Best of the Fortnight

Here are a few of my favorite photos from over the past 2 weeks:

Carolina Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Red-breasted Nuthatch, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Downy Woodpecker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Hexagonal-pored Polypore, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Drake Mallard, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Immature Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Snowdrops, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Arches and Crescent Moon, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Cedar Waxwing, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of March 5-6, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Waning Winter days at Jamaica Bay Refuge
Saturday, March 5, 2022
Leader: Ryan Goldberg
Focus: Ducks, marsh species, raptors, possibly early spring migrants
Registration: Ryan Goldberg email ryan.goldberg@gmail.com
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 5, 2022, 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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First Sunday Prospect Park Walks in Winter
Sunday, March 6, 2022, 10:00am - 11:30am
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 Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday March 06, 2022 to March 27, 2022, 2:00pm
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


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, March 6, 2022, 6:45am – 8:15am
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

Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunday, March 6, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Located on the shore of the Long Island Sound, along a migratory flyway, this 179-acre sanctuary is home to a great diversity of marine life. In winter months, the 85-acre lake, a mixture of salt and fresh water, hosts over 5,000 ducks. The sanctuary has been recognized by the national Audubon Society of New York as an Important Bird Area due to its significant habitats and flyway.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Take the Throgs Neck Bridge to I295 N.Keep right at the fork to continue on I695 N and follow signs to I95 N. Take exit 19, Playland Parkway all the way into the Rye Playland parking lot. Follow the driveway at the north end of the lot to the Sanctuary.


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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Croton Point Park
Sunday, May 23, 2021, 7:30am - 9:30am
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: The meeting place & details in confirmation email sent after registration.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, March 6, 2022
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, March 5, 2022

Birding: Winter Birds at Parking Lot (in Clove Lakes Park), Staten Island
11:00am – 12:00pm
Join us on this Ranger led walk along the trails identifying various woodland birds and winter waterfowl.
Free
...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 26-27, 2022:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 26, 2022, 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

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday February 06, 2022 to February 27, 2022, 2:00pm
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


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 27, 2022, 6:45am – 8:15am
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

New Jersey Meadowlands at DeKorte Park
Saturday, February 26, 2022
Leader: Rick Wright
Description: Crown jewel of the Hackensack, DeKorte Park in late winter is a prime spot for waterfowl, gulls, and raptors. The tidal impoundments often shelter good numbers of Canvasbacks and Northern Pintails, and brushy edges can produce American Tree Sparrows or red Fox Sparrows along with the other common passerines of northern New Jersey. At dusk, the northern harriers patrolling the closed landfills are sometimes joined by a Rough-legged Hawk, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, or even—depending on the year—a Snowy Owl.
Registration: Vicki Seabrook - seabrookv.v@gmail.com
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Winter Bird Tour at Inwood Hill Park
Sunday, February 27, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Nadir Souirgi
Description: Inwood Hill Park, simply put, is a jewel. Nestled between the Hudson River, Dyckman Street, and Seaman Avenue, this last tract of largely undeveloped oak and tulip forest transports you to another world and another time. Glacial "pot holes," towering trees, and stunning river views create an unrivaled birding backdrop. Limited to 15 per walk. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Birding: Hawk Watch at Avenue A and St. Marks Place (in Tompkins Square Park), Manhattan
1:00pm – 2:00pm
New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle.
Free
...Read more

Friday's Foto

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula), Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY*

In breeding plumage the male Baltimore Oriole is a combination of brilliant orange and black plumage. In fact, it was named due to its similar colors to the coat-of-arms of 17th century Lord Baltimore. While physically similar to Old World orioles our North American species are not taxonomically related. Their spring and summer range include the Canadian Prairies and eastern Montana in the northwest eastward through southern Ontario, southern Quebec and New Brunswick and south through the eastern United States to central Mississippi, Alabama and northern Georgia. This medium to long-distance migrate overwinters in Central and South America, although small numbers sometimes remain in North America, mainly in Florida.

The Baltimore Oriole's diet consists primarily of insects, fruit, and nectar. Their distinctive, hanging basket-like nest is constructed by the female, with the male only contributing occasional building material.

Their flute-like, melodious song is a short series of notes, often repeated a few times, and often interrupted by pauses. They also will make a chattering, racket-like call.

The IUCN Red List lists their conservation status as "Least Concern".

Their scientific name, Icterus galbula, means "yellow" and "small yellowish bird".

*the photo above is 1 of 2 Baltimore Orioles currently overwintering in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery.

Best of the Fortnight

Here are a few of my favorite photos from over the past 2 weeks:

Eastern Phoebe, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Great Blue Heron, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Northern Mockingbird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Mourning Dove, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Multiflora Rose vine, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Immature Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Dark-eyed Junco, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Fox Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Female Hooded Merganser, Central Park, New York, NY

Bald Eagle, Central Park, New York, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 19-20, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Winter Birding Weekend: Newburyport/Cape Ann
February 18, 2022, 8:00am – February 21, 2022, 5:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: The coast of northeast Massachusetts is the winter home to a spectacular array of seabirds. Our masterful naturalist will guide this special trip around the region in search of such stunners as Harlequin Duck, King Eider, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red-necked Grebe, Rough-legged Hawk, Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, Purple Sandpiper, Black Guillemot, Black-legged Kittiwake, Razorbill, and Snowy Owl. It’s also possible we will find Dovekie, Thick-billed Murre, and Eastern Screech, and Short-eared Owls. Add these to your year (or life) list this February.
Registration: Cost: $110/members, or $145/non-members and we’ll credit $35 to an annual membership. Travel, lodging, and meals not included. Note: The fees for this trip help support environmental education so we can continue to deliver high-quality programs for free. 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, February 19, 2022, 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


25 years of the Great Backyard Bird Count: A celebratory walk in Prospect Park
Saturday, February 19, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of this fun 4-day midwinter event.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday February 06, 2022 to February 27, 2022, 2:00pm
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


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 20, 2022, 6:45am – 8:15am
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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Hudson River Audubon Society

Pelham Bay Park and Twin Island
Saturday, February 19, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Sandra Wright
Description: Pelham Bay Park with its mixture of woods, pine groves, shoreline, marshes, and capped landfill make this the top place to bird in the Bronx. We should see scoters, loons, grebes, and wintering ducks such as Common Goldeneye and Long-tailed Ducks.
Registration: tralac@gmail.com
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island
Saturday, February 19, 2022
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Staten Island’s habitats include woodlands, coastal beaches, marshes, parks and more. We have seen Bonaparte Gulls, shorebirds, Horned Grebes, and sometimes other grebe species. Many surprise birds make appearances. One year a Summer Tanager stayed the winter, eating bees it found in a tree hole. Hairy Woodpeckers are not uncommon.
Registration: Ursula Mitra - ursula.mitra@verizon.net
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, February 20, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
9:00am – 10:00am
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Bring your own binoculars.
Free


Sunday, February 20, 2022

Birding: Winter Birds at Seaman Avenue and Isham Street (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory winter birds.
Free ...Read more

Friday's Foto

American Holly (Ilex opaca), Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

The American Holly is native to the eastern and south-central United States from coastal Massachusetts, south to central Florida, and west to southeastern Missouri and eastern Texas. Its red fruit appear late in the fall and are an important food source to a variety of songbird species, gamebirds and mammals. They are poisonous to humans and, if ingested, will cause diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and drowsiness. The flowers are of special value to Honey Bees and the host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly. Unfortunately, along our west coast from California to British Columbia, the English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is spreading into native forest habitat, where it crowds out native species.

Some of the bird species that feed on American Holly drupes:

Northern Bobwhite
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
(several species of sparrow)
Northern Cardinal
Yellow-rumped Warbler

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 12-13, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Nature Walk: Winter Tree Identification
Saturday, February 12, 2022, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Find out by joining Naturalist Tait Johansson on a Nature Walk: Winter Tree Identification at Muscoot Farm. Tait will explain how to use a tree’s structure, bark, and other clues to ID it even after the leaves have fallen. Families are welcome, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a popular walk so register early to secure your spot.
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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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 12, 2022, 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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Feminist Bird Club

Gullentine's Day
Saturday, February 12, 2022, 10:00am - 12:00am
Leaders: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Grab your binoculars, some warm winter clothes, and maybe a friend, and join us along the Brooklyn waterfront to check out gulls! gulls! gulls! on Gullentine’s Day!
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tour and Hike
Every week on Sunday February 06, 2022 to February 27, 2022, 2:00pm
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


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, February 13, 2022, 7:00am – 8:30am
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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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Point Lookout
Sunday, February 13, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Look for loons, grebes, and Harlequin Ducks. Point Lookout is known as the best and most reliable spot to see this showy duck.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Meadowbrook Pkwy to Loop Pkwy. At the end of Loop Pkwy, turn left. Go to the end of the road. Park anywhere near the entrance to the park. Meet by the gate to the park.


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New York City Audubon

Winter Waterfowl of the Brooklyn Coast
Saturday, February 12, 2022, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Kellye Rosenheim
Description: Join Kellye Rosenheim on a tour of Brooklyn’s most productive coastal winter waterfowl sites. We’ll visit Bush Terminal Piers Park, Gravesend, and Calvert Vaux in search of saltwater species such as Common Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, and Common Loon, as well as Horned and Red-necked Grebe. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $100 (70).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Winter Bird Stroll on Governors Island
Saturday, February 12, 2022, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! 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 this winter. RSVP to reserve your spot, more detailed meeting information will be sent out to registrants prior to the event. Limited to 15. Free.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, February 13, 2022
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

Sunday, February 13, 2022

Birding: Winter Birds at East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 11:00am
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory winter birds.
Free


Birding: Birds of Crotona at Crotona Nature Center (in Crotona Park), Bronx
11:00am – 12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Crotona Park to look for local songbirds, waterfowl and birds of prey!
Free ...Read more

In Memoriam

It is with much sadness that I report another loss in the local birding community. After a brief but valiant fight, Janet Schumacher has succumb to her illness. She was one of the first birder's that I met in Brooklyn's Prospect Park nearly 30 years ago. My wife and I crossed paths with her on the avenue just last month. We spoke briefly, she flashed a wide smile, waved, then headed down the slope. I would have never imagined that would be the last time I’d see her. I will post more information regarding any plans formal or otherwise.