlife on this walk, guided by a naturalist.

**********

New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Debbie Becker leads a free bird walk at the Garden every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Reflecting Pool in the Leon Levy Visitor Center

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Brooklyn Bird Club
Saturday May 12 2012
"The Birdathon", The 20th Anniversary International Migratory Bird Day
A global event celebrating the beauty of birds and habitats. This event encourages fundraising for conservation causes. A cause will be discussed and adopted by the Birdathon team members, posted on the Prospect Sightings blog (see www.brooklynbirdclub.org ) prior to the event. This year marks the 20th anniversary of IMBD.
If you are interested in forming a team with likewise members or friends with encouragement for pledges and fundraising, or need more information, or details on the Prospect Park walk, please contact the BBC Birdathon coordinator Peter Dorosh at Prosbird [AT] aol.com.
Event profile: www.birdday.org

Sunday, May 13th, 2012
Prospect Park
Meet 7 am at Bartel Pritchard Square park entrance
Trip Leader: Ed Crowne
Focus: Spring migration peak
Note: "F" or "G" train stops southbound at Prospect Park-15th St station possibly affected by changes;
See latest http://www.mta.info/weekender/lineview.html

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Gowanus Dredgers
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 1pm – 5pm
Canoe on the Gowanus Canal
Bring a friend for a self-guided Canoe trip sponsored by the Gowanus Dredgers to raise awareness of Harbor Issues www.gowanuscana​l.org

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Linnaean Society of New York
Saturday, May 12, 2012 (Originally 4/22)
Staten Island Highlights
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Registrar: Joyce Hyon
Registration opens Monday 4/9.
Ride: $20.

**********

New York City Audubon Society
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 7:30am – 10:30am
StarrTrips
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings in Central Park, Monday, April 2 – Wednesday, May 30 Join Starr Saphir for bird watching in Central Park. On Saturdays, meet at 7:30am sharp at 103rd and Central Park West (park-side). All Starr Trips are non-smoking. No registration necessary. For more information, call Starr at 917-306-3808. $8 ($4 for full time students)

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 8:00am – 9:30am
Van Cortlandt Bird Walk
Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban Park Rangers. With the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Urban Park Rangers. Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. For more information, please call 718-548-0912. No registration necessary. No limit. Free.

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10am – 1pm
Birds and Plants: NYBG in Springtime
Guides: Gabriel Willow, NYBG Docent With New York Botanical Garden Enter through the Mosholu gate and meet at the Reflecting Pool near the Visitor Center. The NY Botanical Garden is home to a large tract of East Coast old-growth forest. During peak spring migration, the beautiful gardens come alive with migrating songbirds. Limited to 15. $30. Click here to register

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 11:30am – 1:30pm
Explore the Bronx River by Rowboat
Guide: Chrissy Word With Rocking the Boat Meet at Rocking the Boat, at 812 Edgewater Road in the Bronx, and launch from the adjacent Hunts Point Riverside Park. Come explore the Bronx River aboard a hand-built wooden boat, led by experienced rowers. The Bronx River is the city’s only true river and hosts an abundance of wildlife, including herons and egrets, osprey, and belted kingfishers. Visit restoration sites and learn about the Bronx River eco-system, as well as its social and cultural history. Rowing optional! Limited to 20. $35 for adults, $25 for ages 18 and under. Click here to register

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 9:30am – 11:30am
Birding at Wave Hill
Guide: Gabriel Willow With Wave Hill Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and behaviors on these walks through the gardens and woodlands of Wave Hill. This garden setting along the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Advanced registration is recommended, either online, at the Perkins Visitor Center, or by calling 718-549-3200 x305. (Walks run rain or shine; in case of severe weather call the number above at x245 for updates.) Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. $10 NYC Audubon and Wave Hill members/$18 non-members

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NYC Wildflower Week
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 6 AM (yes, that's correct!)
Sunrise Listening Tour
Location: UPDATED INFO - Meet at Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Guide: Matthew Wills, Naturalist and Blogger
Register for this event
Description: Prospect Park is a vital rest and refueling point for thousands of songbirds migrating north during the spring. We will shut off our cellphones, walk silently, and open our ears to listen to the sounds of "the dawn chorus" in one part walking meditation, one part sensory re-education experience.
Get directions from HopStop.
More information here.

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 5 – 6:30 pm
Birds of Central Park
Location: Meet at southeast corner of Central Park West and 81st Street
Guide: Glenn Phillips, Executive Director, NYC Audubon
Register for this event
Description: Witness the spectacle of spring migration as songbirds follow the Atlantic Flyway traveling north. Look for orioles, tanagers, warblers, vireos, and other migrants in the wilds of Central Park, and learn about the finer points of their identification and ecology. Bring binoculars.
Get directions from HopStop.

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Walking Tour of Mannahatta’s Wildflower Fields
Location: Meet at the northern edge of Bowling Green Park on Broadway just north of Beaver Street
Guide: Eric Sanderson, Senior Conservation Ecologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society and author of Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City
Register for this event
Description: Join ecologist and author Eric Sanderson for a tour of Mannahatta's nature including a walk along the tidal marshes of Broad Street, over the stream at Maiden Lane, up the Golden Hill (site of a pre-Revolutionary War tussle and a patch of Celadine), and then to the South Street Seaport Museum, where a reprise of the Mannahatta / Manhattan exhibition, originally shown at the Museum of the City of New York in 2009, is on display.
Get directions from HopStop.

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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods (Staten Island)
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Reed’s Basket Willow
Discover this hidden natural park in Dongan Hills. We’ll visit the three bodies of water in the park and hike through the woodlands. Although none of the willows grown by the Reed family still exist, the woodlands and stream are still home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meet at the Spring Street entrance in Dongan Hills.
For more information call Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Willowbrook Park: Gateway to the Greenbelt
Enjoy a mid spring break with a walk on the white trail in Willowbrook Park. Come see what's blooming. Use the entrance off Richmond Avenue and Eton Place and follow the road to the parking lot at the archery range. We go in all weather. Please bring snacks and beverage and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
For more information, contact Hillel Lofaso at 718-477-0545.

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Queens County Bird Club
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 12am – Sun, May 13, 12am
All Day Event - BIG DAY
Leader: Ian Resnick 917-626-9562
Contact the leader for coordination and meeting locations
Birding Site Maps page https://sites.google.com/site/qcbirdclub/birding-site-maps

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Staten Island Museum
Saturday, May 12, 2012, ALL DAY, round up at 7:30pm
Big Day Bird Count
Location: Staten Island!
Round up at the Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Place, SI, NY 10301
Free
Get out and get birding! Teams of 2-4 birders are encouraged to search their favorite hotspots and tally all species encountered. Join the round-up at the Museum to share your sightings.
For more information, call Seth Wollney at 718.483.7105.

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 9:00am - 11:00am
Ecology Walk (FREE)
Location: Conference House Park
Free
Spring Migration at Conference House Park! Enjoy the feathered jewels of Spring Migration with your guide, Seth Wollney. Bring binoculars and field guides. Meet in the Visitor Center Parking lot at the western end of Hylan Blvd.
Questions? Call Seth Wollney at 718.483.7105.

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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, May 12, 2012

Birding
8:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Free!

Brooklyn-Queens Birding Van Trip/ TBA
8:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Marine Park, Brooklyn
Free!

Birding
9:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Bloomingdale Park Playground (in Bloomingdale Park), Staten Island
Free!

On A Wing: Migratory Birds
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Welcome the migratory birds back to Central Park and learn why they spend the summer in the...
Location: Belvedere Castle (in Central Park), Manhattan
Free!

Introduction to Birdwatching
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird! But what kind? Take a tour and learn about the...
Location: Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
Free!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Spring Migration at Conference House Park
9:00 a.m.
Enjoy the feathered-jewels of Spring Migration at this south shore hot-spot during the...
Location: Conference House Park Visitors Center (in Conference House Park), Staten Island
Free!

Birding: Spring Migrants
10:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Inwood Hill Nature Center (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
Free!

Birding
10:00 a.m.
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. From falcons and salamanders, to...
Location: Albert H. Mauro Playground (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
Free! ...Read more