Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos taken during the first official week of spring. I've included several images of recent blooming plants:

Immature Cooper's Hawk bathing, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Mourning Cloak, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Robin singing at dawn, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Blue Jay pondering a large treat, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Western Meadowlark, Bush Terminal Park, Brooklyn, NY

'Alexandrina' Saucer Magnolia, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Sweetgum tree, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Forsythia flowers & fly, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Eastern Bluebird, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Pine Warbler, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Star magnolia, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Wilson's Snipe hiding in plain sight, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Spring Beauty, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 1 - April 2, 2023:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 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


Calvert Vaux Park, Gravesend
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Leader: Max Epstein
Description: Open space birds, brush margin species, seabirds, puddle type ducks and creek species, raptors, sparrows, and early songbird migrants.
Registration: Mike Yuan email mjyuan@gmail.com
View Details


First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 8:00am - 11:00am
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 necessary.
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Ranger Guided Tour and Hike
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore the forts and natural areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Registration: Call (718) 354-4500 to make a reservation.
View Details


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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 6:30am - 8:00am
Description: Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of pine warblers and drumming pronouncements of woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip farther north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.
View Details


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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: Meet by the lake on the far end of the Playland Amusement parking lot. The last winter birds may be seen as well as the first signs of spring migration.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
View Details


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Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island Hot Spots and Early Spring Migrants
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: This annual trip is led by a faculty member in the Biology Department at the College of Staten Island. The choice of locations will depend on current sighting reports. Past trips included stops at Conference House Park, overlooking Raritan Bay at the southernmost point of New York State; Mount Loretto (Bald Eagle); Great Kills Park (Royal and Caspian Terns, Little Blue Heron, Saltmarsh Sparrow); Arden Avenue Beach (Lesser Black-backed Gull); Oakwood Beach (Yellow-crowned Night-Heron); Miller Beach (gulls and terns); and/or anywhere else that our leader expects to find interesting birds.
Registration: Kristin Ellington — krs10ellington@gmail.com
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Audubon 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.
Registration: Registration link to come. Free. Limited to 20.
View Details


Intro to Birding at Forest Park
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 8:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Are you curious about "birding" but don’t have much (or any) experience? Come on a relaxed stroll in beautiful Forest Park as we go over birding basics and look for warblers, sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, and more.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader:
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Registration link to come.
View Details


Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Rich Aracil
Description: Join NYC Audubon to explore New York City's largest park this spring. Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration not required. No Limit. Free.
View Details


NYCHA in Nature Birding in Bay View
Sunday, April 2, 2023, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: with the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy
Description: NYCHA in Nature is a partnership program with NYC Audubon and the Fund for Public Housing to offer bird watching opportunities and exposure to nature for NYCHA residents and the general public. The program will explore adjacent parks to NYCHA developments and also open space within the developments.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


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North Shore Audubon Society

Cow Meadow Park and Preserve
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 9:30am – 12:00pm
Leader: Bill B.: (516) 993-7340 & Bill C.: (631) 682-7404
Description: Long Island's natural beauty stands out at this 28 acre park, which also features a 150 acre preserve, combining nature and sport to create a unique, day long outing. Learn about the Island's marine wetlands and terrains at the preserves salt marsh, mud flat and tidal creek habitats, full of bayberry thickets, creeks and over 150 types of birds and 15 species of wildlife.
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


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Saw Mill River Audubon Society

Small Group Birding: Croton Point Park
Saturday, April 1, 2023, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
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

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, April 2, 2023
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

Birds of Green-Wood Cemetery

I've spent a lot of time birding in Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery over the years and began collecting photos of some of its resident birds. Here are some of those photos. Updated as I find more, scroll to the bottom for the latest pics (updated 3/27/23):




























The old world spelling, perhaps.


Not quite a bird, but I liked the name.

I'll add more in the future as I find them.

Here's an update from July 2015:



Here's an update from October 2015:



Here's a Reeve, also from October 2015:



Here's my first "Fish Hawk" for Green-Wood from March 2016:



Here's a new addition I spotted in November 2016:



Spotted in December 2016. I was kind of hoping to read a family member named "Hermit", "Wood" or "Varied":



Spotted during my walk on 7/29/18:

This one may be a bit of a stretch, but humor me. Lanius is the genus for a family of birds called shrikes. They can be found in Eurasia, Africa and North America. They are sometimes referred to as "butcher birds". Not surprising, lanius is latin for butcher. My favorite is the Northern Shrike - Lanius excubitor: the butcher sentinel. Perhaps Henry Clay came from a long line of family butchers ... or shrikes.



Here's a western species I came across while wandering around on August 26th. Don't normally see Verdins on the east coast:



With all the Chimney Swifts that nest in Brownstone Brooklyn this one seemed quite fitting (or flitting):



A few years ago my friend Mike mentioned seeing a willet in Green-Wood Cemetery. At first I thought he improbably saw one of these long-legged shorebird in the cemetery. Once I calmed down, he explained he was merely adding to my virtual collection. I finally located Mr. Willet a week ago on December 22, 2018:



I just found this one today during a private tour:



Can't believe I never came across this one before:



Going to guess that they are not a native New Yorker:







Here's one I photographed in 2015, uploaded to my computer, then promptly forgot about until a friend texted me a "bird" alert today:

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending Friday, March 24, 2023:

+-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Mar. 24, 2023
* NYNY2303.24


- Birds Mentioned

MOTTLED DUCK+
SWAINSON'S HAWK+
WESTERN MEADOWLARK+

(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

Mallard
EARED GREBE
Pectoral Sandpiper
Long-billed Dowitcher
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Iceland Gull
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
LARK SPARROW
“SOOTY” FOX SPARROW
VESPER SPARROW
Orange-crowned Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
SUMMER TANAGER

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, March 24 at 11:00 p.m.

The highlights of today's tape are MOTTLED DUCK, SWAINSON’S HAWK, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, “SOOTY” FOX SPARROW, EARED GREBE, BLACK-HEADED GULL, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, LARK and VESPER SPARROWS, SUMMER TANAGER and more.

The MOTTLED DUCK in Amityville was still being reported today on Avon Lake, where it is usually at the south end of the lake in company with a female MALLARD. It is best viewed from East Lake Drive, though the duck is at times hidden by the vegetation lining the west side of the lake or sometimes even does fly further downstream. Please remember this is a private residential community.

In Brooklyn the immature SWAINSON'S HAWK was present at least to Wednesday around the Sims Waste Recovery Plant located at the end of 29th Street just west of 2nd Avenue. Look for it around the buildings and light structures inside the chain link fence as well as on the surrounding scrap piles.

And just south of there the apparent WESTERN MEADOWLARK continues, seen today at Bush Terminal Piers Park, the parking lot for which is reached at the end of 43rd Street west of 1st Avenue. The MEADOWLARK favors a grubby, fenced-in vacant lot on the left as you walk into the park but also flies out to the shoreline vegetation along the cove near the path. Also watch for it perching in trees.

Also in Brooklyn, a “SOOTY”-type FOX SPARROW was found Thursday at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the location described as “the southwest corner of the Pier 3 meadow.” This current subspecies of FOX SPARROW, a second record for New York following one in Central Park in May 2010, is a candidate for elevation to full species status, a caveat being that there are other similar western forms of FOX SPARROW requiring careful differentiation.

The EARED GREBE at Shirley Chisholm State Park was still present last Sunday in Hendrix Creek, usually off Hendrix Street trail out near Penn Pier.

An adult BLACK-HEADED GULL continues to fly by Randall's Island, including today, as it heads down the East River very early in the morning.

An ICELAND GULL visited Breezy Point last weekend, and another has been present in the vicinity of Brooklyn Terminal Piers Park through today.

Four LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were still around the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge last weekend, and one or two continued at Smith Pond in Rockville Centre through today.

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER remains in Brooklyn's Marine Park, usually in the vicinity of Stuart Street and Avenue T.

Late last Sunday afternoon a LARK SPARROW and a VESPER SPARROW were found together on a grassy stretch adjacent to I-95 near Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx; both birds also visited that site early on Monday and Tuesday mornings but quickly moved off each day and haven't been seen since.

A SUMMER TANAGER continues at private feeders in Islip.

Among increasing numbers of some early migrants were five PECTORAL SANDPIPERS showing up at Heckscher State Park on Tuesday, while among the WARBLERS, a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT arrived along with more PINES and PALMS, and ORANGE-CROWNEDS continued at six or more local sites.

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 March 25 - March 26, 2023:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 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


Coastal Spring in Jones Beach
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Leader: Joe Giunta
Description: The first weekend after spring starts focuses on seabirds, raptors and songbird migrants returning to their northerly breeding grounds. Coastal birding can be exciting in the early days of spring.
Registration: Marisa Wohl email marisaw@earthlink.net
View Details


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Gateway National Parks

Fort Wadsworth Ranger Guided Tour and Hike
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 2:00pm — 3:30pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join us for a hike around Fort Wadsworth as we explore the forts and natural areas. Inclement weather will cancel this program. Dress appropriately and bring water.
Registration: Call (718) 354-4500 to make a reservation.
View Details


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New York City Audubon

Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe McManus
Description: Join NYC Audubon 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.
Registration: Registration link to come. Free. Limited to 20.
View Details


Let's Go Birding Together on Randall's Island
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader:
Description: Pride shouldn't only be celebrated during June! Join NYC Audubon and the Randall's Island Park Alliance for a Let's Go Birding Together (LGBT) event in the early spring. Randall's Island contains meadows, marshland, and shoreline that offer excellent habitat for all sorts of birds.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


NYCHA in Nature Birding at Beach 41st Street
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader:
Description: NYCHA in Nature is a partnership program with NYC Audubon and the Fund for Public Housing to offer bird-watching opportunities and exposure to nature for NYCHA residents and the general public. The program will explore adjacent parks to NYCHA developments and also open space within the developments.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Audubon to explore New York City's largest park this spring. Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration not required. No Limit. Free.
View Details


Spring Birding at Highland Park
Sunday, March 26, 2023, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Outdoor Afro
Description: Located in both Queens and Brooklyn, Highland Park boasts forested areas, sportsfields, and a community garden. Join Outdoor Afro and NYC Audubon in search of early spring migrants in this beautiful green space.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

A Walk at Blue Heron Park
Saturday, May 25, 2023, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the Blue Heron Nature Center parking lot, 222 Poillon Avenue, then cross the street to loop the Blue Trail, visit Butterfly Pond, then return to the Nature Center. We’ll look for signs of Spring and may find swelling buds, or perhaps blooming Skunk Cabbage.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036. Inclement weather – but not light rain – will cancel this walk.
View Details


Crooke’s Point
Sunday, May 26, 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Leader: Paul T. Lederer
Description: Maritime sand spits such as Crooke’s Point are dynamic topographical 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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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, March 19, 2023
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


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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, March 26, 2023
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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Sullivan County Audubon Society

Spring Waterfowl Walk
Saturday, March 25, 2023, 8:00am
Leader: John Haas
Description: Join John Haas at the DEC parking lot on Haven Road in the Bashakill. Bring binoculars to hopefully see an array of early ducks, geese, and mergansers. We will move to the Main Boat Launch to view additional species.
Registration: For more information and to register please call John at 845 807-2437.
View Details


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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Birding: Spring Migration at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
10:00am - 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Birding: Waterfowl at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
11:00am - 12:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

New York City Rare Bird Alert

Below is the New York City Rare Bird Alert for the week ending, Friday, March 17, 2023:

-RBA
* New York
* New York City, Long Island, Westchester County
* Mar. 17, 2023
* NYNY2303.17


- Birds Mentioned

MOTTLED DUCK+
SWAINSON'S HAWK+
WESTERN MEADOWLARK+
(+ Details requested by NYSARC)

EURASIAN WIGEON
EARED GREBE
Long-billed Dowitcher
Black-legged Kittiwake
BLACK-HEADED GULL
Iceland Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Egret
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
RED CROSSBILL
SUMMER TANAGER

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, March 17 at 11:00 p.m.

The highlights of today's tape are MOTTLED DUCK, SWAINSON’S HAWK, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, EARED GREBE, EURASIAN WIGEON, BLACK-HEADED GULL, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, RED CROSSBILL, SUMMER TANAGER and more.

But first, another week with very sad news as our birding community has lost one of its most enthusiastic members, Arie Gilbert, to lung cancer. Arie’s active involvement regionally, including as an organizer and moderator for the Long Island birdfinders app, will unquestionably be missed. Funeral arrangements have been posted on the aba.org birding news for New York.

On the birding front, the drake MOTTLED DUCK has returned, spotted Wednesday afternoon on Avon Lake in Amityville, just a short distance west from the Ketchum Creek location where it was initially discovered back in April 2022. Look for the duck on Avon Lake from either East Lake Drive or West Lake Drive, but please remember this is a private residential neighborhood and act accordingly. As a note, the duck late this afternoon did fly a ways south but was relocated south of Route 27A on Amityville Creek as viewed from Riverside Avenue, also a private residential area.

In Brooklyn the immature SWAINSON'S HAWK remains around the Sims Waste Recovery Plant located at the end of 29th Street, west of 2nd Avenue, where it can often be found around the buildings and light structures as well as scrap piles in that vicinity.

And a little south of there the apparent WESTERN MEADOWLARK continues at Bush Terminal Piers Park, where the bird often remains hidden either in the vacant lot on the left as you walk into the park or along the shoreline, though it will periodically fly up into the bare trees for nice views. A female EURASIAN WIGEON was also reported at Bush Terminal Piers Park to last Sunday.

The EARED GREBE at Shirley Chisholm State Park was being seen through today in Hendrix Creek, usually off Hendrix Street (a walking path) out near Penn Pier.

Last Saturday an adult BLACK-HEADED GULL was spotted at Coney Island Creek, and a BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE plus an ICELAND GULL were reported off Montauk Point, with another ICELAND GULL Sunday at Conference House Park on Staten Island.

Four LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen during the week along the edge of the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, with another one or two still present last weekend at Smith Pond in Rockville Centre.

Also lingering, an AMERICAN BITTERN was still along Dune Road in Quogue last Sunday, and the immature RED-HEADED WOODPECKER continues in Marine Park in Brooklyn, often in the Stuart Street and Avenue T area.

About five RED CROSSBILLS were still along the Paumanok Trail near Jones Pond last Sunday, this area off Schultz Road in Manorville, and, as a note of interest, an overwintering SUMMER TANAGER was still visiting a private Islip feeder Thursday.

GREAT EGRETS and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are now among the slowly increasing number of seasonal migrants moving into our area, replacing the large numbers of waterfowl heading north.

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 the Fortnight

With the official start of Spring right around the corner, I've included several photos of new blooms from the past 2 weeks:

Hellebore, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Spring crocus, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Paperbush Plant, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Turkish Hazel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

'Okame' cherry, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Lesser Celandine & Purple Deadnettle, Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY

Hermit Thrush, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

White-throated Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Woodcock, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Ring-necked Pheasant, Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY

Palm Warbler, Marine Park, Brooklyn, NY

Horned Lark, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

Swainson's Hawk, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY

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

American Kestrel with Meadow vole, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

Merlin with Song Sparrow, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY