Week 15 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Over the past week in Green-Wood Cemetery there were lots of changes in the landscape and soundscape. Many more birds are adding to the dawn chorus that actually commences before the sun comes up. Cardinals and robins were the first musicians warming up in the pre-dawn darkness. Adding to the symphony of the last 7 days were phoebe, both ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglet, mockingbird, House Finch, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle. As the sun rises higher in the sky Palm, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warbler add to the music.

Some of the newly arriving northbound birds seen this week were Green Heron, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Purple Finch, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prairie Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak. In addition, there was a very noticeable uptick in the number of Palm Warblers, Pine Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Ruby-crowned Kinglet abundance has gone up and the earlier arriving Golden-crowned Kinglets seem to have started moving north. In the airspace above the cemetery many Common Loons and flocks of Double-crested Commorants were seen passing by on their northbound flight path. Killdeer are migrating with several stopping off at Sylvan Water to rest, drink and eat.

Killdeer

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in nearly bloomed crabapple

Blue-headed Vireo

Louisiana Waterthrush

Prairie Warbler

Brown Thrasher

A few other species that arrived the previous week but are now being seen in greater abundance are Great Egret, Hermit Thrush and Savannah Sparrow.

Great Egret

Jailed Hermit Thrush

Savannah Sparrow

An unexpected surprise last week was the arrival of two Blue Grosbeaks. I spotted a non-breeding plumage male during my Saturday tour. A second, brilliant blue male was located on Sunday. Breeding primarily in old fields and forest edges, this species is not particularly rare, just scarce around Brooklyn on migration, especially at this early a date. They are always a welcomed sight.

Blue Grosbeak

Some butterflies are beginning to take flight with Red Admiral and Painted Lady seen recently. Note that the non-native Cabbage White has been seen for several weeks already.

Red Admiral

We've reached the peak of the cherry blossoms, although there are still many species blooming. Many of the magnolias are dropping their flowers, especially the early flowering species, such as the Yulan mangnolia. Some of the crabapples will reach peak bloom within the week.

Crabapple sp.

Cherry Plum

Saucer Magnolia

Norway Maple

Black Willow

Horsechestnut

Phlox sp.