Re: [nysbirds-l] The species of snail that the Limpkin was eating in Lewiston

[Gabriel Willow]

I shared this thread with my friend Susan Hewitt, who is a snail expert of some 
renown. She agrees with the ID:

“The snail is an introduced species of European land snail, Cepaea nemoralis.

That species is fairly common in some places, but it is not really considered 
to be an invasive.”

Fascinating discussion!

GW

> On Dec 6, 2022, at 10:54 AM, steve rosenthal  wrote:
> 
> It's interesting to see this bird was eating terrestrial snails.  When
> seeing the subject line of the email chain I would have guessed that
> it had been eating the  freshwater 'chinese mystery snail',
> Cipangopaludina chinensis, a
> widespread, established invasive, which is present in the Hudson and
> Niagara River systems (and probably lots of other places in upstate
> NY- they are widespread here on Long Island).
> 
> The 'mystery snail' approximates the size and shape (and possibly the
> nutritional value) of the normal prey species down South (apple
> snails- genus Pomacea-   1 native and several introduced species).
> 
> 
>> On 12/6/22, Andy Guthrie  wrote:
>> Here's an iNat entry from Tim Healy of a closely-related Brown-lipped Snail
>> in the Limpkin's bill -
>> 
>> https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/142160854
>> 
>> Andy Guthrie
>> Hamlin, NY
>> 
>>> On Tue, Dec 6, 2022 at 9:47 AM Seth Ausubel  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Looks like the White-lipped Snail, Cepaea hortensis:
>>> https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/51039-Cepaea-hortensis
>>> 
>>> On Dec 6, 2022, at 7:33 AM, Willie D'Anna 
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello birders!
>>> 
>>> Almost everyone who was able to watch the Limpkin this November in
>>> Lewiston, noted that it was eating a prodigious number of snails. You
>>> usually only had to wait a few seconds before you would see it probing
>>> into
>>> the ground, pulling out a snail, cracking it open, peeling off the shell,
>>> then throwing it down the hatch. I was told that this was not a native
>>> species of snail but unfortunately, after seeing so many people, I don’t
>>> remember who told me that.
>>> 
>>> It is well known that Limpkins are expanding their breeding range in the
>>> southeastern US, due to the presence of an invasive species of apple
>>> snail.
>>> However, that apple snail has not made it anywhere close to NYS, as far
>>> as
>>> I am aware. It is also much larger than the snails that the Limpkin was
>>> feeding on in Lewiston.
>>> 
>>> If anyone knows anything about the snails that the Lewiston Limpkin was
>>> feeding on, I would appreciate hearing from you. If you can provide a
>>> published reference or let me know where your information is from, that
>>> would be great. This could be used in an article I am currently writing.
>>> 
>>> There are several photos of the bird with a snail. You can look through
>>> all of the photos of this bird on eBird:
>>> https://media.ebird.org/catalog?taxonCode=limpki®ionCode=US-NY-063
>>> Some nice ones with a snail are in this checklist from Karen Lee Lewis:
>>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S122604545  Here is another from Brian Morse:
>>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S122609092  There is a nice close-up of the
>>> snail in this checklist from Alan Bloom:
>>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S122570469  Another close-up here, from Tim
>>> Healy: https://ebird.org/checklist/S122510990 One from Kyle Gage:
>>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S122518905  From Joel Farwell:
>>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S122507081
>>> 
>>> Thanks, and good birding!
>>> Willie
>>> --
>>> Willie D'Anna
>>> Wilson, NY
>>> dannapotterATroadrunnerDOTcom
>>> 
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Golden plovers and whimbrel in queens

[Gabriel Willow]

Following up on Jen’s (and Kestrel’s!) finds, I walked East a ways and found 
nothing aside from a bunch of Sanderling and a few American Oystercatchers.

To the west, by the Silver Gull Club, I found 25 roosting Whimbrel but no 
Golden-Plovers. A handful of Ruddy Turnstones and a Western Sandpiper with some 
Sanderlings as well.

There was a Peregrine strafing the beach so it may have scared off the Plovers.

Good birding,

Gabriel 

> On Sep 24, 2021, at 11:36 AM, Jennifer Kepler  wrote:
> 
> We had two golden plover (juv plumage) and about 9 whimbrel east of the 
> fisherman’s lot at Ft Tilden in queens about two hours ago. Some off leash 
> dogs arrived and I hear the birds were no longer in that direction, but folks 
> may have better luck east of the lot to find them. Perhaps they will chime in 
> and provide an update.
> Lifer golden plover and whimbrel for my 1.5 year old 😅
> Happy birding,
> Jen & Kestrel
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[nysbirds-l] Western Kingbird, Governors Island

[Gabriel Willow]

I found a Western Kingbird by Fort Jay on Governors Island, NYC. Seconds later 
an immature Cooper’s Hawk blasted in a pursued it, ignoring the numerous nearby 
Flickers, Robins, and Starlings.

I relocated the Kingbird in the tall trees in nearby Nolan Park so happily it 
wasn’t caught. Being seen now (2pm) hawking insects from tops of trees.

Gabriel Willow
NYC



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[nysbirds-l] Likely Connecticut Warbler Bryant Park NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

I spotted an interesting warbler on my (new resumed!) Bryant Park bird walk 
this morning. My spidey-senses said Connecticut but then it didn’t have the 
bold eye-ring I’d have expected. A fairly full gray hood, large pink bill, 
fairly long UTC (but not extending to tip of tail). It flushed from the hedges 
& flowerbeds among the south edge of lawn, landed near the Grill, and then flew 
into the plane trees to the north of the grill & Bryant monument. I lost track 
of it there. I saw it walk lengthwise along a tree branch, which is another 
check in the COWA box. But I can’t 100% rule out Mourning with the glimpses I 
had. Several experienced observers have said Connecticut based on the mediocre 
photos I got. Last seen at 10:10am.

Good birding,

Gabriel Willow

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [eBird Alert] New York Rare Bird Alert

[Gabriel Willow]

Exactly! I was surprised to see how many introduced British species are in NZ...

> On Jan 4, 2020, at 11:28 AM, browncreep...@gmail.com wrote:
> 
> 
> It looks like someone in New Zealand may have entered coordinates of 42, -76 
> instead of -42, 176.
>  
> -- Bill Ostrander
>  
> From: bounce-124243445-56188...@list.cornell.edu 
>  On Behalf Of José R. 
> Ramírez-Garofalo
> Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2020 10:36 AM
> To: Jane Ross 
> Cc: NYSBIRDS-L 
> Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Fw: [eBird Alert] New York Rare Bird Alert 
>  
> It just looks like they picked the wrong location. It has happened several 
> times (recently) with the Tompkins County list. 
>  
> On Sat, Jan 4, 2020 at 10:14 AM Jane Ross  wrote:
>  
> I appreciate these ebird alerts...BUT should we assume that the list from 
> Ithaca was from a zoo of some sort?? kelp gull, fluttering shearwater, sacred 
> kingfisher, tui, variable oystercatcher..etc.  really in New York State??? IF 
> so some of us should be making a bee-line up there, but I doubt it... 
>  
> Jane F. Ross, PhD
> International Education Consultant
> 1112 Park Avenue  New York, NY 10128 
> mobile:  917-992-6708
>  
>  
> From: ebird-al...@cornell.edu 
> Sent: Saturday, January 4, 2020 9:13 AM
> Subject: [eBird Alert] New York Rare Bird Alert 
>  
> *** Species Summary:
> 
> Snow Goose (1 Essex)
> Greater White-fronted Goose (1 Westchester)
> Mute Swan (3 Tompkins)
> Blue-winged Teal (1 Nassau)
> Eurasian Wigeon (1 Suffolk)
> Harlequin Duck (2 Niagara, 1 Suffolk)
> Barrow's Goldeneye (1 Jefferson, 1 Suffolk)
> Common Merganser (1 Kings)
> Ruddy Duck (1 Genesee)
> Red-necked Grebe (1 Suffolk)
> Western Grebe (2 Monroe)
> Common Gallinule (3 Nassau)
> Variable Oystercatcher (1 Tompkins)
> Red-breasted Dotterel (1 Tompkins)
> Western Sandpiper (2 Nassau)
> Razorbill (1 Queens)
> Black-legged Kittiwake (2 Niagara)
> Silver Gull (Red-billed) (1 Tompkins)
> Black-headed Gull (1 Nassau, 1 Niagara, 1 Suffolk)
> Iceland Gull (1 Kings)
> Kelp Gull (1 Tompkins)
> Caspian Tern (1 Tompkins)
> White-fronted Tern (1 Tompkins)
> Fluttering Shearwater (1 Tompkins)
> Australasian Gannet (1 Tompkins)
> Little Pied Cormorant (1 Tompkins)
> Pied Cormorant (1 Tompkins)
> Double-crested Cormorant (1 Essex)
> Osprey (1 Ulster)
> Golden Eagle (1 Orange)
> Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola) (1 Orange)
> Rough-legged Hawk (3 Suffolk)
> Eastern Screech-Owl (1 New York)
> Snowy Owl (9 Seneca)
> Short-eared Owl (1 Suffolk)
> Sacred Kingfisher (1 Tompkins)
> Red-headed Woodpecker (1 Erie, 3 New York, 1 Oneida, 2 Queens, 1 Suffolk)
> Willow Flycatcher (1 Suffolk)
> Eastern Phoebe (3 Kings, 2 Suffolk)
> Tui (1 Tompkins)
> Northern Shrike (3 Seneca)
> Common Raven (1 Niagara)
> Tree Swallow (1 Queens)
> Welcome Swallow (1 Tompkins)
> Winter Wren (1 Seneca)
> Common Myna (1 Tompkins)
> Brown Thrasher (2 Kings)
> Varied Thrush (17 Kings, 12 Tioga)
> Song Thrush (1 Tompkins)
> Eurasian Blackbird (1 Tompkins)
> Dunnock (1 Tompkins)
> Common Chaffinch (1 Tompkins)
> European Greenfinch (1 Tompkins)
> European Goldfinch (1 Tompkins)
> Yellowhammer (1 Tompkins)
> Chipping Sparrow (1 Albany, 1 Broome, 1 Chemung, 1 Putnam, 1 Suffolk)
> Field Sparrow (1 Tompkins)
> White-throated Sparrow (2 Franklin)
> Song Sparrow (1 Essex)
> Eastern Towhee (1 Livingston)
> Yellow-breasted Chat (2 Westchester)
> Rusty Blackbird (1 Suffolk)
> Common Grackle (1 Ontario)
> Pine Warbler (1 Nassau, 2 Suffolk)
> Yellow-rumped Warbler (1 Seneca)
> Townsend's Warbler (2 Nassau)
> Painted Bunting (6 Kings, 7 Nassau)
> 
> -
> Thank you for subscribing to the  New York Rare Bird Alert.The report 
> below shows observations of rare birds in New York.  View or unsubscribe to 
> this alert at 
> https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Falert%2Fsummary%3Fsid%3DSN35466&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca1359b69e74c4310169608d791208e02%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637137441343527378&sdata=XgAnqjcZPYnBEPTD%2BQ6safwxMaRyRHss9YMrVDnps2Q%3D&reserved=0
> NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
> 
> Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens) (1)
> - Reported Jan 03, 2020 15:02 by Stacy Robinson
> - Albee Road, Essex, New York
> - Map: 
> https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmaps.google.com%2F%3Fie%3DUTF8%26t%3Dp%26z%3D13%26q%3D44.27206%2C-73.349116%26ll%3D44.27206%2C-73.349116&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca1359b69e74c4310169608d791208e02%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637137441343537383&sdata=uENpDtC58XmGV2MmDO2YAcxBl3hOf0gZGK0jaly3h10%3D&reserved=0
> - Checklist: 
> https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Febird.org%2Fview%2Fchecklist%2FS62967169&data=02%7C01%7C%7Ca1359b69e74c4310169608d791208e02%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637137441343537383&sdata=oiNXVkfm9JRoSXevvHUyHM%2FAeuHnXYugNwyhZO7nJ1w%3D&reserved=0
> - Media: 1 Photo
> - Comments: "SNGO appears injured. Distant photo"
> 
> Greater White-fronted Goose (A

[nysbirds-l] Saltmarsh Sparrow, Union Square NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

There is currently a cooperative Saltmarsh Sparrow in the SE corner of Union 
Square, discovered earlier by Alex Tey. It’s on a grassy square, visible from 
inside the park or sidewalk.

Good City Birding!

Gabriel Willow

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[nysbirds-l] Hooded Warbler in the Battery (NYC)

[Gabriel Willow]

I led my weekly bird walk in the Battery, at the southern tip of Manhattan, 
this morning. We had 26 species, including a pair of American Kestrel, a couple 
of Eastern Towhees, a lingering Magnolia Warbler, and several Yellow-bellied 
Sapsuckers.

The undoubted highlight however was a bright male Hooded Warbler flitting about 
between the beehive area and the Biergarten at the SW corner of the park. He 
was quite cooperative, hopping on the ground and chipping loudly.

Good late fall birding,

Gabriel Willow

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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

I led the first of my fall twice-weekly NYC Audubon bird walks in Bryant Park 
this morning. We had fairly low diversity but good numbers of several Warbler 
species: about a dozen Common Yellowthroat, 5 Northern Waterthrush, several 
Ovenbirds and American Redstarts, a B&W Warbler, and my FOS White-throated 
Sparrows. Also of interest were a family of recently-fledged Gray Catbirds (at 
least 3 fledgelings); this is the second year I’ve observed them nesting in the 
park.

There was also an Empidonax high in a planetree, likely a Least.

Good Fall Birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 

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[nysbirds-l] Connecticut Warbler Vale of Cashmere PP Brooklyn

[Gabriel Willow]

I just had a rather handsome adult CT Warbler at the NE edge of the Vale of 
Cashmere in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Rather early for the species I believe?

It was in dense undergrowth on the path leading east from the Vale on the slope 
covered in pokeweed where the bamboo used to grow.

Also 13 other Warbler species (including multiple Blackburnian), Veery, Scarlet 
Tanager, etc.

Good Birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Prospect Park Prothonotary continues

[Gabriel Willow]

Also, the Yellow-throated Warbler continues by the Lower Pool, viewing now.

> On Apr 19, 2019, at 10:05 AM, Rob Bate  wrote:
> 
> Now being seen on the Lower Lullwater below the Terrace bridge downstream 
> from previous location near the Audubon Center. 
> 
> Rob Bate
> Brooklyn 
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Pacific loon query

[gabriel willow]

 Someone sent me a photo of it this morning around 8am. Yesterday afternoon it 
was hiding out in the enclosed dock area to the east at the end of the private 
marina. It would disappear for ~20min at a time, perhaps sheltering underneath 
the docks, and then pop back up, but was sometimes hard to see among the docks.
Good luck if you go!
Gabriel
On Thursday, February 7, 2019, 11:55:14 AM EST, Carena Pooth 
 wrote:  
 
 Any sightings of the lion today?Thank you. Carena Pooth 


On Feb 5, 2019 at 8:54 AM,  wrote:


#yiv9578549716 #yiv9578549716 -- _filtered #yiv9578549716 {panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 
6 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv9578549716 {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 
3 2 4;}#yiv9578549716 #yiv9578549716 p.yiv9578549716MsoNormal, #yiv9578549716 
li.yiv9578549716MsoNormal, #yiv9578549716 div.yiv9578549716MsoNormal 
{margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:sans-serif;}#yiv9578549716
 a:link, #yiv9578549716 span.yiv9578549716MsoHyperlink 
{color:#0563C1;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv9578549716 a:visited, 
#yiv9578549716 span.yiv9578549716MsoHyperlinkFollowed 
{color:#954F72;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv9578549716 
span.yiv9578549716EmailStyle17 
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{margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv9578549716 div.yiv9578549716WordSection1 
{}#yiv9578549716 
To my knowledge, the loon was last seen around 1:30 off Florence Ave. It had 
spent maybe 4 hours going back and forth between a cove to the left and a bit 
beyond the end of the pier just to the left of the viewing spot. It showed no 
inclination to go anywhere beyond, but I’d think the falling tide might have 
forced it to change that pattern a bit. From all appearances so far, it seems 
to prefer to stay reasonably close to structures (piers, marinas, docks). So 
these create blind spots, where it could be hidden for extended periods. 
Hopefully, it’s still in the area and will come out into a better viewing spot. 
But I have not seen any reports yet today. High tide is around noon, for 
whatever effect that might have.

  

Steve Walter 
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Varied Thrush, Richmond Co. NY (NYC) 1/16 & 1/17 (& Eve. Grosbeak, Manhattan, + extra-limitals)

[Gabriel Willow]

As negative reports can be useful, I’ll say I was just in Clove Lakes Park for 
the past ~ 2 hours and found neither the Thrush nor the Chat. 

The Chat was, however, seen by another observer in the previously reported 
location around 3:30 this afternoon.

I’m sure they’re both still skulking there somewhere...

Hopefully I’ll get luckier next time,

Gabriel Willow

> On Jan 17, 2019, at 4:28 PM, Thomas Fiore  wrote:
> 
> Wed. & Thursday. 16 - 17 January, 2019 
> 
> It may be noted to this list that the Varied Thrush on Staten Island was 
> [re]-found on Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 (again, for the 2nd time in less 
> than 2 months) by Catherine Barron, a long-reliable and regular Staten Island 
> (Richmond County, NYC) birder.  Her 1/16 eBird report was filed, and also her 
> 1/16-Wed. report given to the longstanding local alert, “SINaturaList”.  See: 
> https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S51741862
> 
> Incidentally, this Varied Thrush may well be spending parts of its time in 
> that area in private yards, near where seen in Clove Lakes Park (which is a 
> NYC public park).  Also of some note had been a Yellow-breasted Chat seen at 
> Clove Lakes Park but in a different section, to at least Wed., Jan. 16th, & 
> that bird could certainly still be present as well; the location of the Chat 
> was near the larger Clove Lake, a bit east of where the Varied Thrush has 
> been reported.  
> 
> It seems that the Varied Thrush moved away from the public park and perhaps 
> up towards a church and also private homes by mid-day or so, on Thursday. 
> This follows a sort of situation that also was seen with the early December 
> appearances of this bird, when it was not seen for long periods by multiple 
> seekers, and not seen in a very long interval of the dates from early 
> December to now mid-January...
> 
> I might emphasize, it is very possible that this Varied Thrush is 'making a 
> living' in private properties, as much as in publicly-viewable places, & if 
> so, obviously any who come seeking views should respect the privacy of local 
> home-owners. The area where the Varied Thrush has appeared is not at all far 
> from streets with a lot of single-family homes, private yards, and - a fair 
> amount of possible / potential feeding, roosting, “hiding” places for a bird 
> of this kind.   Thanks to I. Grant for the update to this list, and to any 
> others who may update on this rarity!
> 
> Additionally, there’s been a very late-lingering Esatern Phoebe in the same 
> park, but in a yet-different location, near Martling’s Pond as reliably 
> reported from 1/16 (& there was also a reliable sighting of E. Phoebe at a 
> nearby location, Snug Harbor also on the n. end of Staten Island, from 1/14 
> as well), not necessarily the same individual in this winter of multiple E. 
> Phoebes in the region (& even of all 3 of the 3 Phoebe species - in a 
> modestly wider, just barely 2-state, region!)
> 
>   - - -
> - The long-lingering male Evening Grosbeak is continuing in Manhattan, NYC at 
> Riverside Park - this bird was found on the Manhattan portion of the Lower 
> Hudson Christmas Bird Count (that’s the count that covers ALL of Manhattan, 
> including Central, and Riverside, and Inwood Hill, & multiple other parks on 
> the day) back on December 16, 2018, this now a month-plus stay for a species 
> that’s not at all too regular in NYC; the Eve. Grosbeak has ranged about, but 
> is somewhat regularly encountered by birders using the leaf-covered trail in 
> the “Forever Wild” - white signs - of the Ladies Grove Sanctuary, which has 
> entrances in that park near about W. 116-117th Streets & also a bit to the 
> north near about W. 119-120th Streets, with some forays by the grosbeak to as 
> far as across Riverside Drive, & n. of Riverside Church in smaller Sakura 
> Park, and more often, in Riverside Park’s wooded area, a bit north of the 
> noted area which is the best area to work, seeking this lingerer. It’s also 
> occasionally seen from Riverside Drive and simply looking into the park over 
> a long, low stone wall.  Thanks to all who orginally found this bird back on 
> Dec. 16th, & also to K. Fung for a number of more recent sightings and 
> reports.  
> 
> -  -  -
> Extra-limitally but just barely to NY’s east, an adult ‘Kamchatka’ Mew Gull 
> has been contiuning in Stamford, Fairfield Co. in Connecticut as noted by 
> some on this list, & regularly updated on the CT Birds list-serve as well as 
> in eBird & etc. - thanks to Patrick Dugan in particular for many sightings & 
> updates on that bird in CT.
> 
> VERY extra-limitally, congrat’s are due to Linda Grant for discovering & 
> reporting the first-ever White-throated Thrush

[nysbirds-l] Birdy morning in The Battery (Battery Park) NYC

[gabriel willow]

I led a bird walk in The Battery (formerly known as Battery Park), the 
southernmost point in Manhattan, this morning. I think this park has a ton of 
potential, even more so than other pocket parks in NYC: it's fairly large (at 
25 acres, much larger than Bryant, Madison Square, or Washington Square Park) 
and even better, has an excellent mix of mature native trees, mostly the oaks 
that are so beloved by migrating warblers. It also has extensive lawns that are 
often fenced off to the public and to dogs, and it overlooks the harbor, 
providing sea-watching opportunities and possible storm-blown vagrants. For 
anyone who works in lower Manhattan, it could be a really productive patch.
This morning was my personal best day in the park out of maybe a dozen birding 
visits total: 42 species in about three hours, which would be a respectable 
morning in Central Park to say nothing of the Battery! Six of these were new 
for the park according to eBird. The oaks were fairly crawling with warblers of 
a dozen species, and there were 6-8 Scarlet Tanagers fly-catching around the 
park (there was some sort of small brown flying ant hatch-out happening).
Additional highlights included:
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (a very cooperative individual perching low in a 
Willow Oak near the Battery Tunnel air exchange tower vent at the SW corner of 
the park)Yellow-throated VireoBlackburnian Warbler (several)Bay-breasted 
Warbler (one male)Canada Warbler (2 or 3)Wilson's Warbler (2)
Here's the whole list:
Canada GooseMallardDouble-crested CormorantGreat Black-backed GullRock Pigeon 
(Feral Pigeon)Red-bellied WoodpeckerDowny WoodpeckerYellow-bellied 
FlycatcherEmpidonax sp. (likely Least)Eastern KingbirdYellow-throated 
VireoRed-eyed VireoBlue JayFish CrowVeerySwainson's ThrushAmerican RobinGray 
CatbirdNorthern MockingbirdEuropean StarlingCedar 
WaxwingOvenbirdBlack-and-white WarblerCommon YellowthroatAmerican 
RedstartNorthern ParulaMagnolia WarblerBay-breasted WarblerBlackburnian 
WarblerBlackpoll WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerCanada WarblerWilson's 
WarblerChipping SparrowWhite-throated SparrowSwamp SparrowScarlet 
TanagerNorthern CardinalRose-breasted GrosbeakIndigo BuntingBaltimore 
OrioleCommon GrackleHouse Sparrow
Good late spring migration!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon

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[nysbirds-l] Orange-crowned Warbler, NYBG, Bronx

[Gabriel Willow]

I led a walk this morning at NYBG for NYC Audubon - normally the Botanic 
Gardens are the realm of the inimitable Debbie Becker of course, but I venture 
up there now and then.

It was a gorgeous day today, but there didn’t seem to be much in the way of new 
migratory movement, which surprised me given the mild conditions and favorable 
winds the night before.

Nonetheless, we spotted 36 species, including a cooperative Orange-crowned 
Warbler loosely associating with a flock of Yellow-rumps on the Thain Forest 
path just north of the old snuff factory.

We also had a Louisiana Waterthrush along the Bronx River further north in the 
forest, as well as many more Yellow-rumps, several Palms, and two 
Black-and-White Warblers.

Nothing else out of the ordinary... Tree & Northern Rough-winged Swallows over 
the “Lakes”, a small flock of Cedar Waxwings nearby, lots of nest-building 
activity among the Grackles & Robins.

Happy Earth Day,

Gabriel Willow
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Bryant Park

[Gabriel Willow]

Joseph et al,

If anyone is free Sunday afternoon & so inclined, I’ll be doing a little 
Christmas Bird Count in Bryant Park from 2:30-4pm. We sometimes get a few saves 
for NY County (Ovenbird, Woodcock). Meet me in the NW corner by the Waffles & 
Dinges stand if you want to join!

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow

> On Dec 14, 2017, at 8:16 PM, Joseph Wallace  wrote:
> 
> Wow, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, Anders!
> 
> I'm looking forward to regular visits to Bryant Park throughout the year, so 
> I can get a sense of its ebb and flow.
> 
>> On Thu, Dec 14, 2017 at 8:08 AM, Anders Peltomaa  
>> wrote:
>> Hi Joseph,
>> This paper by Jacob Drucker came to my mind.
>> 
>> The Mysteries of Micro-Parks
>> http://linnaeannewyork.org/birding-resources-rba/bird-micro-parks.html
>> 
>> Anders Peltomaa
>> Manhattan
>> 
>>> On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 11:14 PM Joseph Wallace  wrote:
>>> A check-in at the park today found a pair of intrepid Hermit Thrushes and a 
>>> lone male Yellowthroat still hanging in amid the White-throats, but no sign 
>>> of last week's Woodcock, Orange-Crowned Warbler, or Catbird (which may have 
>>> been a holdover from those I was told nested in the park over the summer). 
>>> 
>>> My new fascination with these small urban parks has provokes a question: 
>>> Having written often about the rainforest over the years, I remember when 
>>> ornithologists suddenly thought to study the river islands that dot the 
>>> Amazon...and found an unexpected and distinctive avifauna there. Has anyone 
>>> studied the migrant and nesting bird populations at NYC's little "islands," 
>>> and how they compare to the larger parks? Are the Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds, 
>>> etc, just spillovers, or do some species actually prefer the smaller parks? 
>>> And if so, why? Hope it's okay to ponder this here. --Joe Wallace
>>> --
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[nysbirds-l] Five shorebird species, GW Teal on Governors Island

[gabriel willow]

Leading a bird walk on NYC's Governors Island (where NYC Audubon has a summer 
residency) this afternoon, we encountered a surprising diversity of shorebirds 
at some unprepossessing mud-puddles in a construction area. The spot is along 
Enright Road (not labelled on all maps), to the SE of The Hills.  You have to 
peek through a construction fence to see the puddles.

On one puddle was a Solitary Sandpiper alongside a single Lesser Yellowlegs and 
a lone female Green-winged Teal. In another puddle nearby were 11 Least 
Sandpipers and 6 Semipalmated Sandpipers, as well as a pair of Killdeer. This 
spot seems like a prime locale for a Pectoral or other rarer "grasspiper" to 
potentially show up as well.
Little in the way of songbird diversity here today, with a lone Black-and-white 
Warbler being the only migrant passerine noted.
Good birding,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Brown Booby is deceased

[Gabriel Willow]

There were also several deceased Great Shearwaters on the beach at Nickerson. I 
considered grabbing some for you, but was taking public transit and decided 
against traveling on the LIRR with a smelly shearwater corpse in a bag. Might 
raise questions...

You should make little self-addressed bird body bags to pass around, then I 
could've just popped it in the mail.

> On Jun 20, 2017, at 3:41 PM, Paul R Sweet  wrote:
> 
> Please find a way to get this to AMNH. I'm currently in Alaska you can 
> contact Peter Capainolo or Tom Trombone. Contact info on AMNH website. 
> Thanks. I believe this will be our 2nd NY Brown Bobby. Paul
> 
> Paul Sweet | Department of Ornithology | American Museum of Natural History | 
> Central Park West @ 79th St | NY 10024 | Tel 212 769 5780 | Mob 718 757 5941
> 
>> On Jun 18, 2017, at 1:52 AM, Sean Sime  wrote:
>> 
>> The Brown Booby has died. Just wanted to get the word out. Any body with a 
>> collecting permit
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
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[nysbirds-l] Mourning Warbler, Prospect Park BK

[Gabriel Willow]

I just had a lovely male Mourning Warbler among dense brush & fallen logs on 
slope below Breeze Hill (to south towards Lakeside) in Brooklyn's Prospect 
Park. He sang briefly even.  This was the rarest of 18 species of warblers I've 
had in the past hour birding in the park!

Gabriel Willow

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Re: [nysbirds-l] Ross's Gull benefits the Tupper Lake area (no sighting)

[gabriel willow]

I just wanted to chime in to agree with Tom's excellent point, and along those 
lines, to heartily recommend Larkin's Deli in Tupper Lake.  It looks like an 
unprepossessing gas station/general store, but they have incredible food 
(breakfast sandwiches and such) and make everything from scratch (and I mean 
everything - the bread for the sandwiches, the fudge by the register, and the 
most amazing apple fritters I've ever had).
Celebrate your Ross's Gull sighting with an apple fritter, and maybe bring some 
back as a consolation prize for your birder friends who don't make it up to see 
the bird!  And say hi to Sheila at Larkin's, she's awesome.
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon 

On Sunday, January 29, 2017 6:06 AM, Thomas Fiore  
wrote:
 

 The Ross's Gull that is being enjoyed by birders and others, and  
hopefully may continue in and around Tupper Lake for even more  
observers to see is bringing a major influx of visitors and their  
spending to the area - it may be obvious, but this is a great and  
simple opportunity to all who are coming in hopes of observing this  
very rare bird to mention to everyone in that region that they are  
there primarily thanks to that bird's appearance, and of course to  
spend $ at many local businesses, and give something to the community  
and region in exchange for the hospitality received;  it would be a  
nice opportunity as well for someone, in the area, to work out just  
how many visitors are coming to see the rare gull (and other wildlife  
and perhaps other attractions) especially how many birders show up in  
total thru the full stay of this bird, and then, at least very  
roughly, work out how much money may have been spent, given to local  
and regional businesses through the big influx -  it may end up being  
a very substantial amount!  It sounds as though birders from many  
states & at least some provinces are or have been there, and it is  
very possible, should the Ross's Gull remain for viewing for some  
time, that seekers from countries beyond Canada will come in hopes of  
seeing this bird: yes, it's that rare - & a bird that a very many  
birders world-wide have not seen (even some who have spent time in the  
Arctic regions)!  For those that have time, explore more of the ADK  
region; perhaps some other rarity is waiting discovery, and if not,  
the whole region is one with many winter wonders.

good searching / finding,

Tom Fiore,
manhattan
island, NY

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Re: [nysbirds-l] [NFBirds Report 2905] I Have Never Seen This Before !!

[Gabriel Willow]

Agreeing with others on this thread, I believe squirrels are opportunistic 
feeders, and likely consume a higher quantity of meat than we may suspect (much 
as coyotes, foxes, and other carnivores eat substantial quantities of vegetable 
matter during certain seasons).

Many years ago I had the disturbing experience of hearing the alarm calls of a 
pair of Wood Thrushes, and upon investigation, discovered a Gray Squirrel 
devouring their entire nestful of small nestlings. Seeing the blood-smeared 
squirrel calmly sitting on its haunches in their nest, gnawing on chicks was 
certainly memorable.  I have since witnessed squirrels poaching eggs on more 
than one occasion.

It is my understanding that Red Squirrels are more carnivorous than Grays, and 
Chipmunks are still more meat-loving.  In fact, chipmunks are one of the major 
predators of eggs and nestlings in our region.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
Nyc Audubon 

> On Dec 9, 2016, at 1:50 PM, Joan Collins  wrote:
> 
> Shai - wonderful description of the squirrel spinning the drumstick like a 
> pine cone!  That is exactly how I describe what it looks like when a Red 
> Squirrel eats a bird.  I take photos and videos of lots of behaviors - many 
> that my husband objects to me putting on Facebook (too gross) - but after the 
> list discussion about the Gray Squirrel behavior, I decided to post a short 
> clip of one of the videos I took on May 8, 2016 of a Red Squirrel that 
> captured, killed, and then consumed a Pine Siskin foraging on the ground 
> under our feeders (I could go into the details, but I’d rather not re-live 
> it).  (On my Facebook page below)  I suspect that this (killing) behavior is 
> much more frequent in Red Squirrels - they are extremely fast compared to 
> Gray Squirrels and quite capable of capturing a bird if an opportunity exists.
> 
> In the winter, I put down sunflower seeds for the Black-capped Chickadees at 
> Sabattis Bog where I feed Gray Jays.  All of the birds keep a good distance 
> from the Red Squirrels that venture to the food.  The chickadees are 
> extremely observant and let out alarm calls - when the Red Squirrels first 
> come in and anytime they are within striking distance.
> 
> Joan Collins
> 
> President, NYS Ornithological Association
> 
> Editor, New York Birders
> 
> Long Lake, NY
> 
> (315) 244-7127 cell  
> 
> (518) 624-5528 home
> 
> http://www.adirondackavianexpeditions.com/  
> 
> http://www.facebook.com/AdirondackAvian
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: bounce-121071933-13418...@list.cornell.edu 
> [mailto:bounce-121071933-13418...@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Shaibal Mitra
> Sent: Friday, December 09, 2016 1:01 PM
> To: NYS BIRDS 
> Subject: RE: [nysbirds-l] [NFBirds Report 2905] I Have Never Seen This Before 
> !!
> 
> Benign explanations, such as hunger or calcium deficit, are certainly 
> plausible, but I wouldn't rule out depravity. These little mammals are smart 
> enough that they probably form some sort of conviction of right and 
> wrong--along with the concomitant and irresistible urge to transgress.
> 
> When I lived on the South Side of Chicago in the early 90s, I kept notes on 
> what the squirrels ate. Bagels, pizza, and other high-carb items were 
> visually amusing in their little paws, but not notably deviant. Battered and 
> fried drumsticks from Harold's Chicken Shack took the optics to a new plane, 
> especially when spun as dexterously as a pine cone between furry little 
> fingers. The worst was one deplorable individual whom I discovered dragging a 
> fairly large slab of pork ribs with its mouth. To test whether it really 
> needed the ribs in some pardonable way, or was just too far gone in some 
> moral abyss, I approached the rodent to assess the point at which 
> self-preservation might take over from gluttony. It would not let go! I could 
> have caught it, but what good would that have done? I walked away, Desiderata 
> in my mind's ear.
> 
> Shai Mitra
> 
> Bay Shore
> 
> 
> 
> From: bounce-121071794-3714...@list.cornell.edu 
> [bounce-121071794-3714...@list.cornell.edu] on behalf of Nancy Jane Kern 
> [kerns...@hotmail.com]
> 
> Sent: Friday, December 9, 2016 12:21 PM
> 
> To: NYS BIRDS; Rick & Linda
> 
> Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] [NFBirds Report 2905] I Have Never Seen This Before 
> !!
> 
> I have seen gray squirrels gnaw on a deer carcass, regularly eat suet, eat on 
> road kill, and chew MacDonald's hamburgers taken out of a dumpster in Albany. 
> Not that often, but some will do it. Maybe it relates to their level of 
> hunger.
> 
> 
> Nancy Kern
> 
> 
> Austerlitz, NY
> 
> Columbia County
> 
> 
> 
> 

[nysbirds-l] Birdy morning in Bryant Park, NYC

[gabriel willow]

Had a very productive morning on my twice-weekly Bryant Park Bird Walk in 
midtown Manhattan.  We spotted 21 species, and I'm sure there's some we missed!
The park is a chaotic mess right now, as they build the skating rink and 
holiday market.  There is hammering and the beeping of backhoes backing up and 
construction fences and barricades everywhere.  In spite of this, we had great 
views of some nice birds.  
The most intriguing and frustrating sighting was right as I arrived at 7:50, in 
the hedgerow area by the fence immediately to the south of the Waffles & Dinges 
booth: a brief glimpse of a round little sparrow with a short, cocked tail and 
smudgy gray streaks below.  My first instinct was "Nelson's!", but it scurried 
off into some dense begonias before I could get my binoculars on it, not to be 
refound. You know how sometimes your spidey-senses (birdie-senses?) tingle when 
you see something good?  Although I barely glimpsed this bird, I'm pretty sure 
it was something cool, probably a Nelson's.  Interestingly, the one other 
record of the species from the park is from almost exactly this date last year 
(Oct. 8 & 9, 2015).  
Other species seen well enough to ID:
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 7, mostly in locust trees 
in front of LibraryAmerican Kestrel - 1 immature, perched on flagpole in front 
of Library, found by Jeanne TaoBlue Jay - 2 calling in treetops... somewhat 
uncommon in BPHouse Wren - 1, found by Vinnie Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1 at 
sapsucker wells in locustsSwainson's Thrush - 1 in NW corner of park, near 
ping-pongWood Thrush - 1 in NW corner of park, near waffles standAmerican Robin 
- 1, surprisingly uncommon sight in the parkGray Catbird - a dozen or moreBrown 
Thrasher - 1 in NW corner of park, near ping-pongEuropean Starling - resident 
pairOvenbird - 4, eBird thought this was noteworthyCommon Yellowthroat - at 
least 25!  Everywhere...Palm Warbler - 1 in front of LibraryWhite-crowned 
Sparrow - 1 handsome adult, in NW corner of park, near ping-pongWhite-throated 
Sparrow - ~ 50, huge influxSong Sparrow - 1Swamp Sparrow - 2, in NW corner of 
park, near ping-pongEastern Towhee - 1 male in NW corner of park, near 
ping-pongHouse Sparrow
Good fall urban birding!
Gabriel Willow
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park NYC: 14+ species

[Gabriel Willow]

Good movement overnight, with an influx of later-season migrants this morning. 
On my twice-weekly Bryant Park walk (free, Mondays 8-9am & Thursdays 5-6pm) we 
spotted some nice diversity in an hour, mostly around the central lawn area. I 
suspect there were many birds we missed, especially in the treetops; if anyone 
is headed to work late or can go on their lunch break, definitely worth a look!

We found:

Rock Pigeon
Eastern Phoebe (1, treetops)
Gray Catbird (7+, more than in recent days)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1, FOS, trees)
European Starling (recent breeding residents in the park, in small numbers)
Ovenbird (1)
Blackpoll Warbler (FOS, bright Imm. female, feeding on lawn, very confiding)
Common Yellowthroat (many)
Lincoln's Sparrow (1, found by Jeanne Tao)
Swamp Sparrow (2, on lawn)
Song Sparrow (1, lawn)
Dark-eyed Junco (1, FOS, lawn)
White-throated Sparrow (5, lawn & shrubs)
House Sparrow (many)

Fall is here!

Gabriel Willow
Nyc Audubon etc 

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[nysbirds-l] Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark @ Croton PP

[gabriel willow]

I led a trip for NYC Audubon today to Croton Point Park.  It started out 
moderate temps and overcast before becoming hot and sunny. Bird activity was 
low but we saw a nice diversity nonetheless, including a few target species.
In addition to large flocks of Canada Geese, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and other 
common species (many with fledged young), we spotted:
a family of Red-tailed Hawks (two adults and two immatures)an Ospreyfour 
Bobolink (all in their warm yellowish-buff immature or non-breeding plumage)an 
Eastern Meadowlark (right on top of the former landfill)singing Yellow 
Warblermany American Goldfinches, including a female gathering tent caterpillar 
silk, presumably for a late nest
A nice outing!  Only wish we'd seen a Grasshopper Sparrow or some owls, then it 
would've been a home run...
Good Summer birding,
Gabriel WillowNYC AudubonWave Hilletc.
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park 20 species

[Gabriel Willow]

On my penultimate NYC Audubon Bryant Park bird walk this morning, we spotted 17 
species and I added three more after the walk (2.5 hours birding total).  Most 
of the activity was high in the plane trees on the S side of the park, except 
for Ovenbirds and Gray Catbirds, which are everywhere!

Of other species, numbers are low but diversity is high, so it might reward 
some extended tree-gazing if anybody in midtown can pop by on their lunch 
break.  I'm sure there's more that I missed high in the foliage.

Seen:

Rock Pigeon
Eastern Wood-Pewee (1)
Least Flycatcher (1)
Hermit Thrush (2, getting late)
Wood Thrush (1)
Gray Catbird (scads)
Starlings (nesting in tree holes)
Ovenbird (tons! Probably over 30)
Northern Waterthrush (3)
B&W Warbler (2)
Common Yellowthroat (5+)
American Redstart (5)
Northern Parula (1)
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1 male)
W-T Sparrow (many, a fresh influx it seems)
Swamp Sparrow (1)
Song Sparrow (2)
Eastern Towhee (1)
Scarlet Tanager (gorgeous male)
House Sparrow

Aside from Least & Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, there are no confirmed Empids in 
Bryant Park, so take an extra-close look at any flycatchers found! Acadian is 
entirely possible... That or Yellow-throated Vireo would be my prediction for 
bird species #122 found in the park.

Good midtown birding,

Gabriel Willow
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[nysbirds-l] Lots of warblers at Wave Hill, Bronx

[Gabriel Willow]

Very busy morning on my monthly Wave Hill bird walk (2nd Sunday of every month, 
free).  We had very few participants, presumably due to the rainy weather 
earlier this AM or to Mother's Day plans, but it was their loss as it was a 
wonderful morning of birding, approaching fallout conditions.

We walked for 2 hours, the clouds cleared and the sun briefly came out towards 
the end of the walk, causing a frenzy of activity in the flowering oaks.

A highlight was a soaring Broad-winged Hawk being harassed by grackles.

FOY Eastern Kingbird

Three vireo species:
Red-eyed
Blue-headed
Yellow-throated

Many singing male warblers, 14 spp total:
Ovenbird
Black-and-White Warbler (many)
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler (FOY, several)
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler (females)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (many, both sexes)
Prairie Warbler (2 singing males)
Black-throated Green Warbler (many)
Wilson's Warbler (FOY, male)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (several)

Baltimore Orioles (many)
Orchard Oriole (2 singing makes, 1 female)

I'm sure there are more birds that I missed.  I'm going to go look for more now 
in fact!

Happy Mother's Day Birding,

Gabriel Willow
Wave Hill
Nyc Audubon 




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[nysbirds-l] Birding in Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn

[gabriel willow]

In keeping with the recent recurring theme of birding in pocket parks, which I 
think is a wonderful trend, I birded in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on Tuesday 
& Wednesday.  Apologies for the belated report, but there were no rarities that 
I felt were urgent to report.
However, I did see a nice smattering of seasonal species, and I think there's 
great potential for more interesting sightings.  As of now, the park only has 
49 species on eBird, of which I added 5 or 6 on my brief afternoon strolls.  
The park has a nice mix of introduced and native trees, grassy areas, and 
brush/ flowerbeds.  It's a bit open and heavily eroded, and has a lot of 
soccer-players and dogs, but still, great potential for bird sightings!  
Currently, there's a fenced-off weedy construction area near the middle of the 
eastern side of the park, which attracted large numbers of sparrows.
In my two hour-long strolls (one without binoculars), I spotted:
American Kestrel (nest in cornices nearby)Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 
(several)Downy WoodpeckerHairy WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerEastern Phoebe 
(4+)Brown CreeperW-b NuthatchRuby-crowned KingletGolden-crowned KingletCedar 
WaxwingPine Warbler (at least two, in Japanese Pines near visitor's 
center)Yellow-rumped WarblerChipping Sparrow (30+)Field SparrowDark-eyed 
JuncoHouse Finch
I thought the large flock of Chipping Sparrows was particularly promising.  I 
wouldn't be surprised to pull out a Clay-colored or Lark Sparrow there, but no 
such luck this time...
Good Fall Birding,
Gabriel Willow
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[nysbirds-l] Prospect Park migrants, 8/22

[Gabriel Willow]

I led a walk for NYC Audubon in Prospect Park, Brooklyn this morning, and was 
pleasantly surprised by the number of migrants we encountered.  Earlier emails 
about promising radar & favorable winds last night were spot-on!

We started at Grand Army Plaza at 8am, and made our way along the Rose Garden, 
Vale of Cashmere, through the Midwood, ending by the Lullwater & Boathouse. 
It's a measure of the activity levels that this short route took us 2.5 hours...

Almost immediately upon entering the park we encountered a mixed flock of 
Black-throated Blue Warblers & American Redstarts (about 4 of each). There was 
quite a bit of activity at treetop level of warblers I didn't see well enough 
to ID (twitching twigs, mostly).

We had a stunning male Canada Warbler in the Vale of Cashmere.

In the Midwood we had the most activity, with a mixed flock of Warbling & 
Red-eyed Vireos (cool to see them together), the latter being followed by a 
begging Brown-headed Cowbird fledgling, so presumably they were local breeders.

Nearby we encountered another Canada Warbler, two each of Blue-winged & 
Chestnut-sided Warblers, a Black-and-white Warbler, and more Redstarts (all 
female-type plumage).

The highlight of the walk was an extremely cooperative basic plumage male or 
bright female Blackburnian Warbler feeding at eye-level for about ten minutes.  
A bright male Northern Parula was spotted overhead as well.

Other sightings included a pair of Baltimore Orioles, Eastern Kingbirds, and 
plenty of cardinals, catbirds, and robins (mostly fledglings).

An odd and slightly disturbing sighting was a White-footed Mouse that ran into 
a path right near our feet and commenced running in circles for several 
minutes.  I assume it was suffering the affects of rodenticide?

Aside from that, a lovely morning.
Migration is officially underway!

- Gabriel Willow, NYC Audubon 



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Re: [nysbirds-l] Unknown mammal - escaped illegal pet @ Jamaica Bay East Pond Trail

[Gabriel Willow]

Yes, Paul is correct, it appears to be either a Kinkajou or Olingo (both are 
neotropical cousins of raccoons and ringtails) - notice the prehensile tail, 
which only opossums have around our parts.  Who would have one for a pet, and 
if they did, why would they toss it at a temperate wildlife refuge where it 
surely wouldn't survive the winter?

I hope someone can tempt it down with some bananas or something and send it to 
a zoo or animal rescue. 

You really never know what you'll see in NYC parks!

- Gabriel Willow



> On Aug 14, 2015, at 12:37 PM, Nadine Scarpa  
> wrote:
> 
> Could it be a mink?  From what I understand, they sometimes use trees to 
> escape from predators. 
> 
>> On Fri, Aug 14, 2015 at 12:26 PM, Cesar Castillo  wrote:
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> Yesterday I found this mammal resting at the top of trees to the left of the 
>> blind at Big John's Pond.  It seems to be a an escaped or released illegal 
>> pet.  Does anyone have any idea what it could be?  Check out the Flicker 
>> link.
>> 
>> Escaped/Released Animal
>>  
>>  
>> 
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>>  
>> Escaped/Released Animal
>> View on www.flickr.com
>> Preview by Yahoo
>>  
>>  
>> César 
>> 
>> Una tarde la princesa  vio una estrella aparecer;  la princesa era traviesa  
>> y la quiso ir a coger.  
>> La quería para hacerla  decorar un prendedor,  con un verso y una perla,  
>> una pluma y una flor.  
>> A princesas primorosas  se parecen mucho a ti;  cortan lirios, cortan rosas, 
>>  cortan astros. Son así.
>> -A Margarita Debayle (To Margarita Debayle) by Ruben Dario
>> --
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[nysbirds-l] More NYC Night-Heron News

[Gabriel Willow]

I was on Governors Island today for NYC Audubon's "It's Your Tern" festival, 
celebrating the nesting colonies of Common Terns there (now on all 3 piers 
along Buttermilk Channel, with young ranging in age from week-old little 
fuzzies to fledglings practicing flying the length of the piers).

I visited the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron nest, and am happy to report they have 
2 fairly large nestlings now, which both parents were shading with half-spread 
wings today, in punishing heat & sun.

There is a second YCNH nest which I discovered along with another birder 
yesterday, which has an adult sitting on eggs or chicks. This nest is much 
smaller & more fragile-looking than the aforementioned one that Ben & I 
initially reported.  I only saw one adult at this nest.  I wonder if it doesn't 
have a mate, or if the male at the other nest mated with two females?

Also of note on the island are large numbers of Barn & Northern Rough-winged 
Swallows; I presume both are nesting there.

Good albeit hot birding,

Gabriel Willow



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[nysbirds-l] Louisiana Waterthrush, Bryant Park NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

There is a nice Louisiana Waterthrush working the flower beds on the north side 
of the lawn in Bryant Park. It periodically flies up into the trees too.

No sign of the Chuck-will's-widow, although they are masters of camouflage so 
who knows?

Also seen: Brown Thrasher, W-t Sparrow, Song Sparrow.

Good rainy birding,

Gabriel Willow
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Bryant Park Chuck-will's-widow--YES

[gabriel willow]

Thanks for your thoughtful analysis Angus.  I have been birding in Bryant Park 
for years, and am myself at a loss for why birds often remain there for so 
long.  I think it makes sense that it's a migrant trap in the first place given 
the dearth of other appropriate habitat nearby.  I suspect other similar-sized 
parks like Washington Square, Tompkins, and Madison Square have more migrant 
activity than generally reported as well.  But perhaps less concentrated than 
Bryant Park, due to the more widespread backyard gardens and street trees in 
those neighborhoods.
I also subscribe to the theory that birds get confused and "trapped" by the 
canyon effect and bright lights.  Notably, when viewing from the observation 
deck on the Empire State Building, Bryant Park is quite visible and shines 
green in the flood lights.  I imagine birds, exhausted from circling the ESB 
lights, might drop into the park to rest.  Some seem to thrive and survive 
(Ovenbirds have overwintered there) and others don't make it (one of the two 
Yellow-breasted Chats there a couple of winters ago was found dead).
I wanted to add that NYC Audubon has trained the maintenance staff of Bryant 
Park as part of our Project Safe Flight initiative, which tracks the impact of 
buildings and lights on migratory birds 
(http://www.nycaudubon.org/project-safe-flight), and they report any dead birds 
they find.  They patrol and clean the park constantly, and I'm sure they'd find 
the body of the Chuck-will's-widow, were it to expire, before any scavengers 
did.  But let's hope it finds some snacks and moves on soon, before it comes to 
that.
If anyone finds any dead birds around the city, please report them directly via 
NYC Audubon's D-Bird database: http://d-bird.org/
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon  


 On Thursday, April 16, 2015 12:53 PM, Angus Wilson 
 wrote:
   

 I wonder if any late night visitors to Bryant Park (New York Co.) have seen 
the bird feeding or at least taking flight from its daytime roost? Evidently it 
has moved its roost site each day but on Monday the bird remained in situ well 
after sunset which was surprising. For those who haven't visited at night, the 
park is brightly illuminated at night, including a set of very bright 
floodlights positioned on skyscraper over looking the park. This is due west of 
the roosting sites being used by the Chuck. Indeed, I actually found it easier 
to see details on the bird AFTER the sky had gone dark because of these very 
bright lights shining down from above. 

The park for those who don't know it is quite tiny and developed, yet in past 
few years of close observation has retained many unusual birds (warblers to 
woodcocks) from days or even months and there has been much speculation among 
local observers as to why this is. The enclosed canyon effect of the tall, 
glass-covered buildings all around and the nighttime illumination might be a 
key factor. 

Presumably the bird would need to range beyond the park to feed but returnthere 
 to roost. I have no idea how many suitable insects are flying at this time 
with so little leaf activity on the trees. On Monday, I noticed someone showing 
the chuck to one of the grounds staff. If birds linger until they expire the 
ground staff might come across the carcasses, although I am sure rats and mice 
will make short work of any protein source that falls from the heavens.

Angus Wilson
New York City, NY
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Re: [ebirdsnyc] Fwd: [nysbirds-l] Nightjar in Bryant Park NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

I'm pretty confident at this point that it's a female Chuck-Will's-Widow: 
female by buffy undertail with no white visible.  Phil Jeffrey's post from a 
couple years back has some very helpful points:

http://www.philjeffrey.net/ChuckWhip.html

Like those birds, this one shows a uniformly warm buff undertail, and the whole 
bird is fairly warm brown. It appeared large and large-headed (although not as 
large as some other Chucks I've seen).  I'm not sure this is a good field mark 
(it's surprisingly hard to find good, diagnostic information on this stuff, I 
need a copy of Pyle I guess) but on a Whip-poor-will, the black borders of the 
"braces" appear in pictures to be more solid, further emphasizing the paler 
braces.  On the Chuck, the border is a series of smaller black spots, which was 
the case in this bird.  The throat was brownish, the same tone as breast. In a 
Whip I believe the throat would be darker and the breast/belly grayer & paler.

Any other clinchers I'm missing?

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow


> On Apr 13, 2015, at 10:33 AM, Hugh McGuinness  wrote:
> 
> Nice technical info, but what species of Nightjar is it? ;)
> 
> Hugh
> 
>> On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 10:22 AM, Brian Whipple  
>> wrote:
>> For Gmail users:
>> 
>> Go to Settings, then click the Filters tab, then create the following filter:
>> to: NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu; Do this: Never send it to Spam
>> I frequently get emails from the NYSBirds-L and ebirdsNYC lists with a 
>> yellow banner in the top of the email reading "This message was not sent to 
>> Spam because of a filter you created"—including the email from Gabriel this 
>> morning. 
>> 
>> Here's a Google help page on using filters.
>> 
>>> On Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 9:35 AM, Andrew Baksh  wrote:
>>> Without getting into a lengthy e-mail the issue with Yahoo and Aol has to 
>>> do with both  Yahoo and Aol changing their Domain-based Message 
>>> Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) policy such that “all 
>>> other mail services [are to] reject emails claiming to come from a Yahoo 
>>> user, but not signed by Yahoo.”
>>> 
>>> This policy was put in place to address "spoofing." I won't bore anyone 
>>> with more but be aware that Gmail could follow suit.
>>> 
>>> Cheers,
>>> 
>>> 風　Swift as the wind
>>> 林　Quiet as the forest
>>> 火　Conquer like the fire
>>> 山　Steady as the mountain
>>> Sun Tzu  The Art of War
>>> 
>>>> (\__/)
>>>> (= '.'=)
>>>> (") _ (") 
>>>> Sent from somewhere in the field using my mobile device! 
>>> 
>>> Andrew Baksh
>>> www.birdingdude.blogspot.com
>>> 
>>>> On Apr 13, 2015, at 9:22 AM, Karen Fung easternblueb...@gmail.com 
>>>> [ebirdsnyc]  wrote:
>>>> 
>>>>  
>>>> Update: it was Gabe Willow, so am forwarding.  I see that the message went 
>>>> into my Spam folder.  Seems that quite a few legitimate messages from 
>>>> people using Yahoo or AOL are ending up in Spam when posted to the NYS 
>>>> list.
>>>> Anyone know why?  Karen
>>>> 
>>>> -- Forwarded message --
>>>> From: Gabriel Willow 
>>>> Date: Mon, Apr 13, 2015 at 8:24 AM
>>>> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Nightjar in Bryant Park NYC
>>>> To: NYSBIRDS-L 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> There is a sleeping nightjar, I think a Whippoorwill, on a horizontal 
>>>> branch on the Eastern side of Bryant Park behind library, near NE corner 
>>>> of lawn.
>>>> 
>>>> Many other species present as well.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> 
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>>>> 
>>>> Please submit your observations to eBird:
>>>> http://ebird.org/content/ebird/
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> __._,_.___
>>>> P

[nysbirds-l] Nightjar in Bryant Park NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

There is a sleeping nightjar, I think a Whippoorwill, on a horizontal branch on 
the Eastern side of Bryant Park behind library, near NE corner of lawn.

Many other species present as well.


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[nysbirds-l] Woodcock & Meadowlark, FBF

[Gabriel Willow]

Yesterday (Saturday) evening I led a Spring Equinox woodcock walk for NYC 
Audubon to Floyd Bennett Field.

We arrived around 6pm, so didn't have too much time to look for birds before 
sunset at 7.  In that time, we found some nice early migrants: a pair of 
Killdeer, numerous singing Red-winged Blackbirds, and my FOS Eastern Meadowlark.

We were distracted when some young men driving their pickup truck a bit 
aggressively around the parking lot managed to flip it (not sure how). Luckily 
no one was hurt, but there were a lot of sirens and hubbub when the police, 
firemen, and ambulances came, and all stared at the truck laying there like a 
beetle on its back. They flipped it back over somehow.

Shortly after sunset, the sky was darkening and the Woodcocks still hadn't 
appeared. I was a bit worried that perhaps the previous day's snow had 
dissuaded them from performing, but suddenly we heard a "beent!" And then 
another and another, and all at once we were surrounded by them. There must 
have been at least a dozen displaying, chasing one another, giving their 
territorial chatter. It was quite a show!

As Andrew mentioned of his woodcock walk, they seemed to end early... All 
activity ceased within 45 minutes.  But it was quite a frenzy for that short 
while.

Happy spring,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 



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Re: [nysbirds-l] Female Rose Breasted Grosbeak

[gabriel willow]

There was a female-type Rose-breasted Grosbeak reported from the Bronx Zoo on 
Feb. 17.  That's quite close to NYBG, I wonder if she is the same bird who 
survived the past three weeks or so?  Seems likely.  And if so, I'd guess she 
overwintered, rather than being an early arrival.  There's a photo of the Zoo 
bird on eBird, perhaps it could be determined if it's the same individual by 
molt or plumage details?
Good sighting!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon 

 On Friday, March 13, 2015 6:47 PM, Zach Schwartz-Weinstein 
 wrote:
   

 There's a photo on Facebook and it's definitely a Grosbeak.


On Mar 13, 2015, at 6:41 PM, Will Raup  wrote:


#yiv3409626248 #yiv3409626248 --.yiv3409626248hmmessage 
P{margin:0px;padding:0px;}#yiv3409626248 
body.yiv3409626248hmmessage{font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri;}#yiv3409626248 
It's an almost an extraordinary sighting.
Typical arrival times is late April downstate, and around May 1st for areas 
south of the Adirondacks.
Was female Purple Finch ruled out?  They seem to be moving right now.
Any photos?
Will RaupGlenmont, NY

Date: Fri, 13 Mar 2015 18:36:54 -0400
Subject: [nysbirds-l] Female Rose Breasted Grosbeak
From: croc...@gmail.com
To: NYSbirds-L@cornell.edu


I've been told that this is an early sighting.  New York Botanical Garden, 
Bronx, NY, Thursday 3/12/15 around 2:00 at the swamp (Mitsubishi Wetlands) ...

Sharron Crocker
NYC

-- 
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Visit my website at: UntamedNewYork.com
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[nysbirds-l] Rough-legged Hawks, Red-necked Grebes etc. in BK & QNS

[gabriel willow]

Yesterday I led a daylong trip for NYC Audubon to Floyd Bennett Field, Fort 
Tilden, and nearby locales.
The Rough-legs at FBF put on a great show.  Just like Steve Walter, we only saw 
2 at any given time, but identified them as 3 individuals by plumage.  They 
were hovering, perching on the ground and in bushes, and sitting on signs right 
by the runways.
We also had two American Kestrels, a female Northern Harrier, the immature 
Red-shouldered Hawk perched across Mill Basin by the north end, a couple of 
Cooper's Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks.
A Black-bellied Plover was hanging out with 4 Dunlin near the FBF kayak launch. 
 About 35 Horned Grebes and a couple hundred Greater Scaup were seen in the 
distance out by Ruffle Bar.
Over at Riis Landing, we had 2 Red-throated Loons, one handsome Great Cormorant 
and one Double-crested, and 6 Long-tailed Ducks, mostly males, who were calling 
and displaying.  Otherwise it was pretty quiet there, with fewer ducks than in 
recent weeks.
At Ft. Tilden we saw a flyover flock of at least 60 Horned Larks, and found a 
few in the fields.  We ran into Andrew Baksh, who found a drake Pintail with 
the grazing Brant.  On the beach-side, 4 Red-necked Grebes (one of which was 
already molting into breeding plumage) were swimming in the surf close to the 
sand.  There were also distant flocks of Black Scoter.
We stopped by the Salt Marsh Nature Center to look for the Short-eared Owls, 
which didn't show themselves, but we did have two Northern Harriers, a female 
and a "Gray Ghost", a Killdeer, and single drake Northern Shoveler and American 
Widgeon with the Mallards.
A satisfying day even without any owls.
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Common Merganser CP Reservoir

[Gabriel Willow]

I led a winter bird walk for NYC Audubon in Central Park today.  It was chilly 
and damp but we saw some nice stuff.

Highlights included a stunning male Common Merganser in the reservoir (open 
water near the fountain at south end), along with 3 female Hooded Merganser, 2 
Am. Coot, and numerous mallards, Canada geese, and gulls (no rare gulls that I 
could pick out).

At the feeders we had the lingering Common Redpoll along with ~ 20 American 
Goldfinches, an American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and 4 Fox Sparrows.

A Brown Thrasher was a surprise at Strawberry Fields.  

We also saw 4 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, which seems like a lot for a cold 
winter...

Good Cold Birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Gyrfalcon NO 2/12

[Gabriel Willow]

David Burg and I scoured the area around Blue Chip Farm & the Shawangunk 
Grasslands in Wallkill for the Gyrfalcon today from about 9-1.  We did not 
locate the bird; however, we also noted a surprising absence of other birders, 
only encountering 2 or 3, so it's entirely possible the bird was hiding out 
somewhere undetected (there's a lot of meadows & woods to cover up there).

We went down Old Hoagerburgh Rd, Bates Ln/ Old Fort Rd, Burnt Meadows Rd, Red 
Mill Rd & Watchtower Farm, and Sax/Sac Rd, to no avail.

However, we had a lovely morning and some other nice sightings:

Numerous Red-tailed Hawk (at least 9)
Rough-legged Hawk (2 dark morph & 2-3 light morph, mostly at the Grasslands)
Turkey Vulture (2)
Black Vulture (2)
Merlin (1 female)
American Kestrel (1 male)
Wild Turkey (flock of 19)
Pileated Woodpecker (a confiding pair at close range)
Eastern Bluebird (flock of 5 at Grasslands parking lot)
American Tree Sparrow
Typical feeder birds (titmice, chickadees, juncos, song sparrow etc)

I hope others locate the falcon!

Good winter birding,

Gabriel Willow
Nyc Audubon 




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Re: [nysbirds-l] Sibley's issues - Clarification

[gabriel willow]

Thanks for the heads-up Richard.  FWIW, I just called to have my first printing 
replaced, and the customer service guy on the phone sounded a bit overwhelmed.  
He said they've been getting thousands of calls this morning since this news 
was posted on the internet, but that there wasn't a wholesale replacement 
program or policy in effect.  According the rep, one person had called, and the 
publisher had offered to replace their volume since they were dissatisfied with 
it.  But it's not a more comprehensive policy than that, and he wasn't sure if 
they'd be able to replace mine or not.  We shall see...
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon 

 On Wednesday, February 4, 2015 10:11 AM, Richard Guthrie 
 wrote:
   

 Sorry for bringing this up again, and for my earlier somewhat confusing post 
about the Sibley Guide to Birds..
The problem is with the first printing of the second edition. If you have that 
edition, you'll recognize the issue. If not, no worries.
The colors were off, and more importantly, the print too light, making it very 
difficult to read.
Subsequent printings were fine.
It was a huge disappointment to many of us Sibley fans.
The voluntary action by Knopf is commendable.
To reiterate, if you are in this class, you can call Knopf at 1-800-793-2665 to 
request a free replacement.
-- 
Richard GuthrieNew Baltimore

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[nysbirds-l] Couch's Photos?

[Gabriel Willow]

Hey all,

So although the kingbird has been hiding this far today, CBS News was here to 
film a story on the bird, and they want photos for the piece.  If anyone has 
any good ones and wants to share their photos or video, email them to 
mbaker(at)CBS.com ASAP.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon



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[nysbirds-l] Merry Christmas! Couch's/ Tropical Kingbird in the W. Village (NYC)

[Gabriel Willow]

I recently got word of a possible Western Kingbird in the West Village, 
Manhattan. The bird has apparently been in the area for over a month.

Upon reviewing photos, it appears to actually be a Couch's or Tropical Kingbird.

I haven't seen it yet, but here's the details & photo, courtesy of the person 
who brought the bird to my attention, Zack Winestine:

"The bird is visible from public space.  It is perching in the block-long 
privately-owned public park (ie, the developer built it as part of a deal with 
City Planning, and it's open to the public) which is on the west side of 
Washington Street between Jane and Horatio Streets in Manhattan's Far West 
Village.  It is also perching on the upper balconies of the building which 
overlooks and immediately adjoins the park on the west side, which is 99 Jane 
Street though the bird is perching on the facade of the building which faces 
West, ie is facing towards the park and towards Washington Street between Jane 
and Horatio.

I heard the call briefly.  It was sort of a single-pitch, short, fairly low 
raucous squawk."

It's been quite a Fall/Winter for yellow-bellied kingbirds in NYC!

Happy Holidays,

Gabriel Willow


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[nysbirds-l] Wave Hill (Bronx) 11/9/14

[Gabriel Willow]

I led my monthly 2nd Sunday walk at Wave Hill in Riverdale, The Bronx this 
morning.

We saw 35 species, mostly the usual suspects, but with some nice highlights 
including some surprising late migrant stragglers.

Most unexpected was a female-type Black-throated Green Warbler, apparently the 
first reported to eBird since October 26 in all of NYC! Seen with her was a 
female Black-throated Blue Warbler, and a more expected Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

Also had nice views of an immature Bald Eagle soaring over the Hudson, a 
Sharp-shinned Hawk strafing a Red-tail, a Common Raven croaking while soaring 
by, and Swamp, Song, and a White-crowned Sparrow in addition to numerous 
White-throateds & Juncos. Purple Finches were heard calling in flight but 
remained unseen.

After the walk, this afternoon I spotted two Turkey Vultures and a "gray ghost" 
Northern Harrier soaring south. 

A beautiful fall day!  Now I'm gonna go see if I can find that Dickcissel in 
Inwood...

Good birding,

Gabriel Willow



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Re: [nysbirds-l] huge movement - smiths point suffolk Co

[Gabriel Willow]

I'm in Cape May (not NY I know), and it's a huge morning down here too: 
thousands of robins & blackbirds flying high (Red-winged and Rusty), 
Yellow-rumps & Swamp Sparrows everywhere, siskins & Purple Finches flying over 
regularly as well.  Guess it's hopping all along the coast this AM?

- Gabriel Willow



> On Oct 25, 2014, at 8:17 AM, Mike  wrote:
> 
> Thousands if birds overhead and on the ground at Smiths Point park now. So 
> far mainly sparrows- white throat predominating and lots of overhead Siskins. 
> 
> Mike Cooper
> Ridge NY
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Oct 24, 2014, at 9:35 PM, David Klauber  wrote:
>> 
>> Early this afternoon Bobby Rosetti and I saw an unusual looking junco. The 
>> gray head contrasted strongly with its brown back, and there was a small 
>> black "mask" through the eyes and lores. The underparts were typical 
>> Slate-colored gray and white - no browns or reddish tinges. The closest 
>> match we could find was Red-backed Junco, which should be nowhere near here. 
>> Sorry no photos. If any one is around tomorrow it may be worth a look. It 
>> was along the northern side of the parking lot of field 2, a short distance 
>> west of the entrance booths 
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[nysbirds-l] Central Park Incl. Black-billed Cuckoo etc.

[gabriel willow]

I led two tours for NYC Audubon in Central Park today, mostly around Strawberry 
Fields and The Ramble.  We saw 48 species of birds, not bad considering the 
rain.  Actually, there was quite a bit of activity!  Towhees seemed to be 
everywhere, along with Hermit Thrushes and of course White-throated Sparrows 
which have arrived by the hundreds if not thousands in the park.
Highlights included several Swamp Sparrows; 4 White-crowned Sparrows (an adult 
and an immature at Strawberry Fields, an immature by Tupelo Meadow, and an 
immature at Maintenance); a Black-billed Cuckoo sitting quietly in the rain in 
an oak by the westernmost edge of the Ramble by the lake a bit south of the 
Upper Lobe; and a Tennessee Warbler feeding from Sapsucker wells right by the 
72nd St. entrance (plus 9 other species of warbler).
Full list:
Canada Goose MallardNorthern ShovelerSharp-shinned HawkRing-billed GullRock 
PigeonMourning DoveBlack-billed CuckooRed-bellied WoodpeckerYellow-bellied 
SapsuckerDowny WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerEastern PhoebeBlue-headed VireoBlue 
Jaycrow sp. Corvus sp. (crow sp.)Tufted TitmouseWhite-breasted NuthatchBrown 
CreeperHouse WrenWinter WrenGolden-crowned KingletRuby-crowned KingletHermit 
ThrushWood ThrushGray CatbirdEuropean StarlingOvenbirdBlack-and-white 
WarblerTennessee WarblerCommon YellowthroatAmerican RedstartNorthern 
ParulaMagnolia WarblerBlackpoll WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerYellow-rumped 
WarblerEastern TowheeChipping SparrowSong SparrowSwamp SparrowWhite-throated 
SparrowWhite-crowned SparrowDark-eyed JuncoNorthern CardinalRose-breasted 
GrosbeakIndigo BuntingCommon GrackleHouse Sparrow
Soggy Birding,
Gabriel WillowNYC AudubonWave HillThe WildLab
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[nysbirds-l] Mourning Warbler - NO

[Gabriel Willow]

Ok this is frustrating: I was leading my weekly bird walk in Bryant Park at the 
very moment Sam spotted the Mourning, but we were on the opposite side of the 
park. We arrived at the spot where the Mourning was seen less than ten minutes 
after the report, and no sign of the bird!  Several birders have been gleaning 
the area for the last two hours to no avail.

However, we did turn up a nice Gray-cheeked Thrush as well as a Swainson's, 
Swamp Sparrow, a couple of N. Waterthrushes, many Ovenbirds & Common 
Yellowthroats, an American Redstart, B&W Warbler, Yellow-rumped, Pine, and a 
probable female Blackburnian high in a plane tree.

So plenty of activity here! Wish that Mourning had been a bit more cooperative 
(poor form not showing itself for an Audubon group), but since I saw a 
Connecticut last night, I guess I can't complain...

Onward,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Connecticut Warbler Strawberry Fields

[Gabriel Willow]

There is currently a very cooperative immature CT Warbler in the lawn on the N 
side of Strawberry Fields in Central Park, found by Nadir Souirgi, who joined 
my weekly Central Park evening walk as a guest guide. Nice work!

Oh it just flew to rocks on S side...

Good birding!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park rainy morning migrants

[gabriel willow]

I led the first of a five-week series of walks in Bryant Park this morning 
(they are free, drop-in walks, every Thursday morning from 8-9am).
In spite of the driving rain, we saw a few nice migrants:
Swainson's Thrush (1)Numerous Gray Catbirds, at least 20.Ovenbirds (4 or 
more)Northern Waterthrush (1)Common Yellowthroats (many)Swamp Sparrow (1, FOS 
for me)White-throated Sparrow (1, FOS for me)
I'm sure many more species would have been present or more visible if the 
weather was better...
Soggy birding,
Gabriel Willow
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[nysbirds-l] Cape May Warbler etc, Central Park

[gabriel willow]

I led a walk for NYC Audubon in Central Park this evening, through Strawberry 
Fields and The Ramble. It was pretty quiet, but we had several nice warbler 
sightings.  

Namely:

Northern Parula (several)
Tennessee Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler (dull female)
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Cape May Warbler (quite dull female, in the two pitch pines a bit to the south 
of the Bow Bridge)

Other highlights were numerous Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted 
Grosbeaks at various jewelweed patches, and large numbers (20+) of Chimney 
Swifts bugging out overhead.

Yesterday I was remiss in not writing, but saw Wilson's Warbler, Blue-winged 
Warbler, and Veery in Central Park.  Some nice stuff in spite of low overall 
numbers...

Fall is in the air!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Marbled Godwit JBNWR

[Gabriel Willow]

> Marbled Godwit near the center of East Pond among various gulls. At West Pond 
> spotted a flyover Royal Tern & 2 immature (still dark) Clapper Rails, among 
> the usual suspects.
> 
> Good birding,
> 
> Gabriel Willow
> NYC Audubon

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[nysbirds-l] Marbled Godwit JBNWR

[Gabriel Willow]

Marbled Godwit near the center of East Pond among various gulls. At West Pond 
spotted a flyover Royal Tern & 2 immature (still dark) Clapper Rails, among the 
usual suspects.

Good birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Black Skimmers in Prospect Park, NYC

[Gabriel Willow]

Last night while walking in Prospect Park around 10:30pm, I was surprised to 
see several Black Skimmers emerge from the darkness to silently glide over the 
lake near the new Lakeside Center, with their distinctive skimming motion. 
There were 8 or 9 in the flock. Beautiful birds! I didn't know they frequented 
fresh water away from beaches... They're an unusual sight even in the East 
River.

Nocturnal perambulations reveal many wonders!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Singing Canada Warbler, Crown Hts, BK

[Gabriel Willow]

I haven't really been out looking for warblers lately as I'd assumed most had 
moved on, but while leaving my house this morning I was pleasantly surprised to 
hear the cheerful-sounding song of a Canada Warbler emanating from a honey 
locust street-tree near my apartment in Crown Heights. He was hopping around 
feeding between bouts of song.

I wonder if the dense fog & rain grounded some late northbound migrants last 
night?  Worth a park run most likely...

Good continued migration!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Singing Canada Warbler, Crown Hts BK

[Gabriel Willow]

I haven't really been out looking for warblers lately as I'd assumed most had 
moved on, but while leaving my house this morning I was pleasantly surprised to 
hear the cheerful-sounding song of a Canada Warbler emanating from a honey 
locust street-tree near my apartment in Crown Heights. He was hopping around 
feeding between bouts of song.

I wonder if the dense fog & rain grounded some late northbound migrants last 
night?  Worth a park run most likely...

Good continued migration!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 
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[nysbirds-l] Randall's Island Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

[Gabriel Willow]

I led an NYC Audubon walk around Randall's/Ward's Island today.  It was a very 
beautiful but very quiet day, bird-wise.  We had only common warblers 
(Ovenbird, Magnolia, American Redstart, Chestnut-sided, Yellow);  three species 
of swallow (Barn, Tree, N. Rough-winged); a pair of Gadwall in the restored 
salt marsh; a Peregrine at its nesting site atop the psych hospital building, a 
pair of Killdeer; Eastern Kingbirds; the highlight was a Yellow-Crowned 
Night-Heron on the rocks at the marshy spot at the NE end of the island (which 
was quite flooded compared to previous visits).

A surprising number of Brant remain as well: I counted 190 in the inlet there.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon, etc
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park Lincoln's Sparrow

[Gabriel Willow]

On tonight's Bryant Park walk, we had great views of the continuing Lincoln's 
Sparrow in the corner just to the SW of the lawn.  We also saw its cousin Swamp 
Sparrow, as well as a late Hermit Thrush, continuing White-throated Sparrows 
(which definitely seem to be thinning out overall), and astonishing numbers of 
Ovenbirds (at least 15 individuals). Numerous Common Yellowthroats & a few B&W 
Warblers as well.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC 5/13

[gabriel willow]

Thanks as always for the thorough recap Tom, and for bringing up the touchy 
subject of amplified call/song playback.  It is incumbent on all of us as 
birders, and especially tour guides and professionals, to demonstrate and model 
ethical and considerate behavior.  I appreciate the reminder.

On my two tours in Central Park today, I found a couple of Lincoln's Sparrows 
by the Triplets Bridge, and had lovely close views, but the Clay-coloreds 
continued to evade me (maybe I should have tried to lure them in with 
playback?).

Another bird that was of interest but unfortunately silent was a probable 
Bicknell's Thrush I spotted next to the chip path by the Upper Lobe (alongside 
a Veery and a Swainson's in a veritable field guide tableau vivant!).  It 
appeared slightly smaller than its brethren, and had a warmer tail than back 
and extensive yellow on the lower mandible.  However, I am hesitant to ID this 
bird in the field without hearing its song.  I spent two Summers studying this 
species with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, and know from first-hand 
experience it can be exceedingly difficult to safely ID, even in the hand!  I 
was lucky enough to have one singing on a May morning in my Brooklyn backyard 
several years ago, so I know they do pass through NYC in migration.  I imagine 
this bird will continue northward tonight, but I'm curious if anyone else 
spotted it today, or has heard Bicknell's singing in the city before?

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon, etc.


On Wednesday, May 14, 2014 12:06 AM, Thomas Fiore  wrote:
 
Tuesday, 13 May, 2014 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City

By virtually all accounts and observations, a less-active day than the previous 
12 - twelve days in a row of tremendous migration in terms of both numbers of 
individual birds, and species diversity.  Today, Tues., had a lower diversity 
and overall numbers, yet there were still many birds, and still at least 100 or 
more species in total were observed, by all observers combined. The more 
rarely-seen species of the day before were not reported.

A very good flight of (Atlantic) Brant took place, with one flock moving N-NW 
in early morning totaling more than 500 birds; other flocks were also noticed 
thru early morning, by multiple observers from various vantage points; all of 
these birds seen going in a northerly direction. The reservoir did not seem to 
harbor any drop-ins of these species. 

In the last several days, more Empidonax [genus] flycatchers have been reported 
with species designations, and a relatively few observers have reported hearing 
confirming call notes or even songs from some. Willow Flyctacher, and (ongoing) 
Least Flycatcher were among these, with a much smaller number of reports of the 
other 3 species that migrate through each year. Eastern Wood-Pewees have been a 
bit more vocal as they begin to get to anticipated numbers, with certainly far 
more yet to pass through. Olive-sided Flycatcher has been seen and, by a lucky 
relative few, heard as well, although not today (to my knowledge). E. Kingbird 
numbers have been fine with some diurnal flight also seen, mainly in a.m. hours.

Some extremely late-moving migrants have been noted in Central (and generally 
in a lot of places in the city &/or region), including a rather tardy Louisiana 
Waterthrush today in the Ramble. In the last few days, sightings of 
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Dark-eyed Junco and a few others are 
all notable. Not quite as unusual are some late-ish Palm Warblers still being 
found, even to today in the park's north end, this of the "eastern" type.  It 
is clear by this day that most of the Hermit Thrush have moved on, and so have 
the vast majority of White-throated Sparrows. It will be interesting to see how 
many of these 2 species might show up again in the next push of migrants thru 
the area. Also greatly diminished now in Central are Blue-headed Vireos, 
although a few non-vocal individuals were still around. In general many more 
female birds of many migrant species have been passing through & they may give 
call notes but are not belting out songs,
 lessening the early morning chorus just a bit now. Female Blackpoll Warblers 
have been seen over the last few days, although not in any great numbers! 

Gulls were massed at the reservoir today, and a few Laughing Gulls wandered in 
for a while. Of shorebirds, the two most-common May migrant spp. were again 
seen: Spotted, & Solitary, Sandpiper[s].    Both species of Cuckoo were 
reported again, although most observers continue to see Yellow-billed, 
certainly the species more often found in migration, and a shy local breeder in 
some parts of the city as well.  Common Nighthawks are still sure to pass 
through as May goes along, the showing so far has been fairly impressive for 
the date, still not mid-May, not quite.

Warblers were in good supply but the number of their species today 

[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park NYC Lincoln's Sparrow etc.

[gabriel willow]

I led my twice-weekly bird walk in Bryant Park (that little patch of green 
between 40th & 42nd St from 5th to 6th Ave) this morning from 8-9am.  Things 
are really picking up there!

Most of the activity was high in the treetops, with a few birds skulking in 
flower beds and various corners.  There were many warblers way up in the 
foliage that I couldn't see well enough to ID, so this is almost certainly an 
incomplete list.

The most abundant migrants were Gray Catbirds and Ovenbirds, which seemed to be 
under every shrub and table, and confusingly were high in the London Plane 
trees as well.

Highlights of the walk were 2 late-seeming Prairie Warblers (a male and a 
female), and a Lincoln's Sparrow that landed in a plane at the NE corner of the 
lawn, near the Library.

Full list:

Double-crested Cormorant (flyover flock, headed West)
Rock Pigeon
Red-eyed Vireo
European Starling (actually unusual in the park, but a pair is now nesting)
American Robin
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
Gray Catbird (many)
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler (several)
Prairie Warbler (2)
Black-and-White Warbler
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Towhee
White-throated Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole (flyover)
House Sparrow

May the Birds Be With You,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon etc.
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Re:[nysbirds-l] Chuck has been refound

[Gabriel Willow]

It's still there as of 7:45pm, in a horse chestnut tree to the NE of 
maintenance.  A group of birders are there waiting for it to fly, but it looks 
content on its branch for now.

Also seen in same tree or the plane tree next door: a male Blackburnian 
Warbler, a female Baltimore Oriole, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and a pair of 
Warbling Vireos...

Nice evening!

Gabriel Willow

> On May 5, 2014, at 4:29 PM, Anders Peltomaa  wrote:
> 
> Still in class, but here you go
> 
> nightjar NE corner maintenance meadow in top of chestnut tree. 4:25 Kevin 
> Topping
> 
> Reply #UNSUB NYNYBIRD to leave group.
> 
> Anders Peltomaa
> ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.' – 
> Martin Luther King, Jr.
> 
>> On May 5, 2014 3:43 PM, "Jacob Drucker"  wrote:
>>  
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Just a quick update-- the Central Park Chuck-wills Widdow was chased out of 
>> Maintenance meadow at about 12:48 by an American Robin and disappeared to 
>> the east. 
>> 
>> There has been an orange-crowned warbler in the area for some consolation.
>> 
>> Good luck anyway,
>> Jacob Drucker
>> Amherst, MA
>> 
>> __._,_.___
>> Reply via web post   •Reply to sender•Reply to group 
>> •   Start a New Topic   •   Messages in this topic (1)
>> ebirdsnyc: bird sightings from the NYC area
>> VISIT YOUR GROUP New Members 5
>> • Privacy • Unsubscribe • Terms of Use 
>> .
>>  
>> 
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> 
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park, NYC 5-5

[gabriel willow]

I led the Monday edition of my twice-weekly tour of Bryant Park this morning.  
BP has been strangely quiet this Spring, especially recently compared to 
certain *other* small urban parks in NYC.  Today we managed a fairly 
respectable list of 20 or so species, although we had to work for them.

White-throated Sparrows were the most evident species, hopping and singing on 
all sides.  Gray Catbirds were also much in evidence, a huge change considering 
I hadn't seen any at all before Friday.  Today we spotted a dozen or more.  
Also seen (mostly single birds) were an unidentified small flycatcher high in 
the trees near the SW corner of the park (I think it was an Eastern Wood-Pewee 
based on long primary projection, but it looked very yellow could've been 
the morning light), an American Robin, Hermit Thrush, House Wren, 
Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbirds, a singing Northern Waterthrush (which went 
unseen), Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Towhee, Swamp Sparrow and a flyover 
Baltimore Oriole.

In front of the Library, there was a Wood Thrush hanging out in the honey 
locusts with a Brown Thrasher, and two Turkey Vultures sailed overhead down 5th 
Ave.

Not great, not bad...

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
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[nysbirds-l] More detailed Madison Sq Park report

[gabriel willow]

On Saturday, May 3, 2014 6:54 PM, Gabriel Willow  
wrote:
 
Turned out to be a pretty good day in some smaller parks too! I was in Madison 
Sq Park, NYC (by the Flatiron Building), not birding per se, happened to glance 
up and there was a male Prothonotary Warbler! Thanks to Matthew & Anders for 
helping me get the word out.

The Prothonotary has been there for at least an hour, investigating various 
trees in the SW sector of the park, and singing on occasion. 

There was a nice diversity of other species as well: a Yellow-bellied 
Sapsucker, single Black-throated Green & Black & White Warblers, a male 
Northern Parula, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Red-eyed Vireo, and on the lawn, 
a single Ovenbird alongside at least eight Hermit Thrushes.

An additional surprise was a Common Raven flying right down 23rd St, westbound!

I then biked to Bryant Park, which in spite of the overall abundance today 
remained strangely quiet. Mostly sparrows: a Swamp & a beautiful male Eastern 
Towhee in the maintenance area, and flocks of Chipping & White-throated in the 
treetops.

Happy Holi... It was a festival of colors today indeed!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] More detailed Madison Sq Park report

[Gabriel Willow]

Turned out to be a pretty good day in some smaller parks too! I was in Madison 
Sq Park, NYC (by the Flatiron Building), not birding per se, happened to glance 
up and there was a male Prothonotary Warbler! Thanks to Matthew & Anders for 
helping me get the word out.

The Prothonotary has been there for at least an hour, investigating various 
trees in the SW sector of the park, and singing on occasion. 

There was a nice diversity of other species as well: a Yellow-bellied 
Sapsucker, single Black-throated Green & Black & White Warblers, a male 
Northern Parula, two Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a Red-eyed Vireo, and on the lawn, 
a single Ovenbird alongside at least eight Hermit Thrushes.

An additional surprise was a Common Raven flying right down 23rd St, westbound!

I then biked to Bryant Park, which in spite of the overall abundance today 
remains strangely quiet. Mostly sparrows: a Swamp & beautiful male Eastern 
Towhee in the maintenance area, and flocks of Chipping & White-throated in the 
treetops.

Happy Holi... It was a festival of colors today indeed!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Prothonotary Warbler Madison Sq Park nyc

[Gabriel Willow]

Just spotted a male Prothonotary Warbler in the tree at the SW corner of 
Madison Sq Park (the tall tree behind the Seward statue).

Also seen: B&W Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, about 8 
Hermit Thrushes on the lawn in the center of the park, alongside an Ovenbird.

Not bad for 5 minutes of birding while passing through!

Gabriel Willow 
NYC Audubon
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Central Park, NYC 4/29

[Gabriel Willow]

Thanks as always for the detailed report Tom (and for the shout-out you gave me 
yesterday!).

I'll add a couple of sightings from my NYC Audubon walk this evening: we had 
two Field Sparrows in that patch of fragrant sumac between Cherry Hill & the 
Lower Lobe (by where the weeping willow used to stand).  Over the lake we had 
the two lingering Northern Rough-winged Swallows with a pair of Barn & one Tree 
Swallow.  

While we were watching them, a Black-crowned Night-Heron flew in and roosted 
nearby in a willow.

Warbler-wise, all we had were Palm, Yellow-rumped (many), B&W, and we heard but 
couldn't spot a singing N. Parula.  We also had a number of Blue-gray 
Gnatcatchers (which apparently are nesting again in Prospect Park, so that 
would be worth keeping an eye out for in CP as well).

It was an awfully chilly, damp, and windy evening though, and I got the sense 
that many birds, like the birders, were laying low.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 

> On Apr 29, 2014, at 9:01 PM, Thomas Fiore  wrote:
> 
> Tuesday, 29 April, 2014 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City
> 
> A few additions to the spring arrivals - Veery & Wood Thrush, each of which 
> sang at times as did a few Hermit Thrush, sotto voce... & a bit more vocal, 
> in infrequent hearings and a few bright sightings, Great Crested Flycatcher & 
> Scarlet Tanager; also present in a few places were E. Phoebes, & at least 1 
> E. Kingbird. There were some birds in a lot of odd little areas that birders 
> don't get to all that often, except in passing... the warbler discovered 
> Monday is some proof that anything might be found anywhere, not just those 
> well-trodden and best-known locations, in a trodden place as 
> a-million-visitors-a-week Central Park is.
> 
> A Yellow-throated Warbler remained in the area south of 72 Street, more 
> specifically it was for some time in the mid-day & afternoon in trees at the 
> s. & s.w. edges of Sheep Meadow, that is north of a path that parallels the 
> W. 66 Street transverse road. It was singing even in rather dismal & chill 
> weather, and so were some of the other songbirds including the above, as well 
> as the more numerous Hermit Thrushes. Warblers besides the rarer one noted 
> included at least a dozen species, with Ovenbird, both Waterthrush spp., N. 
> Parula, Prairie, and others previously-noted found. It seemed some of the 
> waterfowl present recently may have moved on. A quick look at the reservoir & 
> lake did not reveal any uncommon species, but it's well worth looking at 
> almost any water body or shoreline with some of the sightings that have made 
> news in the region (as well as eyes to the skies...)!
> 
> good - "where the Zone-tailed Hawk flies by the Ptarmigan" [northeastern] - 
> birding...
> 
> Tom Fiore,
> Manhattan
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [nysbirds-l] additional Central Park, NYC 4/23

[gabriel willow]

Thanks as always for the comprehensive updates Tom!  I had the good fortune to 
be leading an NYC Audubon walk in the Ramble yesterday evening, and we had 
wonderful views of the Cerulean (probably the best I've ever had of this 
species, and no neck-strain required), and some nice nearby Blue-gray 
Gnatcatchers, male and female.  The Pine Warbler we saw by the "Riviera" (not 
sure if it's the same bird Tom mentioned) was an exceptionally dull individual, 
presumably a first-year female, with just a hint of yellow on the throat.  The 
other highlight was a pair of N. Rough-winged Swallows over the Lower Lobe and 
Lake, where, the day before, I had seen a Silver-haired Bat, a "life bat" for 
me.

Things seem to be picking up!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014 9:55 PM, Thomas Fiore  wrote:
 
Wed., 23 April, 2014 - Central Park, Manhattan, N.Y. City

Additional to the male Cerulean Warbler, which was essentially seen for 12+ 
hours, right through early evening in the area previously mentioned as well as 
occasionally moving east a bit in trees along the lake shore (the bird 
apparently remained song-less), there were both a Spotted Sandpiper& a Wilson's 
Snipe- this latter at least the 3rd of season in Central - each at Turtle Pond, 
simultaneously.  A really nice sighting by Nadir Sourgi at the north end was of 
a male Purple Martin, a species that is not often noted from Central or 
Manhattan, but could easily be annual & also very scarce there. (the martin did 
not linger, thus no alerts were sent; it may have gone on towards the north.)   
Later in the day, I joined Nadir for a while and we had a Hummingbirdzip by at 
the n. end - of course, presumed a Ruby-throated. While we found things a bit 
quieter at the late hour of the day up there, Nadir mentioned that there had 
actually been 2 male Prairie
 Warblers in the area where I earlier reported one singing - these 2 were 
counter-singing around the noon hour. We also had 3 Snowy Egretsfly over in 
unison on that n. end-of-the-park east-&-west-bound fly-way, as well as 
multiple Great Egrets. Later at the reservoir, a search for a possible "late" 
red-necked grebe was cut short by wind, chill, & approaching dusk... a number 
of Great Egrets came in there to feed.  

Good birding,

Tom Fiore
Manhattan
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[nysbirds-l] Red-necked Grebe etc, NY Harbor

[Gabriel Willow]

On today's NYC Audubon Winter Eco-cruise, we had some great sightings:

In Buttermilk Channel by Governor's Island, we had a large flock of a couple 
hundred Scaup (all Greater I believe), also several Buffleheads, Red-breasted 
Merganser, Gadwall, Am. Black Duck, and Double-crested Cormorant. 

In Erie Basin there was the lingering American Coot, more of the above ducks, a 
Horned Grebe, and a few American Widgeon. In the harbor off of Redhook we had a 
number of Red-throated Loons and a bit further out (somewhere off of Sunset 
Park) we had a pair of Red-necked Grebes.  

Several more Loons were spotted around the harbor & narrows (probably 8 
Red-throated & 3 Common), as well as a number of Horned Grebes & the usual gull 
species.

By Hoffman Island we spotted several small flocks of Long-tailed Ducks and 
American Black Ducks.

Swinburne Island had a charming gang of Harbor Seals loafing on the rocks (at 
least a dozen, including several small yearling pups).

Birds on & around Swinburne included a few Purple Sandpipers, a Ruddy 
Turnstone, several sanderling, a flyby Common Goldeneye, and a Great Cormorant.

Not a bad day! 

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Red-necked Grebe etc. NY Harbor

[gabriel willow]

While leading an NYC Audubon Winter Birds & Seals eco-cruise today around NY 
Harbor, we saw some nice birds.  Several large rafts of Scaup (mostly Greater I 
think, but too distant for me to safely say) were sheltering along Governor's 
Island and the Red-hook shore, probably totalling about 400 birds.  Also dozens 
of Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, and a couple of Hooded Merganser.  In 
Erie Basin, we saw several Gadwall, an American Wigeon, a single American Coot, 
and Black Ducks.

Out near Swinburne & Hoffman Islands, past the Verrazanno Narrows, we saw 
numerous Long-tailed Ducks, a few Common Goldeneye, a Common Loon and a Horned 
Grebe.  Also a half-dozen Harbor Seals in the water by Swinburne, which were 
unusually acrobatic, splashing with their flippers and porpoising clear out of 
the water on several occasions.

On the way back, I tried to see the Common Gull as we passed Veteran's Memorial 
Pier, which at that very moment Andrew et al were observing, but it was too far 
away (it was pretty confusing trying to explain to the folks on the tour that 
there were a bunch of common gulls around the pier, and one rare gull, called 
the Common Gull!).  However, we had a great view of a Red-necked Grebe in the 
water off of the sewage treatment plant, which is the first I recall seeing in 
NY Harbor in some time.  It took flight and headed west towards Staten Island.  

A nice (if brisk) afternoon out on the water!

Stay warm,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Wave Hill, Riverdale, BX, Bald Eagle etc

[Gabriel Willow]

I led a morning walk @ Wave Hill today for NYC Audubon. It was a pretty good 
day for raptors: an adult Bald Eagle soaring repeatedly over the grounds & the 
Hudson; an adult Peregrine Falcon soaring & stooping; a Merlin (which briefly 
strafed the Peregrine); and an immature Red-tailed Hawk.

Other highlights included a large flock of Cedar Waxwings & a single 
Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon 
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[nysbirds-l] Pelham Bay Park 11/23

[gabriel willow]

I led a trip to Pelham Bay Park today with NYC Audubon, and we had a pretty 
great day.  It was a lovely sunny fall day (clouding up as the afternoon 
progressed).  Our first stop was by the landfill & a visit to the Granny Oak.  
We encountered a mixed flock of sparrows (mostly Song & White-throated) which 
included my FOS American Tree Sparrow and Fox Sparrow.  There were also lots of 
American Goldfinches feeding on sweetgum seeds, and a Northern Harrier & pair 
of American Kestrels flying over the landfill.  I think I heard some distant 
Pipit calls too, but they were very faint.

Over by Turtle Cove we encountered one of the stunning adult Red-headed 
Woodpeckersthat have been delighting birders in that area for weeks.  We also 
had a lovely singleton Rusty Blackbird, another Fox Sparrow, several Eastern 
Towhees, a pair of Carolina Wrens, and lots more Song & White-throated Sparrows 
in the dense shrubbery by the chip path.  The Cove Pond had a Great Blue Heron, 
a pair of Hooded Mergansers, several Black Ducks, and a bunch of Mallards.

Off of Orchard Beach we had a Red-throated Loon (my FOS), a couple of Common 
Loons, a single female Black Scoter, dozens of Bufflehead (probably at least 60 
actually),  and 3 or 4 Horned Grebes.

On a rock in the water off Two Trees Island, a Black Duck was accompanied by 
two Purple Sandpipers (also my FOS... a bunch of firsts today!).  It's an 
exceptionally beautiful spot and we saw some great birds, I definitely need to 
get up there more often!

On the drive back, we spotted a Common Raven flying just south of Coop City 
(presumably one of the birds that breeds there, or their young).

Winter birding is coming,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon

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Re: [nysbirds-l] hummingbird additional

[Gabriel Willow]

Looked for hummingbird around 5pm with Alan Drogin & a couple other birders, 
but no sign of it. Did have some tasty holiday market snacks though...

Maybe it'll return in the AM?

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow

> On Nov 23, 2013, at 4:46 PM, Alice Deutsch  wrote:
> 
> Probable Selasphorus sp.
> A. Deutsch
> 
> 
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[nysbirds-l] Cape May Warblers, Common Nighthawk, etc. in Central Park

[gabriel willow]

We saw & heard some nice stuff on my NYC Audubon walk around the Great Hill 
area of Central Park this evening.  Several warblers remain around the 
sapsucker wells to the NW corner of the Great Hill (to the left of the 
fenced-in area by the bathrooms).  There were 2, possibly 3 bright Cape May 
Warblers, 2 Black-throated Blue Warblers (1 male, 1 female), an American 
Redstart, a Vermivora I saw briefly but couldn't ID (Orange-crowned or 
Tennessee, leaning towards the latter), a Blue-headed Vireo, and of course a 
number of Sapsuckers.

It seems like there's a movement in the last couple days of species that 
largely passed through earlier, but there's some stragglers.  Yesterday and 
today in this same area I heard (but didn't see) a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and 
yesterday I had a female Indigo Bunting there as well (closer to the 103 St 
entrance).

The other highlight this evening was a flyover Common Nighthawk, spotted from 
the Great Hill (t was headed southward); 3 Field Sparrows, several Swamp 
Sparrows, and numerous Kinglets of both species.

Beautiful fall day in the park!

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park NYC Lincoln's Sparrow et al

[Gabriel Willow]

I led my weekly NYC Audubon bird walk in Bryant Park this morning.  Warblers 
were few, but sparrows were surprisingly diverse.

The highlight was the presence of at least 3 Lincoln's Sparrows, a Swamp 
Sparrow, and an influx of White-throated Sparrows. Common Yellowthroats of 
various ages & sexes seemed to be in every shrub as well.

We also had a pair of Brown Thrashers & a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

2 of the Lincoln's were in the begonia patch with the birdbath on the north 
side of the park, if anyone wants to look for 'em.

Here's the full list:

Peregrine Falcon (flyover)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Gray Catbird
Brown Thrasher
Common Yellowthroat
Ovenbird
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
House Sparrow

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Hooded Warbler Central Park

[Gabriel Willow]

There is currently a male Hooded Warbler @ Strawberry Fields (on the right as 
you walk down the path, in the bushes behind the lawn). Also spotted a 
Blackpoll, B-t Blue, Redstarts, Magnolias, and a flyover Northern Harrier. 

Ok back to the tour!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Mourning Warbler etc, Central Park

[Gabriel Willow]

I led a walk in Central Park for NYC Audubon yesterday evening from 5-6:30. We 
walked from Strawberry Fields down past the Lower Lobe to the Ramble. The most 
sightings were actually right at Strawberry Fields, on the grassy area to the 
right as you walk down the hill.

The highlight was a first-year Mourning Warbler hopping along in the grass, 
along with a Common Yellowthroat for a good comparison.  There were also a 
number of Northern Flickers feeding on the ground (presumably on ants/insects) 
and on sumac berries, several Swainson's Thrushes (which incidentally I've been 
seeing around for several weeks), a Black-throated Green Warbler, numerous 
Magnolia Warblers (by far the most abundant warbler of the day), and several 
Brown Thrashers.  

Down along the Lower Lobe there were at least 5 R-t Hummingbirds and a female 
R-b Grosbeak feeding among the jewelweed.

We spotted several White-throated Sparrows as well, they seem to be moving in 
real numbers now, compared with the individual early outliers that were around 
last week.

It's officially Fall!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Jamaica Bay: Gull-billed Tern, YB Cuckoo

[Gabriel Willow]

Today I led a biking & birding trip out to Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge for NYC 
Audubon. We had a nice 18-mile ride followed by some walking & birding.

Highlights included:

A Yellow-billed Cuckoo right over the blind at Big John's Pond!

A Gull-billed Tern hawking dragonflies at the edge of the bay to the north of 
East Pond (across the gravel service road).  It had been reported earlier in 
the day from West Pond, so either it's moving around or there's more than one.

About 15 Short-billed Dowitchers, a dozen Lesser Yellowlegs, 5 Greater 
Yellowlegs, 4 Least Sandpipers, and two Stilt Sandpipers in beautiful breeding 
plumage.

Also both egrets, both night-herons, Great Blue Heron, and Glossy Ibis.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Belated NYC Bald Eagle & Common Loon

[gabriel willow]

Hello All,

My apologies for this much-belated report, the birds could be gone or could 
still be present, but seem worth mentioning nonetheless.

On my Jamaica Bay Eco-Cruise for NYC Audubon on Sunday, June 30th, we spotted 
an adult Bald Eagle flying over the water near Rockaway Community Park.  I 
don't hear about too many adult summertime Bald Eagles in NYC, has anyone else 
spotted any?

On a similar note, we passed a basic-plumage type Common Loon swimming in the 
bay; this is another species I don't recall seeing here in the summer.  I 
assume it was a first-year bird since it was in basic-type plumage, but I 
didn't get a close enough look to see if it was browner like a young bird.

Other highlights were: Peregrine Falcon; Black Skimmer, Common, Forster's, and 
Least Tern feeding together in the bay; and numerous American Oystercatchers 
all around the shallows.

Cheers,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Lincoln's Sparrow & possible Bicknell's Thrush, Bryant Park

[gabriel willow]

Apologies for the belated notice, but on yesterday's (final for the season) NYC 
Audubon Bryant Park Bird Walk, we had nice views of a Lincoln's Sparrow in the 
plant bed in the NW corner with a square of boxwoods in the middle (just to the 
east of the 'Wichcraft kiosks).  In the same spot there was also a likely 
Bicknell's Thrush: a small Gray-cheeked type, with extensive yellow on the 
lower mandible (and some on the base of the upper) and a distinctly warm tail.  
However, it wasn't singing, so I can't say with certainty.  
It might be worthwhile to lurk around there a bit in the evening or early 
morning to see if it sings.  Then again, it may well have moved on last night.
Other sightings included a late Hermit Thrush, numerous Common Yellowthroats 
and Ovenbirds, American Redstart, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Red-eyed 
Vireo, and Swamp Sparrow.
Good midtown birding,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubonwww.facebook.com/urbannaturalist
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[nysbirds-l] Y-b Cuckoo in Bryant Park

[Gabriel Willow]

Had a great bird walk in Bryant Park this morning! Highlights were good views 
of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo in the top of London Planes along the south side, and 
a bird that I believe was a female Cerulean Warbler.  I would like for someone 
else to spot it, as I don't have much experience with this bird, but I'm pretty 
sure of the ID:

Short tail, long wings, chunky, buffy underparts with smudgy streaks on flanks, 
bold buff/yellowish supercilium. Couldn't make out any blue tones.
Was high in Planetrees as well.

Other species seen: 

Least Flycatcher
Hermit Thrush
Gray Catbird (many)
American Redstart (many)
Black-and-White Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Common Yellowthroat (many)
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush 
Eastern Towhee
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow

There's a lot of activity when & where the sun hits the treetops...

Good birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Wave Hill, Bronx: Orchard Oriole etc.

[gabriel willow]

Had a lovely morning at Wave Hill, leading a Mother's Day bird walk.  
Highlights were 2 very cooperative pairs of Baltimore Orioles, hopping about in 
cherry trees at eye-level, 2 male Orchard Orioles, and about ten species of 
warbler (many heard but not seen, all singing):
Northern ParulaYellow WarblerChestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia 
WarblerBlack-throated Blue WarblerBlack-throated Green WarblerPrairie 
WarblerBlackpoll WarblerAmerican RedstartCommon Yellowthroat
Other highlights included Scarlet Tanager, Fish Crows with twigs in their beaks 
(thinking of nesting nearby, or just playing?), Turkey Vulture, Peregrine 
Falcon & Merlin flyovers, Warbling & Blue-headed Vireos, and a Robin feeding 
her nestlings, perfect for Mother's Day.
Enjoy the day,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Prothonotary on The Point

[Gabriel Willow]

Looking at a stunning male Prothonotary Warbler on the point of The Point in 
Central Park right now, he's hopping on the ground.

Other highlights this afternoon include seeing 6+ Baltimore Orioles, numerous 
Blackpoll Warblers, a Wilson's Warbler & female Hooded Warbler on the Point.
Hermit, Swainson's, Wood Thrushes & Veery.

Also a lovely Green Heron at the Upper Lobe...

Woohoo!

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park Migrants

[gabriel willow]

My twice-weekly NYC Audubon walk in Bryant Park finally had some action 
yesterday, as many birds seemed to be moving through the area.
We had:
Gray Catbird (3)Warbling Vireo (2)Northern Parula (2 males)Palm Warbler 
(1)Common Yellowthroat (2 males)Prairie Warbler (1 female)and some lingering 
White-throated Sparrows
Most of the birds were feeding high in the treetops, with the exception of the 
Palm.
Oh, and there's a Common Loon in breeding plumage on the Reservoir in Central 
Park.
Today will probably be even better!
Cheers,
Gabriel Willo.facebook.com/urbannaturalist
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[nysbirds-l] Bald Eagle, Raven, etc. @ Wave Hill (Riverdale)

[gabriel willow]

I led my monthly walk at Wave Hill this morning, and although migratory 
songbirds were sparse (perhaps due to NW winds), we had some nice sightings:
a third-year Bald Eagle, being dive-bombed by a Great Black-backed Gull, which 
looked petite in comparisonA large V of Double-crested Cormorants, headed north 
over the Hudsona Common Raven, flying across the Hudson and headed east, which 
did a barrel-roll as it flew overheadA pair of calling Fish CrowsAn Osprey, 
flying up the HudsonPalm and Pine WarblersBoth kinglet species
I also forgot to report it in a timely fashion, but yesterday in Prospect Park, 
in addition to tons of Pine Warblers (probably close to 20 around the 
Lullwater), Palm Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, both Kinglets, and several 
Brown Creepers, I had a lovely FOS Yellow-throated Vireo right near the 
Boathouse, gleaning the leaf-buds in a sugar maple.  It looks like there's one 
record from April 8 on eBird, but otherwise this is pretty early for this 
species.
Spring!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Quiet evening in Bryant Park

[gabriel willow]

It was a quiet evening for the NYC Audubon Bryant Park bird walk from 5-6 PM.  
The remaining American Woodcock was spotted by a birder, but not seen by our 
group. Apparently it was poking around in the ivy on the northern edge of the 
park, near the mid-block subway entrance.
Although we failed to find the Woodcock, we spotted at least 4 Eastern Towhees 
(3 males and a female), several Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, a Chipping 
Sparrow, and a lone Palm Warbler uncharacteristically high in a tree at the SE 
corner of the park, above the maintenance area.  A Hermit Thrush was also 
lurking around in the maintenance area.
Hopefully once this cold front & rain blows through, some more migrants will 
arrive...
Good birding,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park Woodcocks & other migrants

[gabriel willow]

This morning I led the first of the season's series of walks in Bryant Park 
with NYC Audubon. 
It was a lovely morning, and the park had a nice diversity of birds, in spite 
of the large numbers of humans and the relative lack of plant cover.
The highlights of the morning included two male Eastern Towhees hopping around 
out in the open in the middle of the lawn, along with at least a dozen Song 
Sparrows and three Dark-eyed Juncos.  I suspect they all landed together last 
night.  Later in the season the towhees tend to hide in hedges, but while 
migrating unexpected behaviors can be seen.
The other highlight was not one but two American Woodcocks sheltering in the 
vegetation of the hedgerow on the south side of the lawn.  One of the birds was 
actively bobbing along and probing the soil for worms, the other was hunkered 
down sleeping under a yew shrub, seemingly as oblivious of the numerous people 
hurrying to work on a path a few feet away as they were of it.  One of my 
favorite aspects of birding in Bryant Park is seeing how many people can walk 
right by such a remarkable bird as a woodcock without even realizing it's 
there; even better is when the commuters see a group of people staring with 
binoculars, and are surprised to discover what they're looking at.
Other species seen were many White-throated Sparrows, two Hermit Thrushes, a 
Northern Flicker, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and a small flock of American 
Robins.
Onward,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Prospect Park L. Waterthrush etc.

[gabriel willow]

In spite of the cool and very windy conditions, I had a pretty productive day 
in Prospect Park (I was outside in the park all day for work).
There were large numbers of Red-winged Blackbirds and American Robins 
everywhere, including some big, dark individuals of the latter that I suspect 
are heading to Atlantic Canada.  Also seen were numerous Eastern Phoebes: at on 
point on the Peninsula I had 5 in one tree.  Overall I'd say I spotted at least 
a dozen.A nice bright male Pine Warbler was working the trees near the Binnen 
Pool.
My best sighting of the day was a Louisiana Waterthrush bobbing and wagging 
along the retaining wall at the edge of the Peninsula, just to the south of the 
fishing beach.  There was also a flock of 5 Ruddy Ducks; the males have molted 
into their beautiful breeding plumage.Swooping over the Lullwater was a mixed 
flock of Tree and FOY Barn Swallows.
Near the Boathouse there was an Osprey soaring overhead along with several 
Red-tailed Hawks.  While I was standing there, an object fell from the sky at 
great speed and hit the ground with an audible thump.  I thought it was a 
high-tossed football.  But then it sat up and revealed itself as a male 
American Kestrel.  He lifted off with a sparrow of some sort in his tallons, 
calling a victorious "kli-kli-kli-kli".  Impressive. 
Tomorrow I begin my twice-weekly walks in Bryant Park; hopefully there will be 
some migrants to see there as well.
Happy Spring,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Prospect Park: Common Merganser, Pine Siskin, etc

[gabriel willow]

While working in Prospect Park, Brooklyn today, I took a quick jaunt outside 
and was surprised by the amount of bird activity in spite of the wind and iffy 
weather.  
Up at the feeders by Breeze Hill there was a large flock of Red-winged 
Blackbirds (about 30 birds); the males were "konk-a-ree"ing despite the wintry 
conditions.  They know Spring is almost here.  Also at the feeders were several 
Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Am. Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, W-t 
Sparrows, and 9 or 10 Pine Siskins, which I haven't seen in several weeks.  
Down on the Lullwater/Lake area (between the Terrace Bridge and Lakeside 
construction) there was a nice diversity of waterfowl: two Bufflehead, a dozen 
Ruddy Ducks, several Am. Coot, six Hooded Mergansers, and more surprisingly, 
with the hoodies was a lovely female Common Merganser.  There were also two 
female Ring-necked Ducks in the mixed flock.
Stay warm,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Razorbill, Purple Sandpiper & more in NY Harbor

[gabriel willow]

I led my weekly Winter Eco-Cruise for NYC Audubon yesterday, and we had a great 
day.  In addition to the ever-popular Harbor Seals, we spotted Great and 
Double-crested Cormorants on Governor's Island; Red-throated Loon, Gadwall, 
Black Duck, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser in Erie Basin; Common and 
more Red-throated Loons off of Bay Ridge; and big rafts of Brant, Long-tailed 
Duck, Common Goldeneye, and Greater Scaup near Hoffman Island.  We also spotted 
3 Purple Sandpipers on the rocks of Hoffman Island, and had a close flyby 
Razorbill near Swinburne Island.  It was headed up the harbor, seen 
disappearing under the Verrazano Bridge, so it would be worth scanning from the 
Veteran's Memorial Pier or other points in Bay Ridge or Staten Island for 
alcids.
Another nice cruise!  Due to popular demand, we've extended them through March 
3rd (every Sunday afternoon).  There's a heated cabin and complimentary hot 
cocoa, so it's a pretty cushy way to see some seabirds.
Stay warm,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Iceland Gull etc. in NY Harbor

[gabriel willow]

I led a seabirds and seals tour around NY Harbor for NYC Audubon yesterday 
afternoon (1/27).  
It was a relatively balmy and calm day, and low tide, which allowed for 
excellent views of sunning seals on the rocks of Swinburne Island.
Bird highlights included large rafts of Greater Scaup, several Buffleheads and 
Common Goldeneye, a couple of Red-throated and Common Loons, Northern Gannets 
diving in the distance, and a first-winter Iceland Gull hanging out with the 
Herring and Ring-billed Gulls on Swinburne.  There were also one or two Great 
Cormorants, many fewer than the 20+ we had on last week's cruise.  Where do 
they go?
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Wintery Birds @ Jones Beach 1/26

[gabriel willow]

I led a winter birding excursion for NYC Audubon to Jones Beach yesterday.  I 
think the Snowy Owl has been widely-reported enough that I can mention him 
without crossing any ethical bounds... and what a treat!  It was actually my 
first Snowy Owl... I've been chasing this bird all over the Northeast for 
25-odd years, and they've somehow always eluded me, until now.  I have now seen 
every owl species in North America, a good feeling!
He was sort of the ultimate Snowy Owl too: all white, and just massive 
(although I assume females are larger still).
We had a flock of about 14 Snow Buntings fly right over the owl, quite an 
arctic tableau!
Additional sightings of interest included a Marsh Wren hopping along the edge 
of the phragmites by a path; about 30-40 Horned Larks near the Coastguard 
Station; a couple Northern Gannets flying over the waves, several Red-throated 
and Common Loons, and great views of a young Peregrine Falcon and a couple of 
Northern Harriers hunting over the marshes and dunes.
Not a bad day!
One thing we missed was Purple Sandpiper; I haven't seen any at their usual 
hangout in Redhook either this winter.
Stay warm,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] NY Harbor seabirds & seals 1/6/13

[gabriel willow]

I have been remiss in not posting in a long time (various sightings of 
crossbills and tree sparrows and such around the five boroughs), but a harbor 
eco-cruise I led for NYC Audubon today yielded such a rich assortment of 
species I feel compelled to finally post.
It was a two-hour trip out past the Verrazano Narrows and back, to Swinburne 
and Hoffman Island.  It was unseasonably warm and calm this afternoon.  We 
sailed through Buttermilk Channel, stopped in Erie Basin in Redhook, and then 
continued out to the aforementioned islands.
Erie Basin yielded several Brant, Gadwall, Red-breasted Mergansers, Bufflehead, 
and a Great Cormorant.
Near the Verrazano Bridge we had a Red-throated Loon and a Peregrine Falcon 
flying right under the bridge (probably one of the pair that nests on the 
bridge).
Along the shore of Hoffman Island we encountered several more Bufflehead and 
some Greater Scaup, and had three flyby Bonaparte's Gulls.
At Swinburne Island I was surprised to spot great numbers of Long-tailed Ducks, 
at least 40 birds (most of which were males).  We also spotted two or three 
more Red-throated Loons and a couple of Common Loons, and were treated to close 
views of several adult Gannets flying right by the boat. The highlight of 
course were at least a dozen Harbor Seals bobbing curiously around the boat.  
There were a mix of Great and Double-crested Cormorants loafing on the pilons 
at the southern end of the island, and we had an incredible view of another 
Peregrine Falcon perched on a rock at the edge of the island.
A pretty good outing!  I was hoping for a white-winged gull, but was pleased 
with great views of gannets, both loons, and the various ducks.
NYC Audubon will run this tour every Sunday through Feb. 3 if anyone would like 
to join. Details on their website or the NY Water Taxi site.
Stay Warm!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Barnacle Goose in Prospect Park

[Gabriel Willow]

I am currently looking at the Barnacle Goose as well, it's sort of by itself 
near some Canada Geese by the boat moored in the Lake. 

Looks like a nice crisp adult bird.

I assume some discussion of its provenance will ensue... Does anyone know how 
many waterfowl collections there are around the northeast? It seems possible to 
me, given that migratory populations of Canada Geese are moving through right 
now, that a Barnacle Goose from Greenland could've met up with a flock and 
wandered this way. 

I guess we should look for bands if it hops out of the water to graze... I 
assume most captive waterfowl would be banded?

Also saw a few Shoveler & Ruddy Duck on the Lake, and a Field Sparrow and very 
late Veery on the nearby lawn of the Peninsula, and I'm hearing Siskins calling 
right now.

Oh and yesterday in Central Park, spotted an American Tree Sparrow and 4 Field 
Sparrows with a flock of Chippies up on the grassy area by 103rd st on the West 
Side... Now I just need a Clay-colored for a Spizella collection!

Good birding indeed,

Gabriel Willow

On Oct 24, 2012, at 1:55 PM, Shane Blodgett  wrote:

> The Barnacle Goose-yes it is-is currently on Prospect Lake near 3 Sisters 
> Islands with ~50 Canadas.
> 
> Shane B.
> 
> On Oct 24, 2012, at 12:26 PM, Rob Jett  wrote:
> 
>> I received a report that Alex Wilson has found a Barnacle Goose in 
>> Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The bird is on Prospect Lake. The closest entrance 
>> to the lake by car is Prospect Park Southwest and Vanderbuilt Street.
>> 
>> Good birding,
>> 
>> Rob
>> 
>> http://citybirder.blogspot.com
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Central Park Oct. 17 (+ Bryant Park)

[gabriel willow]

I wandered around Bryant Park and Central Park yesterday with Derek Lovitch, 
who was visiting from Maine to give a lecture for NYC Audubon about his book 
"How To Be A Better Birder".

He had never birded in Bryant Park and was amazed by the diversity of species 
there, and how close they allowed us to approach.  The highlight for Bryant was 
a late Wood Thrush, as well as at least 65 White-throated Sparrows, a Swamp 
Sparrow, 9 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (mostly in the locusts in front of the 
library), and Ruby-crowned Kinglets and a female BTB Warbler feeding from the 
sap-wells.

Central Park was pretty sweet too.  We found a total of 59 species.  Within 
five minutes of entering the park, the excited screams of a group of Blue Jays 
led us to a sleepy Long-eared Owl (apparently later found by additional 
birders, although of course I don't want to say where this was to confirm if it 
was the same bird).  Scattered sapsucker feathers under its tree indicated the 
jays were justified in their alarm.

Central Park was full of more Tufted Titmice and Winter Wrens than I think I've 
ever seen... we spotted at least a dozen Winter Wrens, and countless Titmice, 
in just about every tree and hopping on the ground with the sparrows.  Other 
highlights were a pair of Pied-billed Grebes and some Ruddy Ducks on the 
Reservoir; five Blue-headed Vireos; the Mourning Warbler; at least a half-dozen 
Brown Creepers; a lingering Rose-breasted Grosbeak (young male) eating 
jewelweed seeds by the Oven; a Field Sparrow nibbling mugwort seeds on the West 
side of the Reservoir; and several fly-over Purple Finches and Pine Siskins.  

Here's the list; birds seen only in Bryant Park have an asterisk next to them.

Pied-billed GrebeDouble-crested CormorantCanada GooseWood 
DuckMallardGadwallRuddy DuckCooper's HawkRed-tailed HawkRing-billed GullHerring 
GullGreat Black-backed GullMourning DoveRock PigeonLong-eared OwlBelted 
KingfisherRed-bellied WoodpeckerYellow-bellied SapsuckerDowny 
WoodpeckerNorthern FlickerEastern PhoebeBlue-headed VireoBlue JayAmerican 
CrowTufted TitmouseBlack-capped ChickadeeRed-breasted NuthatchWhite-breasted 
NuthatchBrown CreeperWinter WrenGolden-crowned KingletRuby-crowned 
KingletAmerican RobinHermit ThrushWood Thrush*Gray CatbirdNorthern 
MockingbirdEuropean StarlingCedar WaxwingBlack-throated Blue WarblerPalm 
WarblerBlackpoll WarblerOvenbird*Mourning WarblerCommon YellowthroatNorthern 
CardinalRose-breasted GrosbeakEastern TowheeField SparrowChipping 
SparrowWhite-throated SparrowWhite-crowned SparrowSong SparrowSwamp 
SparrowLincoln's SparrowDark-eyed JuncoCommon GracklePurple FinchPine 
SiskinAmerican GoldfinchHouse Sparrow
I love Fall!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon


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[nysbirds-l] Wave Hill & Central Park 10/14: LISP, FISP, MOWA etc

[gabriel willow]

Yesterday I led walks at Wave Hill in the AM and Central Park in the afternoon. 
 Although the sheer numbers were lower than Saturday, the diversity did not 
disappoint.
It was a strange day weather-wise: raw, breezy, cloudy and cold in the morning, 
and then warm clear and sunny in the afternoon.
Highlights at Wave Hill included an immature Bald Eagle, a low-flying Peregrine 
Falcon hunting over the treetops, a Sharp-shinned Hawk, a late-seeming female 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding around asters and boneset, numerous kinglets 
of both species (although fewer than Saturday), Winter and Carolina Wrens, 
Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler feeding on their namesake wax myrtle berries, 
and a nice mixed flock of sparrows including 2 Swamps, 3 Lincoln's, a Field, 
and numerous Chipping, White-throated, and Song Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos.
Central Park had some nice species too: flyover Peregrine Falcon and Cooper's 
Hawk, Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes, large flocks of Cedar Waxwings eating 
berries all over the place, a first-year male Scarlet Tanager near the castle, 
and 7 sparrow species: Eastern Towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, Chipping, Swamp, Song, 
White-throated, White-crowned (two nice imms feeding with House Sparrows on the 
little grassy slope across from the Maintenance Meadow).  The highlight of the 
evening was good views of the imm female Mourning Warbler near Tupelo Meadow.
Let's see what today brings!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] Randall's Island 10/13

[gabriel willow]

Today I led an NYC Audubon tour around Randalls/Wards Island as Alan mentioned.
I always enjoy leading walks out to this under-birded area, with its recently 
restored fresh-and-salt- wetlands, lawns, woods, and lovely views.  Today 
didn't disappoint.
The bright cold day with NW winds brought in a ton of late-season migrants, 
including huge numbers of Kinglets (both species), Palm Warblers, and various 
Sparrows.  Many previously abundant migrants (I'm looking at you Catbirds) seem 
to have moved on.  We had a total of 47 species in about 3.5 hours hours of 
birding.
We birded along the bicycle path on the West side of the island from the foot 
bridge north-east to the fresh-water marsh area by the sewage treatment plant.
We were immediately treated to sightings of both Ruby-crowned and 
Golden-crowned Kinglets (which we quickly realized were in just about every 
tree and shrub).  The mixed flocks contained both Nuthatch species, Brown 
Creeper (we saw at least 4!), Tufted Titmice and Black-capped Chickadees, and 
numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers.
I also spotted a very yellow-looking young Tennessee Warbler cavorting with the 
kinglets, as well as a single female Black-throated Blue Warbler (seems late) 
and a Blue-headed Vireo (ditto).
Hopping about in various grassy and marshy areas were several Savannah 
Sparrows, as well as a single White-crowned Sparrow, a couple of Swamp 
Sparrows, and lots of Song, White-throated, Chipping Sparrows, and Dark-eyed 
Juncos.
Other numerous migrants included Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flicker, and dozens 
of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers.
I was really hoping to come across some Saltmarsh or Nelson's Sparrows out 
there, so I'm glad Alan managed to turn some up!
Here's the whole list:
Double-crested Cormorant 1Black-crowned Night-Heron 1Mallard 11Red-tailed Hawk 
1Osprey 1Merlin 1Ring-billed Gull 8Herring Gull 4Great Black-backed Gull 
2Mourning Dove 3Rock Pigeon 4Belted Kingfisher 1Red-bellied Woodpecker 
6Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 14Downy Woodpecker 3Northern Flicker 8Eastern Phoebe 
7Blue-headed Vireo 1Blue Jay 8Tufted Titmouse 5Black-capped Chickadee 
2Red-breasted Nuthatch 1White-breasted Nuthatch 2Brown Creeper 4Golden-crowned 
Kinglet 20+Ruby-crowned Kinglet 40+Hermit Thrush 3American Robin 12Gray Catbird 
2Northern Mockingbird 2European Starling 7Tennessee Warbler 1Black-throated 
Blue Warbler 1Yellow-rumped Warbler 16Palm Warbler 22Common Yellowthroat 
2Eastern Towhee 2Chipping Sparrow 10Savannah Sparrow 7White-throated Sparrow 
15White-crowned Sparrow 1Song Sparrow 14Swamp Sparrow 3Dark-eyed Junco 
19Red-winged Blackbird 2American Goldfinch 5House Sparrow 8
Beautiful day... tomorrow I'm leading a walk at Wave Hill and Central Park, 
hopefully it will be as productive as today!
Fall's fun,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon


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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park, NYC sightings

[gabriel willow]

This morning on my weekly Bryant Park/ NYC Audubon walk, we had some 
interesting sightings.
Of note was a roving flock of Tufted Titmice in the tops of the London Plane 
trees.  Although a common species, they seem to stick to their territories in 
Central Park or wherever, and I don't recall having seen them before in Bryant 
Park.  There were about a half-dozen birds.
Also present were a couple of Northern Cardinals (another unusual species for 
the park), a Hermit Thrush (FOS for me), numerous Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a 
Winter Wren, Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, and very large numbers of 
White-throated Sparrow.  One participant in my walk (who is a fairly 
experienced birder) reported seeing a White-crowned Sparrow earlier in the day, 
but I failed to spot it.  She saw it near the public restroom, so that'd be 
worth keeping an eye out for.
In front of the Library, we found more Sapsuckers, a lone Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 
and a very unusual White-throated Sparrow that I suspect was a hybrid between a 
WTSP and a Song Sparrow.  It looked like a typical brown-striped morph but had 
heavy malar stripes and was as heavily streaked below as a SOSP, with a central 
breast spot.  I've seen streaked young WTSPs, but never as coarsely and heavily 
as this bird.
Here's the whole list:
Rock PigeonYellow-bellied SapsuckerEastern PhoebeBlue JayTufted TitmouseWinter 
WrenRuby-crowned KingletGray CatbirdHermit ThrushCommon 
YellowthroatOvenbirdNorthern CardinalSong SparrowSwamp SparrowLincoln's 
SparrowWhite-throated SparrowWhite-crowned Sparrow (?)
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon

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[nysbirds-l] Bald Eagle & other birds at Wave Hill

[gabriel willow]

Yesterday (Monday) I led a series of walks at Wave Hill in Riverdale (The 
Bronx) for their Raptor Day celebration. Fittingly, immediately upon setting 
out on the first walk, a juvenile Bald Eagle soared into view over the Hudson, 
and circled its way over the Wave Hill grounds.  It was joined by an immature 
Red-tailed Hawk that didn't take kindly to this giant invader; it began to 
dive-bomb the eagle, making some really close passes at its head.  The young 
eagle seemed unconcerned, and circled over the area for over an hour.
There was also an Osprey and a Cooper's Hawk.
A big flock of approximately 25-35 Northern Flickers were hopping on the lawn 
in search of ants.  Numerous Blue Jays were streaming overhead as well, and 
crossing the Hudson headed west.
A large mixed flock of small songbirds passed through as well, including a 
couple of Red-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 
Northern Parula, Nashville, Yellow-rumped, Black-throated Green, and 
Black-and-White Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, and American Goldfinches (no 
Siskins spotted in this flock).
Good Birding,
Gabriel WillowWave HillNYC AudubonThe WildLab
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[nysbirds-l] Bryant Park sightings 10/4

[gabriel willow]

We had a nice assortment of sightings this morning on my NYC Audubon Bryant 
Park walk (in spite of the park having ripped out much of its shrubbery and 
other vegetation).
We were joined by Clay Taylor from Swarovski Optik toting their latest and 
greatest ATX modular spotted scope.  Wow.  If you get a chance to look through 
one of these puppies, do so!

Highlights included:

Northern Flicker (1)
Eastern Phoebe (2)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (1)
Blue Jay (4 - actually uncommon in this location)
Tufted Titmouse (ditto)
Winter Wren (1)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (1)
Brown Thrasher (1)
Common Yellowthroat (many)
Blackpoll Warbler (1)
Ovenbird (2)
White-throated Sparrow (many)
Swamp Sparrow (1)

Good Birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon


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[nysbirds-l] Blue Grosbeak in Central Park

[Gabriel Willow]

While leading a group on a tour around Strawberry Fields & The Ramble on this 
damp & chilly morning, we spotted some nice migrants, the highlight of which 
was a young Blue Grosbeak along the edge of the lake south of the Bow Bridge. 
It was flitting through the cattails and then flew up into a weeping willow by 
the water, affording us a good view. It looked to be a first-year bird judging 
by the bright rusty plumage. It was giving its distinctive ringing call.

We also saw a nice assortment of warblers, and numerous Ruby-throated 
Hummingbirds and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks hanging around the jewel weed growing 
by the Oven.

Also spotted was an unusual first-year male Northern Cardinal that I've seen 
several times now by The Oven and the Maintenance Meadow.  He has a freakishly 
long crest, about 2-3 times as long as a typical cardinal's crest I'd say. Has 
anyone else seen this unusual bird?  I've named him "Cresty the Cardinal".  I 
wonder if he'll maintain the extra-long crest through future molts?

Good birding,

Gabriel Willow
NYC Audubon
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Re: [nysbirds-l] Bell's Vireo There may have been 2 birds

[gabriel willow]

I believe there is overlap in size between Bell's and White-eyed Vireo (4 
3/4"-5"/ 12-13 cm), the Bell's being at the smaller end of the spectrum and the 
White-eyed at the larger, but there is broad overlap.  The California 
subspecies of the Bell's (the "Least Bell's" Vireo bellii pusillus) would seem 
to be the smallest, but also the less likely to stray here.
Hutton's Vireo is the one I have heard compared most often to kinglets, and 
indeed, it is quite small (10-12 cm).
I haven't seen this bird, but I would agree that the photo appears to be a 
young White-eyed.  Bell's I have seen in AZ & CO appeared to be quite gray and 
muted in appearance, reminiscent of a small Warbling Vireo.  Apparently, the 
easternmost birds are also the brightest and largest, so the most likely to 
stray here would be the most similar to White-eyed.
Having not seen this individual however, my 2 cents isn't especially helpful...
Interesting puzzle!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
--- On Thu, 9/13/12, Richard Veit  wrote:

From: Richard Veit 
Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Bell's Vireo  There may have been 2 birds
To: "Elizabeth D Poole" , "NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu" 

Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012, 11:53 AM

yes this bird is substantially smaller and scrawnier looking than the several 
white-eyed vireos that are also present.  i suspect it is literally a "runt" 
white-eyed vireo.  Richard R. Veit
Professor
Biology Department
CSI/CUNY
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10314
718-982-4144
Fax 718-982-3852
From: Elizabeth D Poole 
 To: NYSBIRDS-L@cornell.edu 
 Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2012 11:42 AM
 Subject: Re: [nysbirds-l] Bell's Vireo  There may have been 2 birds
   


 Has anyone noted the relative size of this bird or birds?



Bells Vireo is substantially smaller than the other vireos and has been likened 
to or mistaken for a Ruby Crowned Kinglet (it's larger than a kinglet).






 






 






-Original Message-


From: Cotingas 


To: NYSBIRDS-L 


Sent: Thu, Sep 13, 2012 10:31 am


Subject: [nysbirds-l] Bell's Vireo  There may have been 2 birds






















Greetings to all,




 




   At approximately 8:45 a bird was located by a 
number of birders deep within the Virginia Creeper tangles in that dead tree .I 
had some real difficulty despite patience on the part of Isaac Grant and 
others. 




This is  where the bird in 
question had  first been seen.




 




 After a number of observers pointed out the bird, I 
finally had a good look. Then  another (?) bird flew very close to where we 
stood and we observed it  for some time in an elm sapling very close 
to the trail. That bird, was not as yellow -some wash but not bright and I 
did watch some very distinct tail movement and the bird did flick and 
raise its tail a number of times. Given the fact that tail movement is a 
behavior of the Bell's Vireo, I do think there were in fact 2 different 
birds.




 




When the "second bird" that I had just 
mentioned left the tangle, the light and of course the view was so much better. 
In conclusion is tail movement a conclusive  and helpful aid in the 
identification of the vireo? I do in fact think there were two different 
birds.




 




Howard Fischer




 




 




 




 




 




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[nysbirds-l] Central Park Migrants 8/30

[gabriel willow]

Today's continued bright and relatively cool weather brought continued migrants 
to Central Park (although it seems that many had moved on since yesterday).
I led a tour around the park from about 7:30 until 11 AM.  We saw many 
migrants, including about 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (one of which was an 
adult male), many Northern Flickers, a surprising number of thrushes (at least 
a dozen Veery and four Swainson's Thushes), and about 7 species of warbler, the 
highlights of which were American Redstarts in seemingly every tree and bush 
(all female plumage except for one adult male in the Ramble), a couple of 
Canadas, and a Worm-eating Warbler at the Oven.  There were also numerous 
Baltimore Orioles around the park today, joining the thrushes in fruiting trees.
Doesn't this seem busier than usual for August?  
Looking forward to the next cold front!
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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[nysbirds-l] COTE breeding colony on Governor's Island, NYC

[gabriel willow]

Yesterday morning I led an Audubon tour around Governor's Island is NY Harbor, 
which was fairly productive for a hot summer day.  We saw all four common gull 
species, Double-crested Cormorants, and a few flyby Least Sandpipers.
The biggest surprise however was an apparently thriving breeding colony of 
Common Terns on two fenced and [apparently] unused piers/ breakwaters on the 
Buttermilk Channel side of the island.  I always see a lot of terns out there 
but didn't realize they were nesting on the piers.  I counted at least 34 
chicks on one pier, and about 20 on another.  
Was anyone else aware of this colony?  Should any steps be taken to ensure its 
continued success?  Do COTE often nest on man-made structures? 
The chicks looked to be between 2-3 weeks old, with downy bodies but well-grown 
flight feathers.  They were in little clusters of twos and threes (the typical 
clutch size).  The strangest sight was of three little COTE sheltering from the 
sun in an abandoned old phone booth on the pier.
The adults were coming and going with small fish in their bills, strangely, I 
saw several proffer fish to their chicks only to be ignored.  Maybe the heat 
killed the young terns' appetites?  I've rarely known a baby bird to turn down 
a meal.
I hope these piers remain unimproved and unused (some of the piers have been 
reopened to the public with new railings and such, and it's worth noting the 
terns were only in fenced-off, unused sections of the piers).
Cheers,
Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon
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