Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of February 3 - February 4, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Birding Teddy’s Backyard: Spots Around Oyster Bay, LI
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: With locations in proximity to the train station, the primary focus will center on coastal sea birds, ducks, gulls and wintering passerines in a second BBC visit to this birding area. In February 2019, a Pacific Loon was found offshore .
Registration: Peter Dorosh , email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
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Freshkills Park Alliance

Sunrise Winter Hike
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 6:00am
Leader: Rangers
Description: Lace up your shoes for a nature hike at Freshkills Park! Freshkills Park staff will take you behind the scenes to visit areas that are currently closed to the public. On this 2+ mile walk, you’ll learn about the different plants and animals found in the woods, wetlands, and grasslands at Freshkills Park.
Registration: Registration page
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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Winter Wander
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Wander with a Park Ranger at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge while it’s a winter wonderland! Explore the trails and learn how plants and animals at the Refuge survive and adapt to winter. This is an all-weather event, so please dress for the conditions.
Registration: Registration not necessary.
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Jones Beach West End State Park Bird Walk
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Mike Cooper, John Gluth
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Jones Beach West End for an early morning adventure.
Registration: _____
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Bark Basics: Evergreen Tree Walk for Kids
Satuday, February 3, 2024, 20:00am - 11:30am
Description: Is leaf-peeping season over? Not quite! Come explore our winter greenery and learn basic evergreen identification on this guided tree walk for kids.
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Birding in Peace
Sunday, Fenruary 4, 2024, 7:00am - 8:30am
Description: 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. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Coney Island Pier to Coney Island Creek
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: This casual four-mile loop begins by exploring the shore, water, and jetties of the lower bay along Coney Island Beach. Walking west towards the border between Coney Island and the private community of Seagate, we expect to observe Common and Red-throated Loons, Horned Grebes, Long-tailed Ducks, scoters and several other species of waterfowl. Purple Sandpipers typically overwinter along the rock jetties. Among the abundant common gulls, we may find a rare Lesser Black-backed or Iceland Gull. The second half of the loop explores Gravesend Bay and Coney Island Creek.
Registration: Mary Braza — brazamary@gmail.com
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Staten Island
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Leader: Richard ZainEldeen
Description: Staten Island’s habitats include woodlands, coastal beaches, marshes, parks, and more. We have seen Bonaparte’s Gulls, shorebirds, Horned Grebes, and other grebe species. Many birds may make surprise appearances. One year a Summer Tanager stayed the winter, eating bees it found in a tree hole. Hairy Woodpeckers are not uncommon. The itinerary may change based upon rarity sightings.
Registration: Mary Braza — brazamary@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Intro to Birding in the Central Park Ramble
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 8:00am - 10:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Are you curious about birding but don’t have much (or any) experience? Bundle up and join us on a relaxed winter walk in Central Park to go over birding basics and see sparrows, finches, woodpeckers, ducks, and more. Binoculars available upon request.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in Crocheron Park and Joe Michaels Mile
Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Audubon's Woo Sung Park at the north-eastern tip of Queens at Crocheron Park! This green space sports lots of lawn space, and its proximity to the bay is sure to attract waterfowl. After exploring the park, we'll venture down Joe Michaels Mile, overlooking the shores of Little Neck Bay.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Birding on Governors Island
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: _____
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: Registration page
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Birding in Central Park: Ramble to Reservoir
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Tod Winston
Description: Enjoy a winter trek through Central Park. We'll explore the Lake, Ramble, and Turtle Pond in search of wintering songbirds and owls, and then trek up to the Reservoir to look for ducks, gulls, and Peregrine Falcons.
Registration: Registration page
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Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: Join NYC Audubon to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Point Lookout Town Park (and Lido Preserve afterwards)
Sunday, February 4, 2024
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, February 3, 2024

For the Love of Birds at Greenbelt Nature Center (in Blood Root Valley), Staten Island
10:30am - 11:30am
Join us at the Greenbelt Nature Center for an incredible event dedicated to our feathered friends.
Free

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Palisade Avenue and Spaulding Lane (in Riverdale Park), Bronx
11:00am - 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. Please dress warmly.


Sunday, February 4, 2024

Birding: Winter Birds at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see migratory winter birds.
Free

Birding: Winter Waterfowl at Entrance - 85th Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome.

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Week 4 - Green-Wood Cemetery

This past week saw 5 days of rain, but the good news is that there was a respite from the previous weekend's arctic conditions. In addition, a broken finger restricted some of my activities. Anyway, sad to report that there is still a scarcity of typical winter species, but I'm still holding out hope that might eventually change.

Zelkova sapcicle

A large Japanese Zelkova near the intersection of Elm and Grove Avenues is once again growing a giant sapcicle along its lower trunk. I hope that doesn't mean that there is an injury to the trunk.

It was interesting to see that there were a few thriving species of fungi, no doubt stimulated by all the rain. I found some nibbled on Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) on a stump along the ridge at Dell Water. It was in an area where I've spotted them several times in the past. The list of hungry suspects include Eastern Gray Squirrel, Raccoon and Striped Skunk. I assume that all the groundhogs are currently hibernating, so not out foraging for food. There were also several places where I spotted lots of fresh Turkey tails (Trametes versicolor). Finally, all the rain seems to have rehydrated the cemetery's abundant American Amber Jelly (Exidia crenata). It seemed as if every broken branch on the ground had at least some of these rubbery fungi attached.

Oyster mushrooms

Turkey tails

American Amber Jelly

My next update will be in seven days. Until then, go outside and enjoy a bit of nature.

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a small sample of my favorite photos from over the past fortnight. Enjoy:

Downy Woodpecker, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Palm Warbler on bee hive, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

Tufted Titmouse, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Eastern Towhee, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

House Finch, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Pipit, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

Ring-billed Gull, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

Female Greater Scaup, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

A Rarity for Brooklyn

The arctic blast that hit our region over the past weekend was so extreme that I cancelled both my Saturday and Sunday walks. In general, I'll go out in nearly any weather as I have the gear for it. I wouldn't assume the same for people who sign up for my birding walks, though. Saturday's walk was supposed to be at Coney Island. The forecast windchill for the start time was 5º with 25mph nortwest winds. My typical route would have had us walking into that sand blowing gale. Not ideal for seeing any birds. Sunday's forecast was similar, so I opted to cancel that walk, too. That said, Michelle, Angela and I decided to drive to Floyd Bennett Field in search of a reported rarity.

My friend Josh had spotted, then broadcast to the birding community, a Pacific Loon sighting on Friday offshore at Floyd Bennett Field. During the winter months Common Loons and Red-throated Loons are regularly seen around coastal New York City. As you might assume by its name, the Pacific Loon is not ordinarily observed in the Atlantic Ocean. In February of 2019 I checked off my first New York State Pacific Loon as one was hanging around a marina in Oyster Bay on Long Island. We hoped that the Friday bird would still be around over the weekend ... and that we didn't get frostbite looking for it.

Crow guarding the parking lot that overlooks Ruffle Bar

Pacific Loon favoring this area

We headed to a large parking lot on the east side of the park. Several birders were already gathered at the edge of the bay that faces east towards Ruffle Bar. The wind was pretty bad, but we were informed that it was much worse at the other side of Floyd. The loon hadn't been seen yet, so I suggested our group drive the 300 yards to the south edge of the parking lot for a different view of the bay and the nearshore pilings. A quick scan just pulled out a few Red-throated Loons, Brant, Red-breasted Mergansers, a bunch of Bufflehead, a Horned Grebe, but not our west coast visitor. The assembled group of birders gradually got into their cars and headed off to other vantage points of the bay. A few minutes later we joined them.

Teeth chattering viewing of Pacific Loon

A few minutes after getting back into the car a birder named Jeanne Cimorelli sent out word that she was currently looking at the loon near Raptor Point. We were only about a mile a way, so got to her spot pretty quickly. The next challenge was setting up the scope in gusting winds and finding the loon within the choppy water. It also didn't help that the freezing air and much warmer water created a lot of distortion across the horizon. That said, everyone present managed to get eyes on the Pacific Loon. Taking some identifying photographs might be another story. Of the dozens of photographs I took, several show definitive key fieldmarks. It's interesting to note that, at one point, I watched a Common Loon, Red-throated Loon and Pacific Loon all together in one field of view. Neat.

Pacific Loon

Pacific Loon

We spent a fair amount of time at the edge of the water taking photos and hoping the loon would come closer. It never did. Eventually, Michelle, Angela and I decided to thaw out in the car, then drive around looking for land birds. American Pipits are now overwintering in Brooklyn and we spotted several. Most were foraging at the border between the salted roadways and snow/ice covered grasslands.

American Pipit, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

By 11am we decided to leave Floyd Bennett Field, making a stop at Sheepshead Bay before calling it a day. A rare Glaucous Gull has been seen at this spot so figured it'd make a nice addition to an already great birding morning. It's a strange body of water adjacent a busy commercial area along Emmons Avenue. Most of the locals go here to distribute copious amounts of unhealthy bread to feed the birds. The dominant resident waterbirds are Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck (and Mallard/Black Duck hybrids). In the winter that increases to include Brant, Northern Shoveler, Greater & Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser and Ruddy Duck. Also, an occasional uncommon or rare duck turns up and tries to blend in with regulars (I've seen Northern Pintail, Canvasback and Harlequin Duck). There is also a large gathering of Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull and Greater Black-backed Gull. Every winter it seems like an odd gull or two appear here: Iceland Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black-headed Gull being the usual suspects. The Glaucous Gull would be a new one for me here.

Ring-billed Gull, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

Ruddy Duck, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

Female Greater Scaup, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

We circled the edges of the bay and walked some of the piers towards the east end, but couldn't locate the Glaucous Gull. One last look at the western terminus of this oddly rectangular bay wasn't successful. However, as a consolation prize we did spot a 2nd winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. I'll take it.

Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of January 27 - January 28, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Marine Park Salt Marsh Trail
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Leader: Chris Laskowski
Description: Brackish water ducks and geese, miscellaneous marsh species, gulls, raptors, wintering passerines, woodpeckers at an excellent winter location.
Registration: Chris Laskowski, celaskowski@yahoo.com.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, January 27, 2024, 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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Hudson River Audubon Society

Pelham Bay Park
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Leader:
Description: We will search the woods and water for winter birds. American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser should be in the bays.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

Breezy Point
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Leader: David Spawn
Description: Breezy Point, Queens, is located on the western end of the Rockaway peninsula, between Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. It is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service. This isolated, 200-acre area includes an ocean-facing beach, a shoreline on Jamaica Bay, sand dunes, and marshland.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Saturday Morning Birding at Prospect Park
Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join NYC Audubon to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a variety of winter birds including juncos, thrushes, and waterfowl.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in Fort Totten and Little Bay Parks
Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Audubon's Woo Sung Park to explore the northern-most tip of Queens at Fort Totten Park and Little Bay Park! This area sports historical, Civil War-era structures, and is an excellent birding location. Expect to see a plethora of winter migrants and waterfowl in and near the waterways leading towards the Long Island Sound.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in Ocean Breeze
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: Spend a morning with NYC Audubon's Seth Wollney in Ocean Breeze, Staten Island. Along the coast you can expect to see plenty of waterfowl and perhaps some shorebirds.
Registration: Registration page
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Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Richard Buegler Winter Greenbelt Walk
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 9:10am - 3:45pm
Leader: Dominick Durso
Description: Join with Protectors of Pine Oak Woods for a hike through the winter woods of the Greenbelt. Beginning at the trailhead on Staten Island Boulevard behind the Petrides School, participants will climb through Deere Park, cross the top of Todt Hill and wander down through the Saint Francis Woodlands.
Registration: To confirm a day prior please call Dominick Durso at (917) 478-7607.
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Queens County Bird Club

Montauk
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: This is a full-day trip that starts early and ends with dining out near Shinnecock inlet. Of course, you may leave at any time that your schedule requires. Please pack a bagged lunch because we will not be stopping at a restaurant for lunch. Itinerary: Park in the Montauk Lighthouse lot (see map). Immediately walk across the street to the ocean-facing side of the Lighthouse Cafe, where we will spend a considerable amount of time scoping for seabirds, ducks, loons, etc. Then, we will explore the area around the lighthouse. After, we will proceed by vehicle to many interesting sites in the Montauk and Shinnecock area, ending with the Shinnecock Inlet. Itinerary may vary depending on the presence of birding rarities in the area at the time of the field trip.
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

Massapequa Preserve
Sunday, January 28, 2024
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
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Urban Park Rangers


Saturday, January 27, 2024
Riverside Park Birding Club at West 103rd Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
8:00am - 9:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park. Learn and build a birding community.
Free

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Week 3 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Week 3 began with relatively warm, calm weather. This Palm Warbler, that has lingered since fall migration, was checking out the bee hives at Dell Water. That would change drastically as an arctic blast arrived in the northeast. Hopefully he managed to find enough to eat within the tangle of mugwort adjacent to the hives.

By mid-week windchills had plunged into the teens. Over the weekend we were feeling single digits accompanied by 25mph northwest winds! The flocks of robins and starlings that had been filling up on rotting fruit beneath a stand of Common Persimmons along Alder Avenue would have to look elsewhere for food as snow and ice now covered that spot.

Red-breasted Nuthatches are finding food within the numerous pine cones throughout the cemetery. Volunteers are keeping the feeders stocked with seeds and suet for increasing number of finches, sparrows and our three species of woodpeckers. There's still only a single titmouse present, but I'm hoping the cold snap will inspire more to head towards Brooklyn.

I was pleasantly surprised to find an Eastern Towhee foraging beneath a juniper tree just inside the 20th Street entrance. Last winter we had 4 overwinter near the rear of the historic chapel.

White-throated Sparrows and Fox Sparrows, typical overwintering species, hadn't been seen in very large numbers. However, it seems the colder weather has caused that number to go up. Many use the azalea and other shrubs as safety from predators, as well as, good places to scratch for seeds. The maze of footprints in the snow around the base of these spots bear that out.

Sweetgum trees are still holding onto some seeds and providing a source of food. A single crabapple at Crescent Water, oddly, is still loaded with fruit. Perhaps they don't taste very good or the birds know to wait until later in the winter, when they are much softer.

The weather forecast this week calls for a brief warming and lots of rain. Should be interesting to see how that changes things in my local patch.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of January 20 - January 21, 2024:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip to Greenwich Point
Sunday, January 21, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description: Register early to join us for our popular annual Field Trip to Greenwich Point with Naturalist Tait Johansson. Greenwich Point is an Important Bird Area (IBA), and due to the park’s peninsular geography and the variety of habitats available it is an important migrant stopover for many species of birds. Good numbers of waterfowl winter offshore and in Eagle Pond so we will be looking for Brant, Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Great Cormorant, Horned Grebe, and both Common and Red-throated Loons and Ruddy Turnstone. On land, we might be lucky enough to encounter Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow and Snow Bunting.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Please register withSusan: info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Winter Birds of Coney Island
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Rob Jett
Description: Primarily coastal waterfowl and ducks, gulls and beach habitat species.
Registration: Dennis Hrehowsik deepseagangster@gmail.com.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 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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Gateway National Parks

Jamaica Bay Winter Bird Walk
Sunday, January 21, 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Now that Winter has set in, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is home to different bird species. Come see Atlantic brants, ruddy ducks and other waterfowl. Binoculars are provided, meet inside the Visitor Center.
Registration: Registration not necessary.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, January 21, 2024, 7:00am - 8:30am
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. By February we’ll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
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New York City Audubon

Saturday Morning Birding at Prospect Park
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join NYC Audubon to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a variety of winter birds including juncos, thrushes, and waterfowl.
Registration: Registration page
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Weird Duck Spotting at Astoria Park
Saturday, January 20, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Jack Rothman
Description: It's winter and you know what that means. That's right, it's Weird Duck Time! Shovelers, scoters, or mergansers: which duck do you think has the most insane bill? Join us on a stroll by the water to see if we can spot any of these winter visitors.
Registration: Event Registration is closed.
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Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, January 21, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Alyssa Bueno
Description: Join NYC Audubon to explore New York City's largest park! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens County Bird Club

Shawangunk Grasslands NWR
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Leader: Trip Leader TBA
Description: Shawangunk Grasslands is known for raptors in the Winter. Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels and maybe even Rough-legged Hawks.
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

Mill Pond Park
Sunday, January 21, 2024
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Birding: Winter Waterfowl Super Hike at American Veterans Memorial Pier, Brooklyn
10:00am - 11:30am
Join the Urban Park Rangers for a long walk along the Bay Ridge waterfront to find the unique winter visitors to the Upper New York Bay.
Free

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Week 2 - Green-Wood Cemetery

The second week of the year was punctuated by a couple of days of torrential rains followed by gusting winds. Neither are my favorite conditions for wandering around outdoors. I did manage to get into the cemetery for a bit and there was one very noticeable change since the previous week.

Despite the appearance of increased aggression between our local Red-tailed Hawks, it is merely their annual courtship displays. There are several pairs in the area and it is the time of year when they strengthen their bonds through mock battle.

Listen for their familiar, hoarse "kee-eeeee-arr" calls and watch as they circle, dive and, occasionally, lock talons.

I recently spotted an immature Red-tailed Hawk practicing collecting branches for nest building. While  red-tails that haven't attained their namesake red tail yet can actually still breed, it is somewhat rare. This individual didn't appear to be trying to impress a potential mate, but rather was mostly just pulling bark and branches from various trees, then dropping them as he flew off. While watching, I met a woman named Sara with her young daughter near Battle Hill. I pointed out the hawk to them and they joined me for the show. He was so focused on this pointless task that he completely ignored his audience of three. I reassured Sara and her daughter that they had nothing to fear from this silly hawk. The front row seats to the close encounter is something I'm certain that they won't forget.

Best of the Fortnight

Here's my first fortnight posting for 2024. Enjoy:

Bald Eagle, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

Mountain Bluebird, Heckscher SP, East Islip, NY

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

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

American Kestrel, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

House Finch, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

American Robin, Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

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

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of January 13 - January 14, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 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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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Connetquot River SPP Bird and Breakfast
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Bob Grover, John Gluth
Description: Reservations required 4$ at Eventbrite.com search #NatureEdventure, plus 8$ parking fee per car – unless you have yearly Empire pass.
Registration: Registration page
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Linnaean Society of New York

Croton Point Park and Shawangunk Grasslands N.W.R.
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Leader: Julien Amsellem
Description: This combo trip will start at Westchester County’s Croton Point Park, a large peninsula that juts out into the Hudson River near its widest point. The park’s location on the Hudson flyway attracts a wide variety of birds to its many habitats, including expansive bays, tidal wetlands, immense grasslands, and mature forests. Among the many exciting sightings here are high numbers of Bald Eagles, large congregations of many duck species, and excellent grassland species, like Eastern Meadowlark, Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, and American Pipit.
Registration: Nick Dawson — thewriternickdawson@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

Saturday Morning Birding at Prospect Park
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Join NYC Audubon to get to know the fall migrants of “Brooklyn's Backyard,” beautiful Prospect Park. The meadows, forests, and waterways of Prospect Park attract a variety of winter birds including juncos, thrushes, and waterfowl.
Registration: Registration page
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Brookville Park Birding
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Audubon's Woo Sung Park to explore the beautiful Brookville Park in Queens! This green space contains a wide variety of trees as well as fairly large ponds that make great habitat for migrating and resident birds alike.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding at Freshkills North Park
Sunday, January 14, 2024, 8:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident and Anthony Ciancimino for a tour of (recently opened to the public) Freshkills Park’s North Park. This park is a beautiful oasis of wetlands and grasslands, where you can expect to see a wide variety of wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
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Gull Spotting
Sunday, January 14, 2024, 10:00am - 13:00am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Interested in learning about gulls but don't know where to start? Join NYC Audubon's Ryan F. Mandelbaum for a gull-watching lesson on Coney Island beach. This will be a different kind of birding than you might be used to; rather than looking for many different species of birds, we'll be looking for the three or four different plumages of our three wintering gull species while discussing how to pick out some of our less common visitors.
Registration: Registration page
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North Fork Audubon Society

Young Birders Club - Winter Ducks
Saturday, January 13, 2024, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Kyra Leonardi
Description: Families are welcome, as Kyra explores the Sound beach at Inlet Pond County Park in search of Winter Ducks. Dress warm, hot chocolate will be served after the walk.
Registration: Registration page
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
January 14, 2024
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
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Birding: Bald Eagle Watch at Payson Park House (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan
10:00am - 11:30am
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

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Week 1 - Green-Wood Cemetery

As the new year begins, I've decided to try and document the annual natural cycles in Green-Wood Cemetery. Fifty-two entries seems like a daunting task, so let's see how it goes.

Doldrums. People keep asking me, "Where are the birds?" It may feel like we're becalmed in the Horses Latitude, but there are changes afoot. There always is. There's never a stagnant season.

Autumn Flowering Higan Cherry trees are brightening a mostly gray landscape. As are the emerging blossoms on the Jalena Witch-hazel. Crabapples, hawthorn, hollies, barberry and persimmons are still providing lots of fruit for robins, waxwings, flickers and several other wintering songbird species.

The diversity of raptors in the area seems to have really increased. No doubt these opportunists are taking advantage of the seasonal struggles of smaller creatures. Over the past week I observed at Green-Wood Cemetery: American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture and Bald Eagle. Be wary little critters.

Hardy species like the huge Great Blue Herons and diminutive kinglet will usually remain through even the coldest months. So far, overwintering sparrow populations are relatively sparse, but I suspect that will change as the the month progresses. I expect to see hellebore in bloom soon and an increase in waterfowl. Stay tuned...