Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6th, 7th -
A sometimes-obliging Clay-colored Sparrow was observed at various times of day
both on Friday and Saturday in and around the fenced plant nursery area, just
south of the parks compost area, west of the Conservatory Garden. Patience
required for much of the time, some observers luckier with their timing, and in
or out of rainfall. This was at least the tenth native-Sparrow species of this
season, for Central Park, not including E. Towhee. The recent Grasshopper
Sparrow also at Centrals northern end was not seen again after its one-day
notable discovery, perhaps had moved on more quickly.
Common Nighthawks continued into Sat. evening, although current weather may
push most far south soon. Chimney Swifts continued in high double digits
overall to at least Friday, some also moving thru on Saturday; elsewhere in and
over Manhattan there have been higher numbers of swifts. There were still
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds lingering at Central, and a number of other
locations in Manhattan thru Saturday, obviously those with nectar-providing
flowers in particular.
Even with some wet weather, Central featured at least 18 species of warblers
into Saturday. Most apparently in modest numbers, but certainly still multiples
of many species. Veery, as well as Wood Thrush, and Gray-cheeked Thrush were
all still present at least into Friday, with more numerous Swainsons and some
Hermit Thrushes.
Barely any signs of waterfowl arrivals lately, and a Ruddy Duck at the
reservoir was not a fresh arrival, although mostly overlooked in its
singularity. Wood Duck, N. Shoveler and other regulars have also continued at
Central Park, including Green-winged Teal which only became quite regular -in
low numbers- again in recent years. Small numbers of Laughing Gulls have shown
in Central Park, and as fly-overs, with more seen elsewhere in the county but
not in great numbers.
The Solitary Sandpiper which has been essentially resident for a very long stay
was still at The Pool in Centrals nw quadrant, certainly the longest staying of
that species in that park over the decades.
Thanks to many hardy observers out in highly variable recent weather, for
reports and some photos as well. More fall migrant arrivals are certain, but
with them also likely departure of some species. Tremendous migration occurred
Saturday night into Sunday, across N. America and many birds making their ways
far south of the U.S. from Key West all across the Gulf and from Texas west
thru s. California overnight, as well as many birds arriving into the U.S. from
Canada.
Good birding to all,
Tom Fiore
manhattan
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