Sunday, 15 May, 2015 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City
Among the more than 25 species of migrant warblers found in the last several days, this Sunday morning's photographed MOURNING Warbler put some icing on the cake for that group of birds, with just a few (eastern!) warbler species still awaiting potential discoveries, among those not yet seen in Central this year. Thanks to the finder & identifier of the Mourning at the upper lobe area, Stefan Martin of Connecticut, on his first visit to do some birding in Central - although a highly-experienced birder in his home area not more than 50 miles to the northeast. Many other birders also were able to observe the Mourning including of course the two also residing in CT (& NYC) who were accompanying S. Martin.
Bay-breasted, Tennessee, Cape May, & other warbler species have been enjoyed in the multiple by many, many observers in the past week through today, with sightings from various areas, and most definitely not only the Ramble area (although that continues to be extremely productive & of course a popular area for hundreds of birders, both 'local' and visiting from as far away as the opposite side of the Earth. Multiple sightings of Olive-sided Flycatchers have also now been recorded, with a modest number of locations in both the Ramble area & the north woods & Great Hill. Purple Martin (a male) was well- reported from the Meer just yesterday (Sat. 5/14) although that individual may have quickly moved on, as is unfortunately somewhat typical of the ever-tricky martin passages in this park. Thrushes are now somewhat regularly including Gray-cheeked, which potentially may include some of the far-more-range-restricted Bicknell's - the vocalizations of any of this type ought be studied and then simply listened-for, with the best chances perhaps when there is little distraction in an otherwise busy park if the attempts are in Central. As many know, some Catharus thrush individuals will be esp. likely to give songs when there is light rain &/or damp-overcast conditions, even when fully daytime - or in addition the usual dawn or dusk hours are good for potentially stronger singing by virtually all thrushes (the world over, where found).
A brief note on the Riverside Park "drip", which is located at about W. 119 St. under the upper path & Drive, immediately south of the 120th St. tennis courts & house: The gentleman who assists in having the pipe which creates that "drip" of water there, Jeff Nulle of Manhattan, has noted that the plumbing needs some work, and to give a temporary fix to the "drip" actually having water running in any particular period, he or someone authorized must place a hose to bring water from the tennis house - this will NOT take place at any time unless Jeff or some other authorized person are THERE, to supervise. Thus, until the actual pipe is repaired, the "drip" is in a very time- limited status, and birders should not expect this to be a major bird- attractor unless and until the pipe & valve are checked & repaired. Last Thursday, a pair (male & likely female) of Hooded Warblers were among some species seen at the drip, with J. Nulle present and the drip (hose) going. If the situation is fully remedied, one of the Riv. Park regulars will announce that.
There have been many, many other avian highlights in Manhattan migration observations of the past 7 days since the big (massive) push took place on Mother's Day Sunday (8 May). Some additional of these may be summarized at some point fairly soon.
Good month-of-May birding, & thanks to the many who observe quietly! Tom Fiore Manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
