New York County [in N.Y. City], including Manhattan - with Central Park - and Randall’s and Governors Islands. Saturday, May 13th:
We went to at-least 144 species of birds for May 13th “Global Big Day” birding in New York County. For Central Park alone, the tally went to at-least 133 species, and that may be low just as may be the number for the county on the one day. ALL 28 species of warblers seen in the county on May 28th were *also* found for Central Park, and all were seen by multiple observers; some 24 or more species of warblers found in that latter park were seen by teams or groups doing birdathons to benefit not-for-profit organizations, including the Great Gull Island annual fund-raising birdathon which has a very long and rich history in the month of May. 25 species of warblers were tallied, collectively, at Inwood Hill Park in northern Manhattan on the day, not that surprising given the superb habitat that park contains for a vast majority of the migrant Parulidae and other forest-loving species. For Randall’s Island, at least 23 - perhaps 24, if there was some documentation for ‘Louisiana’ waterthrush also - species of warblers were noted on the day. At least 21 species of warblers were noted, collectively, from Governors Island for the day, and more than that may well have occurred there. 21 (or more) species of warblers were also seen collectively from Fort Tryon Park, on May 13th alone. 21 species of warblers also for Riverside Park, seen collectively on the day. A very-impressive 20 species of warblers were noted for Morningside Park on the day (which is a good deal smaller in total size than all of the aforementioned parks or islands). Alder Flycatcher (as found by bird-walk guide G. Willow, who works with the not-for-profit NYC Audubon org.) was seen and recorded by multiple other observers after the initial find and ID, at Central Park. Additional flycatcher species included Least, Acadian, and Willow Flycatchers, and also Great Crested, as well as E. Kingbird and E. Phoebe, and increased no’s. of E. Wood-Pewee, as well as a few Olive-sided Flycatchers - all of these also recorded within Central Park over the day (and, many elsewhere in the county also). Both Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoo were found, and some of these appeared in locations where not all that regular on-passage, thru the county (and for Central Park and etc.) Although more than one (and perhaps, more than just a few!) Bicknell’s Thrushes came thru for May 13th, it was certainly one individual seen at Randall’s Island that had very thorough documentation. There were more Gray-cheeked Thrush (with some also ID’d by songs) for the day through the county as compared with the scant Bicknell’s reported. Much more commonly reported were Swainson’s and Wood Thrushes and certainly Veery. Not necessarily noted as-so, however the migration-passage of Lincoln’s Sparrow was very strong, with a good many detections of this often-skulking species. White-crowned Sparrow was actually less-seen (or reported) while Savannah Sparrow was still moving in good numbers. Obviously the above is a small portion of all the species found, and lacks the fine adventures and learning-experiences of the full day (and for some, night) of birding. Overall, it’s possible that May 12th in the county was yet-more bird-diverse, however the 13th was still a very good day. Flight was occurring overnight from Saturday night into Mother’s Day Sunday (14th) and it will be interesting to see 'who’s moved on’ - and what any further arrivals include. Thanks again to all who were out and about quietly finding so many of these migrants and breeding birds. ' —— With the indulgence of readers, here is a very nice idea, which I know some birders have carried out in many parts of the world / country / NY state as can be done (or in-the-spirit, for moms no longer walking this Earth) - https://www.audubon.org/news/everyone-should-have-mothers-day-birding-tradition <https://www.audubon.org/news/everyone-should-have-mothers-day-birding-tradition> Good birding to all, Tom Fiore manhattan -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME.htm http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES.htm 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://birding.aba.org/maillist/NY01 Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
