I think a good theme for this period would be "Eat or Be Eaten". One big change has been plummeting temperatures and this weekend's forecast nor'easter. Still time to see a few rare visitors from the north:
The spiky sweetgum ball produce several dozen seeds. Typically large numbers of birds are found in the tops of the trees picking the seeds out directly, or scratching in the grass below for spilled seeds. This year many winter specialists have not been around. I don't know why.
There are lots of apple trees in the cemetery and some are still holding onto a few fruit. This Granny Smith variety has been attracting birds, apparently taking a break from eating seeds or other fruit.
A pair of overwintering Baltimore Orioles have been finding food in the cemetery's numerous yew trees. As that source becomes exhausted they've been visiting suet feeders. Maybe a few orange halves could be added to the menu.
Northern Shovelers are an abundant overwintering species around Brooklyn. When all the ponds and lakes freeze, look for them in the creeks around the coast.
Another sparrow that is only found in winter is the American Tree Sparrow. This gregarious species can usually be found in fairly large flocks around the borough. That hasn't been the case this year...yet.
Pine Hill has been a good spot to find mixed sparrow flocks, robins, kinglets and nuthatches. It should be no surprise that this Sharp-shinned Hawk has also been lurking around there, too.
Red-shouldered Hawks used to be rare in Brooklyn during the winter. They have gradually become a fairly regular sighting during the cold months. This immature individual was hunting on the Hill of Graves.
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