Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, April 29, 2022:
– RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 29, 2022
* NYNY2204.29
– Birds mentioned
MOTTLED DUCK+
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE+
BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
KING EIDER
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Solitary Sandpiper
ICELAND GULL
Least Tern
GULL-BILLED TERN
Caspian Tern
Common Tern
Black Skimmer
LEAST BITTERN
Cattle Egret
Red-headed Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Veery
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Bobolink
Ovenbird
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
SUMMER TANAGER
Scarlet Tanager
– 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, April 29th 2022 at 11pm. The highlights of today’s tape are MOTTLED DUCK, SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER, KING EIDER, ICELAND GULL, GULL-BILLED TERN, LEAST BITTERN, PROTHONOTARY, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS, SUMMER TANAGER and spring migrants.
The MOTTLED DUCK, found on April 5th, and a potential first record for New York State pending NYSARC acceptance, was reported both days last weekend at Ketcham’s Creek freshwater wetland in Amityville but not since, perhaps due to waning interest. It is also not clear that the duck was always being critically identified so please provide supporting evidence if the MOTTLED is seen again.
Once again a brief appearance by a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE locally left a few observers quite pleased though it did not stick around for others to enjoy. This sighting took place last Wednesday morning at Jones Beach West End.
But certainly the bonus bird of the week was a male BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLER nicely found early yesterday morning in the Midwood off Center Drive in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Many observers on hand continued to search throughout the day and were able to refind the bird at various times but follow-up searches today were not successful.
A drake KING EIDER was still present at Great Kills Park on Staten Island last Sunday and late ICELAND GULLS were noted at Fort Tilden last Saturday and at Plumb Beach Monday. A GULL-BILLED TERN was photographed at Plumb Beach on Tuesday the same day single CASPIAN TERNS visited Hempstead Lake State Park and Southard’s Pond in Babylon.
A Prospect Park LEAST BITTERN was still present Thursday along the western side of Prospect Park Lake. In Westchester a CATTLE EGRET flew by the nature center at Croton Point Park Tuesday afternoon headed northwest and an adult RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues at the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
A growing number of migrant non-passerines this week included YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, EASTERN WHIP-POOR-WILL, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, LEAST and COMMON TERNS and BLACK SKIMMER.
Among the passerines the PROTHONOTARY WARBLER continued at Central Park’s north end to last Sunday and a few YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS included singles at Hempstead Lake State Park and Oakland Lake Thursday and at Fuch’s Pond in Northport today as well as one at Croton Point Park from Tuesday through today and the continuing birds at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER has lingered in Central Park since Monday and other arriving warblers have included OVENBIRD, NASHVILLE, AMERICAN REDSTART, CAPE MAY, MAGNOLIA, BLACKBURNIAN, CHESTNUT-SIDED and BLACK-THROATED BLUE with more to come.
A SUMMER TANAGER visited a home up in Harlem late last week last seen on the 22nd and other passerines occurring this week featured GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, EASTERN KINGBIRD, EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE, RED-EYED VIREO, VEERY, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, BOBOLINK and SCARLET TANAGER.
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
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Monday, April 25, 2022
Upcoming Trips
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 30-May 1, 2022:
Brooklyn Bird Club
Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30 am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary; however, if more than 20 people show up we will split the group.
View Details
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 30, 2022
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
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: The Sunday walks will start at The Audubon Center at the Boathouse.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details
Spring birding at the Cemetery of the Evergreens
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Leader: Paul Sweet
Description: Meeting Location is accessible by the “L” train to Bushwick Ave/Aberdeen Street station. Walk east (left from station) on Bushwick Avenue for the meeting spot. If you wish to come by car, parking is also available, but we will not be organizing car pools. Restrooms are available.
Registration: No registration required..
View Details
**********
Feminist Bird Club
NYC - Pugsley Creek with Haley
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am - 10:30am
Leaders: Haley Scott
Description: For the last few years, Haley Scott and her mom have dedicated hours to exploring Pugsley Creek Park, a very under-birded area of The Bronx. Haley introduced us to Pugsley Creek a couple of years ago and we’ve been obsessed ever since. It has so many different interesting habitats in a relatively small area, so we’re just as likely to see some cool gulls and shorebirds as we are thrushes, warblers, woodpeckers, and sparrows!
Registration: Register via Eventbrite
View Details
**********
Freshkills Park Alliance
City Nature Challenge Biodiversity Walk
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 1:00pm
Leader: Rangers
Description: Lace up your shoes for a nature walk at Freshkills Park! Freshkills Park staff will take you behind the scenes to visit areas that are currently closed to the public. On this one-mile walk, you’ll learn about the different plants and animals found in the woods, wetlands, and grasslands at Freshkills Park.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
View Details
**********
Gateway National Parks
Fort Wadsworth Tour and Hike
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 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
**********
Great South Bay Audubon Society
Central Park Nature Walk
Saturday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Meet at 7:00am on Central Park West at 77th Street (opposite the Museum of Natural History). One of the best trips for our club!
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details
**********
Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 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
**********
Hudson River Audubon Society
Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers
Saturday April 30, 2022, 7:30am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: This Westchester County Park consists of a stream running through two ponds. Early spring warblers, nesting Baltimore and Orchard Orioles are expected. Meet in the first parking lot, up on the right after entering.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details
Cerulean Warblers at Doodletown, Harriman State Park
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Many people wish to see Cerulean Warblers. One trick is to visit this famous nesting site early in May before they set up their territories and sing from the top of 150-foot trees. We're likely to see Hooded Warbler and many other migrants as well. Moderate walk uphill, one part steep, no restrooms. Trip over by noon. Meet near the trail head on Route 9D.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
View Details
**********
Linnaean Society of New York
North Woods, Central Park
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Leader: Ursula Mitra
Description: Central Park is one of the world’s premier birding spots, especially during spring and fall migrations. On a good day we’ll see warblers, sparrows, vireos, and other migrants. On this walk we will explore numerous birding hotspots of Central Park’s North End with long time birder Ursula Mitra who knows these areas very well.
Registration: Evelyn Huang — evelynhuang1@yahoo.com
View Details
**********
New York City Audubon
Free: Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 16 - June 25, 9-10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
Free: Queens Botanical Garden Bird Walk
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon with Queens Botanical Garden
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the valuable resources that the Garden offers birds and other wildlife. Binoculars available. Register for one date or the whole series of five walks (walk-ins welcome).
Registration: Visit www.queensbotanical.org/calendar to register. Each walk limited to 25. Free (with Garden admission)
View Details
Spring Walk at Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan
Sunday, May 1, 2022, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Nadir Souirgi
Description: Inwood Hill Park 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 backdrop for observing the many migratory and breeding avian species that are drawn to this hotspot. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Wood Thrush, and Yellow Warbler breed here, and the Park includes Manhattan's last remaining tidal salt marsh. Limited to 15. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
**********
North Shore Audubon Society
Valley Stream State Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 7:45am
Leader: Bobby
Description: Charge at gate starts at 8 unless you have an Empire Pass.
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
**********
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Conference House Park
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a springtime birding tour of Staten Island’s southernmost woodland at Ward’s Point. Ray Matarazzo will share bird songs and behaviors used for identifying a gathering of migrating birds which rest and replenish in the trees, shrubs and grasses of Conference House Park. Participants will meet at the Conference House Park Visitors Center at 7455 Hylan Boulevard.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
View Details
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, May 1, 2022
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
**********
Sullivan County Audubon Society
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Scott Graber
Description: Experience the variety of birdlife that inhabits the Bashakill. Meet at the Haven Road DEC parking lot, on the left coming from Rt. 209.
Registration: Call Scott to register at 914-799-1313.
View Details
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 12:00pm
Every Saturday, join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding.
Free
Sunday, May 1, 2022
First Sunday Bird Walks in Prospect Park at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
8:00am - 10:00am
Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on the first Sunday of each month as we explore Prospect Park for resident and migratory birds that visit throughout the different seasons.
Free
Birding: Spring Migration at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
9:00am - 10:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Highland Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free
Birding: Osprey Watch at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Marine Park to view ospreys.
Free
Birding: Spring Migration at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
11:00am - 12:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Van Cortlandt Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Best of the Fortnight
A small selection of some personal favs from the past 2 weeks:
 |
| Large-cupped daffodil, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Palm Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Mourning Cloak, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Great Egret, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Swamp Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Common Violet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Yellow-throated Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Yellow-throated Vireo, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Savannah Sparrow, Shirley Chisholm SP, Brooklyn, NY |
Friday, April 22, 2022
New York City Rare Bird Alert
Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, April 22, 2022:
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 22, 2022
* NYNY2204.22
- Birds mentioned
MOTTLED DUCK+
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
KING EIDER
White-winged Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Virginia Rail
Sora
Common Gallinule
Short-billed Dowitcher
Bonaparte's Gull
ICELAND GULL
GLAUCOUS GULL
LEAST BITTERN
CATTLE EGRET
Green Heron
Glossy Ibis
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Warbling Vireo
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Wood Thrush
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
Orange-crowned Warbler
Hooded Warbler
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
- 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, April 22nd 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are MOTTLED DUCK, SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, KING EIDER, LEAST BITTERN, CATTLE EGRET, GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, PROTHONOTARY and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS and spring migrants.
A drake MOTTLED DUCK was seen as recently as Wednesday along the Ketcham's Creek freshwater wetland in Amityville. The sightings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all only in the later afternoon. The duck and accompanying female Mallards should be looked for along the creek on the west side of Lake Drive. When present, the birds initially were around the north end near where Kenmore Avenue ends at Lake Drive but recently they have also ventured south of there.
On Thursday afternoon a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was spotted over Todt Hill on Staten Island heading in a northwest direction towards High Rock Park but like most local sightings for this species it seems only the initial observers that get to see the bird. A drake KING EIDER was still present at Great Kills Park today.
A lingering LEAST BITTERN has been present all week in phragmites on the west side of Prospect Park Lake near the Wellhouse and another was reported at Randall's Island last weekend while a CATTLE EGRET visited East Quogue last Sunday.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was still around the Hunt's Point section of the Bronx last Sunday and on Tuesday single ICELAND GULLS were spotted at Brooklyn's Plumb Beach and at the north end of Jamaica Bay.
In Westchester a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER has been at Rockefeller State Park Preserve yesterday and today and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was photographed at Cranberry Lake Preserve today.
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER has continued at Central Park's north end all week and another was present near the lake at Connetquot River State Park last weekend. Besides the continuing pair of YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River single birds occurred in Prospect Park for most of the week, at Crotona Park in the Bronx yesterday, at Massapequa Preserve Wednesday and Thursday and at Oscawana Island in Westchester last Sunday. Other arriving warblers this week included an ORANGE-CROWNED at Massapequa Preserve Tuesday and 3 HOODEDS with singles at the north end of Central Park last Sunday and more recently in Riverside Park and at Valley Stream State Park.
Various non-passerines noted during the week have included more CHIMNEY SWIFTS, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, scattered VIRGINIA RAILS, SORAS and COMMON GALLINULES, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, GREEN HERON and GLOSSY IBIS.
The variety of passerines has also been increasing with such additions as WARBLING VIREO, BANK and CLIFF SWALLOWS, WOOD THRUSH, ORCHARD and BALTIMORE ORIOLES, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and INDIGO BUNTING.
And a comment on an unusual fallout. Last Monday night's poor weather conditions produced an interesting accumulation of birds along the Hudson River from upper Westchester and especially just north of us up in the Newburgh-Beacon area where flocks of BONAPARTE'S GULLS included several hundred individuals sitting on the river along with a count of over 100 RED-NECKED GREBES, many HORNED GREBES, numbers of WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and LONG-TAILED DUCK and various other waterbirds temporarily forced down. Quite a spectacle.
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
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 22, 2022
* NYNY2204.22
- Birds mentioned
MOTTLED DUCK+
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
KING EIDER
White-winged Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Virginia Rail
Sora
Common Gallinule
Short-billed Dowitcher
Bonaparte's Gull
ICELAND GULL
GLAUCOUS GULL
LEAST BITTERN
CATTLE EGRET
Green Heron
Glossy Ibis
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Warbling Vireo
Bank Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Wood Thrush
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
Orange-crowned Warbler
Hooded Warbler
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
- 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, April 22nd 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are MOTTLED DUCK, SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, KING EIDER, LEAST BITTERN, CATTLE EGRET, GLAUCOUS and ICELAND GULLS, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, PROTHONOTARY and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS and spring migrants.
A drake MOTTLED DUCK was seen as recently as Wednesday along the Ketcham's Creek freshwater wetland in Amityville. The sightings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all only in the later afternoon. The duck and accompanying female Mallards should be looked for along the creek on the west side of Lake Drive. When present, the birds initially were around the north end near where Kenmore Avenue ends at Lake Drive but recently they have also ventured south of there.
On Thursday afternoon a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was spotted over Todt Hill on Staten Island heading in a northwest direction towards High Rock Park but like most local sightings for this species it seems only the initial observers that get to see the bird. A drake KING EIDER was still present at Great Kills Park today.
A lingering LEAST BITTERN has been present all week in phragmites on the west side of Prospect Park Lake near the Wellhouse and another was reported at Randall's Island last weekend while a CATTLE EGRET visited East Quogue last Sunday.
A GLAUCOUS GULL was still around the Hunt's Point section of the Bronx last Sunday and on Tuesday single ICELAND GULLS were spotted at Brooklyn's Plumb Beach and at the north end of Jamaica Bay.
In Westchester a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER has been at Rockefeller State Park Preserve yesterday and today and a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was photographed at Cranberry Lake Preserve today.
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER has continued at Central Park's north end all week and another was present near the lake at Connetquot River State Park last weekend. Besides the continuing pair of YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River single birds occurred in Prospect Park for most of the week, at Crotona Park in the Bronx yesterday, at Massapequa Preserve Wednesday and Thursday and at Oscawana Island in Westchester last Sunday. Other arriving warblers this week included an ORANGE-CROWNED at Massapequa Preserve Tuesday and 3 HOODEDS with singles at the north end of Central Park last Sunday and more recently in Riverside Park and at Valley Stream State Park.
Various non-passerines noted during the week have included more CHIMNEY SWIFTS, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRDS, scattered VIRGINIA RAILS, SORAS and COMMON GALLINULES, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, GREEN HERON and GLOSSY IBIS.
The variety of passerines has also been increasing with such additions as WARBLING VIREO, BANK and CLIFF SWALLOWS, WOOD THRUSH, ORCHARD and BALTIMORE ORIOLES, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and INDIGO BUNTING.
And a comment on an unusual fallout. Last Monday night's poor weather conditions produced an interesting accumulation of birds along the Hudson River from upper Westchester and especially just north of us up in the Newburgh-Beacon area where flocks of BONAPARTE'S GULLS included several hundred individuals sitting on the river along with a count of over 100 RED-NECKED GREBES, many HORNED GREBES, numbers of WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and LONG-TAILED DUCK and various other waterbirds temporarily forced down. Quite a spectacle.
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
Monday, April 18, 2022
A Look Back
This year marks 18 years since I began this blog. Sorry if I haven't been able to keep up my level of creative writing output from a decade ago. Our urban nature still fascinates me, so will likely keep going for at least a few more years.
Looking over some of my early postings, I thought it might be interesting to compare a migration piece from this approximate date, 18 years ago. In early 2004 I didn't have a camera, so relied mostly on the written word for my blog. I considered adding some current pics for this "look back", but decided to leave it as originally posted. I hope you like it:
**********
April 20, 2004
Prospect Park (also a quick stop at Floyd Bennett Field) with Shane B.
We should be seeing signs of hatchlings at Big Mama and Split-tail's nest this week but I've decided to take a short break from monitoring them. On a couple of occasions Split-tail has seemed a little agitated (the growling incidents) so I thought that it might be a good idea to give them a little space. Also, Shane and I have been watching the wind direction and it looked like it might be a good morning for new migrants. Last night the wind changed to a south/southwest direction and by dawn it switched back around to north. Our thinking was that the wind shift would force some northbound birds down and, hopefully, into Prospect Park. It turned out to be a pretty good gamble.
I left my home just before dawn and walked to the park. I noticed that the layers of early morning bird songs shifted from resident species to "visitors" as I approached the center of the park. My block was noisy with House Sparrows chirping and pigeons cooing. At the very edge of the park the sounds changed mostly to starlings and cardinals. Entering the wooded section near the Litchfield Villa I began to hear choruses of robin's "cherrily, cherriup" and White-throated Sparrow's "pure sweet canada canada". The closer I got to the forested center of the park the more I heard the sounds of migrants. Following the edge of the ponds, one step behind a string of dimming street lamps, I heard the insect buzz of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, the loose trill of dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers and the nasal "ca-ha" of a flock of Fish Crows.
I continued walking across the Nethermead and out towards the woods on the Peninsula. I rendezvoused there with Shane where we found that large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers seemed to have just dropped out of the sky. Through the course of our morning walk we found flocks of yellow-rumps on Lookout Hill, the Lullwater, the Ravine and pretty much anywhere that there were trees. Palm Warblers were seen in smaller numbers and we added several new species to the park's year list. On the Peninsula we listened to the singsong tune of a Warbling Vireo and flushed a Spotted Sandpiper at the edge of the "Thumb". Across the Lullwater, behind the rink, we patiently waited out a serenading Northern Waterthrush hidden in a multiflora rose bush. A bright splash of blue in the same bush turned out to be an Indigo Bunting.
Following the waterway into the Ravine in search of a Louisiana Waterthrush we stumbled on a much more exciting find. We had been walking downstream along the gravel bridle path in the Ravine when Shane spotted something that wasn't "another yellow-rump". In his excitement he stumbled on the words so I blurted out, "Yellow-throated Warbler!" It was his find and he really had the honor of announcing it (to the only two birders in the park) but I couldn't help myself. This striking bird with the golden throat patch and black and white face pattern has a more southern range and is not observed in the park every year. As Shane followed the bird I made a few phone calls to alert other birders. We briefly lost the bird but relocated it as it foraged for insects in the shrubs and blackberry brambles edging the stream. As we stood watching the warbler I heard a Northern Parula singing in the woods along Quaker Ridge. We watched the yellow-throated for a few minutes then left the park via Wellhouse Drive.
As we were walking past the Wellhouse I heard another new song for the season. Perched above the building was a beautiful, chestnut plumed Orchard Oriole chattering and whistling. Earlier in the morning we stood and listened to the strange, gurgling calls of a Rusty Blackbird in the same area.
We ended our morning by making a quick run out to Floyd Bennett Field in search of Upland Sandpipers (hey, we can dream) but came up empty. We did get great views, though, of a ghostly male Northern Harrier.
- - - - -
Prospect Park; FBF, 4/20/2004
-
Horned Grebe (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Double-crested Cormorant (Several on flyovers.)
Great Egret (2.)
Green Heron (2.)
Brant (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Wood Duck (Lullwater.)
Northern Shoveler (2.)
Bufflehead (Female, Upper pool.)
Ruddy Duck (Several on lake.)
Northern Harrier ("Grey Ghost", Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel (6 or 8, Floyd Bennett Field.)
American Coot (3.)
Spotted Sandpiper (Peninsula "Thumb".)
Chimney Swift (3.)
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2, Ravine.)
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo (~5.)
Warbling Vireo (Peninsula.)
Fish Crow (7, flying over Nethermead.)
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
Brown Creeper (Ravine.)
Winter Wren (Lookout Hill.)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Common.)
Hermit Thrush (4 or 5.)
Northern Mockingbird (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Northern Parula (Heard singing in Ravine.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Abundant.)
Yellow-throated Warbler (Ravine near Nethermead Arches.)
Pine Warbler (Female, Lookout Hill.)
Prairie Warbler (2, Lullwater. 1, Ravine.)
Palm Warbler (~20-30.)
Black-and-white Warbler (2.)
Northern Waterthrush (Singing in Lullwater near skating rink.)
Indigo Bunting (Lullwater near skating rink.)
Eastern Towhee (Several.)
Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (3 or 4.)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Rusty Blackbird (Lookout Hill above Wellhouse.)
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole (Singing from perch above Wellhouse.)
Other resident species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow
Looking over some of my early postings, I thought it might be interesting to compare a migration piece from this approximate date, 18 years ago. In early 2004 I didn't have a camera, so relied mostly on the written word for my blog. I considered adding some current pics for this "look back", but decided to leave it as originally posted. I hope you like it:
**********
April 20, 2004
Prospect Park (also a quick stop at Floyd Bennett Field) with Shane B.
We should be seeing signs of hatchlings at Big Mama and Split-tail's nest this week but I've decided to take a short break from monitoring them. On a couple of occasions Split-tail has seemed a little agitated (the growling incidents) so I thought that it might be a good idea to give them a little space. Also, Shane and I have been watching the wind direction and it looked like it might be a good morning for new migrants. Last night the wind changed to a south/southwest direction and by dawn it switched back around to north. Our thinking was that the wind shift would force some northbound birds down and, hopefully, into Prospect Park. It turned out to be a pretty good gamble.
I left my home just before dawn and walked to the park. I noticed that the layers of early morning bird songs shifted from resident species to "visitors" as I approached the center of the park. My block was noisy with House Sparrows chirping and pigeons cooing. At the very edge of the park the sounds changed mostly to starlings and cardinals. Entering the wooded section near the Litchfield Villa I began to hear choruses of robin's "cherrily, cherriup" and White-throated Sparrow's "pure sweet canada canada". The closer I got to the forested center of the park the more I heard the sounds of migrants. Following the edge of the ponds, one step behind a string of dimming street lamps, I heard the insect buzz of Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, the loose trill of dozens of Yellow-rumped Warblers and the nasal "ca-ha" of a flock of Fish Crows.
I continued walking across the Nethermead and out towards the woods on the Peninsula. I rendezvoused there with Shane where we found that large numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers seemed to have just dropped out of the sky. Through the course of our morning walk we found flocks of yellow-rumps on Lookout Hill, the Lullwater, the Ravine and pretty much anywhere that there were trees. Palm Warblers were seen in smaller numbers and we added several new species to the park's year list. On the Peninsula we listened to the singsong tune of a Warbling Vireo and flushed a Spotted Sandpiper at the edge of the "Thumb". Across the Lullwater, behind the rink, we patiently waited out a serenading Northern Waterthrush hidden in a multiflora rose bush. A bright splash of blue in the same bush turned out to be an Indigo Bunting.
Following the waterway into the Ravine in search of a Louisiana Waterthrush we stumbled on a much more exciting find. We had been walking downstream along the gravel bridle path in the Ravine when Shane spotted something that wasn't "another yellow-rump". In his excitement he stumbled on the words so I blurted out, "Yellow-throated Warbler!" It was his find and he really had the honor of announcing it (to the only two birders in the park) but I couldn't help myself. This striking bird with the golden throat patch and black and white face pattern has a more southern range and is not observed in the park every year. As Shane followed the bird I made a few phone calls to alert other birders. We briefly lost the bird but relocated it as it foraged for insects in the shrubs and blackberry brambles edging the stream. As we stood watching the warbler I heard a Northern Parula singing in the woods along Quaker Ridge. We watched the yellow-throated for a few minutes then left the park via Wellhouse Drive.
As we were walking past the Wellhouse I heard another new song for the season. Perched above the building was a beautiful, chestnut plumed Orchard Oriole chattering and whistling. Earlier in the morning we stood and listened to the strange, gurgling calls of a Rusty Blackbird in the same area.
We ended our morning by making a quick run out to Floyd Bennett Field in search of Upland Sandpipers (hey, we can dream) but came up empty. We did get great views, though, of a ghostly male Northern Harrier.
- - - - -
Prospect Park; FBF, 4/20/2004
-
Horned Grebe (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Double-crested Cormorant (Several on flyovers.)
Great Egret (2.)
Green Heron (2.)
Brant (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Wood Duck (Lullwater.)
Northern Shoveler (2.)
Bufflehead (Female, Upper pool.)
Ruddy Duck (Several on lake.)
Northern Harrier ("Grey Ghost", Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel (6 or 8, Floyd Bennett Field.)
American Coot (3.)
Spotted Sandpiper (Peninsula "Thumb".)
Chimney Swift (3.)
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (2, Ravine.)
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo (~5.)
Warbling Vireo (Peninsula.)
Fish Crow (7, flying over Nethermead.)
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Red-breasted Nuthatch (2.)
Brown Creeper (Ravine.)
Winter Wren (Lookout Hill.)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (3.)
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Common.)
Hermit Thrush (4 or 5.)
Northern Mockingbird (Floyd Bennett Field.)
Northern Parula (Heard singing in Ravine.)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Abundant.)
Yellow-throated Warbler (Ravine near Nethermead Arches.)
Pine Warbler (Female, Lookout Hill.)
Prairie Warbler (2, Lullwater. 1, Ravine.)
Palm Warbler (~20-30.)
Black-and-white Warbler (2.)
Northern Waterthrush (Singing in Lullwater near skating rink.)
Indigo Bunting (Lullwater near skating rink.)
Eastern Towhee (Several.)
Chipping Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (3 or 4.)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Rusty Blackbird (Lookout Hill above Wellhouse.)
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orchard Oriole (Singing from perch above Wellhouse.)
Other resident species seen (or heard):
Canada Goose, Mute Swan, American Black Duck, Mallard, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Sparrow
Upcoming Trips
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 23-24, 2022:
Bedford Audubon Society
Pound Ridge Earth Day Everyday Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: __
Description: There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Day than participating in local festivals! Stop by with your family and friends to say hello and learn about our work, upcoming programs, membership. We’ll have swag and will be raffling off a beautiful bird feeder. We hope to see you at our booth!
Registration: No required.
View Details
Bird Walk: Oakwood Cemetery
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson on a Field Trip to Oakwood Cemetery for a peaceful exploration of open woodland habitat near a Red Maple swamp. We hope to discover late-April migrants such as Blue-headed Vireo, Black-and-White Warbler, and Ruby-crowned Kinglet. What a perfect way to start your day!
Registration: Cost: Free. Levelof Difficulty: Easy. Email Susan to register or call914-302-9713.
View Details
**********
Brooklyn Bird Club
Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 7:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Meet 7:30am at the “Pergola” entrance on Ocean and Parkside Avenues.
Registration: No registration necessary; however, if more than 20 people show up we will split the group.
View Details
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 23, 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
First Wave at Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Leader: Paul Keim
Description: The beginning or “first wave” period of neotropical migrants including early warblers, “overshoot southern species” potential, orioles, flycatchers, vireos and more.
Registration: Kathy Toomey email kathleentoomey@gmail.com. Registration period: April 17th – April 21st.
View Details
**********
Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Earth Day at Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, April 23 from Noon to 3pm
Leader: __
Description: All levels of naturalists, including beginners, are most welcome on Eastern Long Island Audubon field trips.
Registration: Not required.
View Details
**********
Freshkills Park Alliance
Freshkills Park Alliance Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 11:00am
Leader: Rangers
Description: Join us outdoors for our first annual Earth Day Festival marking the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day.
Registration: Register via Eventbrite.
View Details
**********
Gateway National Parks
The Big Floyd Bennett Field Hike
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a ranger for a brisk 3.5 mile hike across the runways, forests, fields, and shorelines of Floyd Bennett Field's north side. After lunch gather again outside the Ryan Vistor Center to hike 3 miles of the south side. Dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring snacks and water.
Registration: Reservations are required, please call (718) 785-3671 to make a reservation and for more information.
View Details
**********
Great South Bay Audubon Society
Valley Stream SP & Jones Beach West End
Saturday, April 23, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Bob Grover
Description: Southern State Parkway to exit 15S, North Corona Ave. No Corona Ave to Hendrickson Ave (.07 mi) turn right at Hendrickson Ave. Hendrickson Ave. to Fletcher Ave (.3 mi) turn right on Fletcher Ave. Fletcher Ave North to Valley Stream State Park entrance on right (.2 mi). Park at far end of lot.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
View Details
**********
Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 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
Great Trees of Green-Wood
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
It’s what we wait for all year: the explosion of colors from hundreds of flowering trees and plants across Green-Wood. This feast for the eyes only lasts for a few weeks, so don’t miss it!
View Details
**********
Linnaean Society of New York
Pine Barrens For Early Spring Butterflies and More
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Leader: Rick Cech
Description: The ephemeral magic of early spring is nowhere more marked than in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where rare and local plant and butterfly species are on display for a short time each year, including up to seven species of elfins and “green” hairstreaks.
Registration: Lenore Swenson — lenoreswenson@gmail.com
View Details
**********
New York City Audubon
Van Cortlandt Park Bird Walks
Saturdays, April 16 - June 25, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: NYC Audubon
Description: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center. The history of birding and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. Influential birders such as Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. Cruickshank got their starts on Van Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse grounds. These walks celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery, The Bronx
Sunday, April 24, 2022, 8:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Tod Winston, Joseph McManus, Susan Olsen with the Woodlawn Conservancy
Description: Join us for a morning bird walk and tour of this beautiful cemetery: Tod Winston and Joseph McManus will look for spring migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery's Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. Limited to 20. $36 (25).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
**********
North Shore Audubon Society
Planting Fields
Saturday, April 23, 2022 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Shelly
Description: Take the LIE Exit 41 north or Northern State Parkway Exit 35 north (Route 106/107). Continue north until Routes 106 and 107 split. Take the left fork (Route 107 toward Glen Cove) and drive to the intersection with Route 25A. Turn right and follow Route 25A to the next traffic light (Wolver Hill Road and police station). Turn north until the road ends, then right on Chicken Valley Road. Pass the large gate of Planting Fields, and turn right at the next road, Planting Fields Road, which leads to the Arboretum. Parking Fee.
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
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, April 24, 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
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 23, 2022
Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am - 12:00pm
Every Saturday, join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding.
Free
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Birding: Spring Migration at West 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:00am - 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Riverside Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free
Saturday, April 09, 2022
New York City Rare Bird Alert
Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, April 8, 2022:
-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 8, 2022
* NYNY2204.08
- Birds Mentioned
MOTTLED DUCK+
ZONE-TAILED HAWK+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
Mallard
KING EIDER
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Bonaparte’s Gull
LITTLE GULL
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GLAUCOUS GULL
CASPIAN TERN
American Bittern
Little Blue Heron
TRICOLORED HERON
Green Heron
Glossy Ibis
Purple Martin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
House Wren
Purple Finch
Vesper Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
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, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 pm.
The highlights of today's tape are ZONE-TAILED HAWK, a good candidate for MOTTLED DUCK, LITTLE GULL, WESTERN TANAGER, KING EIDER, GLAUCOUS GULL, CASPIAN TERN, TRICOLORED HERON, PROTHONOTARY and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS and more.
A potentially very productive week for New York State:
Last Saturday morning birders at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn were very surprised once realizing that a raptor soaring overhead was a ZONE-TAILED HAWK; decent photos were taken, nicely showing key field marks, before the bird headed off in a westerly direction, escaping further detection.
Then on Tuesday, a duck seen at Ketchum's Creek Freshwater Wetland in Amityville gave the observer impressions of a MOTTLED DUCK, but the bird remained very elusive until this morning. Today this drake, usually in company with a female MALLARD, was closely studied and photographed and exhibited field marks very consistent with a MOTTLED DUCK, though hybrids can be an issue. The bird today was found along the watercourse just west of Lake Drive, favoring an area along the tree and phragmites lined bank across the river just north of where Kenmore Avenue ends at Lake Drive. Parking along the roads is available, but please respect the rights of the local homeowners.
Also, as both ZONE-TAILED HAWK and MOTTLED DUCK are potential first New York records, pending acceptance by NYSARC, hopefully observers of both species will submit reports directly to NYSARC, so they can be reviewed through the Accelerated Review process now in place.
A flock of BONAPARTE’S GULLS gathering off Conference House Park on southern Staten Island today also contained an adult LITTLE GULL.
The female WESTERN TANAGER wintering at Carl Schurz Park in Manhattan has not been seen since Tuesday.
The drake KING EIDER was still at Great Kills Park on Staten Island Tuesday, and lingering GULLS included the GLAUCOUS still just north of the Verrazano Bridge Sunday, single ICELAND GULLS at Fort Tilden Monday and Plumb Beach through today, and a few LESSER BLACK-BACKEDS. A CASPIAN TERN was up the Hudson River off Verplank today.
Three AMERICAN BITTERNS were spotted Tuesday, including one in Prospect Park, and a TRICOLORED HERON appeared along Dune Road the same day, when a LITTLE BLUE HERON also visited Conference House Park.
Other non-passerines this week have featured SPOTTED SANDPIPER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GREEN HERON and GLOSSY IBIS.
A YELLOW THROATED WARBLER has continued around the Ramble in Central Park all week, this species also returning by Wednesday to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, and a PROTHONATARY WARBLER was reported today at Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
A VESPER SPARROW was on Central Park's Great Lawn Saturday, and other passerines have included PURPLE MARTIN, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, PURPLE FINCH and BALTIMORE ORIOLE.
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
-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 8, 2022
* NYNY2204.08
- Birds Mentioned
MOTTLED DUCK+
ZONE-TAILED HAWK+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
Mallard
KING EIDER
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Bonaparte’s Gull
LITTLE GULL
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GLAUCOUS GULL
CASPIAN TERN
American Bittern
Little Blue Heron
TRICOLORED HERON
Green Heron
Glossy Ibis
Purple Martin
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
House Wren
Purple Finch
Vesper Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
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
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, April 8, 2022 at 11:00 pm.
The highlights of today's tape are ZONE-TAILED HAWK, a good candidate for MOTTLED DUCK, LITTLE GULL, WESTERN TANAGER, KING EIDER, GLAUCOUS GULL, CASPIAN TERN, TRICOLORED HERON, PROTHONOTARY and YELLOW-THROATED WARBLERS and more.
A potentially very productive week for New York State:
Last Saturday morning birders at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn were very surprised once realizing that a raptor soaring overhead was a ZONE-TAILED HAWK; decent photos were taken, nicely showing key field marks, before the bird headed off in a westerly direction, escaping further detection.
Then on Tuesday, a duck seen at Ketchum's Creek Freshwater Wetland in Amityville gave the observer impressions of a MOTTLED DUCK, but the bird remained very elusive until this morning. Today this drake, usually in company with a female MALLARD, was closely studied and photographed and exhibited field marks very consistent with a MOTTLED DUCK, though hybrids can be an issue. The bird today was found along the watercourse just west of Lake Drive, favoring an area along the tree and phragmites lined bank across the river just north of where Kenmore Avenue ends at Lake Drive. Parking along the roads is available, but please respect the rights of the local homeowners.
Also, as both ZONE-TAILED HAWK and MOTTLED DUCK are potential first New York records, pending acceptance by NYSARC, hopefully observers of both species will submit reports directly to NYSARC, so they can be reviewed through the Accelerated Review process now in place.
A flock of BONAPARTE’S GULLS gathering off Conference House Park on southern Staten Island today also contained an adult LITTLE GULL.
The female WESTERN TANAGER wintering at Carl Schurz Park in Manhattan has not been seen since Tuesday.
The drake KING EIDER was still at Great Kills Park on Staten Island Tuesday, and lingering GULLS included the GLAUCOUS still just north of the Verrazano Bridge Sunday, single ICELAND GULLS at Fort Tilden Monday and Plumb Beach through today, and a few LESSER BLACK-BACKEDS. A CASPIAN TERN was up the Hudson River off Verplank today.
Three AMERICAN BITTERNS were spotted Tuesday, including one in Prospect Park, and a TRICOLORED HERON appeared along Dune Road the same day, when a LITTLE BLUE HERON also visited Conference House Park.
Other non-passerines this week have featured SPOTTED SANDPIPER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GREEN HERON and GLOSSY IBIS.
A YELLOW THROATED WARBLER has continued around the Ramble in Central Park all week, this species also returning by Wednesday to the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, and a PROTHONATARY WARBLER was reported today at Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
A VESPER SPARROW was on Central Park's Great Lawn Saturday, and other passerines have included PURPLE MARTIN, HOUSE WREN, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, PURPLE FINCH and BALTIMORE ORIOLE.
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
Friday, April 08, 2022
Best of the Fortnight
Here are some of my favorite shots from over the past two weeks:
 |
| Cedar Waxwing, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Yulan Magnolia, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Ghost Egrets, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| American Kestrel, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Wood Ducks, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Louisiana Waterthrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
 |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| American Bittern, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Spring Beauty, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
Monday, April 04, 2022
Upcoming Trips
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 9-10, 2022:
Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 9, 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
Journey to the Wild South Shore of Staten Island
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Celebrate the opening of the new New York State birding trail from its beginning, at Mount Loretto Unique Area on the south shore of Staten Island. Mount Loretto is a migration hotspot that includes more than 200 acres of state-protected forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shorelines, with great views of Raritan Bay. Target species include raptors, bluebirds, snipe and woodcock, ducks and grebes, grassland specialists like meadowlarks, and early migrant songbirds.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryan.goldberg@gmail.com
View Details
**********
Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 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
**********
Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Avalon Nature Preserve
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: From its inception, Avalon Nature Preserve has sought to protect and restore the ecological heritage of this special landscape. Since 1997, the preserve has flourished into a thriving 216 acres of fields, forest, and wetlands, 140 of which are open to the public.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Take the Northern State Parkway east to NY 347. Keep right to NY 111 then continue east on NY 25A. Then turn left on Saddle Rd. The preserve is on the left.
**********
Linnaean Society of New York
Photography Focused Walk in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Description: Birds make beautiful pictures. And photos can be useful in making tough IDs and also serve as memories of great experiences. But birds can be very difficult to photograph well. During this workshop/field trip we’ll talk about how to take great, sharp photos. We’ll begin by covering camera basics, how to set up for different conditions, and even some advanced tips and tricks including settings for flight shots, dark areas and backlit birds.
Registration: Renee Lucier - reneelucier145@gmail.com
View Details
**********
New York City Audubon
Spring Migration in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:00am - 04:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Explore the lovely coves and rocky outcroppings of the City’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park, seeking out migrating songbirds, late wintering birds, ducks, and a breeding pair of Great Horned Owls. The rich and diverse habitat makes this park an urban gem and a great home for wildlife. Past rarities include a Northern Goshawk and a Purple Sandpiper. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van from NYC Audubon's office included. Limited to 12. $100 (70).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
**********
North Shore Audubon Society
Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy 628-1315
Description: 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
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
**********
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Ambling through Arden
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Take a walk in New York City’s largest freshwater wetlands. Early in the year, we hope to avoid summer swarms of mosquitoes while we walk some of the areas in the park slated for bluebelt improvement (but you still might want to bring bug spray). We’ll meet at the north end of Carlton Boulevard (off Woodrow Road). There will be slopes and streams to cross.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
View Details
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 12:00pm
Every Saturday, join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding.
Free
Brooklyn Bird Club
Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 9, 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
Journey to the Wild South Shore of Staten Island
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh and Ryan Goldberg
Description: Celebrate the opening of the new New York State birding trail from its beginning, at Mount Loretto Unique Area on the south shore of Staten Island. Mount Loretto is a migration hotspot that includes more than 200 acres of state-protected forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal shorelines, with great views of Raritan Bay. Target species include raptors, bluebirds, snipe and woodcock, ducks and grebes, grassland specialists like meadowlarks, and early migrant songbirds.
Registration: Ryan Goldberg, email: ryan.goldberg@gmail.com
View Details
**********
Green-Wood Cemetery
Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 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
**********
Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Avalon Nature Preserve
Sunday, April 10, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: From its inception, Avalon Nature Preserve has sought to protect and restore the ecological heritage of this special landscape. Since 1997, the preserve has flourished into a thriving 216 acres of fields, forest, and wetlands, 140 of which are open to the public.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Take the Northern State Parkway east to NY 347. Keep right to NY 111 then continue east on NY 25A. Then turn left on Saddle Rd. The preserve is on the left.
**********
Linnaean Society of New York
Photography Focused Walk in Prospect Park
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Tom Stephenson
Description: Birds make beautiful pictures. And photos can be useful in making tough IDs and also serve as memories of great experiences. But birds can be very difficult to photograph well. During this workshop/field trip we’ll talk about how to take great, sharp photos. We’ll begin by covering camera basics, how to set up for different conditions, and even some advanced tips and tricks including settings for flight shots, dark areas and backlit birds.
Registration: Renee Lucier - reneelucier145@gmail.com
View Details
**********
New York City Audubon
Spring Migration in Pelham Bay Park, The Bronx
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:00am - 04:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Explore the lovely coves and rocky outcroppings of the City’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park, seeking out migrating songbirds, late wintering birds, ducks, and a breeding pair of Great Horned Owls. The rich and diverse habitat makes this park an urban gem and a great home for wildlife. Past rarities include a Northern Goshawk and a Purple Sandpiper. Bring lunch and water. Transport by passenger van from NYC Audubon's office included. Limited to 12. $100 (70).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
**********
North Shore Audubon Society
Garvies Point Museum and Preserve
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy 628-1315
Description: 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542
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
**********
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Ambling through Arden
Saturday, April 9, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: Take a walk in New York City’s largest freshwater wetlands. Early in the year, we hope to avoid summer swarms of mosquitoes while we walk some of the areas in the park slated for bluebelt improvement (but you still might want to bring bug spray). We’ll meet at the north end of Carlton Boulevard (off Woodrow Road). There will be slopes and streams to cross.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
View Details
**********
South Shore Audubon Society
Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre, turn onto Long Beach Road, traveling south. Proceed to Waukena Avenue and turn left. From this point onward, there are brown signs directing visitors to the sanctuary. Turn right onto Park Avenue (at a traffic light), then turn left onto Golf Drive. Continue on Golf Drive to Slice Drive, turn right, and proceed one short block into the sanctuary.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
**********
Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Introduction to Birdwatching Walks at Audubon Center at the Boathouse (in Prospect Park), Brooklyn
10:00am – 12:00pm
Every Saturday, join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding.
Free
Saturday, April 02, 2022
New York City Rare Bird Alert
Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, April 1, 2022:
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 1, 2022
* NYNY2204.01
- Birds mentioned
LECONTE'S SPARROW+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
KING EIDER
SANDHILL CRANE
STILT SANDPIPER
Pectoral Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Razorbill
ICELAND GULL
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GLAUCOUS GULL
American Bittern
CATTLE EGRET
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Pine Siskin
VESPER SPARROW
Lincoln's Sparrow
Louisiana Waterthrush
Orange-crowned Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
- 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
This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for *Friday, April 1st 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are LECONTE'S SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, SANDHILL CRANE, KING EIDER, CATTLE EGRET, GLAUCOUS GULL, ICELAND GULL, STILT SANDPIPER, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, VESPER SPARROW and more.
As more spring migrants begin appearing there's no telling what the status is of the LECONTE'S SPARROW seen briefly on top of Croton Point landfill early Thursday morning. Was this the same individual that was also present in the same spot back in November and December? Whether yes or no it was looked for but not seen there this morning.
Manhattan's WESTERN TANAGER visiting Carl Schurz Park was still present today, usually seen as it appears at the feeders located in the park off East End Avenue just south of East 86th Street.
A SANDHILL CRANE was watched as it circled over Piermont Pier in Rockland County last Sunday morning eventually moving off to the west.
A drake KING EIDER was still present yesterday around the sandflats at Great Kills Park on Staten Island and the drake at Shinnecock was seen again just east of the Ponquogue Bridge last Sunday.
An early CATTLE EGRET visited the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area yesterday.
At the same time an AMERICAN BITTERN was drawing lots of attention in Central Park’s north end.
Among the northbound shorebirds a STILT SANDPIPER was found yesterday off Dune Road near Ponquogue Bridge and single PECTORAL SANDPIPERS visited Governors Island last Saturday and Tanner Park in Copiague from Monday on. A few LESSER YELLOWLEGS are also beginning to show up.
Some RAZORBILLS, still being seen off Breezy Point, included 15 last Saturday.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continued near the Verrazzano Bridge viewing area just north of the bridge to last Sunday while an ICELAND GULL was still being seen today at Brooklyn's Plumb Beach where a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was also present last Sunday.
The highlight among the few species of warblers so far reaching our area was a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER spotted today in Central Park’s Ramble. Also today LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES were found in at least 3 locations and some PALM WARBLERS are also returning now joining the scattered PINE WARBLER and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS already here. The ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was still at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River this week.
Today VESPER SPARROWS were found in Captree State Park and near the Ponquogue Bridge and another again at Caumsett State Park Tuesday and a wintering LINCOLN'S SPARROW was still at Greeley Square Park in Manhattan today. This park is on the east side of 6th Avenue between West 32nd and West 33rd Streets. Among other passerines appearing this week have been BARN SWALLOW and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and PINE SISKINS were reported at the feeders in Forest Park Queens on Wednesday.
Oh, and as an update ... there have unfortunately been no further sightings of the STELLER'S SEA-EAGLE on Staten Island
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
- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Apr. 1, 2022
* NYNY2204.01
- Birds mentioned
LECONTE'S SPARROW+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)
KING EIDER
SANDHILL CRANE
STILT SANDPIPER
Pectoral Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Razorbill
ICELAND GULL
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GLAUCOUS GULL
American Bittern
CATTLE EGRET
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Pine Siskin
VESPER SPARROW
Lincoln's Sparrow
Louisiana Waterthrush
Orange-crowned Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER
- 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
This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for *Friday, April 1st 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are LECONTE'S SPARROW, WESTERN TANAGER, SANDHILL CRANE, KING EIDER, CATTLE EGRET, GLAUCOUS GULL, ICELAND GULL, STILT SANDPIPER, YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, VESPER SPARROW and more.
As more spring migrants begin appearing there's no telling what the status is of the LECONTE'S SPARROW seen briefly on top of Croton Point landfill early Thursday morning. Was this the same individual that was also present in the same spot back in November and December? Whether yes or no it was looked for but not seen there this morning.
Manhattan's WESTERN TANAGER visiting Carl Schurz Park was still present today, usually seen as it appears at the feeders located in the park off East End Avenue just south of East 86th Street.
A SANDHILL CRANE was watched as it circled over Piermont Pier in Rockland County last Sunday morning eventually moving off to the west.
A drake KING EIDER was still present yesterday around the sandflats at Great Kills Park on Staten Island and the drake at Shinnecock was seen again just east of the Ponquogue Bridge last Sunday.
An early CATTLE EGRET visited the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area yesterday.
At the same time an AMERICAN BITTERN was drawing lots of attention in Central Park’s north end.
Among the northbound shorebirds a STILT SANDPIPER was found yesterday off Dune Road near Ponquogue Bridge and single PECTORAL SANDPIPERS visited Governors Island last Saturday and Tanner Park in Copiague from Monday on. A few LESSER YELLOWLEGS are also beginning to show up.
Some RAZORBILLS, still being seen off Breezy Point, included 15 last Saturday.
A GLAUCOUS GULL continued near the Verrazzano Bridge viewing area just north of the bridge to last Sunday while an ICELAND GULL was still being seen today at Brooklyn's Plumb Beach where a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was also present last Sunday.
The highlight among the few species of warblers so far reaching our area was a YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER spotted today in Central Park’s Ramble. Also today LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSHES were found in at least 3 locations and some PALM WARBLERS are also returning now joining the scattered PINE WARBLER and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS already here. The ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was still at the Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River this week.
Today VESPER SPARROWS were found in Captree State Park and near the Ponquogue Bridge and another again at Caumsett State Park Tuesday and a wintering LINCOLN'S SPARROW was still at Greeley Square Park in Manhattan today. This park is on the east side of 6th Avenue between West 32nd and West 33rd Streets. Among other passerines appearing this week have been BARN SWALLOW and BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and PINE SISKINS were reported at the feeders in Forest Park Queens on Wednesday.
Oh, and as an update ... there have unfortunately been no further sightings of the STELLER'S SEA-EAGLE on Staten Island
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