Some Dragonflies & Damselflies of Green-Wood Cemetery

Until the southbound bird migration begins to pick up steam, I've been looking at dragonflies and damselflies, lately. Below are some of my photos from Green-Wood Cemetery. If you are interested in learning more here's a link to a great website on the subject. Also, you can view and download a Checklist of North American Odonata here. As with my butterflies posting, I will update it over time as I observe and photograph more species. FYI - A really good field guide is Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of North America by Sidney W. Dunkle:

The bluets are a group of really tiny damselflies. Identification can sometimes be tricky. So far, I'm pretty certain that this brilliant blue damselfly is a Familiar Bluet (Enallagma civile). They are fairly common around the Sylvan Water.

I took this photo of the large Common Green Darner (Anax junius) several years ago, so forgive the not so great quality. This widespread, common species is migratory.

Like all the other species in the "pennant" family, the Calico Pennant (Celithemis elisa) will perch on a single vertical piece of vegetation and wave in the wind like a pennant. Look for them around the edges of the ponds in Green-Wood.

The Halloween Pennant (Celithemis eponina) is one of my favorite dragonflies in Green-Wood Cemetery. Also found around the edges of the ponds, their striking color and pattern is unmistakable.

Let's see...three black spots per wing, four wings. Yup, twelve spots on this Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella). Find them zipping around above the water at any of the ponds.

Here is both the female and male Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis). This species of LIBELLULIDAE dragonfly is common around the cemetery. They are mostly found near the ponds, but I've also seen them far from permanent bodies of water, usually by puddles after a rainstorm.

The Spot-winged Glider (Pantala hymenaea) is fairly new to me at Green-Wood Cemetery. Another migratory species, apparently not a lot is known about their movements.

The Eastern Amberwing (Perithemis tenera), our smallest dragonfly, is extremely common around all the ponds in Green-Wood Cemetery. I've also been seeing them at wild bergamot patches, quite a distance from any water.

White tail: check. Virtually everywhere: check. Must be the Common Whitetail (Plathemis lydia).

I've labelled this file as Red Saddlebags, but calling it Carolina Saddlebags (Tramea carolina) here. Honestly, not skilled enough yet to tell them apart. This piece describes the differences.

Friday's Foto

 

The Eastern Kingbird is a relatively common breeding bird around Brooklyn and the rest of New York City, usually choosing a nest site adjacent to water. A fairly large dark gray and white bird, its square, white-tipped tail is distinctive. They feed primarily on insects. Waiting patiently on a preferred perched, they dart out to grab its prey, returning to its perch where it will beat the insect senseless before devouring it. The kingbird has a hidden red-orange crown, which it will rarely show, mainly to intimidate a potential predator. By the end of August this long-distance migrant will disappear from North America to its wintering grounds in lowlands of South America. Listen to the high-pitched, sputtering trills of the Eastern Kingbird's song:

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 31-August 1, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm
Saturday, July 31, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson for and Friends of Muscoot Farm for a Nature Walk focused on Dragonflies of Muscoot Farm. This is a favorite walk and there is always lots to see while wandering the beautiful grounds of Muscoot Farm.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 31, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, August 1, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, August 1, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the 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 bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Registration: Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, July 23, 2021:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Jul. 23, 2021
* NYNY2107.23


- Birds mentioned
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK+
WHITE-FACED IBIS+
ROSEATE SPOONBILL+ (Orange County)
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

SANDHILL CRANE
AMERICAN AVOCET
Whimbrel
Stilt Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Wilson's Storm-Petrel
BROWN PELICAN
Red-headed Woodpecker
BLUE GROSBEAK
DICKCISSEL

- 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 nysarc44 (at)nybirds{dot}org.

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

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

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

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

Transcriber: Ben Cacace

BEGIN TAPE

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for *Friday, July 23rd 2021* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK, SANDHILL CRANE, WHITE-FACED IBIS, BROWN PELICAN, AMERICAN AVOCET and other shorebirds, BLUE GROSBEAK, DICKCISSEL and more.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge's single BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK continues on the East Pond where it has been seen usually in the Cove roosting with other waterfowl on the southwest side of the pond as viewed from the south end. Be careful as you navigate the edges of the pond especially if venturing up to the Raunt or beyond. WHITE-FACED IBIS has, at least through Wednesday, been mostly now up at the north end of the pond. The big numbers and variety of shorebirds, though, are generally well dispersed along the pond's edges. These recently included 1 or 2 LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, 31 STILT SANDPIPERS, a WESTERN and up to 3 PECTORAL SANDPIPERS and decent totals for the more expected species. Also noted on the East Pond this week were up to 3 GULL-BILLED TERNS and a CASPIAN TERN last Sunday.

The SANDHILL CRANE present on the Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn on the 15th was likely the one also seen out at the tip of Breezy Point early last Saturday.

A BROWN PELICAN was spotted off Miller Field Beach on Staten Island last Sunday.

AMERICAN AVOCET, found at Nickerson Beach last Sunday, was still present today in the rain pools west of the main tern colony. Remember there is a fee to enter Nickerson if you arrive after the booths open up.

A WHIMBREL was at Breezy Point Tuesday and Wednesday where this week's high count of 59 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS took place today and a CASPIAN TERN appeared at Plumb Beach Monday.

A few WILSON'S STORM-PETRELS have been seen from shore along the coast recently but pelagics have been sparse.

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was still at Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester last Saturday and please remember to use utmost caution so as not to disturb such sensitive species as the BLUE GROSBEAKS using the wonderful Calverton Grasslands or the DICKCISSELS attempting to nest on the Croton Point Park landfill.

There were sightings of single ROSEATE SPOONBILLS in the Orange County Black Dirt Region at Liberty Loop on the 14th and yesterday to early this morning at Wappinger's Falls in Dutchess County and hopefully it will be soon that one appears in the NYC region.

To phone in reports, call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.

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

- End transcript ...Read more

Some Butterfly Pics from Green-Wood Cemetery

Here's a small selection of my butterfly photos from Green-Wood Cemetery. I'll add to this posting as I take more photos:

Been seeing a lot of Sachem skippers within the past couple of weeks.

After the Mourning Cloak, the Black Swallowtail is one of the early arrivals but are continuing to be seen fairly frequently.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtails had their moment but seem to be less abundant in recent days.

Like starlings and House Sparrows, I sometimes feel obligated to take pictures of Cabbage Whites.

I'm still learning to tell the difference between the Clouded Sulfur and Orange Sulfur. Apparently, so are most people.

A fairly old photo I took of a Banded Hairstreak that I misidentified as an Edward's Hairstreak ... or did I?

The Red-banded Hairstreak's fantastic markings are easily overlooked given their diminutive size. Compare it to the butterfly weed it's feeding on.

The Eastern Tailed-Blue is another tiny butterfly with lovely, subtle coloration that's easy to miss.

"So where's the blue on the Summer Azure", you might ask. Like the equally small Eastern Tailed-Blue, you only see the blue in flight or when it flattens out its wings.

No need to introduce the Monarch butterfly. Green-Wood Cemetery has done a great job planting lots of milkweed for this declining species.

Love the peacock-like spots along the trailing edge of the Variegated Fritillary's wings.

Another beauty that's easily overlooked due to its tiny size, look for the Pearl Crescent on the wild bergamot flowers.

I feel like by naming the Common Buckeye "common" it does this beautiful butterfly a disservice.

Here's a nice view of the punctuation that gives the Question Mark its name.

I was surprised to learn that the Red Admiral is not unique to North American. It can also be found in Europe.

The American Lady is one of two "lady" butterflies. The other being Painted Lady.

Butterflies of Green-Wood Cemetery

Below is a checklist of the butterflies of Green-wood Cemetery compiled from confirmed sightings:

Butterflies of Green-Wood C... by citybirder

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 24-25, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Beach combing for shorebirds: A Plumb Beach sit
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Leaders: Adelia Harrison and Peter Dorosh
Description: The itinerary is a stationary sit as we watch the dynamics of early migration during the falling tide. Bring a beach/camp chair, plenty of water, sun hat , sunscreen and lunch. More details will be provided upon registration.
Registration: Registration is by email only, email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 24, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 25, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 25, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay N.W.R.
Sunday, July 25, 2021
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: There are always interesting birds at this refuge; nesting Willow Flycatchers, Yellow Warblers, White-eyed Vireos, Eastern Willets, Clapper Rails, sometimes both Black and Yellow-billed Cuckoos. We hear the Marsh Wrens and see and hear many more species. We view the Barn Owls from a respectful distance. This date is the start of the fall migration of shorebirds. This Refuge, with its mud flats and tides is a major attraction for these birds. Plover species, Dowitchers, many species of peeps and other shorebird species find food and shelter at this Refuge.
Registration: Ellen Hoffman — ellenh33@icloud.com : 917-903-3486
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the 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 bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free.
Registration: Not required.
View Details


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Staten Island Museum

Moth Night – In Person
Saturday, July 24, 2021, 8:30pm – 10:00pm
Leader: Presented in partnership with the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Description: Stay up late for Moth Night! Revel in the beauty of moths and learn about their life cycles and habitats. Take a close look at Museum specimens, enjoy art activities, and a go on a short walk to find what the insects you see at night. Bring your own flashlight!
Registration: Limited capacity, registration is required. Click here
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 24, 2021

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

Nature Explorers at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for some spirited adventure around Randall’s Island Park. Your young ones will have fun exploring the farm and nearby gardens through guided nature activities.
Free

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Birding: Shorebirds at Beach 17th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Shore birds such as piping plovers, oystercatchers and terns visit Rockaway Beach each year to nest and raise chicks from spring through the summer. Learn more about these and other species founds near the beach.
Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is North America's most diverse and widespread sparrow. Found in every US state and Canadian province, most populations are partially or completely migratory. Highly variable in size and plumage, 25 subspecies are currently recognized. During winter birds from our northern interior migrate south to southern-most United States or extreme northern Mexico. Their common name likely refers to the fact that they are one of the few sparrows that sings throughout the year. Listen to the song of the Song Sparrow:

Still Nesting Season at Green-Wood

Over the past week I've still been on the lookout for nesting birds in Green-Wood Cemetery. Many of the early breeding bird's offspring have fledged and set off on their own. Some pairs are working on a second (or third) brood. A small subset are still incubating their first brood.

Chipping Sparrows are fairly common in the cemetery during the breeding season. Within the last 7 to 10 days I've noticed an uptick in the number of immature chippies in the area. For a change, the adults are now mostly attending to actual offspring, not cowbirds.

For me, the nests of Gray Catbirds are notoriously difficult to find. Their near constant squeaks, chips and mews aren't helpful as they generally choose very dense vegetation for nests. This fledgling catbird near Samuel FB Morse was the first I'd seen this season.

I've been watching this American Goldfinch nest near Union Ave. for a couple of weeks. There's no sign yet of hatchlings, but should be any day now.

In this distant photo you can see an adult Baltimore Oriole perched next to its recently fledged offspring. Notice an almost complete lack of color in the youngster. Orioles have a brief breeding season in Brooklyn and most will start heading south mid to late July.

Much like their smaller relative, the catbird, Brown Thrashers build nests in dense vegetation. I'm certain there are nestlings beneath this individual as I saw both adults carrying food into the shrub. I discovered that even sticking my head into this boxwood to be impossible.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 17-18, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Butterflies of Muscoot Farm
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Learn even more about these beautiful insects by joining Naturalist Tait Johansson and the Friends of Muscoot Farm for an early summer Nature Walk to explore The Butterflies of Muscoot Farm. You’ll explore the beautiful fields and scenic trails at this historic Westchester County Park - a great way to spend a summer morning!
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Freshkills Park Alliance

Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 1:30pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: Kayak along Freshkills Park’s waterways! This two mile round-trip paddle is a chance to explore the creeks and shorelines of Freshkills Park and experience the wildlife while the site is closed to the public. We know this program fills quickly and wish we could offer it more frequently. But we have a small staff and […]
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details

Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 10:30 am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century.
Registration: Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

9th Annual "It's Your Tern!" Celebration
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 12:00 - 4:00pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Come celebrate the terns of Governors Island! Common Terns, listed as a threatened species in New York State, have nested for several years on Governors Island’s waterfront. This year they’re back, better than ever, and we’re ready to celebrate! Learn what makes these little seabirds so special with free activities and bird walks for the whole family. RSVP to let us know you’re coming! No limit. Free.
Registration: Tern Tours leave from Nolan Park #17 at 12:15 and 2:30pm. No registration required.
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Long Pond Park
Sunday, July 18, 2021, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Clay Wollney
Description: Participants will look for evidence of animal life in the wetlands and woodlands of Long Pond Park. We’ll also search for the birds, butterflies and dragonflies while we examine the geology of the area and observe evidence of past human use of the area. Meet at PS 6, on Page Avenue and Academy Avenue about 3 blocks NW of Hylan Boulevard.
Registration: For more information call Clay Wollney at (718) 869-6327


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Queens County Bird Club

Plumb Beach
Saturday, July 17, 2021, 8:00am – 11:00am
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: This mini-trip will explore the marshy areas of Plumb Beach. Expecting to find Saltmarsh Sparrows, perhaps a Nelson's too.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 17, 2021
Orchard Beach Lagoon Birding by Canoe Excursion (Intermediate)
10:00am – 3:00pm
Explore the Orchard Beach Lagoon, including Bartow Creek as we look for birds that live in this estuarine habitat of the Long Island Sound. Registration opens on July 7.
Free

Community Rowing and Birding at Hunts Point Riverside Park, Bronx
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Through Community Rowing, guests of all ages explore the Bronx River aboard student-built wooden row boats, accompanied by staff who teach them about the local waterways. Community Birding brings birdwatching to the shores of the Bronx River.
Free

Sunday, July 18, 2021
Birding: Ospreys at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am – 10:00am
Learn about the behavior and habitat of this seaside raptor that nests across the Jamaica Bay Area during spring and summer.
Free

Birding: Hawk Watch at Unisphere (in Flushing Meadows Corona Park), Queens
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. To enhance your experience we recommend bringing binoculars.
Free

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Friday's Foto

The Great Blue Heron is North America's largest heron. Standing nearly 4' tall, with a nearly 6' wingspan, they use a large, dagger-like bill to grab anything within striking distance. Their primary diet is fish, but they'll take frogs, insects, rodents, salamanders, snakes, turtles and even other birds. They can be found throughout North America, even as far north as Alaska and the southern Canadian provinces. Their wintering range extends to northern South America. This hardy species can sometimes be found in our area during winter when many water bodies are frozen.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of July 10-11, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Butterfly Workshop
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Do you know the most common butterfly in the United States? It’s the Cabbage White, and it’s pictured at the top of this email! Learn about this butterfly and many others by enrolling in Naturalist Tait Johansson’s in-person Butterfly Workshop. The two-part program will begin with instruction on the natural history and identification of our local butterflies followed by an outdoor butterfly walk. Bring binoculars, close-focusing ones if possible, and lunch.
Registration: Cost: $20.00 for members; $55.00 for non-members (includes a one-year membership). All participants will receive a packet of handouts to take home. Level of Difficulty: Easy.
View Details


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Gabe Willow Tours

Explore the Hidden Ecology of Central Park After Dark
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Leader: Gabe WIllow
Description: Discover the mysterious nocturnal wonders of the park on a starlit expedition with a NY Times-featured urban naturalist.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 11:00am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore both the natural areas and the remnants of the former harbor defense system. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately. Bring water, face mask required.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
View Details


Fort Tilden Hike
Sunday, July 11, 2021, 10:30am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for a walking tour of Fort Tilden, highlighting the fort's role in the defense of New York City during the 20th Century. Call 718-338-3799 to reserve. Tour will be capped at 10 participants. Social distancing will be maintained. Face mask required.
Registration: Reservations are required, please call (718)-338-3799.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace (Sold Out)
Sunday, July 11, 2021, 6:00am–7:30am
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.


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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island, Purple Martins Plus
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Leader: José Ramírez-Garofalo and Shannon R. Curley
Description: This summer trip to Staten Island, led by José Ramírez-Garofalo, will visit various locations of nesting birds on the island, including Bank Swallows at Great Kills Park, Purple Martins at Lemon Creek, and Boat-tailed Grackles, possible Clapper Rails, Little Blue Herons, and other marsh birds at Oakwood Beach Tidal Marsh. If access is possible, the trip may include a visit to Freshkills Park (not fully open to the public yet), where José has been involved with the research and banding of nesting birds, including the Grasshopper Sparrow. The day will also include opportunities to observe a variety of butterflies and odonates.
Registration: Karen Asakawa — avocet501@gmail.com or 347-306-0690
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New York City Audubon

Jamaica Bay Festival Bird Tour of Shirley Chisholm State Park
Saturday, July 10, 2021, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and Shirley Chisholm State Park
Description: Celebrate Jamaica Bay Day the birdy way and discover the birds of Shirley Chisholm State Park. Beginners welcome! Limited amount of binoculars available to borrow, email Danielle at dsherman@nycaudubon.org to reserve a pair. Limited to 20. Free.
Registration: RSVP preferred but not required.
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Governors Island Bird Walk
Saturdays, July 10-October 30, 2021, 2-3:30pm
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the 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 bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. Reserve your spot by signing up at Nolan Park #17. Limited to 10. Free.
Registration: RSVP preferred but not required.
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park
Saturday, July 10, 2021
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the Carousel Parking lot on Eton Place, then loop the White Trail past the chimney. At the chimney we’ll make an excursion to look briefly at the area where the Dept. of Parks proposes an extensive forest restoration. On the return we’ll pause by the deer exclosures to compare the vegetation inside with the surrounding unprotected forest. This walk will be approximately 2 miles, and heavy rain will cancel.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036


Summer 4-Mile Greenbelt Walk
Sunday, July 11, 2021
Leader: Hillel
Description: The Summer 4-miler begins at the Nature Center and traverses trails leading to some of the favorite spots of the Greenbelt: Moses Mountain, Heyerdahl Hill and the lovely Egbertville Ravine. We will meet at the Greenbelt Nature Center at the intersection of Brielle Avenue and Rockland Avenue. Bring beverage and a snack. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. Walk level is easy/moderate.
Registration: For more information call Hillel at (718) 477-0545


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Accessible Nature Exploration at Soundview Park Butterfly Meditation Garden (in Soundview Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Join the Urban Park Rangers on an ADA Accessible nature exploration! Learn about the birds and trees that inhabit Soundview Park and enjoy a beautiful view over the Bronx River.
Free

Nature Explorers at Urban Farm (in Randall's Island Park), Manhattan
2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us for some spirited adventure around Randall’s Island Park. Your young ones will have fun exploring the farm and nearby gardens through guided nature activities.
Free
...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, July 2, 2021:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* July 2, 2021
* NYNY2107.02


- Birds Mentioned

WHITE-WINGED DOVE+
PURPLE GALLINULE+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Black-bellied Plover
Semipalmated Plover
WHIMBREL
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
White-rumped Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GULL-BILLED TERN
Royal Tern
Wilson’s Storm-Petrel
Great Shearwater
BROWN PELICAN
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Acadian Flycatcher
Grasshopper Sparrow
BLUE GROSBEAK
DICKCISSEL


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 nysarc44nybirdsorg

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

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

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

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

Transcriber: Gail Benson

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]

Greetings! This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, July 2, 2021 at 8:00 pm.

The highlights of today's tape are BROWN PELICAN, WHITE-WINGED DOVE, PURPLE GALLINULE, WHIMBREL, GULL-BILLED TERN, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, BLUE GROSBEAK, DICKCISSEL and more.

A somewhat slow week picked up nicely starting Wednesday when an east-bound adult BROWN PELICAN was first spotted off Cupsogue County Park in Westhampton Dunes early in the morning, the bird still slowly moving east as it passed Southampton beach just after 2:00 in the afternoon. Hopefully others will follow.

Also on Wednesday, a WHITE-WINGED DOVE was photographed visiting private feeders in the Landing Estates area of residential Hampton Bays; also present yesterday, there have been no reports from today.

And then Thursday, an adult PURPLE GALLINULE was spotted feeding along the western side of the East Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, where it continued today. The bird has been frequenting the shore edge below the Big John’s Pond overlook, as viewed from the east side of the pond around or below the Raunt.

A GULL-BILLED TERN was also seen at Jamaica Bay Thursday, and last Saturday a WHIMBREL was photographed as it flew over the Visitor’s Center there. 2 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS were also at the Refuge last Saturday, while shorebirds also lingering in small numbers in our region recently have included SEMIPALMATED and BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, RUDDY TURNSTONE, SANDERLING, LEAST and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, and LESSER and GREATER YELLOWLEGS. Southbound shorebirds should be moving in earnest shortly.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL numbers may have been declining lately along the coast, but ROYAL TERNS are on the increase.

Sea watching continues to be somewhat disappointing along Long Island’s south shore, with only single GREAT SHEARWATER and WILSON’S STORM-PETREL off Robert Moses State Park last Sunday and another GREAT and 13 WILSON’S there today.

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues along the Paumonok Trail near Jones Pond in Manorville, this site on the west side of Schultz Road.

An ACADIAN FLYCATCHER was still singing in Prospect Park on Wednesday.

A few BLUE GROSBEAKS, along with some GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS and other desirable Grassland birds, continue in the very productive habitat around the former Grumman Airport in Calverton, an area that should be preserved.

Up to 3 male DICKCISSELS continue to sing around the top of the landfill at Croton Point Park, hopefully loud enough to attract some females.

To phone in reports call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.

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

- End transcript ...Read more

Friday's Foto

The Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus), as the name suggests, is an Old World reptile not indigenous to North America. Their native range is the Mediterranean basin, particularly the Italian Peninsula. However, pockets of released pets have established themselves within the new world. At Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY, if you look carefully, you can find them thriving along Sweet Gum Path, near the historic chapel. This small lizard averages 3" to 4" long, with a tail of equal or greater length. They feed primarily on caterpillars, grasshoppers and beetles. Read more about this "Italian immigrant" here.

A Few Pics From Around the Cemetery

Here's a few highlight photos from over the past 10 days at Green-Wood Cemetery:

"Don't look at me!"

Wondering what that pervasive, sweet fragrance is all around your neighborhood? Linden trees...

Wildflower in the mangosteen family.

Common Whitetail dragonfly.

Eastern-tailed Blue butterfly on white clover.

One of a very large family of long-legged flies.

One of my favorite, non-native wildflowers - Deptford Pink.

Osprey at the Dell Water looking for a quiet place to eat his fish.

Pineapple Weed at Sylvan Water. Step 1-pick some of the flowers. Step 2-crush it between your fingers. Step 3-raise to your nose and take a deep breath.

Snapping Turtle breeding season is here. Found this small female on the road next to the Sylvan Water.

Monk Parakeets have discovered this apple tree near Sylvan Water. Yum...

Ladybug beetle. One of the good, non-native species of insects in our area.

A female American Goldfinch on her nest in a Sweetgum tree.

A male American Goldfinch munching on coreopsis.

A Murder of Crows.

One of the smallest Differential Grasshoppers I've ever seen.

A "scary" Great Golden Digger Wasp sipping nectar from a butterfly weed flower.