This is not my typical nature oriented blog posting, but today was an important event.
Today Coney Island held the first Mermaid Parade since 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic had shutdown this annual Mardi Gras-like celebration, but today it finally returned! Here are several pics and one video that I took today while enjoying the festivities from my perch at Paul's Daughter on the boardwalk:
Here's a selection of some of my favorite shots from the past 2 weeks:
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| "Ghost" Koi, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Green Heron, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Black-crowned Night-Heron, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| White Beardtongue, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Plum Beach, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Rosa Rugosa, Plum Beach, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Willet, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Fledgling Common Raven, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Tawny-edge Skipper, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Lonely chipmunk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Chimney Swift at Dusk, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Housekeeping House Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Italian Wall Lizard, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Fledgling Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Northern Mockingbird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of June 18 - June 19, 2022:
Bedford Audubon Society
Field Trip: Sterling Forest
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Naturalist Tait Johansson will lead an adventurous Field Trip to Sterling Forest in search of Golden-winged, Hooded, and Cerulean Warblers, as well as many other breeding forest birds. The deep-forest habitat is important for the survival of many resident and migratory species including a variety of hawks, songbirds, black bear, and many rare invertebrates and plants.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713
View Details
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Brooklyn Bird Club
Winged beauties: Butterflies and dragons of Floyd Bennett Field
Sunday, June 19, 2022
Leader: Paul Keim
Description: Late June is peak for the beauties of the insect world: butterflies, moths and dragonflies. Join local naturalist, BBC President emeritus, and long time member of the BBC Paul Keim on a pre-summer saunter through the fields and brushland of Floyd Bennett, a premier location for insects.
Registration: No registration required. Meet 9 am at the south entrance parking lot.
View Details
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Gateway National Parks
Fort Wadsworth Tour and Hike
Every week on Saturday & Sunday May 28, 2022 to August 28, 2022
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, June 19, 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. From ruby-throated hummingbirds to over twenty species of colorful wood warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. (May to mid-June) Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.
View Details
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Hudson River Audubon Society
In Search of the Upland Sandpiper
Saturday, June 18, 2022, 8:30am
Leader: Sandra Wright
Description: Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Shawangunk Grasslands NWR parking lot. [41°38'03"N 74°12'30"W]. Street address: 902 Hoagerburgh Rd, Wallkill, NY 12589. We’ll explore this reserve and surrounding area looking for the long-distance migrant Upland Sandpiper. Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark and various interesting sparrows could also be expected.
Registration: tralac@gmail.com
View Details
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Linnaean Society of New York
Van Cortlandt Park Nature Walk
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Leader: Ken Chaya
Description: Van Cortlandt Park is New York City’s third largest green space. It contains a variety of natural habitats within its 1146 acres, including woodlands, marshes, meadows and a lake. Green Herons, Mute Swans, Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, Eastern Wood-Pewees, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egrets, Gray Catbirds, Northern Flickers, Ebony Jewelwings, Net-winged Beetles, Banded Hairstreaks and one of our target species, the Silvery Hairstreak Butterfly, are only a few of the bird and insect species encountered on past Linnaean walks there. Attendees should bring lunch, water, and insect and sun protection. There is a restroom at the beginning of our walk and another about halfway through the park, where there is a water fountain as well.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
View Details
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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
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Breeding Birds of the Hudson Highlands, NY
Saturday, June 18 2022, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join Gabriel Willow on a day-long trip to some of the most exciting and beautiful birding locations in the Hudson Valley: Doodletown Road, Constitution Marsh, and Indian Brook Farm. We'll look for uncommon breeding warbler specialties at Doodletown, such as Cerulean, Hooded, Blue-winged, Golden-winged, and Worm-eating Warblers. We will then head to the Constitution Marsh Audubon Sanctuary, home to breeding Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, Least Bitterns, Marsh Wrens, and more. After a picnic lunch, we will drive to Indian Brook Farm in search of breeding Field and Savannah Sparrows, Bobolinks, and Indigo Buntings. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $129 (90).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Governors Island Bird Walks
Saturdays, May through October 2022, 2-3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
Registration: No RSVP required
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Breeding Birds of Calvert Vaux Park
Sunday, June 19 2022, 7:30am - 9:30am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Meet at Calvert Vaux Park and explore this Brooklyn waterside site on an early morning walk. A surprising variety of nesting birds have been found at Calvert Vaux Park in recent years, including Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, both Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and Indigo Bunting. $20 for NYC Audubon members, $30 for non-members. Limited to 12 people.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Free: “For the Birds” Brooklyn Botanic Garden Walks
Sunday, June 19, 2022, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC Audubon
Description: Join Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC Audubon birding experts on these special hour-long tours through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. Learn how to spot hawks, woodpeckers, Mallards, American Robins, Blue Jays, Cedar Waxwings, and more. Before or after the walk, enjoy the Garden’s special “For the Birds” exhibit. All ages welcome.
Registration: Free with Garden admission. No limit. Meet inside the Brooklyn Botanic Garden at the Visitor Center. Please note that attendees are responsible for purchasing their own tickets to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which can be done on the Garden website. No advance registration is required for the bird walk but advance tickets for the Garden are recommended.
View Details
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North Fork Audubon Society
Purple Martin Colony Visit
Saturday, June 18, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: John Shemilt
Description: This is a great opportunity to observe and learn about breeding Purple Martins and their young in Greenport.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Young Birders Club - Hallock State Park Preserve
Sunday, June 19, 2022, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: _____
Description: This free event is open to children 7-12 years of age. We meet regularly to explore habitats such as the woodlands at Hallock State Park Preserve and coastal nesting areas for birds in Mattituck and Orient.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Crooke’s Point
Sunday, June 19, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Paul T. Lederer
Description: Maritime sand spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic typographical features formed and sculpted by water and wind action. Join naturalist Paul T. Lederer in a talk and walk where the geological and human history of the site, as well as the plants and animals that call this place home, will be discussed. It is suggested that walk participants dress in pants that cover the full leg and shoes appropriate for sand dune areas. It is also suggested that participants consider sun protection such as hats, sun block and water or other hydrating liquids. Insect repellent is also recommended. Walk participants will meet in Great Kills Park Beach Center Parking Lot (Parking Area “G”) near the beginning of the dirt permit road leading out to Crooke’s Point. To get to the meeting spot, enter the park at the Buffalo Street entrance at Hylan Boulevard and follow Buffalo Street through the park to where it ends just before the dirt Crooke’s Point Permit Road.
Registration: For more information call Paul at his cell phone (718) 354-9200.
View Details
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Sullivan County Audubon Society
Natural History Walk
Saturday, June 18, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: Jack Austin
Description: Stroll 2-3 miles on level terrain with Jack as you look and listen to what’s nesting, growing, and maturing. Meet at Mamakating Environmental Center, 762 South Road in Wurtsboro.
Registration: Please call Jack to register at 845-649-8720.
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Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of June 11 - June 12, 2022:
Bedford Audubon Society
Field Trip: Lewisboro Land Trust
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Join Naturalist Tait Johansson and folks from the Lewisboro Library and Lewisboro Land Trust for a Birding Nature Walk at Bylane Farm. June is a lovely time to see breeding birds in and around the shrub lands that surround Bedford Audubon’s Bylane Farm. Tait will teach participants how to recognize birds by sight or sound, and a good variety of species can be expected to be seen. Sturdy shoes, pants, a hat, and binoculars are recommended. Steady rain and other inclement weather will cancel. Participation is limited to keep the group small, so advance registration is required at the link below.
Registration: Register through Eventbrite/Lewisboro Land Trust here.
View Details
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Brooklyn Bird Club
Happy trails at Connetquot River State Park
Saturday, June 11, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: A nature walk that looks at breeding birds, butterflies, wildflowers and with phone nature app try to identify unknown species. Habitat is primarily pine barren with lake and creek. Generally a laid back walk.
Registration: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, June 11, 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
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Eastern Long Island Audubon Society
Eric Salzman Memorial Walk at South Fork Natural History Museum
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: John McNeil & Darlene Moore
Description: After the ELIAS walk in the morning you are invited to stay for Dragonfly Day Festival from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Registration: Register for the walk by calling the Museum (631) 537-9735. Both are free to attend.
View Details
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Feminist Bird Club
NYC - Long Island - Birding with Noah NY
Sunday, June 12, 2022, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Leaders: Rebecca Kusa and Erin Chapman
Description: Meet us at the Noah Hideout on Sunday, June 12 at 10:30am in Amagansett, NY (14 Amagansett Square, Amagansett, NY 11930) for some birding with Rebecca Kusa and Erin Chapman. From there, the group will caravan a short distance by car over to Merrill Lake Sanctuary.
Registration: Email rsvp@noahny.com to let us know if you can make it.
View Details
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Gateway National Parks
Fort Wadsworth Tour and Hike
Every week on Saturday & Sunday May 28, 2022 to August 28, 2022
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, June 12, 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. From ruby-throated hummingbirds to over twenty species of colorful wood warblers, our peak migration tours will feature many of the 163 bird species that have been recorded at Green-Wood during the month of May. (May to mid-June) Beginning just after sunrise, we will experience spring’s dawn chorus at the most active time of day for birds.
View Details
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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society
Connetquot River State Preserve
Sunday, June 12, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: _____
Description: The Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish, and animals.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: From the west, get off Sunrise Highway at Oakdale-Bohemia Road, cross over Sunrise, head west and watch for the Park entrance on the right.
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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
Breeding Birds of Connecticut
Saturday, June 11 2022, 7:00am - 5:00pm
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Discover the nearby birding wonders of "the Constitution State": We'll explore the woods and fields of Trout Brook Valley Preserve in search of breeding Acadian Flycatchers, Eastern Bluebirds, and Red-shouldered Hawks—and then visit the beach and marsh of Sherwood Island State Park to seek out Purple Martins, Marsh Wrens, and waterbirds. Bring lunch. Transport by passenger van included. Limited to 12. $129 (90).
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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The Parakeets of Green-wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Explore Green-Wood Cemetery, rich in both history and wildlife, in search of spring migrants and its unique avian residents: the huge flocks of brilliant green Monk Parakeets that nest there. Native to South America, these charming immigrants flourish even in our harsh winters. Limited to 15. $46 (32).
Registration: Via Eventbrite.
View Details
Governors Island Bird Walks
Saturdays, May through October 2022, 2-3:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet in front of Nolan Park #17 and see the birds of Governors Island with one of our expert guides! Over 220 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer. Binoculars are available to borrow. No RSVP required. Limited to 15. Free.
Registration: No RSVP required
View Details
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods
Crooke’s Point
Sunday, June 12, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Paul T. Lederer
Description: Maritime sand spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic typographical features formed and sculpted by water and wind action. Join naturalist Paul T. Lederer in a talk and walk where the geological and human history of the site, as well as the plants and animals that call this place home, will be discussed. It is suggested that walk participants dress in pants that cover the full leg and shoes appropriate for sand dune areas. It is also suggested that participants consider sun protection such as hats, sun block and water or other hydrating liquids. Insect repellent is also recommended. Walk participants will meet in Great Kills Park Beach Center Parking Lot (Parking Area “G”) near the beginning of the dirt permit road leading out to Crooke’s Point. To get to the meeting spot, enter the park at the Buffalo Street entrance at Hylan Boulevard and follow Buffalo Street through the park to where it ends just before the dirt Crooke’s Point Permit Road.
Registration: For more information call Paul at his cell phone (718) 354-9200.
View Details
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Queens County Bird Club
Nickerson Beach and Marine Nature Oceanside
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 7:30am - 12:30pm
Leader: Mike Zito (516) 507-9419
Description: The first part of this trip is Nickerson Beach, where we will view various species of terns, hopefully some that are rare to our area. Common Terns, which nest on this beach, will be abundant.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
View Details
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South Shore Audubon Society
Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, June 12, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From Sunrise Highway, turn north onto Broadway, Massapequa. Travel under the Long Island Rail Road overpass, then make the first right onto Veterans Boulevard (headed east). Go past the Massapequa train station and into the parking lot at the east end of the station. The preserve is directly east of the parking lot.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details
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Urban Park Rangers
Saturday, June 12, 2022
Summer on the Hudson: Nature Tour - Bird Migration Walk at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
10:00am - 11:30am
Join a Riverside Park Conservancy Zone Gardener to learn more about bird migration.
Free
Birding: Shorebird Families at Beach 32 and the Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach), Queens
11:00am - 12:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that nest on the beach shoreline.
Free
I received the following letter from The Linnaean Society of New York. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a world renown nature refuge that is in need of help. Please take a moment to read the letter. Thank you.
Here are a few of my favorite shots from the past two weeks:
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| Northern Parula, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Blackpoll Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Blackburnian Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Juvenile Groundhog, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Gray-cheeked Thrush, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Queens, NY |
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| Great Crested Flycatcher, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Queens, NY |
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| Ohio Spiderwort, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Nestling Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Purple Irises, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Immature Red-tailed Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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| Painted Skimmer, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY |
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