Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of December 4-5, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

“Splashy” Seafowl of Riis Beach and Fort Tilden, West Rockaway
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Primarily “beachcombing” for ocean waterfowl; dunes & open field species; potential rarity. Expect a good amount of walking on sand, then pavement (roughly 5 miles); dress appropriately for cold weather. Scopes recommended. There may be an option for birding elsewhere time permitting and our fatigue factor. Registration: Peter Dorosh: email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
View Details


Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
View Details


First Sunday Prospect Park Walks
Saturday, December 5, 2021, 8:00am - 11:00am
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.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Tour
Every week on Sunday until December 19, 2021, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
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


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Montauk Nature Walk
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Montauk for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, December 5, 2021, 7:15am–8:45am
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

Rye Playland and Environs
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Leader: Tom Burke
Description: Rye Playland is located on Long Island Sound in northeastern Westchester County, about 30 miles from New York City. We will start our walk at Playland Park & Read Sanctuary and move later to the Marshlands Conservancy; at both, the terrain is easy, and we’ll walk about a mile at each. We usually have lunch at Marshlands and finish up with a walk to the marsh in early afternoon. Birds will be whatever we can uncover on Long Island Sound, Playland Lake and Milton Harbor, as well as in the woods and fields at both locations. We also reserve the opportunity to chase any exceptional rarities in the region rather than completing the planned itinerary. Species seen during past detours have included Calliope Hummingbird, Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Hermit Warbler, but unfortunately these opportunities don’t come up often.
Registration: Alice McInerney — amcinerney@kmllp.com
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Richmondtown, Old Mill Road
Saturday, December 4, 2021, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a stroll along the multi-use trail overlooking Fresh Kills with Ray Matarazzo. Walk back in time as you pass the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the path and view Fresh Kills estuary as you work your way toward the remains of Ketchum’s Mill. Along the way observe traces of the past, examine the present woodland ecosystems and search for evidence of present inhabitants especially deer and other mammals. Meet in the parking lot at the start of Old Mill Road, alongside St. Andrew’s Church.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
View Details


Reed’s Basket Willow Swamp/Chapin Woods
Sunday, December 5, 2021, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Clay Wollney
Description: Discover this hidden natural park in Dongan Hills. Participants will visit the three bodies of water in the park and hike the steep slopes through these intriguing 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.
Registration: For more information contact Clay Wollney at 718-869-6327.
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.).
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, December 4, 2021

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, November 26, 2021:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Nov 26, 2021
* NYNY2111.26


WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
TUNDRA SWAN
EURASIAN WIGEON
KING EIDER
SANDHILL CRANE
BLACK-HEADED GULL
American Bittern
CATTLE EGRET
Blue-headed Vireo
NORTHERN SHRIKE
House Wren
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Baltimore Oriole
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
American Redstart
Orange-crowned Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
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, November 26, 2021 at 11:00 pm.

The highlights of tape are SANDHILL CRANE, WESTERN TANAGER, NORTHERN SHRIKE, BLACK-HEADED GULL, TUNDRA SWAN, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, KING EIDER, CATTLE EGRET, WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, DICKCISSEL and more.

Very interesting Tuesday morning were a large number of SANDHILL CRANES reported moving over Rye in Westchester County, with 30 estimated over Read Sanctuary at Playland Park and even more over Marshlands Conservancy shortly thereafter; these birds were not observed farther down the coast, but additional CRANES were seen at local hawk watches on following days, with five over the Quaker Ridge site at the Audubon Center in northwest Greenwich Wednesday and then six over the Chestnut Ridge watch at the Butler Sanctuary in Bedford Thursday.

Also notable is a WESTERN TANAGER reported late this week at Carl Schurz Park in Manhattan, this the same site where one visited this park's feeders all last winter. The feeders are located just off East End Avenue adjacent to about 86th Street.

A NORTHERN SHRIKE was spotted again on Long Island, this one on Wednesday at the North Fork Preserve, north of Sound Avenue in Northville.

An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was photographed at Plumb Beach on Wednesday.

Waterfowl, still on the increase locally, this week included two TUNDRA SWANS in flight along Bellport Bay yesterday.

The GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE in the Rye area of lower Westchester has still been visiting the pond behind the Rye Ridge shopping center, though on somewhat of an irregular basis, apparently spending most of its time with CANADAS on local golf courses.

A few CACKLING GOOSE reports have included one at Randall's Island yesterday and another back at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream as of today.

Last Sunday drake EURASIAN WIGEONS were still on the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and on Patchogue Lake, and a drake KING EIDER was again around the entrance to Lake Montauk.

A CATTLE EGRET was seen from Sunday at least to Wednesday near Route 51 in Eastport in fields off Eastport-Manor Road and Head of Neck Road, and an AMERICAN BITTERN was still around Prospect Park Lake at least to Wednesday.

At least three WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were noted yesterday during the morning flight at Robert Moses State Park.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was spotted Tuesday at the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, while VESPER SPARROWS included singles at Bayswater Park and Rockaway Beach in Queens last weekend and two at Croton Point Park in Westchester Wednesday.

A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT visited City Hall Park in lower Manhattan Tuesday and Wednesday.

At least six ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were reported during the week, and various late lingering WARBLERS this week included BLACK-AND-WHITE, TENNESSEE, AMERICAN REDSTART, BLACK-THROATED BLUE and PRAIRIE plus both CANADA and WILSON'S in Prospect Park.

Other late species have included BLUE-HEADED VIREO, HOUSE WREN and BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and a DICKCISSEL was still visiting Inwood Hill Park at least to Tuesday.

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. ...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 27-28, 2021:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Stehli Beach
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy (516) 628-1315
Description: See "Walk Locations" for directions. Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.
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.
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

Grand Jones Beach
Saturday, November 27, 2021, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
"Description: We will start this field trip at Jones Beach West End - the gazebo at the boat basin adjoining the Coast Guard Station - see map. We will proceed both on foot and by vehicle to other locales in the Jones Beach area. Please bring lunch.
" 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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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Birding: Beginner Birding at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00am - 10:00am
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common birds found in our parks.
Free
Sunday, November 28, 2021


Birding: Woodland Birds at Nevada Avenue Parking Lot (in High Rock Park), Staten Island
9:00am - 10:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

Birding: Winter Birds at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free ...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, November 19, 2021:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Nov 19, 2021
* NYNY2111.19



ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
EURASIAN WIGEON
HARLEQUIN DUCK
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER
Red Knot
Long-billed Dowitcher
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Royal Tern
Black Skimmer
Northern Gannet
American Bittern
GOLDEN EAGLE
Bald Eagle
Pine Siskin
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Northern Parula
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
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, November 19, 2021 at 10:00 pm.

The highlights of today's tape are ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER, BLACK-HEADED GULL, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, GOLDEN EAGLE, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, CLAY-COLORED and GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, DICKCISSEL and more.

This somewhat less spectacular week than we’d been enjoying recently was highlighted by the discovery today of an ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHER at Bayswater Park in Queens. This is the third record of this species in the last few years for this park, the entrance to which is located near the intersection of Bay 32nd Street and Dwight Avenue.

Another good find from today during a strong westward flight of gulls off Fort Tilden was an immature BLACK-HEADED GULL spotted moving down the coast.

A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE continuing in the Rye area of lower Westchester is most frequently seen on a pond off Bowman Avenue just behind the Rye Ridge shopping center. The geese roost on this pond often during mid-day before flying off to feed on one of several local golf courses.

Single drake EURASIAN WIGEON have been continuing recently both on the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and on Mill Pond in Oyster Bay, while another recurring individual was back as of today on West Lake in Patchogue.

A young male HARLEQUIN DUCK has been present around the Point Lookout jetties since Wednesday.

An immature AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was still around the pilings off Floyd Bennett Field last Saturday, this spot also attracting a decent number of RED KNOTS recently. A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was still along Santapogue Creek in West Babylon last Saturday.

Smaller numbers of LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS still remain along Long Island’s south shore, along with some continuing ROYAL TERNS, and three BLACK SKIMMERS were hanging on at Jones Beach West End Wednesday.

Depending on wind and weather conditions, some large concentrations and movement of NORTHERN GANNETS have been taking place recently, mostly along Long Island’s south shore but with smaller numbers also occurring in western Long Island Sound. More unusual, though, was an immature GANNET spotted early Tuesday morning moving south on the Hudson River past Beacon in Dutchess County, a quick shout out on the internet enabling birders to later watch it fly by Inwood Hill Park in northern Manhattan.

Recent strong winds also brought a GOLDEN EAGLE over northern Manhattan today, while 11 BALD EAGLES were counted over Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn Tuesday.

An AMERICAN BITTERN was photographed at the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center in Brooklyn Tuesday.

A calling LAPLAND LONGSPUR flew over Fort Tilden Sunday, while unusual SPARROWS this week included a CLAY-COLORED at Wolfe's Pond Park on Staten Island Sunday, preceded by a VESPER SPARROW in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx Saturday; two GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS on Long Island featured one Saturday at the East Farm Preserve in Head of the Harbor near Stony Brook and one further east on private property in Mattituck Wednesday.

A lingering ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER continued in Central Park on the west side of the Reservoir at least to yesterday, and among other late warblers were OVENBIRD, BLACK-AND-WHITE, NORTHERN PARULA, BLACKPOLL and BLACK-THROATED BLUE plus a WILSON'S in Prospect Park up to Thursday.

A PINE SISKIN was in Central Park Tuesday, and a DICKCISSEL continued in Inwood Hill Park to last Saturday

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

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

As winter approaches, this Red-bellied Woodpecker instinctively begins caching acorns and other nuts for the lean days ahead. This bird gets its name from the pinkish blush on its underside, which is not always very apparent. Previously rare around New York, this species has expanded its range farther north in recent decades. Their breeding range is primarily in eastern North America from Florida to Canada. Making its nest in cavities, they frequently compete with the more aggressive European Starling, who readily evict them from prime locations. The IUCN Red List lists their conservation status as "Least Concern". Their scientific name, Melanerpes carolinus, means black creeper of Carolina.

122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count

The 122nd Annual Christmas Bird Count will take place from Tuesday, December 14, 2021 through Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Information on Covid-19 guidelines can be found here. If you'd like to participate below are the contacts for your area within New York State:

Count Code Count Name Contact Email Phone Tuesday, December 14, 2021 Friday, December 17, 2021 Saturday, December 18, 2021 NYBR Brooklyn Bobbi Manian roberta.manian@gmail.com NYDC Dutchess County Adrienne Popko cbc1@watermanbirdclub.org NYML Mohonk Lake-Ashokan Res. Steve M. Chorvas schorvas@gmail.com 845-246-5900 NYNN North Nassau Jennifer Wilson Pines jwpines@gmail.com NYOT Oneonta Sandy Bright brights@hartwick.edu NYST Schenectady Larry Alden overlook@nycap.rr.com Sunday, December 19, 2021 NYOS Oswego-Fulton Bill Purcell wpurcell@twcny.rr.com 315-382-2871 NYQU Queens County Corey Finger 10000birdsblogger@gmail.com NYRC Rockland County Alan Wells alan.wells@optimum.net 845-942-5751 Monday, December 20, 2021 Friday, December 24, 2021 Sunday, December 26, 2021 NYSR Southern Rensselaer County Naomi Lloyd naomi_kestrel@yahoo.com 518-596-5964 Tuesday, December 28, 2021 NYOO Oak Orchard Swamp (Iroquois NWR) Celeste Morien celeste.morien@gmail.com 585-721-8202 Friday, December 31, 2021 Saturday, January 1, 2022 NYFR Dunkirk-Fredonia Joanne Goetz goetz@netsync.net 716-673-1627 NYOD Oneida Bill Purcell wpurcell@twcny.rr.com 315-382-2871 NYHV Pawling (Hidden Valley) Count is full; not accepting more participants this year. CT: Angela Dimmitt NY: Carena Pooth CT: angeladimmitt@aol.com NY: pawlingcbc@watermanbirdclub.org CT: 860-355-3429 NY: please email Sunday, January 2, 2022 NYPC Putnam County Charlie Roberto< chasrob26@gmail.com 845-270-2979 NYTR Troy Larry Alden overlook@nycap.rr.com

Fall Foliage in Brooklyn

Here's a small selection of recent fall foliage from Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn:

View from Hill of Graves looking West

Maple tree

Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ornatum')

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Ocean Hill looking southwest

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Laceleaf Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Ornatum')

Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)

Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 20-21, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
August 26, 2021 - November 24, 2021, 9:00am - 5:00 pm
Leader:
Description:It’s officially Hawkwatch Season! Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season. Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats. Hawkwatch takes place daily through November, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary, but please abide by current Covid-19 guidelines based on your vaccination status.
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 21, 2021, 6:30am - 8:00am
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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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Sea Watch: Crab Meadow Beach
Sunday, November 21, 2021 - 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Get ready to see winter waterfowl as well as many resident birds. There may be some surprises.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Shirley Chisholm State Park to Jamaica Bay NWR
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: This trip involves visits to many coastal sites ringing Jamaica Bay. It features water birds in the Bay and salt marshes, as well as woodland and brush-loving birds. Sixteen species of duck are usually seen, sometimes including an Eurasian Wigeon, and, more consistently, Redheads in the East Pond. In 2019, a Vesper and a Lincoln’s Sparrow where seen at Shirley Chisholm State Park. The most intriguing sighting included three Tundra Swans at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay. The itinerary for this trip often changes from year to year, and those changes add to the excitement and fun.
Registration: Debbie Mullins - deborramullins3@gmail.com
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Littoral Society

Winter Waterfowl Workshop
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife refuge for a hike around the east and West Ponds to look for migrating and wintering waterfowl.
Registration: For more info contact: don@littoralsociety.org
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

"Duck Walk" starts at Whitney Pond
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 9:30am - 1:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 767-3454
Description: See "Walk Locations" for directions. Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.
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.
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Discovery at Richmond Terrace Waterfront Park (the proposed Kill Van Kull wildlife sanctuary)
Sunday, November 21, 2021, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Jim Scarcella
Description: Participants will gather across from 2800 Richmond Terrace at the western entrance to this newly created park space. We will look for ducks and geese, an assortment of gulls, black crown night herons, killifish and fiddler crabs with a hike down Richmond Terrace to another hidden salt marsh.
Registration: For more information contact Jim Scarcella, 718-873-4291.
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

South Shore Potpourri
Saturday, November 20, 2021, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: Explore various duck ponds of the South Shore, starting with Lofts Pond in Baldwin - see map for this location - and heading east to Milburn Creek, Cow Meadow, Cammanns Pond, Mill Pond Park Bellmore, and any other nearby locations that have reported interesting sightings on that day.
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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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, November 21, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, travel west to the Belt Parkway. Exit at Cross Bay Boulevard (Exit 17) south. Continue south on Cross Bay Blvd. through Howard Beach and over the North Channel Bridge (also known as the Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge). The entrance to the refuge parking lot is on the right side of the road, at a traffic light approximately one and a half miles past the bridge.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
1:00am - 2:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free ...Read more

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, November 12, 2021:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Nov. 12, 2021
* NYNY2111.12


- Birds mentioned
SAY'S PHOEBE+
LECONTE'S SPARROW+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
EURASIAN WIGEON
KING EIDER
SANDHILL CRANE
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER
Parasitic Jaeger
Black-legged Kittiwake
Lesser Black-backed Gull
American Bittern
Cattle Egret
Golden Eagle
WESTERN KINGBIRD
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Grasshopper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Ovenbird
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Blackburnian Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
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, November 12th 2021* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are SAY'S PHOEBE, WESTERN KINGBIRD, LECONTE'S SPARROW, SANDHILL CRANE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, KING EIDER, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, BLUE GROSBEAK, DICKCISSEL and more.

A nice combination of flycatchers at Caumsett State Park both continued at their respective locations at least through Tuesday but we have no word since then but both might continue there. The SAY'S PHOEBE had been frequenting the corral area between the parking lots and the tree line to the north but over the weekend was pushed a little farther east to corral fencing near the yellow barn while the overflow parking areas were being used. The WESTERN KINGBIRD up to Tuesday remained along the spit at Lloyd Point requiring a 2 mile walk north to that area.

Last Saturday a LECONTE'S SPARROW was spotted at Croton Point Park and on Tuesday it was relocated along the path over the landfill where it continued but was quite secretive at least to Thursday morning requiring much patience as it would only occasionally pop briefly out of the vegetation along the path. Other highlight species at Croton have included single GRASSHOPPER and "Ipswich" SAVANNAH SPARROWS atop the landfill.

With the hawk season winding down but with some more GOLDEN EAGLES expected over local watches, providing a nice surprise were the 3 SANDHILL CRANES moving by the Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch at the Butler Sanctuary in Bedford last Saturday morning.

A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE has returned to the Rye area [...] on Playland Lake last Monday and has also been seen on the pond off Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook at the [...] roosting site where it disappears with the Canadas at one of the several golf courses in the area. A drake EURASIAN WIGEON has recently been seen on the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge along with a good variety of waterfowl and a drake KING EIDER was still present off Midland Beach on Staten Island last Tuesday. Conceivably the same lingering immature AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was reported Wednesday at Floyd Bennett Field and then Thursday at nearby Plumb Beach in Brooklyn.

Two BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES off Robert Moses State Park today were joined by 4 continuing LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS and a PARASITIC JAEGER with another PARASITIC also seen off Orient Point last Saturday.

Though the influx has definitely tapered off a CATTLE EGRET was still present Wednesday out at Hook Pond in East Hampton while an AMERICAN BITTERN was noted this week in Prospect Park. Single LAPLAND LONGSPURS were reported from Ferry Point Park in the Bronx last weekend and Sammy's Beach in East Hampton Tuesday and the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center off Yaphank Avenue on Wednesday. A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was along the Hudson River Greenway south of Watts Street in Manhattan Monday.

Last week ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS were seen in Central Park at Point Lookout and out at Big Reed Pond in Montauk while a variety of late warblers have recently included OVENBIRD, BLACK-AND-WHITE, TENNESSEE, AMERICAN REDSTART, NORTHERN PARULA, BLACKBURNIAN, BLACK-THROATEDEDS BLUE and GREEN, CANADA and WILSON'S.

A BLUE GROSBEAK was seen at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center Saturday and a DICKCISSEL has been lingering at the Dyckman Fields in Inwood Hill Park all week.

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

Winter Wren, Brooklyn, NY

Weighing in at a mere 0.3 - 0.4 oz, the diminutive Winter Wren has, pound for pound, the loudest song of any North American songbird. "Birdnote" describes their explosive song as having "ten times the sound power of a crowing rooster". They feed by moving mouse-like through dense tangles in the understory probing for insects, their stubby tail often cocked straight up. Winter Wrens nest primarily in coniferous forests from British Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean. Their winter range is the eastern part of the US down to the Gulf Coast. Originally considered one species, in 2010 North America's eastern, western and Eurasian races were split into three distinct species: Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus) of western NA, the Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) of eastern NA, and the Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) of the Old World. The IUCN Red List lists this species conservation status as "Least Concern". The scientific name, Troglodytes hiemalis, means cave-dweller of winter.

Timberdoodles

Just can't get enough of those "Timberdoodles"!

Michael and I unknowingly walked up on a pair sleeping under a yew tree. Whistling wings startled us and we followed with our eyes the slow, chunky outline of a woodcock as it zigzagged around the tree, some headstones and out of sight. I took one step forward then signaled to Michael to stop moving. There, on the ground a few feet to my left, sat another one of these plump, camouflaged shorebirds. I wondered, was its heart pounding hoping that we hadn't noticed it? We slowly sat down on the grass then snapped a few photos. My reflection is visible in its eye, giving this small bird's perspective of a giant staring down at it. I feel bad for woodcocks as it seems like everything is either trying to eat them or chase them down for social media likes.

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of, IMHO, my best pics from the past fortnight:

Hermit Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery

Merlin, Green-Wood Cemetery

Song Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery

Palm Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery

Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery

Northern Mockingbird, Green-Wood Cemetery

Immature Cooper's Hawk, Floyd Bennett Field

Blue-headed Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery

Wood Blewit, Green-Wood Cemetery

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery

Eastern Bluebird, Green-Wood Cemetery

Common Raven, Green-Wood Cemetery

Green Darner, Green-Wood Cemetery

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery

American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of November 13-14, 2021:

Bedford Audubon Society

Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch
August 26, 2021 - November 24, 2021, 9:00am - 5:00 pm
Leader:
Description:It’s officially Hawkwatch Season! Spectacular flocks of Broad-winged Hawks pass through our area in mid-September, but Accipiters such as Sharp-shinned + Cooper’s Hawks provide the most consistent flight throughout the fall hawk-watching season. Join us for Science in Action: Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch to experience the miracle of raptor migration. Our data is combined with other Hawkwatch sites to create population and migration analyses that help us better protect raptors and their habitats. Hawkwatch takes place daily through November, 9:00am-5:00pm (weather permitting). Arthur Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Bedford Corners. Registration not necessary, but please abide by current Covid-19 guidelines based on your vaccination status.
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


Field Trip: Milford Point + Silver Sands State Park
Sunday, November 14, 2021, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Milford Point is one of Connecticut’s most-visited bird viewing areas as the marsh, sandbars, and barrier beach are some of the most important shorebird migratory stopover areas on Long Island Sound, providing foraging areas and resting areas for tens of thousands of shorebirds each year. Among many possibilities, we should see Brant, Northern Harrier, hundreds of Dunlins and Sanderlings, and probably Horned Larks and Snow Buntings here. Silver Sands is comprised of woodland edge, grassland, beach and restored salt marsh and dune areas. It is also an IBA for wintering and nesting birds. Its areas of dense cover provide good habitat for songbirds, especially sparrows.
Registration: Registration is limited and required. Email Susan to register or call 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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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Governors Island, NYC Harbor
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: Grassland and open space species, late sparrows, raptors, winter species, waterfowl, potential rarity. Reference : https://www.govisland.com/.
Registration: Peter Dorosh: email Prosbird@aol.com or Prosbird@gmail.com.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fall Hike and Fort Tour at Fort Wadsworth
Every week on Sunday, November 14, 2021 to November 28, 2021, 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Hike the overlook loop, along the paths at Fort Wadsworth. Bring binoculars, and comfortable shoes. Call 718 354-4655 for questions.
Registration: Not registration required.
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Gull Identification at Coney Island
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Leader: Roberta Manian
Description: Brush up on your basic gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Counts (CBC)! Join us at Coney Island to learn how to identify the basic winter gulls in all their cycles. Bring a scope if you have one and be prepared for standing still for long periods on a windy beach (ie, dress warmly), as well as trekking two-three miles, depending on what we are seeing.
Registration: Mary Beth Kooper - marybeth@nyc.rr.com
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, September 4 - November 27, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various resident and migratory bird species and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Nassau County Museum of Art
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joyce (516) 621-6678
Description: See "Walk Locations" for directions. Wear water-resistant footwear, bring binoculars and drinking water. Wear long pants and socks so you do not touch poison ivy.
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.
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

High Rock Park and Pouch Camp
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Join Ray Matarazzo for a fall foliage hike to Stump Pond. Investigate this unique corner of the Greenbelt with one of Staten Island’s finest environmental educators. The walk will focus on the identification of trees, some of the most colorful species, Hickory, Maple, Sweetgum and Tupelo. Participants will meet in the parking lot at 200 Nevada Avenue.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
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A Walk at Blue Heron Park
Sunday, November 14, 2021, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Participants will meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot, 222 Pollion Avenue, then cross the street to visit Butterfly Pond and loop the Blue Trail back to the Nature Center. If time permits, we will also loop Spring Pond. Though the fall leaves will most likely be “past peak” the colors and fresh air of autumn will make for an enjoyably relaxing walk.
Registration: For more information contact Don Recklies at 718-768-9036.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Massapequa Lake
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Kaiser Park Bird Walk & Coastal Cleanup at Kaiser Park Entrance (in Kaiser Park), Brooklyn
9:30am - 12:00pm
Start the day on an hour-long bird walk led by Audubon NY, then join a wetland cleanup project with our Stewardship Team!
Free

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Family Birding at Wave Hill House (in Wave Hill), Bronx
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Embark on an avian adventure with naturalist and birder Gabriel Willow. Explore the gardens looking for birds, nests, food sources, and other evidence of our feathered friends.
Free ...Read more