Week 14 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Week 14 at Green-Wood Cemetery saw the greatest changes so far this year. Most New Yorkers are excited about the coming peak of cherry blossoms, but birders are champing at the bit for the warbler's arrival. Last week was a nice preview to the coming rush of warblers. At the end of this post I'll update you on the botanics.

Eastern Phoebes have arrived in abundance, with this small, tail-bobbing flycatcher seen hawking for insects nearly everywhere.

Eastern Phoebe

Common Grackles are the earliest arriving blackbirds, often nesting by the beginning of March. They've now been joined by Red-winged Blackbirds and a very small number of Rusty Blackbirds. The latter species becoming increasingly rare as their populations in North America have inexplicably plummeted.

Rusty Blackbird

The local Mallards and Canada Geese have already paired off with some now incubating eggs. A pair of Wood Ducks are courting on Sylvan Water and will likely nest in a tree cavity somewhere on the lake's adjacent ridge. Unfortunately they are rarely successful in the long term due to duckling predation by Snapping Turtles.

Wood Duck pair

Tree Swallows are on the move with a good sized flock swirling over Sylvan Water. In coming weeks expect to see Bank Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow and Cliff Swallow mixed in with the Trees. One exciting addition to the flock this week was a female Purple Martin, which is rarely seen in the cemetery.

Female Purple Martin

A greater diversity of birds of prey are now passing through the cemetery's airspace. Ospreys are now being seen in good numbers. Most will continue north, but many will remain and nest along the coast of New York City.

Osprey over Valley Water

A one hour hawk watch from the northern edge of the cemetery on Friday saw Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel. Kestrels were the most abundant raptor observed.

Northern Harrier

Chipping Sparrow are fairly prolific breeders in the cemetery. During the winter months it's not uncommon to see one or two sticking around during the cold months. In April they arrive in, sometimes, very large flocks. Last week I observed my first migrating flock near the western edge of Sylvan Water. Pretty soon there will be pairs nesting in nearly every conifer in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Chipping Sparrow

Golden-crowned Kinglet numbers are increasing with this individual seen foraging on ants at Dell Water.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

I was excited to have my first 4 warbler species day last week: Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. By mid-May that diversity should increase to at least 20.

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Louisiana Waterthrush

Cherry blossoms had suddenly exploded towards the end of last week. Together with the already blooming magnolias, the color and fragrance within the cemetery is a feast for both the eyes and the nose.

Higan Cherry on Lake Path

Yoshino Cherry tunnel at Battle Avenue

Crabapple getting close to blooming

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Rosea')

Callery or Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Finally, two non-cherry blooms that I spotted last week. Interesting name for the first one given that they bloom in the Spring here.

Japanese Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata)

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

I fully expect to have lots of new bird photos for the "Week 15" posting. Go out and enjoy some nature this week. It will be good for you body and soul.