Familiar Silhouette

 

Red-tailed Hawk

Week 45 - Green-Wood Cemetery

With only 7 weeks left of the year, the 2024 seasonal changes have slowed to a crawl. Most of the trees have released their foliage, although a few species are still holding on, morphing through their brilliant color phase before the final leaf drop.

Higan Cherry

Pignut Hickory

Japanese Maple

Sourwood

American Ash trees are loaded with clusters of its dried fruit, which will become a gathering place for arriving finches and other wintering seed-eaters.

American Ash

I was surprised to stumble on a Kousa Dogwood still covered with fruit. However, the fruit was dried and hard, not really possible for birds to consume. A different cultivar, perhaps?

Kousa Dogwood

Fox Sparrows have finally begun arriving in the cemetery. They'll be joining the Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows for the next four months or so, until Spring arrives.

Fox Sparrow

Lots of waterfowl are on the move. Early mornings the sky is filled with honking, v-formation flocks of Canada Geese heading south. We've been seeing nervous flocks of tiny, colorful Wood Ducks stopping off in the cemetery. Yesterday our early morning group witnessed a Peregrine Falcon chasing a pair of Gadwall, which settled down for the afternoon at Crescent Water.

Wood Ducks

Gadwall

A pair of Merlins have joined the overwintering Cooper's Hawks, dining on the abundant birdlife attempting to survive the long winter.

Merlin

It was a good season for Eastern Bluebirds, with a fair number seen throughout much of the city. The last of the flocks that were resting and refueling at the cemetery seemed to have moved on, although I wouldn't discount a lone individual staying around through the winter.

Eastern Bluebird

Our young Red-headed Woodpecker near the Elias Howe monument is still around. Recent photos show that he is already growing his namesake red plumes.

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker

Late-October to November is historically a time to look for vagrant species in our area. Last year we saw two unusual species of flycatcher in the cemetery: Ash-throated Flycatcher and Western Kingbird. I mention this because, while not in Green-Wood Cemetery, a Western Kingbird is now hanging around Bush Terminal Park, around 1 mile down the slope from the cemetery. Perhaps it will fly over for a visit.

Western Kingbird

The Striped Skunks in the cemetery are primarily nocturnal, so they are usually only seen either at dawn or around sunset. While they don't technically hibernate, they will enter a period of inactivity or torpor during the winter. In late fall they will spend a lot of time eating to add extra fat to their body. So I wasn't surprised to find one out and foraging during my early morning "Birding in Peace" tour yesterday. If you happen on one, there's no need to panic. They aren't interested in interacting with humans. Just quietly watch them from a distance and, as tempting as it might seem, please do not try to pet one...you'll definitely regret it.

Striped Skunk

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, November 16 - Sunday, November 17, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 16, 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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Gull Identification Workshop in Coney Island
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik and Bobbi Manian
Description: Brush up on your Gull ID skills in time for the Christmas Bird Count! Join Bobbi Manian and Dennis Hrehowsik at Coney Island for a gull ID workshop.
Registration: This is a public transit trip with no registration required (no car pools arrangements.)
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch
Every week on Saturday, November 2, 2024 to November 30, 2024
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a Park Ranger for the chance to see hawks like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and more as they fly overhead during peak fall bird migration. Learn to ID them by silhouette and at rest. Meet at the Battery Harris viewing platform at Fort Tilden. Rain will cancel this event.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 17, 2024, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: No matter when you stop by, you’ll always see a variety of species passing through. By September, offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, we’ll be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Shirley Chisholm State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: This trip features visits to several coastal sites ringing Jamaica Bay, including Shirley Chisholm State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The bays and salt marshes offer many waterbirds, woodland, and brush-loving birds. In the past, we were treated to a Vesper Sparrow and an Ash-throated Flycatcher at Shirley Chisholm, while the East Pond in Jamaica Bay offers at least sixteen duck species, sometimes including an Eurasian Wigeon. One of the most intriguing sights in East Bay is the three Tundra Swans, which are unusual in this area. The itinerary for this trip often changes from year to year, adding to the excitement and fun.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: ___
Description: In partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join NYC Bird Alliance for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale. This nature walk explores the Vale’s significance as a queer gathering space and important wildlife habitat. Learn more about its history, current restoration efforts, and the impact of queer placemaking in Brooklyn.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

North Shore Duck Walk
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Jennifer (516) 941-7434
Description: Meet at Macy’s in Manhasset, south west corner of parking lot. We will drive to several locations
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, November 17, 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

Saturday, November 16, 2024
LGBTQ+ History and Birding in the Vale at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
10:30am – 12:00pm
In partnership with the NYC Bird Alliance and Brooklyn Community Pride Center, join us for a history and birdwatching tour of the Prospect Park Vale.
Free

Sunday, November 17, 2024
Birding: Familiar Backyard Birds at Rose Avenue and Oak Avenue (in Kissena Park), Queens
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn why many underappreciated, common birds like American Robins, Mourning Doves, and White-throated Sparrows are far more interesting than you ever realized.
Free

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A Favorite Tree

Some may think it odd to have a favorite tree. There are many species of trees that I really enjoy. In some cases it is seasonally dependent. Katsura in the Fall when the leaves are dropping smells amazing. Any crabapple in the Spring. The Japanese Pagoda tree when it's popcorn-like blossoms litter the ground in August. I think you get the idea. There is one tree in Green-Wood Cemetery, however, that catches my attention during all the seasons - the Laceleaf Japanese Maple. There are several in the cemetery, but one on Vista Hill, who's branches arch over the steep curve at the edge of the hillside, and who's bifurcating limbs mimic a kind of freestanding vascular system, always draws my attention. Here are some photos that I've taken during the four seasons.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Week 44 - Green-Wood Cemetery

The seasonal gears keep turning with a few changes to report from last week in the cemetery.

I'll start with the new arrivals. Towards the end of the week we saw a lot of blackbirds heading south. In particular, large flocks of Common Grackles with Red-winged Blackbirds mixed it passed overhead. I observed a small flock of Rusty Blackbirds foraging along the now muddy edges of Crescent Water. This species is in severe decline, so was happy to see four of them together.

Rusty Blackbird

Cedar Waxwings are now being seen in good numbers. This handsome bird will now be brightening gloomy days through the winter months. Look for them in fruiting trees and vines.

Cedar Waxwing

The arrival that made me the happiest last week was of the Eastern Bluebird. I first spotted a flock of ten at Cedar Dell, stopping off to feed on crabapples. There were smaller flocks scattered through the cemetery. On Sunday a large flock was feeding on grasshoppers and crickets at the Hill of Graves. There are a few records of individuals that overwintered here, but sadly most will continue farther south.

Eastern Bluebird

The previous week's southbound push of American Woodcock was very brief, with only a single remaining individual observed last week.

American Woodcock

Hermit Thrushes continued to be seen in fairly high numbers. This is another half-hardy species and a few often remain through the cold months.

Hermit Thrush

Our typical winter guests continue to increase in abundance. Black-capped Chickdees and Tufted Titmouse top the list. Last winter they were curiously absent or seen in very low numbers. They appear to be on track to return to historically normal seasonal populations.

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Dark-eyed Juncos and Chipping Sparrows made a huge increase in abundace, with mixed flocks numbering in the low hundreds. While large junco flocks usually stick around all winter, the Chipping Sparrows tend to move on with only a few individuals staying around until Spring.

Dark-eyed Junco

Chipping Sparrow

Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper's Hawks and American Kestrels have been joined by a couple of Merlins. The kestrels are the smallest and lightest of the predators vying for food in the cemetery. However, don't tell them that as they regularly harass the competition, including the much faster Merlin. There is a tree behind the Steinway mausoleum that I call "The Merlin Tree". High above the open grass of the Locust Grove, they sit in wait for any inattentive sparrows.

Merlin

The only new botanic I noticed blooming last week was Yellow Toadflax. Also known as "Butter-and-eggs", this non-native species is lovely, but considered invasive.

Yellow Toadflax

I noticed some of the robins switching their diet from crabapple to winterberry. In addition to robins, this animal friendly species is eaten by catbirds, mockingbirds, waxwings, bluebirds, and probably a whole host of others.

Winterberry

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, November 9 - Sunday, November 10, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 9, 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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Overnight trip: Salute to birds of the Sandy Hook National Seashore region
Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: The 8 mile long Sandy Hook National Seashore preserve is a wonder on its own. Through its long birding history, 365 bird species have been recorded. Depending on the season, this former coastal defense fort has a diversity of bird species to offer with varied habitats among the fort ruins, beaches, and trails lined with excellent bird cover. During this trip, we will look for winter waterfowl, raptors, sparrows, wrens, winter finches , and possibly rarities to delight and entertain us.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
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Gateway National Parks

Fort Tilden Hawk Watch
Every week on Saturday, November 02, 2024 to November 30, 2024
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Join a Park Ranger for the chance to see hawks like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and more as they fly overhead during peak fall bird migration. Learn to ID them by silhouette and at rest. Meet at the Battery Harris viewing platform at Fort Tilden. Rain will cancel this event.
Registration: Reservation or Registration: No.
View Details


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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Morton NWR
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: John Gluth, Mike Cooper
Description: Join us for a wonderful bird walk as we head out to Morton National Wildlife Rescue for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 6:30am – 8:00am
Description: No matter when you stop by, you’ll always see a variety of species passing through. By September, offspring of summer’s nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, we’ll be on the lookout for returning waterfowl and raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
View Details


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Hudson River Audubon Society

Tibbetts Brook Park
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik
Description: LA leisurely bird walk around both lakes to look for late fall migrants and our returning winter residents.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunday, November 10, 2024 - 9:00am
Leader: _____
Description: The best birding spot on the North Shore. We may see wintering waterfowl, resident songbirds, and birds of prey. You never know what is going to turn up.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Gull ID Study at Coney Island
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Leader: Roberta Manian and Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Coney Island as you brush up on your basic gull ID skills, just in time for the Christmas Bird Count. Gulls are often one of the most challenging species to master as their plumage changes dramatically over the first several years of their life. This workshop will teach essential skills to identify common winter gulls in all their cycles. Along the way, we will likely see other wintering waterfowl, including dabbling and diving ducks, grebes, loons, Purple Sandpipers, and possibly alcids.
Registration: Dom Ricci — domricci@gmail.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Van Cortlandt Park Birding
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Andrew Reiter
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of resident and migrant birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration: Registration page
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Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest park, 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: No registration required. No limit. Free.
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Mandarin-English Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Xinyi Zhang
Description: Join bird guide Xinyi Zhang for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing in the small but beautiful Sunset Park. This green space is known to provide breathtaking views of Manhattan, especially at sunset. A wide variety of birds have also been sighted here, including Brown-headed Cowbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and Common Nighthawks.
Registration: Registration page
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Accessible Birding in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Kick off summer by joining us in exploring the woodlands and meadows of beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park! Enjoy coastal views of the city and the waterbirds on the East River.
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding 101 Tour
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and the New York Botanical Garden for some fall birding! Part of Fall Forest Weekends, get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The group will meet at the Main Entrance to the Thain Family Forest.
Registration: Registration not required. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
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Canarsie Park Birding with the Young Conservationists
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Ryan Mandelbaum
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) Young Conservationist Council member, Ryan Mandelbaum, and visit the coastal woodlands, tidal channel, and one of the only freshwater ponds in Brooklyn. Expect to see herons, shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. All birding levels welcome!
Registration: Registration page
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Alley Pond Park Birding
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Ronnie Almonte
Description: Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, this park supports a vast array of birds. Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to discover this green space for yourself!
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Birding 101 Tour
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Joe McManus
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and the New York Botanical Garden for some fall birding! Part of Fall Forest Weekends, get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The group will meet at the Main Entrance to the Thain Family Forest.
Registration: Registration not required. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.
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North Shore Audubon Society

Nassau County Museum of Art
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Leader: Joyce (516) 621-6678
Description: Nassau County Museum of Art, One Museum Dr, Roslyn, NY 11576
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

Massapequa Lake
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: Use street parking on the westbound side of Merrick Road. Massapequa Lake is at the south end of Massapequa Preserve, between Lakeshore Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, November 9, 2024
Intro to Birding at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am – 10:00am
Learn how to use binoculars and spot the fascinating birds that live in Marine Park's salt marsh together with an expert from NYC Bird Alliance. Families are welcome.
Free


Sunday, November 10, 2024
Fall Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:30am – 11:00am
Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River, and we have a front row seat!
Free

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One Very Weird Bird

Way back in 2006 I posted about a very odd little bird called the Virginia Rail. A small bird of wetland habitats, they are excellent at hiding among the reeds and other marsh vegetation. For a diminutive bird, it makes a surprising loud, repeated call often written as "tick-it, tick-it, tick-it, tick-it". They are more often heard than seen. The exception is that during their migration they frequently stop off in the most absurd places. I've seen a few Virginia Rails over the years, but never personally discovered one in an abnormal setting, that is, until last Sunday.

My wife and I were returning home after a stroll in Green-Wood Cemetery to enjoy the fall foliage. At the traffic circle adjacent to Prospect Park, I decided to turn left onto 15th Street, rather that continue along the edge of the park. The building at that corner is doing work on the facade, so there is extensive scaffolding and a protective sidewalk shed. Within only a few yards of turning onto 15th Street I noticed something small and brown perched on the first floor apartment window. I turned to my wife and said with a bit of excitement in my voice, "There's a Virginia Rail sitting right there!" Sure enough, only about six feet from a busy sidewalk and looking relaxed and surprisingly comfortable on the narrow ledge was this oddball marsh bird. It looked perfectly fine, with no indication of trauma. I snapped a few photos, then continued home. I had a friend check in on it just after sunset and she confirmed that it had moved on...hopefully to a more appropriate habitat.