Best of the Fortnight

Here's my final "fortnight" posting for 2022. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year, filled with lots of great birding sightings:

Lesser Black-backed Gull, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

A few thousand Common Grackle, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Japanese Zelkova "sapcicle, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Bald Eagle, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Purple Sandpiper, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Bonaparte's Gull, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Turkey Vulture, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

There are no walks scheduled for the coming weekend, December 24th - 25th, due to the holidays. Check back again soon...

"Birding in Peace" 2022

This past weekend marked the end of my Green-Wood Cemetery "Birding in Peace" tours for 2022. After a short break we will begin the walks again on January 22, 2023. As I've done each year, below is a short video with some of the birds seen over the previous year. I hope you enjoy it:

Best of the Fortnight

As the year winds down, here is my second to last fortnight favs for 2022:

Black-capped Chickadee, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Carolina Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

European Beeches, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

"Autumnalis" Higan Cherry, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

Merlin, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips & Christmas Bird Count

This week begins the annual Christmas Bird Count official count period around New York. For that reason nearly all organizations have suspended trips for their area's survey dates. That said, I will still be leading the last Sunday "Birding in Peace" dawn walk for 2022 at Green-Wood Cemetery. Details can be found here.

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, December 9, 2022:

- RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Dec. 9, 2022
* NYNY2212.09


- Birds mentioned
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE+
PAINTED BUNTING+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
EURASIAN WIGEON
Harlequin Duck
Common Gallinule
Piping Plover
MARBLED GODWIT
Long-billed Dowitcher
Razorbill
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Lesser Black-backed Gull
American Bittern
RED CROSSBILL
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Ovenbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
Nashville Warbler
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Black-throated Blue 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

Greetings. This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for *Friday, December 9th 2022* at 11pm. The highlights of today's tape are PAINTED BUNTING, PINK-FOOTED and GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, EURASIAN WIGEON, HARLEQUIN DUCK, BLACK-HEADED GULL, MARBLED GODWIT, RED CROSSBILL, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT and more.

A fairly bright female plumaged PAINTED BUNTING showed up Thursday at the feeders at the Oceanside Marine Nature Study Area and was still being seen there today. The park entrance is at the end of Slice Drive and Oceanside.

Out in Northport on Long Island the PINK-FOOTED GOOSE, first seen at the Northport High School back on November 27th, was still present last weekend but it and the accompanying Canada Goose flock do range considerably around that area. The PINK-FOOTED has also been seen southwest of there at Greenlawn Memorial Park and over on Tung Ting Pond in Centerport. So the flocks, which also include single GREATER WHITE-FRONTED and CACKLING GEESE, can require some effort to track them down. A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE also continues to visit and roost on a small pond off Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook, Westchester County by the Rye Bridge shopping center. A drake EURASIAN WIGEON was still on a Mill Pond east of Lake Avenue in Oyster Bay Sunday and a HARLEQUIN DUCK has been seen recently at Point Lookout where 2 PIPING PLOVERS were still around on Wednesday.

A BLACK-HEADED GULL was reported out at the tip of Breezy Point last Sunday along with 3 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS a few of the latter still lingering around.

Five MARBLED GODWITS remain in Jones Inlet often seen on the bar off the West End Coast Guard Station. A LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was also reported there Tuesday and up to 9 RED CROSSBILLS have been feeding in the West End pines all week. Other LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS continue at Santapogue Creek in West Babylon.

A decent number of RAZORBILLS were seen today out at Orient Point by passengers on the Orient to New London Ferry. A COMMON GALLINULE has been present recently on the Mill Pond north of Merrick Road in Wantagh and AMERICAN BITTERNS have returned to the marshes along Dune Road.

A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was reported at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on Sunday and besides several lingering ORANGE-CROWNEDS some other warblers noted this week included OVENBIRD, NASHVILLE, AMERICAN REDSTART in Prospect Park, a CAPE MAY in Union Square Park, a YELLOW at Calvert Vaux Park and BLACK-THROATED BLUE.

As Christmas Count season is about to begin please call in count results for inclusion here.

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

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of December 10 - December 11, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Milford Point & Silver Sands
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: _____
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, December 10, 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


Meet at the Hook: Birding on the New Jersey Coast
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Leader: Ryan Goldberg
Description: Winter waterfowl, raptors, irruptive finches, and open-ground specialists like snow buntings and horned larks at one of the Garden State’s best and most beautiful birding sites, Sandy Hook, an eight-mile-long spit of land that juts into New York’s Lower Bay and boasts rich oceanside and bayside dunes, marshes, and cedar groves. Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, which also includes coastal sites in the city like Fort Tilden, Breezy Point Tip, Jamaica Bay, Great Kills, and Plumb Beach.
Registration: ryan.goldberg@gmail.com
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Great Kills Park Bird Walk
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for bird walk sponsored by the Friends of Blue Heron Pond Park. We will scan the bay for ducks, loons, grebes and gulls. Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing; inclement weather or temperatures below 32 degrees will cancel the program.
Registration: No registration required\.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Free: Twilight Stroll on Governors Island with Annie Barry
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Meet the winter birds of Governors Island! Nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on the island, which provides excellent habitat all year round. Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover all of the bird life the island has to offer this winter.
Registration: Ferry Tickets
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 767-3454
Description:
Registration:
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll walk the White Trail from parking lot beside the restrooms past the chimney to the restoration area between the chimney and Rockland Avenue. Meet at the Willowbrook Pond parking lot on Eaton Place, off of Richmond Avenue. Because much of the White Trail is a wet trail, inclement weather, or a heavy rain the day before (but not just a light rain) will cancel this walk.
Registration: or more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036.
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

Montauk
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 7:30am - 4:30pm
Leader: Ian Resnick - (917) 626-9562
Description: Razorbills and gannets are possible here, and you will definitely see Common Eider and scoters.
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

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, exit onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway south. Exit from the Meadowbrook at Loop Parkway (just before the Jones Beach toll booths) toward Point Lookout. The Loop Parkway ends west of Point Lookout at Lido Boulevard. Continue straight across Lido Boulevard into Point Lookout Park. Travel past the ticket booths and curve left into the very large parking lot on the south side of the park. Park in the southeast corner, closest to the private homes of the village of Point Lookout and the beach. We will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After returning to the parking lot, we will drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve on the north side of Lido Boulevard to walk through the bay marsh.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
Saturday, December 10, 2022, 1:00pm - 12:00pm
Winter is a spectacular time for observing bald eagles in New York City parks. See if you can spot any on this adventure with our Urban Park Rangers. Bring your own binoculars.
Free


Winter Birding at Perkins Visitors Center (in Wave Hill), Bronx
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 9:30am - 11:00am
Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalists Paul Keim and Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitat.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at 43rd Street and 1st Avenue (in Bush Terminal Park), Brooklyn
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
Sunday, December 11, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, December 2, 2022:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Dec. 2, 2022
* NYNY2212.02


- Birds Mentioned

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE+
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
BROWN BOOBY+
WESTERN TANAGER+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
EURASIAN WIGEON
GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Eurasian form)
HARLEQUIN DUCK
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
SANDHILL CRANE
MARBLED GODWIT
Long-billed Dowitcher
Dovekie
Black-legged Kittiwake
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Iceland Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Golden Eagle
Northern Goshawk
RED CROSSBILL
LAPLAND LONGSPUR
Grasshopper Sparrow
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
Orange-crowned Warbler
Cape May Warbler
SUMMER TANAGER
DICKCISSEL


If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc44nybirdsorg

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

Compiler: Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber: Gail Benson

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]

Greetings! This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, December 2, 2022 at 10:00 pm.

The highlights of today's tape are PINK-FOOTED GOOSE, a Selasphorus RUFOUS-like HUMMINGBIRD, BROWN BOOBY, SANDHILL CRANE, WESTERN and SUMMER TANAGERS, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, EURASIAN WIGEON, Eurasian form of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and HARLEQUIN DUCK, BLACK-HEADED GULL, MARBLED GODWIT, RED CROSSBILL, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, DICKCISSEL and more.

Out in Northport a PINK-FOOTED GOOSE last Sunday joined the gathered Geese on the High School fields where a GREATER WHITE-FRONTED had previously been found among the CANADAS, these also including a CACKLING GOOSE. Based on feeding needs and amount of disturbance, the Goose flocks move around this area, with the rarer ones sometimes being relocated at a few other similar local locations as well as at Tung Ting Pond in Centerport. The Westchester GREATER-WHITE FRONTED GOOSE continues to visit a pond in Rye Brook located off Bowman Avenue.

A Selasphorus HUMMINGBIRD, likely a RUFOUS, continued at a private feeder in Rocky Point at least to Monday, and such vagrants should be looked for at feeders and still blooming Salvia plantings.

The last report of a BROWN BOOBY off Richmond Terrace on northwestern Staten Island came from last Saturday.

Small flocks of SANDHILL CRANES over Westchester recently included a group of 12 over the Chestnut Ridge hawk watch in Bedford last Monday, followed by 16 noted over Armonk 2 hours later, and 5 more just north of White Plains on Wednesday.

Two rare and unexpected TANAGERS this week featured a SUMMER TANAGER found in Georgica thickets last Saturday, followed by a WESTERN TANAGER photographed at Fort Tilden on Sunday.

Single drake EURASIAN WIGEON were seen this week on 2 separate Mill Ponds, 1 in Oyster Bay east of Lake Avenue and 1 in Sayville just north of Montauk Highway, Route 85.

A drake Eurasian form of GREEN-WINGED TEAL was photographed Monday along Santapogue Creek in West Babylon, and a female HARLEQUIN DUCK was spotted off Breezy Point Sunday.

An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL, presumably a returning winter visitor, was spotted Wednesday in Setauket Harbor. Other GULLS featured an ICELAND and a LESSER BLACK-BACKED at the Ponquogue Bridge at Shinnecock last Saturday and occasional BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES, including 1 off Mecox Saturday and 2 off Robert Moses State Park Wednesday.

A deceased DOVEKIE was found Sunday at Orient Beach State Park.

Notable shorebirds featured up to five MARBLED GODWITS at Jones Beach West End and a few LONG -BILLED DOWITCHERS continuing at Santapogue Creek, with 2 others at Jones Beach West End Thursday.

A RED-NECKED GREBE appeared at Orient Point Sunday, and we belatedly report an EARED GREBE photographed off Glen Island Park in Westchester back on November 23rd.

On the raptor front, with most migrants having passed through, this week included reports of a NORTHERN GOSHAWK over Inwood Hill Park Saturday and a GOLDEN EAGLE photographed over Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx Monday.

Continuing small numbers of RED CROSSBILLS featured 11 at Robert Moses State Park and 2 at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, 4 at Jones Beach Monday and 7 in Prospect Park Tuesday.

A LAPLAND LONGSPUR was reported from Heckscher State Park Thursday, and a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was spotted at Moses Park Saturday, with a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT noted at Mecox and a DICKCISSEL at Orient Point County Park, both also on Saturday.

Warblers still include some ORANGE-CROWNEDS as well as a CAPE MAY in Union Square Park

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

Best of Fortnight

Here's another group of my pics from the past 2 weeks. There were a lot of raptors in the area terrorizing the little creatures:

Hermit Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Eastern Bluebird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

Merlin, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Peregrine Falcon, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Female Ring-necked Duck, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

Red-shouldered Hawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Kousa Dogwood, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of December 3 - December 4, 2022:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Milford Point & Silver Sands
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: _____
Registration: Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
View Details


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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, December 3, 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


A Long Coastal Trek from Sheepshead Bay to Coney Island
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 8:30am - 4:00pm
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Focus: Ducks, Gulls, waterfowl species, and occasional songbird or shorebird here and there.
Registration: Peter Dorosh 347-622-3559 (text only)
View Details


First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Paul Keim, Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join naturalist and birder Paul Keim in search of dozens of species that visit the park through all seasons. Learn about the different habitats in Prospect Park and why they are important for all types of birds.
Registration: No registration required.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Meditative Nature Walk
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Have you ever stopped to listen to the wind? Swayed like a reed? Threw your troubles out to the sky? Join a park ranger to try a few easy outdoor meditation techniques, take a relaxing stroll, and connect with nature in a calming new way.
Registration: No registration required\.
View Details


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Montauk Nature Walk
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: ____
Description: Meet at Lighthouse parking lot. Latecomers can still join in the vicinity of the restaurant overlook. Directions Route 27 to 27A to end.
Registration: Please let Eileen Schwinn you will be coming: Beachmed@optonline.net
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 7:15am - 8:45am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that there aren’t interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around.
View Details


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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Queens
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 9:00am
Leader: ______
Description: Jamaica Bay is known for its world-class birding all year. In winter, the waterfowl diversity is unmatched, and the earliest breeding songbirds will be staking out territories.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
Directions: Take Cross Bay Boulevard south from the Belt Parkway. Meet at the Visitor's Center.


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Linnaean Society of New York

Rye Playland and Environs
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Leader: Tom Burke
Description: Rye Playland is located on Long Island Sound in northeastern Westchester County, about 30 miles from New York City. We will start our walk at Playland Park & Read Sanctuary and move later to the Marshlands Conservancy; at both, the terrain is easy, and we’ll walk about a mile at each. We usually have lunch at Marshlands and finish up with a walk to the marsh in early afternoon. Birds will be whatever we can uncover on Long Island Sound, Playland Lake, and Milton Harbor, as well as in the woods and fields at both locations. We also reserve the opportunity to chase any exceptional rarities in the region rather than completing the planned itinerary. Species seen during past detours have included Calliope Hummingbird, Gray Kingbird, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, and Hermit Warbler, but unfortunately these opportunities don’t come up often.
Registration: Alice McInerney - amcinerney@kmllp.com
View Details


Inwood Hill Park
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Leader: Annie Barry
Description: Inwood Hill Park is the northernmost point in Manhattan. Bounded on the north by Spuyten Duyvil Creek and on the west by the Hudson River, the 196-acre park is composed of hilly forest, a tidal estuary, rock formations, and ball fields. According to eBird, 249 bird species have been seen there. Waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds are often seen in the estuary, in Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and along the Hudson River, while songbirds and owls frequent the forest, with a number of species nesting there. The upper ridge trail on the western side of the park affords magnificent views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades, and raptors are often seen soaring over the cliffs. In the fall, Dyckman Fields on the west side of the park hosts migrating sparrows and other grassland species, including American Pipet, Eastern Meadowlark, and Bobolink.
Registration: Lisa Kroop - lisakroop2@gmail.com
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Birding with Alyssa Bueno
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Patrick McKenzie
Description: 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. To celebrate the tradition set forth by these great ornithologists, join Bronx birders Joe McManus and Jack Rothman, who alternately guide these walks. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. These walks are held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Richmondtown, Old Mill Road
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Ray Matarazzo
Description: Enjoy a stroll along the multi-use trail overlooking Fresh Kills with Ray Matarazzo. Walk back in time as you pass the famous Hessian Spring as it crosses the path and view Fresh Kills estuary as you work your way toward the remains of Ketchum’s Mill. Along the way observe traces of the past, examine the present woodland ecosystems and search for evidence of present inhabitants especially deer and other mammals. Meet in the parking lot at the start of Old Mill Road, alongside St. Andrew’s Church.
Registration: For more information call Ray Matarazzo at 718-317-7666.
View Details


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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Croton Point Park
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Members of SMRA
Description: Good for all levels of birding experience. Beginners very welcome! Walks are for adults and youth age 8 or older. Let us know in advance if you want to borrow binoculars by emailing us at: office@sawmillriveraudubon.org
Registration: Via Eventbrite
View Details


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South Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. The park is four blocks west of the Wantagh State Parkway.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Entrance - East 90th Street and Fifth Avenue (in Central Park), Manhattan
Saturday, December 3, 2022, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Canarsie Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free


Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
Sunday, December 4, 2022, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

Upcoming Trips

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

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
View Details


A Turkey Trot in Prospect Park
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Celebrating the holiday weekend in the spirit of festivity for winter birds that we give thanks for.
Registration: No registration required.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Nature Walk
Sunday, November 27, 2022, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: What's happening at Jamaica bay today? Every day at the Wildlife Refuge is different, from birds to plants to insects to reptiles. Explore the West Pond with a park ranger and discover what the Bay is showing off today. This is an all-weather walk, so please dress for the conditions.
Registration: No registration required\.
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Stelhi Beach
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy - (516) 628-1315
Description:
Registration:
View Details


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Queens County Bird Club

Grand Jones Beach
Saturday, November 26, 2022, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick - (917) 626-9562
Description: We will start this field trip at Jones Beach West End - the gazebo at the boat basin adjoining the Coast Guard Station - see map. We will proceed both on foot and by vehicle to other locales in the Jones Beach area.
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

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Wantagh State Parkway, travel south. Upon entering Jones Beach State Park, exit at Bay Drive and continue west. Turn right (north) at entrance for Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin; turn right again for parking.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Birding: Beginner Birding at Entrance - East 88th Street and Seaview Avenue (in Canarsie Park), Brooklyn
Sunday, November 26, 2022, 11:00am - 12:00pm
JJoin the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Canarsie Park to learn the basics of birding how to identify common species in our parks.
Free

Best of the Fortnight

Below are some of my better photos from the previous fortnight:

A cute head tilt from Winter Wren, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Eastern Bluebird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Sassafras leaf, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY

Purple Poppy Mallow, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY

Blue Jay & American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Tufted Titmouse, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Autumn Meadowhawk, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Nashville Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count

December 17, 2022 marks the start of the 123rd Annual Christmas Bird Count cycle. What began as a protest by Frank M. Chapman against the barbaric tradition of the Christmas "Side Hunt" has evolved into the planet's longest and wide ranging wildlife census. You can read about its history here. If you would like to participate in this year's CBC around New York City below are the coordinators for each area. It's a fun filled day for birders of all skill levels:

Borough Contact Email Website Notes Saturday, December 17, 2022 Brooklyn Bobbi Manian roberta.manian@gmail.com Registration deadline: December 10, 2022 Staten Island Cliff Hagen chagen72@gmail.com Sunday, December 18, 2022 Governors Island NYC Audubon christmasbirdcount@nycaudubon.org Link Coming Soon Registration page will open soon! Manhattan NYC Audubon christmasbirdcount@nycaudubon.org Link Coming Soon Registration pages will open soon! Queens County Corey Finger 10000birdsblogger@gmail.com http://www.qcbirdclub.org/ Registration deadline: December 4, 2022 Randall's Island NYC Audubon christmasbirdcount@nycaudubon.org Link Coming Soon Registration page will open soon! Monday, December 26, 2022 Bronx & Westchester Michael Bochnik bochnikm@cs.com https://www.hras.org/participate Contact Michael Bochnik or one of the regional area leaders (see web site) if you wish to participate in the field or if you want to count at a feeder

Upcoming Trips

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

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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A morning in Bush Terminal Pier Park
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 8:30am - 11:30am
Leader: Linda Ewing
Description: This trip focuses on late fall songbird migrants and winter species, water birds, ducks and gulls.
Registration: No registration required.
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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Meditative Nature Walk
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Have you ever stopped to listen to the wind? Swayed like a reed? Threw your troubles out to the sky? Join a park ranger to try a few easy outdoor meditation techniques, take a relaxing stroll, and connect with nature in a calming new way. This is an all-weather walk, so please dress for the conditions.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge: Junior Ranger Hike
Sunday, November 20, 2022, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a guided walk around one of the trails at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and learn what it takes to become a Jr. Ranger! Children will use their different senses as we explore all that the refuge has to offer. Program followed by an official Jr. Ranger "swear-in" ceremony.
Registration: Call 718 354-4655 to make a reservation.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 20, 2022, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. By September, offspring of nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, waterfowl are returning, and we’ll look for raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Late fall migrants and early waterfowl. Dress for the weather.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Shirley Chisholm State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 19, 2022
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: This trip involves visits to several coastal sites ringing Jamaica Bay. It features water birds in the Bay and saltmarshes, as well as woodland and brush-loving birds. We usually see sixteen species of duck in the East Pond, sometimes including a Eurasian Wigeon, and, more consistently, Redheads. In 2019, we were treated to a Vesper and a Lincoln’s Sparrow at Shirley Chisholm State Park. The most intriguing sighting included three Tundra Swans at the East Pond of Jamaica Bay. The itinerary for this trip often changes from year to year, and those changes add to the excitement and fun.
Registration: Debbie Mullins — deborramullins3@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Free: Van Cortlandt Park Birding with Alyssa Bueno
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Alyssa Bueno
Description: Join Bronx birder and photographer, Alyssa Bueno, on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of residents and migrants and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Meet at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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Free: Queens Botanical Garden Walks
Saturdays, October 1, 15, 29 and November 5, 19, 9:30-10:30am
Leader: Corey Finger
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These walks are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: RSVP required. Register Here.
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Free: Intro to Birding in Marine Park with NYC Audubon
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, Marine Park. Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This walk series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance. Meet at the flagpole of the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3301 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Registration: Free. No registration required.
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North Shore Audubon Society

North Shore Duck Walk
Saturday, November 19, 2022, 9:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer - (516) 767-3454
Description:
Registration:
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Queens County Bird Club

South Shore Potpourri
Sunday, November 20, 2022, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick - (917) 626-9562
Description: Explore various duck ponds of the South Shore, starting with Lofts Pond in Baldwin - see map for this location - and heading east to Milburn Creek, Cow Meadow, Cammanns Pond, Mill Pond Park Bellmore, and any other nearby locations that have reported interesting sightings on that day.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, November 20, 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
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New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, November 11, 2022:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Nov. 11, 2022
* NYNY2211.11


- Birds Mentioned

MOTTLED DUCK+
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD+
BROWN BOOBY+
CAVE SWALLOW+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

MARBLED GODWIT
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Lesser Black-backed Gull
BROWN PELICAN
Great Blue Heron (White morph)
Cattle Egret
WESTERN KINGBIRD
EVENING GROSBEAK
Pine Siskin
CLAY-COLORED SPARROW
Vesper Sparrow
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD
Brown-headed Cowbird
Orange-crowned Warbler
DICKCISSEL

If followed by (+) please submit documentation of your report electronically and use the NYSARC online submission form found at http://www.nybirds.org/NYSARC/goodreport.htm

You can also send reports and digital image files via email to nysarc44nybirdsorg

If electronic submission is not possible, hardcopy reports and photos or sketches are welcome. Hardcopy documentation should be mailed to:

Gary Chapin - Secretary
NYS Avian Records Committee (NYSARC)
125 Pine Springs Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Hotline: New York City Area Rare Bird Alert
Number: (212) 979-3070

Compiler: Tom Burke
Coverage: New York City, Long Island, Westchester County

Transcriber: Gail Benson

[~BEGIN RBA TAPE~]

Greetings! This is the New York Rare Bird Alert for Friday, November 11, 2022 at 11:00 pm.

The highlights of today's tape are CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD, MOTTLED DUCK, CAVE SWALLOW, BROWN BOOBY, BROWN PELICAN, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, WESTERN KINGBIRD, BLACK-HEADED GULL, MARBLED GODWIT, EVENING GROSBEAK, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, DICKCISSEL and more.

Last Sunday afternoon an adult male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD was spotted visiting Saliva flowers in a private yard in Eastport, Suffolk County, and the bird was still present there today. The homeowners are very graciously permitting birders to enter their property to look for the hummingbird between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The address is 353 Old Country Road, but birders should park along Union Avenue just east of the house and walk back west just past the house, entering the backyard where indicated by pink ribbons; watch the hummingbird feeders by the trellis next to the house as well as the surrounding Salvia and also the Crepe Myrtle tree along the fence line on the west side of the house, this latter a favorite perch and insect-hunting tree. The CALLIOPE will disappear between feeding sessions, but please do not enter the fenced area around the house, but do sign the guest register on the table next to the chairs.

The MOTTLED DUCK in Amityville has been reported a few days this week, including today, on Ketchum’s Creek Freshwater Wetland. Look for it just south of the culvert off Lake Drive just north of Kenmore Avenue or from an opening in the phragmites just south of there, though it can be very difficult to see.

Following recent reports from northern New York, a CAVE SWALLOW was photographed from Coney Island Pier Tuesday morning, with hopefully others to follow.

The BROWN BOOBY lingering in the waters off the northwest shore of Staten Island has apparently recently been joined by a second one. Observers have had some luck spotting the BOOBIES along the waterways as viewed from Richmond Terrace near the northern terminus of Northfield Avenue, but they do move around.

A BROWN PELICAN was photographed Wednesday afternoon sitting on the sand at Long Beach.

Another brief sighting involved an immature male YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD feeding late Tuesday afternoon with BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS along a grassy stretch in Riverbank State Park in northern Manhattan.

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was photographed Sunday afternoon at Sunken Meadow State Park.

The immature BLACK-HEADED GULL was still at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Sunday, and 27 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS were counted Thursday at Atlantic Beach.

The white morph GREAT BLUE HERON continued at Piermont Pier at least to Tuesday, and single CATTLE EGRETS were seen Wednesday at Governors Island and Croton Point Park.

Among the gathering of shorebirds at Jones Beach West End were five MARBLED GODWITS last Saturday, down to two on Wednesday.

Two EVENING GROSBEAKS at Millers Field on Staten Island yesterday were part of a current southbound winter Finch movement that locally also includes PINE SISKINS, with more species on their way.

A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW visited Croton Point Park last Sunday, and on Tuesday VESPER SPARROWS were seen in Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery and on Governors Island.

A YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was present in Brooklyn Bridge Park from Tuesday through today, and various late WARBLERS include several ORANGE-CROWNEDS, while scattered DICKCISSELS were noted at least to Tuesday.

To phone in reports call Tom Burke at (914) 967-4922.

This service is sponsored by the Linnaean Society of New York and the National Audubon Society. Thank you for calling.

- End transcript