Week 37 - Green-Wood Cemetery

As I wrote in my week 36 update, the Autumn cold fronts had begun to increase the arrival of southbound birds. So it was of no surprise that this past week was all about the birds. We experienced several days of North-Northwest winds which had a huge impact on the birds seen in the cemetery (and all over NYC). In fact, I ended the week having tallied 87 species of birds, plus a couple of unidentified empidonax flycatchers. The two big days for me were Wednesday the 11th and Sunday the 15th. Both days I observed over 61 species of birds. Wednesday was a big day for warblers when I counted a total of 20 species.

Prairie Warbler

Philadelphia Vireo

Black-throated Green Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Southbound Common Nighthawks have been seen diving and swooping for insects over the cemetery for a little over a week. It was a nice treat seeing one sleeping in a tree on the ridge above Sylvan Water.

Common Nighthawk

Most of the empidonax flycatchers have already passed through the area and I'm now seeing more Eastern Phoebes and Olive-sided Flycatchers.

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Raptor migration is picking up steam and I saw my first Broad-winged Hawk of the season. I did a brief hawkwatch from the "Hawkwatch Hill" on Sunday, but the winds were not really optimal so only observed Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, kestrel and Turkey Vulture. Several Red-tailed Hawks in the area were undoubtedly our local population.

Broad-winged Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

There were lots of lovely fall botanics to admire last week.

Sedum sp.

Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

Autumn Crocus

Mexican Aster (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Spotted my first Common Buckeye of the season feeding on Goldenrod. Given the profusion of this brilliant yellow flower on the meadow by Valley Water, I look forward to seeing many more.

Common Buckeye on Goldenrod

I've been noticing a lot of honey mushrooms popping up lately. Not sure if this is a season occurrence or maybe just the right conditions for them. I photographed this beautiful cluster next to Valley Water on Tuesday. It was gone the next day. Hmmm...

Honey mushrooms

Of the fruiting plants, the Paw Paws have ripened and mysteriously disappeared. Must be the raccoons. Also, the Black Walnuts are dropping their harvest and the squirrels are getting fat off of them. I'm now curious to see how long until the American Chestnuts are in season.

American Chestnut

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, September 21 - Sunday, September 22, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Prospect Park Saturday Fall Migration Walks
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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

Hawk Watch at Fort Tilden
Saturdays, September 07, 2024 to September 28, 2024, 10:30am — 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a park ranger for the chance to see birds of prey like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles as they fly overhead during the peak fall migration. Learn to ID them by silhouette and at rest.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No.
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Birding for Beginners at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Every week on Sunday until September 29, 2024, 10:00am — 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great place for birds, and give you the tools to learn the basics of bird identification and appreciation. Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended, binoculars available.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No.
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Robert Moses Hawk Watch & Jones Beach WE
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ken Thompson, John Gluth
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach WE for an early morning Hawk Watch and Adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am
Description: You may know birding expert Rob Jett from his Birding in Peace tours. You know, the ones that meet at 6am? Always wanted to go on a birding tour at Green-Wood but not a morning person? This tour is for you! The early birder might “get the worm” but you can birdwatch at any hour. Join Rob and a small group of fellow members to roam the grounds while hearing and seeing the many feathered friends of Green-Wood.
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Hudson River Audubon Society

Broad-winged Hawk Migration: Lenoir Nature Preserve
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Leader:
Description: Broad-wing Hawks will be making their incredible 4,300 mile migration from N. America to S. America. At peak times 100’s to 1000’s can pass by hawk watches in a day.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Linnaean Society of New York

NYS Young Birders Club Walk on Governors Island
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Leader(s): Loyan Beausoleil, Mary Beth Kooper and Kevin Sisco
Description: Trip description and registration is on the New York State Young Birders website.
Registration: Mary Beth Kooper — marybeth@nyc.rr.com
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Central Park Family Walk
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Leader: Eric Ozawa
Description: Many scientists come to a love of nature first as children. With that in mind, this walk is for children and their families: parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—all are welcome. After meeting on the Great Hill, near the restrooms, we’ll walk down to the Pool and into the Loch before circling back to our starting point. Together, we will look for the birds migrating through the park and learn how to identify some of these spectacular visitors. We’ll also pay attention to the plant and insect life we see. Binoculars are helpful if you have them, but they are not required.
Registration: Amanda Bielskas — bielskas@gmail.com
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Baisley Pond and Idlewild
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Leader: Joe Schiavone
Description: The parks in the Jamaica Bay watershed surrounding JFK airport, collectively known as Baisleywild, are some of the most underrated and undiscovered birding spots in all of New York City. Baisley Pond is known for its diverse waterfowl and has recently hosted a Common Gallinule and a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Roy Wilkins has one of the most extensive community gardens in the city and is an excellent location for warblers and Indigo Buntings. Springfield Park and the neighboring Bluebelt Stormwater Management Facility are great spots for Clapper Rails and lingering shorebirds. Brookville Park and the connected Idlewild Park host migrating warblers and Lincoln Sparrows.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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Beginners Birding Walk in Central Park’s North End
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Leader: Linda LaBella
Description: Central Park is one of the world’s premier birding spots, especially during spring and fall migrations, and we encourage first-time and beginner birders to join us on a fun, informative and casual field trip where you will learn the basics of birding: using binoculars, field guides, species ID, and birding etiquette. You will be introduced to simple identifying tools like field marks, bird behavior and birdsong. On a good day we’ll see migrating songbirds like warblers, sparrows, vireos, and waterfowl.
Registration: Linda LaBella — lblabella@gmail.com
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Watch Hill, Fire Island
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Leader: Paul Sweet
Description: Located in the middle of Fire Island, the barrier beach that runs along the south shore of Long Island, Watch Hill is a great place to witness fall migration. Many birds are moving down the narrow barrier strip and often stop to feed. If winds are right, we expect to see raptors, particularly falcons, harriers, osprey, and accipiters. Warblers and other songbirds can fill the thickets, and the beaches and marshes are good for water birds. Some special sightings might include Royal Terns, Glossy Ibis, Saltmarsh Sparrows, and Boat-tailed Grackles. We will meet at the Fire Island ferry for a pleasant 30-minute boat ride to Watch Hill. Bring plenty of water and food, sun lotion, and bug spray, and a hat is strongly suggested.
Registration: Nick Dawson — thewriternickdawson@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Governors Island Birds & Bees Tour
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Leader: NYC Bird Alliance
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and The Bee Conservancy for a special tour highlighting the birds and bees around Governors Island, including the Urban Farm. Since 2018, The Bee Conservancy has established a Bee Santuary on Governors Island, complete with native flower beds, honey bee hives, and native bee homes. In additiion to bees, nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island, which provides excellent habitat all year round.
Registration: No registration required. Free.
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Mandarin-English Bilingual Birding at Kissena Park
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Mike Yuan and Xinyi Zhang
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) Board President, Mike Yuan, and bird guide, Xinyi Zhang, for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing! We will explore the beautiful Kissena Park in Queens. This green space contains a wide variety of trees as well as a lake that make great habitat for migrating and resident birds alike.
Registration: Registration page
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Arverne East Nature Preserve Bird Tour
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and Jamaica Bay resident and birder, Don Riepe, as we take a stroll through the newly opened Arverne East Nature Preserve in Far Rockaways, Queens. The preserve is full of native plants and grasses that provide habitat for a variety of sparrows and other birds stopping over in New York City, while shorebirds like Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers, and Black Skimmers can be found nesting on the beach.
Registration: Registration page
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Climate Week: Pelham Bay Park Birding
Sunday, September 22, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe McManus
Description: Kick off Climate Week 2024 and join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore New York City's largest park this fall. 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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Climate Week: Birding Gems of Clove Lakes Park
Sunday, September 22, 2024, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: Kick off Climate Week 2024 by journeying to the green Staten Island to discover some of the beautiful forests and incredible birding spots at Clove Lakes Park. Numerous warblers, vireos, tanagers, and other migratory songbirds can be seen here. We'll even see one of the largest and oldest trees in NYC.
Registration: Registration page
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Climate Week: Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Sunday, September 22, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Ronnie Almonte
Description: Kick off Climate Week 2024 and explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest green space, Marine Park! Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
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NYC Queer Birders

Van Cortlandt Park
Saturday, September 22, 2024, 10:00am
Leader:
Description: Meet at Van Cortlandt Park E & Oneida Ave.
Registration: Registration not required.
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North Shore Audubon Society

Garvies Point Preserve
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 8:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Andrew (302) 528-0198
Description: Garvies Point Museum & Preserve, 50 Barry Dr, Glen Cove, NY 11542.
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.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area
Sunday, September 22, 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, September 22, 2024

Birding: Fall Migration at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
9:00am – 10:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Kissena Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Birding: Fall Migration at Entrance - West 100 Street and Central Park West (in Central Park), Manhattan
11:00am – 12:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Central Park to look for fall migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Birding: Warbler Watch at Pelham Bay Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx
11:00am – 12:30pm
Approximately 45 species of warblers migrate every season! Join the Urban Park Rangers to learn about these amazing animals on a fun nature walk through NYCs largest park.
Free

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos from the first two weeks of September:

American Kestrel and Northern Flicker

Green Heron eating a frog

European Weeping Beech

Banded American Oystercatcher

Sora

Tennessee Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Angry Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Sleeping Common Nighthawk

Safety conscious Red-tailed Hawk

Wilson's Phalarope

Peregrine Falcon

Broad-winged Hawk

Week 36 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Last week saw the seasonal change birders have been anticipating. A cold front on Monday evening, with northern winds kickstarted the engine that is Fall migration. Here's a short essay that explains why.

To give you an idea of the difference that weather patterns make on southbound migratory birds, at the start of the week I tallied 36 species of birds in Green-Wood Cemetery. By the end of the week that number jumped to 55 species. In addition, it wasn't merely an increase in species, but also in overall abundance of each. Sunday saw the most profound change with 16 species of warblers observed on my morning "Birding in Peace" walk. Here's the full list: Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Prairie Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler.

Tuesday morning I met up with my friend Kevin at the Valley Water. He had texted me that there was a "fall out" of birds in that area. A Dawn Redwood at the southwest edge of the pond attacts a lot of birds during migration. It was no surprise that Kevin had been stuck in that corner for a long time, counting a profusion of birds darting around the redwood and immediate surroundings. As I was walking over to meet him, I also noticed a lot of activity within the cherry trees at the southeast edge of the pond. At the redwood there were multiple Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-side Warbler and Prairie Warbler. A pair of Eastern Wood-Pewees hawked from open perches for insects. Several Red-eyed Vireo were also present. As the mixed flock began moving counter clockwise around the pond, we decided to walk over to the cherry trees. Where we stood under the close set stand of trees, warblers seemed to be moving in all directions. Suddenly Kevin said in a baffled tone while motioning to a point in the grass a couple of yards away, "What the heck is that?" I think I may have made an audible gasp when I looked down. A tiny Sora rail was strolling through the grass towards the edge of the water. While not a particularly rare species, their preference for wetlands with dense vegetation make them difficult to see. I've seen them a few times in appropriate habitats and this was my first for the cemetery.

Sora

Veery were seen in increasing numbers and I saw my first Swainson's Thrush of the season. Sunday also brought a few Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos and Olive-sided Flycatchers to Green-Wood.

Tennessee Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Scarlet Tanager

Baltimore Oriole eating Porcelain Berries

Veery

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

We should be seeing more migrating raptors soon, especially Broad-winged Hawk. I have noticed, however, more Osprey and Bald Eagles on the move.

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Wood-Asters are suddenly decorating the understory of the more wooded areas of the cemetery, as is White Snakeroot and Autumn Clematis. The latter of which is an introduced species and may be considered invasive.

White Wood-Aster

White Snakeroot

Autumn Clematis

A beautiful wildflower of the shaded understory that was new to me is the aptly named Turtlehead. Despite its exotic appearance, it is actually endemic to North America.

Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)

Here are some other notable botanics from last week. The Seven-sons tree, which permeated the air with its cinamon-like fragrance, attracted an abundance of late season pollinators. Autumn Crocuses are sprouting, mostly close to the ponds. Goldenrod and pink hued Spotted Beebalm dominate the wildflower meadow with scattered patches of white Late Boneset.

Seven-sons tree (Heptacodium miconioides)

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

Spotted Beebalm and Goldenrod

Late Boneset (Eupatorium serotinum)

Here are some of the fruiting plants that caught my attention last week. Note that the milkweed pod is technically the fruit, but I included the dispersing seeds here because, why not?

Crabapple

Cucumber Magnolia

Milkweed seeds

Porcelain Berry

Mock Strawberry (Potentilla indica)

Cortland Apple (Malus domestica 'Cortland')

Two weeks ago I had a young European Mantis land on my camera while I was previewing some photos at Hill of Graves. This species (Mantis religiosa) is not as common here as the Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis). Neither have been very plentiful this year, but that may just be me overlooking them due to their camouflage. I stumbled on the latter last week as it was trying to sneak up on some skipper butterflies. I think I blew his cover. Just wish they would stick to eating Spotted Lanternflies. Here's a link to an identification guide.

European Mantis

Chinese Mantis