Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, November 30 - Sunday, December 1, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 30, 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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First Sunday Bird Outings
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club 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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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.
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, December 1, 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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NYC Bird Alliance

Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park
Saturday, December 1, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Alex Wang
Description: Fort Tryon Park’s 67 acres are accessible to birders of all abilities and disabilities. Accessible-friendly routes including many well-paved walkways are suitable for birders with strollers, carriages, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. Accessibility is enhanced by birding guide and educator Alexandra Wang (Avian Alex), M.S. Ed., who offers augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) pamphlets, Braille pamphlets and plush birds for an inclusive birding tour. Further accommodations can be requested in advance by reaching out to Alex at alexmwang1992@gmail.com
Registration: Registration page
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Freshkills North Park Birding
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Join Staten Island resident and birder Anthony Ciancimino for a tour of 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 waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows.
Registration: Registration page
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Queens Botanical Garden Birding
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 9:30am - 10:30am
Leader:
Description: Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of migrant songbirds and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden.
Registration: Registration page
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North Shore Audubon Society

Stehli Beach
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Leader: Lindy (516) 628-1315
Description: Stehli Beach, Oyster Bay, NY 11560
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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Queens County Bird Club

Grand Jones Beach
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
"Description: We will start this field trip at Jones Beach West End - the gazebo at the boat basin adjoining the Coast Guard Station - see map. We will proceed both on foot and by vehicle to other locales in the Jones Beach area. Please bring lunch.
" Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, December 1, 2024
Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th 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

Week 46 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Continuing drought conditions and mostly mild temperatures made for a jarring mismatch in the typical wildlife observations. Some days it was hard to ignore the scent of smoke and wonder where and what was burning. So far our expected overwintering bird species were arriving with regularity and ignoring any climate related issues. Bird feeders were being emptied almost as fast as they were being refilled. Some of the species were eating a few seeds and caches many more in anticipation of leaner days.

A constant stream of birds on the feeders are mostly Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, House Finch, Purple Finch and American Goldfinch. Blue Jays periodically stop by and bully the others. Picking up the spillage below the feeders are Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow and Song Sparrow. There are other songbirds within the cemetery that either haven't discovered the feeders or are more selective in their menu. Cardinals, for example, seem to spend much of their time in the tops of towering Tulip trees, feeding on its abundant seeds.

Black-capped Chickadee

American Goldfinch

Eastern Towhee

Dark-eyed Junco

A few Eastern Bluebirds were still around and was also surprised to spot a late Eastern Phoebe during my Sunday walk.

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Phoebe

American Crow numbers have increased...a lot. There's been a roving murder of crows that, until recently, I wasn't completely sure of the total size. I photographed them perched, zoomed in on the image, then counted. Ten more individuals flew in from the north as I was photographing the flock. In total, 106 birds were in the flock.

American Crows

With waterfowl still on the move I should not have been shocked to see a dozen Wood Ducks resting on Sylvan Water. But I was. It was not just because a relatively large flock of these small birds were in such a small water body, but because they're really a beautiful species and it's amazing to see a bunch together. A few Gadwall have also been persisting on the ponds. It is possible that they are experiencing their prealternate molt, so need to hang around until the new feathers grow in.

Wood Ducks

Gadwall

Raptor migration, for the most part, has ended. However, last week I observed several Red-shouldered Hawk still moving through the area. In addition, I spotted a flock (kettle?) of Turkey Vultures passing by.

Red-shouldered Hawk

I usually associate flowering Witch-hazel with late-winter. Last week, though, I noticed several already in full bloom. I just learned that there are actually three native species of Witch-hazel. Hamamelis virginiana blooms in September–November. The two other species bloom from January–March.

American Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Common Persimmon is now in peak ripeness. This native tree's fruit are much smaller than the store bought Asian persimmons, but no less delicious. If you'd like to try one, better hurry as I expect huge flocks of American Robins to be descending on the trees along Alder Ave. in 3...2...1.

Common Persimmon bark & fruit

125th Annual Christmas Bird Count

Here is the schedule for the 125th Annual Christmas Bird Count for New York City and surrounding area. The Christmas Count has little to do with the holiday and everything to do with conservation. It began as a protest against the annual Christmas "Side Hunt". It is now a yearly event where thousands of volunteers throughout the Western Hemisphere count birds to provide population data for science. You can read more about it here.

I've been covering the extensive habitats at Floyd Bennett Field and surrounding area for 23 years, the last 7 of which I've been the team leader.

If you'd like to get involved, contact one of the coordinators from the area close to you.

Count Code Count Name Contact Email Phone Saturday, December 14, 2024 NYBR Brooklyn L.I. Bobbi Manian roberta.manian@gmail.com NYML Mohonk Lake-Ashokan Res. Steve M. Chorvas schorvas@gmail.com 845-246-5900 NYNN North Nassau Jennifer Wilson Pines jwpines@gmail.com NYOT Oneonta Sandy Bright brights@hartwick.edu NYPE Peekskill Michael Newhouse Michael.Newhouse@wsp.com Sunday, December 15, 2024 NYCA Captree L.I. Brent Bomkamp or Taylor Sturm bbomkamp@gmail.com or tsturm@gmail.com NJLH Lower Hudson NJ/NY Katherine Chen christmasbirdcount@nycaudubon.org NYOS Oswego-Fulton Bill Purcell wpurcell@twcny.rr.com 315-382-2871 NYQU Queens County Corey Finger 10000birdsblogger@gmail.com NYQW Quogue-Water Mill L.I. Steven Biasetti sbiasetti@eastendenvironment.org 631-219-5518 NYRC Rockland County Alan Wells alan.wells@optimum.net 845-942-5751 Monday, December 16, 2024 NYSC Southern Columbia County Frank Smith fsmith140@gmail.com 917-254-1237 Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Saturday, December 21, 2024 NYDC Dutchess County Debbie van Zyl cbc1@watermanbirdclub.org Sunday, December 22, 2024 NYBW Bronx-Westchester Region Michael Bochnik BochnikM@cs.com Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Thursday, December 26, 2024 Saturday, December 28, 2024 NYPC Putnam County Charlie Roberto chasrob26@gmail.com 845-270-2979 NYUD Ulster/Dutchess Mark DeDea forsythnature@aol.com Sunday, December 29, 2024 Wednesday, January 1, 2025 NYOD Oneida Bill Purcell wpurcell@twcny.rr.com 315-382-2871 NYHV Pawling (Hidden Valley) CT: Angela Dimmitt NY: Carena Pooth CT: angeladimmitt@aol.com NY: pawlingcbc@watermanbirdclub.org CT: 860-355-3429 Thursday, January 2, 2025 Saturday, January 4, 2025 NYSN Southern Nassau County L.I. Shai Mitra email Shaibal.Mitra@csi.cuny.edu OR gelochelidon@gmail.com

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24, 2024:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, November 23, 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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Early Winter Arrivals in Green-wood Cemetery
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Matthew Wills
Description: Late November is a transition time –a changing of the season as more finches, woodpeckers, raptors, kinglets, creepers, sparrows, bluebird, and typical woodland species pass through. Perhaps even a rarity.
Registration: Meet 8 am inside the main entrance at 5th Ave /25th Street before the Arch. No registration necessary.
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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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Hudson River Audubon Society

Croton Point Park
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 8:00am
Leader: Michael Bochnik leads the field trips.
Description: Meet in the large parking lot in the corner of the nature center driveway.
Registration: bochnikm@cs.com
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NYC Bird Alliance

Birding at Wolfe's Pond Park
Saturday, November 16, 2024, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Anthony Ciancimino
Description: Discover a diversity of spring migrants with Staten Island resident and birder, Anthony Ciancimino. Expect to see a variety of migrant songbirds in the wooded areas of the park. We will also check the pond and beach for shorebirds, terns, and other waterbirds.
Registration: Registration page
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Winter Waterfowl at Jamaica Bay
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Leader: Don Riepe
Description: Join longtime birder and educator Don Riepe at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and explore this gem of New York City. The Refuge is home to nesting birds like Cedar Waxwings, Brown Thrashers, Osprey, Willets, Clapper Rails, and up to seven species of wading birds. As the weather gets colder, waterfowl like Mergansers, Buffleheads, and Brants are especially in abundance. We'll take a stroll around the refuge in search of winter birds.
Registration: Registration page
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NYC Queer Birders

Central Park
Sunday, November 24, 2024, 9:00am
Leader: ____
Description: Meet at Belvedere Castle.
Registration: Registration not required.
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North Shore Audubon Society

Mill Pond Wantagh/Bellmore
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:00am – 12:00pm (Weekly on Saturday, until Dec 1, 2024)
Leader: Jennifer (516) 941-7434
Description: 2935 Merrick Rd, Wantagh, NY 11793
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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Queens County Bird Club

South Shore Potpourri
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 8:00am - 3:00pm
Leader: Ian Resnick (917) 626-9562
Description: Explore various duck ponds of the South Shore, starting with Lofts Pond in Baldwin - see map for this location - and heading east to Milburn Creek, Cow Meadow, Cammanns Pond, Mill Pond Park Bellmore, and any other nearby locations that have reported interesting sightings on that day.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, travel west to the Belt Parkway. Exit at Cross Bay Boulevard (Exit 17) south. Continue south on Cross Bay Blvd. through Howard Beach and over the North Channel Bridge (also known as the Congressman Joseph P. Addabbo Bridge). The entrance to the refuge parking lot is on the right side of the road, at a traffic light approximately one and a half miles past the bridge.
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Urban Park Rangers

Sunday, November 24, 2024
Urban Wildlife: Wild Turkeys at Forest Avenue and Silver Lake Park Road (in Silver Lake Park), Staten Island
10:00am – 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the wild turkeys that are seen on Staten Island.
Free

Birding: Waterfowl at Entrance - Baisley Blvd. & 157th Street (in Baisley Pond Park), Queens
11:00am – 12:00pm
Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars.
Free

Goodbye Twitter, Hello BlueSky

For anyone who has been following me on Twitter (X), I have deleted my account. Like the millions of others fleeing the platform, I can now be found on BlueSky. If you haven't checked it out yet, I recommend it. The level of toxicity at the other place had become unbearable. Hope to see you over there. My new handle is @citybirder.bsky.social

"Hey there, Mr. Blue"
"We're so pleased to be with you"
"Look around, see what you do"
"Everybody smiles at you"

Best of the Fortnight

Here's a selection of my photos from the first two weeks of November, 2024. Enjoy:

American Woodcock

Sugar Maple and storm clouds

Katsura tree

Purple Finch and Seven-sons Tree

Cedar Waxwing

Baltimore Oriole

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

White-breasted Nuthatch

Immature Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk bathing

Black-capped Chickadee

Western Kingbird

Eastern Bluebird

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.
View Details


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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

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