Week 41 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Last week, October 7th through the 13th, saw little change from the previous week. That's not to say the make up of the birds and botanics were exactly the same as the previous week, but it was subtle. In addition, I missed a few days as I had to attend an out of town wedding.

Some of the new arrivals regularly overwinter in Green-Wood Cemetery. Others are hardy enough that a small number will remain while their compatriots continue farther south.

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have increased in abundance and, as usual, can be seen chasing competitors from their favorite boreholes. Red-breasted Nuthatches are more plentiful. It always makes me smile hearing their nasal "yank-yank" call being transmitted from somewhere near the top of a conifer. They've been missing from our area for too long. The Brown Creeper is a small, short legged bird who specializes in picking bugs from cracks in tree bark during the winter months. We'll now be seeing them until Spring arrives.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Double-crested Cormorants were moving south in fairly large flocks. A few will stay along the coast, mixing in with the more numerous overwintering Great Cormorants. There's also been a very noticeable increase in American Crows. Boisterous flocks have been moving around the cemetery looking for trouble by harassing assorted raptors and, when none are found, their own kind.

Double-crested Cormorants

American Crows

Golden-crowned Kinglets are more hardy than the related Ruby-crowned Kinglets. They arrive a bit later in the fall than their cousins. Their abundance has slowly increased as the latter has decreased. We regularly observe this tiny but tough species on the annual Christmas Bird Count in mid-December.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Three late, lingering species spotted last week were Scarlet Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. All three species are long distant migrants headed to Central and South America. The tanager will overwinter in montane forests of the Andean foothills in northwestern South America, the vireo in the Amazon basin, east of the Andes, as far south as Uruguay and the grosbeak  in Central and northern South America, as well as, Mexico and the Caribbean. They better get a moving.

Scarlet Tanager

Red-eyed Vireo

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Two species who's population really increased last week were Hermit Thrush and Eastern Phoebe. A few thrushes might spend the winter if they find a good food source (usually bittersweet), but it is rare, but not unprecedented, for any of the phoebes to remain during the cold months.

Hermit Thrush

Eastern Phoebe

We are approaching the peak of sparrow migration. Last week I tallied seven species, but one can expect to see at least ten in a single day soon. Like the aforementioned songbirds, many will continue south, but for some, Brooklyn is their Miami. Chipping Sparrow, the always tardy Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow and Eastern Towhee will be seen around the cemetery through the winter. The juncos and White-throated Sparrows are gregarious and are usually found in fairly large flocks.

Swamp Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Field Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

I observed quite a few Turkey Vultures migrating over the cemetery last week and a single, somewhat scarce, Black Vulture. Also on the move were Bald Eagles with several seen in the area throughout the week.

Turkey Vulture

Black Vulture

Bald Eagle

Finally, the one unusual arboreal observation was of a Cucumber Magnolia entering its fruiting cycle. It seemed very late in the fall for this particular tree on Chapel Avenue to be just getting started. I'll have to check with one of the arborists to find out if this is normal as all the other Cucumber Magnolias finished about a month ago.

Cucumber Magnolia

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, October 19 - Sunday, October 13, 2024:

Bedford Audubon Society

Breakfast with the Hawks
Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Hawkwatch continues through mid-November so if you haven’t yet made it to the platform, you don’t want to miss our popular Breakfast with the Hawks at Chestnut Ridge, high above I-684. Naturalist Tait Johansson, Counter Rich Aracil and Director of Conservation and Wildlife Management at Westmoreland Sanctuary Steve Ricker will be on hand to “show and tell” what we are seeing. This much-loved event is timed to take advantage of peak Red-shouldered Hawk migration and is perfect for families. (All children must be accompanied by an adult.) It’s also the time of year for a better chance ofseeing a Golden Eagle! This event is cosponsored by Westmoreland Sanctuary.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate – the trail to the platform is about 1/4 mile, and somewhat steep in parts, with exposed root and rocks, including some smaller loose rocks in places. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

A Lovely Autumn Day at Floyd Bennett Field
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Leader: Heydi Lopes
Description: This trip focuses on late fall migrants, particularly sparrows (Emberizidae genus), plus raptors in peak, as well as early winter species, namely arriving water fowl and perhaps late shorebirds. There will be concentration on grassland species and possibly a vagrant species.
Registration: Danielle Khalife, email daniellek97@gmail.com
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society

Fire Island Lighthouse and Hawk Watch
Sunday, October 20, 2024, 8:00am
Leader: __
Description: Always a favorite is our annual trek to FINS, where we will search for migrating songbirds, as well as falcons and hawks. We will meet at the eastern end of Parking Lot 5, and walk the boardwalk trail to the Hawk Watch. From there (depending on bird activity) we will continue approximately one mile to the Fire Island Lighthouse. Again, a boardwalk over the dunes puts us at eye level for any foraging songbirds, and away from the ticks! There is a fee for parking, which is usually collected from 8:00 am on, so arrive early if possible.
Registration: To register please contact Eileen Schwinn at beachmed@optonline.net
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch
Every week on Saturday, October 19, 2024 to October 26, 2024
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a Park Ranger for the chance to see hawks like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and more as they fly overhead during peak fall bird migration. Learn to ID them by silhouette and at rest. Meet at the Battery Harris viewing platform at Fort Tilden. Rain will cancel this event.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, October 20, 2024, 7:15am – 8:45am
Description: No matter when you stop by, you’ll always see a variety of species passing through. By September, offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, we’ll be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Hawk Day - Lenoir Nature Preserve
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Leader:
Description: Look for hawks heading south, plus, Live Hawks! Meet hawks from falconer, Jim Eyring.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Fort Tilden
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Fort Tilden, on the Rockaway Peninsula in southern Queens, is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, including the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Scheduled to coincide with sparrow migration, this is an excellent location to see a Nelson’s Sparrow among the many other sparrow species. If the wind conditions are right, fall is a great time for seeing migrating raptors including Accipiters, Falcons, Buteos in the sky. Late warblers, vireos, and other passerines also visit this area, and the Royal Terns never disappoint.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

RBESNA Birding
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore the Rockaway Beach Endangered Species Nesting Area (RBESNA). This stretch of beach is closed during the summer breeding season for nesting shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, as it becomes a vital foraging habitat in the fall for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south. The extensive dune vegetation provides habitat for a variety of sparrows and other birds stopping over in New York City, while sea ducks, grebes, and loons overwinter just offshore.
Registration: Registration page
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7th Annual Raptorama! Part 2: Marine Park
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Leader:
Description: It's that time of the year again, time for Raptorama! For Part 2 of this annual festival, meet us at Marine Park's Salt Marsh Nature Center to learn about hawks, eagles, owls, and more. See some of these amazing raptors during a live demonstration, and go on walks with experts to get a look at hawk species flying south for the winter.
Registration: Registration link to come.
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Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader:
Description: Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the birdlife the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
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Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Rich Aracil
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore New York City's largest park this fall. Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station
Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 767-3454
Description: US Coast Guard Station - Jones Beach, Freeport, NY 11520
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

The Richard Buegler 10-Mile Fall Greenbelt Hike
Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:15pm – 4:00pm
Leader: Dominick Durso
Description: Meet at the Carousel at Willowbrook Park at the Eton Place entrance. Bring water and lunch, wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and be sure to confirm that the walk is not cancelled due to forecasted storms.
Registration: To confirm a day prior, please call Dominick Durso at (917) 478-7607 or e-mail Protectors at PPOW@siprotectors.org.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, October 20, 2024
Birding With Ryan at East 4th Street Community Garden at East Fourth Street Community Garden, Brooklyn
10:00am – 12:00pm
We'll check the garden's trees for migrating birds and the skies for passing hawks, and we'll also talk about birding in the city and the wonders of migration.
Free

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Best of Fortnight

Here's are a few of my favorite photos from the first two weeks of October.

Cape May Warbler

Immature Red-tailed Hawk

Hermit Thrush

Northern Flicker

American Kestrel

Gray Catbird

Cape May Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Blue Aster

Red-eyed Vireo

Song Sparrow

Scarlet Tanager

Blue-headed Vireo

Eastern Phoebe

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Week 40 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Forgive my late posting, I was distracted by New York Mets post-season excitement. That said...

We just finished week 40 at Green-Wood Cemetery, which means we are a little over 3/4 of the way through 2024. Here are a few of my observations from last week.

Diversity and abundance of sparrows has steadily increased, with many more Swamp, White-throated and Chipping Sparrows arriving. I've also heard and seen a few Eastern Towhees. Indigo Buntings have been in the area and I spotted my first Fall Blue Grosbeak.

Eastern Towhee

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Indigo Bunting

Blue Grosbeak

As the days become shorter and the temperatures drop less insects become available for warblers to eat. More seed eating species arrive and the insectivores depart. There were still a few warbler species around, and the only species that increased in abundance were the hardier Yellow-rumped and Palm Warbler. In addition, the diminutive Ruby-crowned Kinglet is suddenly plentiful.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Palm Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Pine Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Brown Creepers have arrived and will be seen through much of the winter. Veery and Swainson's Thrush have left the area and have been replaced by the hardier Hermit Thrush. A small number of the Hermit Thrushes will actually stay the winter. Eastern Phoebes have also increased in number, but will head south once the weather gets colder. I was surprised to see a Marsh Wren foraging at the wildflower meadow. As the name suggests, they are primarily found in wetland habitats.

Brown Creeper

Hermit Thrush

Eastern Phoebe

Marsh Wren

The cycle of fruiting plants and the animals that eat them continues to evolve with the season. The last of the fruiting dogwoods have been exhausted but the two Winged Euonymus trees in the cemetery are still feeding the hungry birds. Some of the crabapple are the focus of the birds and, in coming weeks, they will switch over to the Green Hawthorns.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Scarlet Tanager

Red-eyed Vireo

Gray Catbird

Green Hawthorn

Crabapple

Raptors are heading south, with some stopping off at Green-Wood Cemetery to spend the winter. At least one Cooper's Hawk has been hunting pigeons around the periphery of the cemetery. I've spotted several Bald Eagles passing overhead and a few Turkey Vutures. Merlins are on the move with Green-Wood being a favorite stop off. We usually see one or two overwintering here.

Bald Eagle

Turkey Vulture

We've seen the last of most species of butterfly, but I still encountered at least a few Monarchs heading south.

Monarch butterfly

There was still a profusion of asters, Goldenrod, Boneset, White Snakeroot and other wildflower in bloom.

Assorted wildflower behind chapel

White Wood-Asters

Smooth Blue Aster

Finally, two trees that were flaunting their fruits were American Chestnut and Blue Atlas Cedar.

American Chestnut

Blue Atlas Cedar