Best of the Fortnight

Here's the latest edition of my fav photos taken over the previous two weeks. As you might expect at this time of year, several young bird species featured:

Common Grackle

Red-tailed Hawk checking out a robin nest

Young Blue Jay

Young Mourning Dove

Young Orchard Oriole

Northern Mockingbird "wing flashing"

Monarch butterfly

Young Hooded Merganser

Baltimore Oriole

Young Song Sparrow

Brown Thrasher

American Kestrel

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Amberwing

American Kestrel

Lost Budgerigar drying off after pond swim

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3, 2025:

Gateway National Parks

Birding on the Beach (Rockaway Beach)
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Rockaway beach is great for summer fun, but did you know that many birds, including endangered species, make it their home in the summer? Join NYC Parks and National Park Service rangers to explore the shoreline for birds like plovers, terns, and oystercatchers that are nesting right here for the summer as well as many shorebirds that are just starting to pass through on their migrations.
Registration: No required.
View Details

Birding for Beginners
Sundays, July 06, 2025 to August 31, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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: No required.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Nocturnal Navigators: Green-Wood Bat Walk
Friday, August 1, 2025 , 8:30pm – 10:30pm
Description: As the sun sets over Green-Wood’s historic landscape, nocturnal creatures begin to stir— the bats! Join biologist Nic Comparato for an exciting adventure into the secret world of bats. Discover the species that call this Cemetery home, from the agile little brown bat to the striking eastern red bat and majestic hoary bat.
View Details

Birding in Peace
Sunday, August 3, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Staten Island, Dragonflies and Butterflies
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Leader: Seth Wollney
Description: Staten Island’s Brookfield Park, a former municipal solid waste facility site, has been transformed into a tranquil mid-island gem. Following extensive remediation, over 17,000 trees and 76,000 plants were planted, leading to the park’s opening in 2017. This green oasis now attracts migratory birds and butterflies, offering a serene and safe environment for leisurely walks. Four marked trails and a mile of unmarked trails leading to Richmond Creek provide excellent hiking opportunities. We will explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including ponds, rivers, wetlands, marshes, and meadows. The walk will primarily focus on insects, including butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies, but we’ll also have the chance to spot some interesting birds.
Registration: Anne Lazarus — amlazarus47@gmail.com
View Details

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Description: The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish-water ponds, upland fields and woods, an open bay, and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species. This walk is scheduled for the start of shorebird season at Jamaica Bay and will likely include a visit to the East Pond, which may require mud boots to navigate comfortably.
Registration: Richard Davis — richard@ridavio.com
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Canarsie Park Birding
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: ______
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) 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
View Details

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: ______
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, August 2, 2025
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Birding: Shorebirds at Entrance - Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk (in Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk), Queens
10:00am–11:30am
Learn more about plovers, terns, oystercatchers and other shorebirds that migrate to Rockaway Beach every year.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, July 26 - Sunday, July 27, 2025:

Gateway National Parks

Birding Atop Fort Tilden
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Climb to the top of Battery Harris East at Fort Tilden for the chance to see birds of all kinds from one of the highest lookout points in the area. With a great view of the ocean, bay, and all 5 boroughs any bird sighting is possible! Binoculars, field guides, and a scope will be provided. Rain will cancel this event.
Registration: Not required.
View Details

Birding for Beginners
Sundays, July 06, 2025 to July 27, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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: Not required.
View Details


**********

Linnaean Society of New York

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Shorebirds
Saturday, June 26, 2025
Leader: Peter Paul (aka Tripper)
Description: The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge includes over 12,600 acres of saltmarshes, freshwater and brackish-water ponds, upland fields and woods, an open bay, and islands. It is one of the largest bird habitats in the northeastern United States and a great place to observe the seasonal bird migration as well as resident species. This walk is scheduled for the start of shorebird season at Jamaica Bay and will likely include a visit to the East Pond, which may require mud boots to navigate comfortably.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: ______
Description: 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: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details

Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park for National Disability Independence Day
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: ______
Description: The beautiful Fort Tryon Park commands views of the Palisades and the Hudson River from soaring cliffs of bedrock. Fort Tryon Park’s 67 acres feature many well-paved walkways suitable for birders with strollers and carriages, as well as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.
Registration: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details

9th Annual Kingsland Wildflowers Festival
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Leader: ______
Description: Join us for a summer evening of hands-on activities, art, entertainment, and fun at Kingsland Wildflowers! A native rooftop meadow on the roof of Broadway Stages in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this thriving wildlife habitat and cultural center was created in partnership by the Newtown Creek Alliance and NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon). This annual festival aims to bring awareness to Greenpoint’s and the surrounding communities' long-standing environmental burdens; transition to a cleaner, healthier future; as well as the global climate crisis and the potential for local, community-based solutions. Come enjoy the native plantings and views, art exhibitions, a native plant sale, rooftop tours, and more!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, July 26, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: ______
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Birding in Fort Totten and Little Bay Parks
Sunday, July 27, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Woo Sung Park
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance's Woo Sung Park to explore the northern-most tip of Queens at Fort Totten Park and Little Bay Park! This area sports historical, Civil War-era structures and is an excellent birding location. Expect to see a plethora of waterfowl in and near the waterways leading towards the Long Island Sound.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 26, 2025
Intro to Birding Walk at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–10:30am
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. Meet outside the Salt Marsh Nature Center.
Free

McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Riverside Park Birding Club at 116th Street and Riverside Drive (in Riverside Park), Manhattan
9:00am–10:30am
Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park, led by Riverside Park Conservancy Field Staff.
Free

...Read more

Odd Day of Serendipity

Last Sunday I experienced an odd bit of serendipity that seems to escape any logical explanation.

It began late during my morning "Birding in Peace" tour at Green-Wood Cemetery. Depending on the weather, I'll invite participants to join me in what I call the "after walk walk". This is a continuation of our nature explorations after the official tour concludes. On Sunday, Lewis and his 6 year old son, Oscar, came along for the extended walk. Oscar is a very energetic and curious young man who, much like me, gets excited about all of nature, not just birds. It's not unusual for him to point out a butterfly, flower, tree or reptile and ask questions or share an obscure fact he learned about it. So it was no surprise when he spotted a relatively small, bright green caterpillar hoisting itself up its thread into an oak tree. I thought it might have been some type of geometer moth, but couldn't be positive.

As we were observing the caterpillar I mentioned that we occasionally see a very large, bright green one called the Polyphemus moth. They are part of the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths. They are huge and breathtakingly beautiful. Here's a photo of the caterpillar that I took many years ago in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Anyway, as we were discussing Polyphemus moths, I received a text from my friend Michelle. She was in Maine with her husband and send this photo:

You guessed it - a Poyphemus moth. I wrote her back and told her to get out of my brain.

A short while later we concluded our morning walk. I packed up my binoculars and camera in my backpack and headed home. It was getting hot and the sun was strong, so I decided to walk up 8th Avenue, which would be shaded by brownstones and many mature trees. As I approached the intersection of 12th Street, something to my right caught my eye. To my amazement, perched on the third step of the brownstone, was a Polyphemus moth! Apparently, someone in the building had placed a masking tape outline around it, so nobody would step on it. Here it is:

As I was photographing it, a passing couple stopped to look and we chatted a bit. I shared what I knew about the "Cyclops" moth, then the woman asked if she could show me a photo for possible identification. Not knowing what to expect, she showed me her phone and, of course, it was a photograph of a Polyphemus moth caterpillar.

When I returned home I recounted to my wife all the peculiar Polyphemus moth coincidences that morning. She chuckled. I started to upload my photos from the day, then turned on the television. I use an AppleTV and when you turn it on it defaults to whatever app was on the screen last. On Sunday, Youtube popped up. On the top row of suggested shorts, the first item was this:

You really can't make these things up!

Best of the Fortnight

Here are my favorite photos taken from July 1st to the 14th:

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher and offspring

Common Tern

Red Milkweed Beetle taking flight

Eastern Amberwing

Orchard Orbweaver

Fledgling Brown Thrasher

Fledgling Northern Mockingbird

Bumblebee on Butterfly Weed

Immature Double-crested Cormorant

Carolina Wren staring skyward

Sachem Skipper

Downy Woodpecker

Variegated Fritillary

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

Peregrine Falcon on antenna tower

Polyphemus Moth

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, July 19 - Sunday, July 20, 2025:

Gateway National Parks

Tree ID for Birders at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Park Rangers
Description: Looking for a woodpecker? Warbler? Maybe a hawk? Recognizing the plants different birds like to nest in (or snack on!) will help you find them more easily. Join a Park Ranger to learn which plants attract which types of birds and how to identify both the plants and the birds. Gain a new tool to help you find your favorite birds with Plant ID. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Water, Sunscreen, and Bug Spray are recommended for attending this program.
Registration: Not required.
View Details

Birding for Beginners
Sundays, July 06, 2025 to July 27, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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: Not required.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
View Details

Meet the Bees (Members and Hive Sponsors Only)
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Description: Join our beekeeper, Nick Hoefly, for an onsite exploration of Green-Wood’s beehives! Get an “in-hive” look at the incredible behaviors of honey bees, from colony workings to gathering nectar to producing honey. You’ll discover what it takes to be a beekeeper as you learn about hive tending and the ancient process of harvesting honey. Prepare to be amazed by these industrious creatures and the artistry and science of beekeeping!
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, July 19, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: ______
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Summer Birding in Pelham Bay Park
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: ______
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park this summer! Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat making it a great place to bird all year around!
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Rockaway Birding
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 9:30am - 11:00am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore the Rockaways - a vital habitat for shorebirds. In the summer, these beaches provide crucial nesting grounds for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, while in the fall, becoming important foraging habitat for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south. The extensive dune vegetation provides habitat for a variety of sparrows and other birds stopping over in New York City, while sea ducks, grebes, and loons overwinter just offshore.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Family Birding in the Midtown Greenway
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 10:00am - 11:00am
Leader: EsplanadeFriends
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and EsplanadeFriends for a family-friendly walk along the East River Esplanade! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. This walk will be open to families to join us and discover the birds that can be found on the esplande and flying over the East River.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Protectors of Pine Oak Woods

Willowbrook Park Walk
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Leader: Don Recklies
Description: We’ll meet in the parking lot at Eton Place, off Richmond Avenue, close to the Carousel, then loop Willowbrook Lake, returning to do an out and back on the White Trail, passing the deer exclosures and crossing the bridge over the brook by the chimney to the restoration areas between the chimney and Rockland Avenue. If the day is hot, bring water. Some of the White Trail is a wet trail, so inclement weather, or a heavy rain the day before (but not a light rain) will cancel this walk.
Registration: For more information call Don Recklies at (718) 768-9036 (on the day of the walk call (646) 675-5787).
View Details


**********

Queens County Bird Club

Plumb Beach
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 7:30am - 10:30am
Leader: Joe Schiavone (203) 640-2927
Description: This mini-trip will explore the marshy areas of Plumb Beach. Expecting to find Saltmarsh Sparrows, perhaps a Nelson's too, as well as Clapper Rails.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location.
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 19, 2025
Birding: Summer Birds at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
9:00am–10:00am
Learn a new skill and take up a new hobby as we help you identify some of the most common colorful birds found in our parks during the summer.
Free
McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

...Read more

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips from Saturday, July 12 - Sunday, July 13, 2025:

Brooklyn Bird Club

Early Shorebirds Stopping in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: The early wave of shorebirds and water birds, terns, marsh species.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
View Details


**********

Gateway National Parks

Birding for Beginners
Sundays, July 06, 2025 to July 27, 2025, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
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: Not required.
View Details


**********

Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace: Late-Risers Edition (Members Only)
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 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 6 am? 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. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
View Details

Birding in Peace
Sunday, July 13, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Throughout the season, you'll witness an ever-changing display of wildlife. April brings pine warblers, woodpeckers, and thousands of migrating songbirds among the blooming magnolias and dogwoods, while herons gather at the glacial ponds. May and early June offer peak birding with over 163 species passing through, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and wood warblers. Summer sees young red-tailed hawks taking flight, along with abundant butterflies and dragonflies. By late July, the first migratory birds begin their journey south.
View Details


**********

NYC Bird Alliance

Intro to Birding in Marine Park
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 9:00am - 10:30am
Leader: ______
Description: 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: No registration required. No limit. Free.
View Details

Governors Island Bird Tour
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 2:15pm - 3:45pm
Leader: ______
Description: Did you know that nearly 240 bird species have been spotted on Governors Island? Whether you’re an expert birder or a beginner, these tours will help you discover what makes this island an excellent place for birding.
Registration: Registration page
View Details

Rockaway Birding
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 6:00am - 7:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) to explore the Rockaways - a vital habitat for shorebirds. In the summer, these beaches provide crucial nesting grounds for shorebirds like Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and Black Skimmers, while in the fall, becoming important foraging habitat for sandpipers and other shorebirds making their way south. The extensive dune vegetation provides habitat for a variety of sparrows and other birds stopping over in New York City, while sea ducks, grebes, and loons overwinter just offshore.
Registration: Registration page
View Details


**********

Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, July 12, 2025
Intro to Birding Walk at Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–10:30am
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. Meet outside the Salt Marsh Nature Center.
Free

McGolrick Bird Club at Monsignor McGolrick Park (in Msgr. McGolrick Park), Brooklyn
9:00am–11:00am
Free birding walks are held every Saturday at 9am, year-round. Meet at the Russell & Driggs entrance to McGolrick park.
Free

Sunday, July 13, 2025
Summer Birding at Wave Hill, Bronx
9:00am–11:00am
Walk through the gardens and woodlands to seek out summer birds and other critters at Wave Hill!
Free

...Read more