January 2016 Target List

Now that 2016 is just around the corner, I have to start thinking about how I can beat my total of 158 species this year. This crushed my previous list of 135 for 2014. With this list, I am aiming for at least 160 species.

January: 40-50
February: 5-10
March: 10-15
April: 30-35
May: 35-40
June: 0-5
July: 0-3
August: 2-5
September: 5-10
October: 5-10
November: 0-5
December: 0-3

This list below shows what birds may be added during the month of Janaury. It will be edited as I see more birds.

Probable (39 species)
Canada Goose (Guaranteed at any water body)*
Gadwall (Haven't found in a while, but still a good chance in Central Park)*
American Black Duck (will probably see in Central Park)*
Mallard (Guaranteed at any water body)*
Northern Shoveler (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Bufflehead (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Hooded Merganser (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Ruddy Duck (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Double-Crested Cormorant (Uncommon on Reservoir)
Cooper's Hawk (A few winter each year)*
Red-Tailed Hawk (Will get)*
American Kestrel (Will likely see or hear)
American Coot (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Ring-Billed Gull (Will get)*
Herring Gull (Will get)*
Great Black-Backed Gull (Will get)*
Rock Pigeon (Will get)*
Mourning Dove (Will get)*
Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (Central Park)*
Downy Woodpecker (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
Northern Flicker (Central Park)*
Blue Jay (Will get)* Year bird #1!
American Crow (Will probably see somewhere)*
Black-Capped Chickadee (Will get)*
Tufted Titmouse (Will get)*
White-Breasted Nuthatch (Will get)*
Brown Creeper (Hard to find, but good chance I will see one)
American Robin (Will get)*
European Starling (Will get)*
Fox Sparrow (Probably will get in Central Park)*
Song Sparrow (Probably will get in Central Park)*
White-Throated Sparrow (Will get)*
Dark-Eyed Junco (Probably will get in Central Park)*
Northern Cardinal (Will get)*
Common Grackle (Will get)*
House Finch (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
American Goldfinch (Guaranteed in Central Park)*
House Sparrow (Will get)*

Possible (28 species)
Brant (East River, probably will see this year)
Wood Duck (less this year, but still a good chance in Central Park)*
Ring-Necked Duck (continuing bird at the Reservoir)*
Red-Breasted Merganser (East River or Reservoir)
Pied-Billed Grebe (Reservoir)*
Great Blue Heron (Rare winterer)
Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Uncommon winterer)
Red-Shouldered Hawk (Rare winterer, flyover)
Merlin (Rare winterer)
Peregrine Falcon (Resident, but may not find)*
Great Horned Owl (Continuing bird at feeders, will likely overwinter)
Other owls (They can show up mid-winter)
Hairy Woodpecker (Uncommon winterer)*
Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Rare winterer)*
Carolina Wren (Uncommon winterer)
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (I saw quite a few in December, so some may stick around)
Hermit Thrush (Uncommon winterer)
Gray Catbird (Uncommon winterer)
Northern Mockingbird (May see somewhere)
Brown Thrasher (Rare winterer)
Cedar Waxwing (Uncommon winterer)
Eastern Towhee (Uncommon winterer)
American Tree Sparrow (Rare winterer)
Swamp Sparrow (Uncommon winterer)
Red-Winged Blackbird (Uncommon winterer)
Rusty Blackbird (Rare winterer)
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Uncommon winterer)
Pine Siskin (Uncommon winterer)*

Longshots (15+ species)
Mute Swan (Could a wanderer appear?)
American Wigeon (Semi-annual wanderer)
Northern Pintail (Can turn up in winter)
Green-Winged Teal (Occasional winterer)
Greater and Lesser Scaup (Can turn up in winter)
Common Merganser (Not looking like a good year, but still possible)
Common Loon (Reservoir)
Turkey Vulture (Lingering flyover?)
Bald Eagle (Flyover)
'White-Winged' Gull (Annual in county)
Common Raven (Sightings increasing year-round)
Any warblers (With all the warm weather, it's always possible one may stick around)
(UPDATE 1/7: Got Orange-Crowned Warbler)
Winter Wren (Rare winterer)
Chipping Sparrow (Very rare in winter)
Common Redpoll (Another irruption will probably happen this year)*

Unexpected Rarities
Snow Goose (Pair at Reservoir)
Purple Sandpiper (near Randall's Island)
Nashville Warbler (Inwood Hill Park)
Lapland Longspur (Randall's Island)
Snow Bunting (UTHANT Island)
Baltimore Oriole (Midtown on East Side)

Some 2015 Facts

Best bird by month:
January: Common Redpoll at the Central Park feeders, 1/25 thru early March
February: American Tree Sparrow at the Central Park feeders, 2/1 thru early March
March: Bald Eagle flying over the park, 3/29
April: Chuck-Will's-Widow at Bryant Park, 4/13
May: 2 Bay-Breasted Warblers at Azalea Pond in Central Park, 5/16
June: 2 nesting Yellow-Crowned Night Herons at Governor's Island, 6/19
July: Yellow Warblers at Central Park (there was nothing better to see)
August: Alder Flycatcher at Tupelo Meadow in Central Park, 8/28
September: Connecticut Warbler at Trinity Church, 9/22
October: Sora at the Loch in Central Park, 10/17
November: Pacific-Slope/Cordilleran Flycatcher at Central Park, 11/21
December: Orange-Crowned Warbler near the MET museum in Central Park, 12/20

Best bird of 2015: Pacific-Slope/Cordilleran Flycatcher at Central Park, 11/21
Worst bird of 2015: House Sparrow
Biggest miss of 2015: Prairie Warbler
Best month of 2015: May (40 species added)
Worst month of 2015: July (0 species added)
Most new species in a day: 1/4 (25 species)
Most new species in a day not in January: 5/3 (13 species)
Lifers: 17
County Lifers: 21
Rarities: 15
Warbler Count: 30 (27 in spring, 20 in fall)
Birds added outside of Central Park: 19
Number of self-found species: 130 out of 158 (82.2%)
Number of birds seen in other years, but not in 2015: 18

Top 10 Birds of 2015!

Here are my top 10 birds of 2015. This year, there was quite a selection to choose from, with around 25 notable birds, but here are the ones that stood out.

10. Yellow-Crowned Night Herons on Governor's Island, 6/19. Rare visitor in the county. These birds were the first nesting pair in the county, offering me great views as they hung out around their nest. I later found out that they were successful, as well as that a second nesting pair was there too.
9. Great Horned Owl in Central Park's Ramble, 11/8 up to now. Scarce in the county. Just as I was about to give up on seeing an owl this year, this bird showed up and offered great views at times, as well as attracting crowds waiting to see it fly out.
8. Red-Headed Woodpecker in Central Park at the Oven, 10/26 thru November. Rare migrant/winterer for county. This bird which I thought may not show up put on a great show where it took up residence for a month.
7. Vesper Sparrow in Central Park near the Great Lawn, 10/6 and 10/7. Rare migrant for county. After missing this bird a few days prior, it felt great to see it twice while in the company of several other sparrow species.
6. Orange-Crowned Warbler in Central Park near the MET museum, 12/20. Scarce fall migrant for county. The one bird I felt like I should have seen at some point during the season, yet saw it on the last day of fall when one was found on the Christmas Bird Count.
5. Chuck-Will's-Widow in Bryant Park, 4/12. Rare spring overshoot for the county. Seen sleeping in a tree and only getting up once to preen.
4. Connecticut Warbler at Trinity Church, 9/22. Scarce migrant for the county. Seen foraging in the cemetery along with several other warblers.
3. Common Redpoll in Central Park at the feeders, late January-early March. Rare irruptive species for NYC. Seen sporatically at the feeders with other finches and sparrows.
2. Sora in Central Park's Ravine, 10/18. Rare migrant for the park. Injured bird seen well in the open and seemed healthy.
1. Pacific-Slope/Cordilleran Flycatcher in Central Park near Boathouse, 11/21. Rare for eastern North America, only the second record of this species pair for New York. Gave great views, and was seen by a lot of people.

All of these birds were seen by me last year but I missed them all. Excluding rarities, here are the misses:

Least Flycatcher: I probably saw several this year, but couldn't conclusively identify one
Cuckoos: Missed both of them despite being regular migrants. May have seen one, but not sure.
Broad-Winged Hawk: Bad hawk migration year, and not many were seen by others.
Red-Shouldered Hawk: Should've seen one flyover this fall, but missed this one.
Long-Eared Owl: Looked for it on the one day it must've changed a roosting spot in March.
Prairie Warbler: Easily the biggest miss of the year, despite being common. Somehow couldn't find one, and missed several by minutes.

CP Christmas Bird Count 2015!

Sunday was the 116th Central Park Christmas Bird Count. I was in the Ramble group just like the year before. Just before we left, I found the Reservoir's only RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET of the day. Then we were off, and headed to Triplet's Bridge to see if we could find a Black-and-White Warbler that was seen there. The place was barren, so we headed to Strawberry Fields, where we had a GRAY CATBIRD, as well as a few Hermit Thrushes (missed) and a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. In the Ramble, we were only finding the common species. Many expected species were missed, including Dark-Eyed Junco, Northern Flicker, Herring Gull, and Fox Sparrow. The GREAT HORNED OWL was in its usual spot at the feeders, making it only the second time one has been seen on the count. Near the end of the count, we decided to make a detour to try to find an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER found by another group just south of the MET Museum. We unfortunately couldn't find it. We then went to the Arsenal near the zoo where we tallied up all the birds seen. The biggest surprise was finding out that besides the Orange-Crowned, two other warbler species were seen, which were a BLACK-AND-WHITE (first ever for the count!) just south of Strawberry Fields, and a WILSON'S in the North Woods. Other than Orange-Crowned, warblers are extremely rare on the count, meaning two species was a big surprise, probably because its been so warm. After the tally, me and Ryan went to try to look for the Black-and-White Warbler, which we missed. We then headed to look for the Orange-Crowned Warbler a second time, seeing a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet along the way at Belvedere Castle. When we got there, we found people looking at the bird! Year bird #158! This was likely the last year bird I'll see this year, since hardly anything rare shows up in the county now. The warbler was a miss in fall, but rarely appears in early winter. It was feeding out in the open with another Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and gave great views before disappearing high up in a tree. Heading south to see the owl again, I saw the crowd watching the owl. I was then surprised to see another Ruby-Crowned Kinglet taking food from the feeders, something I have never seen one do. Anyway, the count still recorded a fair amount of species, with over 50 seen throughout the park. Here are some of the highlights

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Count first!)
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER
WILSON'S WARBLER
3 Brown Thrashers (North part of park)
2 Gray Catbirds
About a dozen Hermit Thrushes
Several Cedar Waxwings
4 Ruby-Crowned Kinglets (a few more likely in the park)
3 Fox Sparrows (Seen by separate observer in the Ramble)
11 Song Sparrows
BELTED KINGFISHER (Surprise! Presumably seen near Turtle Pond)
1 Hairy Woodpecker (North End)
1 GREAT HORNED OWL (Second time on the count)
1 Pied-Billed Grebe (Reservoir)
1 RING-NECKED DUCK (Third year in a row with this rarity on the count)

Additionally, someone reported a Common Yellowthroat the day before the count.

Painted Bunting in Prospect Park

Last Saturday, I went to Prospect Park in Brooklyn to search for the male PAINTED BUNTING that had taken up residence at the LeFrak Center. I spotted the crowd of people and headed over there, where I got great views of the bird. However, this is not a lifer, as I saw a female in November 2012 in Alley Pond Park in Queens. I then walked around Prospect Lake looking for a BLACK-HEADED GULL that had been seen there. Along the way, I got horrible views of an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER that had been around. I couldn't pick out the gull, but I found an AMERICAN WIGEON as a consolation prize. A lifer, a rarity, and a surprise definitely make this a good day

I Find a Fall Rarity!

Just as I was about to enter the park at 79th street and 5th avenue on Friday, I spotted a weird looking bird silhouette fly across the street into a tree. When I put my binoculars on it, I was shocked. It was a big flycatcher with yellow on its belly, something that should be hundreds of miles away! I only had the bird in my sights for a few minutes, so I didn't see enough details to identify it. Plumages can also vary, leading to misidentifications. I think this bird was most likely a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER, with some chance of it also being a WESTERN KINGBIRD as well as the minute chance of it being other 'western' kingbirds or Ash-Throated Flycatcher. I later learned that someone else had seen it around the same time and also thought it looked like a Great Crested Flycatcher. Since I can't identify it, I'll put it in the possible section of my year list. Anyway, after that, I went to search for a late AMERICAN REDSTART that had been reported. It was almost too easy. As soon as I arrived near Evodia Field, I started hearing chipping which definitely came from the bird. A bit of direction from some of the 'Great Horned Owl' watchers (yes, that's a thing now) led me straight to the bird, which was flycatching right at eye level. As I watched the redstart, a GRAY CATBIRD came into view in the stream, a great surprise. Then I joined the owl watchers and waited for the owl to fly out, which it did around 5 pm.

Mega! PACIFIC-SLOPE/CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER!

On Wednesday, November 18, a couple of birders in The Ramble found an empidonax flycatcher species in the Oven. It was a bright yellowish bird, so they assumed it was probably a very late Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher. Late empids are not unheard of in the east, as is for nearly every neotropical migrant. On Friday the 20th, the bird was seen again by some other birders, and they got better looks. They realized that the bird could very well be a 'Western' Flycatcher. This species is actually 2, which are Pacific-Slope and Cordilleran Flycatchers. This complex has only been seen an handful of times in the Northeast, and only once in New York. The prospect of this being another one sent dozens of local birders to set their alarms early the next morning to head out to find the bird. On Saturday morning, the bird was refound, and this time, people were able to keep track of the bird a lot of the time. When I got there at 10:15 am, there were already about 25 people there. Over the next hour I got good looks at the bird. It was bright and yellow, but looked like it had more yellow on it than a Yellow-Bellied. Additionally, the wingbars and eyering looked paler than they would for a Yellow-Bellied. On Monday, I got word that a birder got recordings of the bird's call the previous day. I listened to them, and they were a match. So that's that. I now have what is easily the rarest bird for my New York County year list, and my rarest bird for Central Park, New York's 2nd state record of PACIFIC-SLOPE/CORDILLERAN FLYCATCHER!

A Late Warbler and Some Other Stuff

I went into the park on Sunday entering at the Reservoir and 90th street. My first target was a Ring-Necked Duck that has been seen there for a week. It didn't take more than a few minutes to find the bird, which was feeding extremely close to shore. With that out of the way, I checked out what else was there. There were several species of ducks at the southern side of the Reservoir, along with a Pied-Billed Grebe. Next, I went to the Pinetum, where I found a few slightly late Chipping Sparrows. I then went into the Upper Lobe. There were many goldfinches and White-Throated Sparrows there. As I sifted through them in hopes of finding something interesting, I spotted a small, streaky bird foraging along a tree branch. I immediately recognized it as a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER! Why this bird was here so late is a mystery, but there always seem to be late warblers of a variety of species in November. I then went to the Gill, where Rusty Blackbirds and Purple Finches have been seen. It didn't take long to find a Rusty Blackbird. There were actually 3 of them, all hanging out together. After looking for Purple Finches for awhile, I eventually found a female bird drinking from the stream. After that, I saw another female Purple Finch at the feeders. A great day of birding today!

Great Horned Owl

This evening, I went to see a Great Horned Owl that has been roosting at the Swampy Pin Oak. It was first seen the day before and was still there that day. When I got there just before sunset, there were already 15 people looking at the owl. We sat tight and waited for the bird to fly out, which it did just after 5:15. Year bird #156!

Early November Diversity

I went into the park this morning. Diversity was expected at this time of year to be low, with a few things to be found. After one unsuccessful attempt 20 minutes earlier, I tried again to find the Red-Headed Woodpecker at the Oven. I couldn't hear it, so I looked up, and immidiately saw the woodpecker! Then, I heard a report of a young White-Crowned Sparrow at Locust Grove. I went there and found it pretty easily. I then headed up to the Pinetum, where I found a few Yellow-Rumped Warblers. Just as I was about to leave it, I saw a large, black bird in the distance. A Turkey Vulture! I headed out from the Pinetum to the Reservoir, where there were many ducks, including my first Buffleheads of the season (12 of them!). Today showed that diversity can even show this late in the year.

Species:

Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Hermit Thrush
Chipping Sparrow (Maintenance Field)
White-Crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-Throated Sparrow
Dark-Eyed Junco
American Goldfinch (2 at Maintenance Field)
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Red-Tailed Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
TURKEY VULTURE
Bufflehead
Ruddy Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall

Red-Headed in The Oven

Last Monday, I decided to take a second shot at the reported immature Red-Headed Woodpecker at the Oven. After briefly surveying the Reservoir and the Pinetum, I headed towards the Ramble. But first, I went to Maintenance Meadow to search for a late male Wilson's Warbler. After 5 minutes of searching, I ran into another birder, and started telling her about the late bird, when I saw a flash of yellow in the grass. The warbler! I quickly moved to a better angle and got a good look at the bird. Next, I went to the Oven to find the woodpecker. When I got there, someone told me to listen for the bird, and I instantly heard the queer-queer alarm call of the bird. It didn't take long to spot, and it offered really high, but still good looks. Based on the behavior of the bird, including making roost holes and storing acorns, many birders think that this bird will stay for at least several weeks, perhaps all winter. A nice year bird to raise the total to 155.

Species List:

WILSON"S WARBLER
Palm Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
Gray Catbird (Maintenance Meadow)
Winter Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-Throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Field Sparrow (Locust Grove)
Dark-Eyed Junco
American Goldfinch (Shakespeare Garden)
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER
Ruddy Duck
American Black Duck (Turtle Pond)
Northern Shoveler

A Few Late Warblers

Last Saturday, I went into the park as usual, and found lower numbers of the expected species, such as kinglets and Yellow-Rumped Warblers. A surprise at the Azalea Pond waterfall was a late male BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER actively feeding in the low trees. I started heading north, but then heard a report of a Red-Headed Woodpecker from the Oven, not yet on my year list. I rushed to the site, passing the warbler again, and looked. There seemed to be many woodpeckers of multiple species in the area, but no Red-Headed was seen or heard. I then checked on the warbler for a third time. It was still there, but then I noticed another bird with it. A female Black-Throated Blue Warbler! As I was typing out a report, I spotted something brown drinking from the stream that was not one of the numerous Hermit Thrushes. An OVENBIRD! Other than that, I saw nothing much of interest, and left the park with about 40 species seen.

All the Common October Birds and a Little Extra

Last Sunday I went to the park and saw little of interest other than an Ovenbird near the Point, and my first 2 Turkey Vultures of the year circling with 4 Sharp-Shinned Hawks over the Pinetum, as well as a few late Chimney Swifts. Other than that, I saw most of the regular mid-October migrants (kinglets, Winter Wrens, juncos, etc.). I still did see 45 species that day.

Ovenbird
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Golden-Crowned Kinglet
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Eastern Phoebe
Winter Wren
Hermit Thrush
Gray Catbird (1)
Cedar Waxwing
American Crow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Dark-Eyed Junco
CHIMNEY SWIFT (3)
American Kestrel
Red-Tailed Hawk
Sharp-Shinned Hawk
Turkey Vulture (Year bird #154)
American Coot
Ruddy Duck
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall

Sora!

Just after 12 pm last Saturday, I was around home when I heard a report of a Sora at the Loch in the north part of Central Park. This large rail is very rare and sometimes secretive bird, with only about 10 records in Manhattan in the last 20 years, being seen on average once every few years.  That evening, I went to the Loch to search for the Sora. I heard it was between the two bridges. As I was searching, I found a patch where the stream was only a few inches deep with filled with reeds and low tree branches along the shore. I spotted a small warbler in the reeds which turned out to be a Common Yellowthroat. I put down my binoculars and immediately saw the Sora! I got great views of it in the open for a few minutes before it finally disappeared into the reeds. What an awesome rarity!

Sparrow Hideout

On Thursday, I entered the park yesterday evening from 90th street. I walked along a wood chip path just west of the Reservoir, and I started seeing birds. I saw a Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warblers, Yellow-Rumped Warblers, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Song Sparrows, White-Throated Sparrows, Dark-Eyed Juncos, and Chipping Sparrows. The field the sparrows were in was sloped, so I was able to get on the top and look down on them. Searching through the sparrows, I was able to pick out a Field Sparrow. Not long after that, I spotted a gray and tan sparrow hanging out with a few Song Sparrows. A Lincoln's Sparrow! I only saw it briefly before it flushed. I then spotted a White-Crowned Sparrow in the flock. It seemed so amazing that a spot rarely visited by birders could hold so many birds!

Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Palm Warbler
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
LINCOLN'S SPARROW
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (another one later at the Pinetum)
Field Sparrow
Dark-Eyed Junco
White-Throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Hermit Thrush
Northern Shoveler (4 at the Reservoir)
Wood Duck (2 males at Turtle Pond)

Great Late Migration

I went out into Central Park Saturday morning hoping that the good winds and thunderstorms from the night before might spur a late fall push of migrants. When I got to the park, there were decent amounts of birds, but it seemed that almost every time I turned up a warbler, it turned out to be a different species. When I went to Tupelo Meaodw and checked out a few Palm Warblers, a very yellow warbler came into view. When I saw the white tail feathers on the bird, I realized that this was a late female HOODED WARBLER! I kept finding more warbler species in the Ramble, getting the list up to 9 species, the most in many days. After picking it clean, I went up to the path leading to the Pinetum and ran into a small group of birders. I talked with them for a minute, and just as I left, one of them yelled "Raven!". I rushed over to them to see that there was indeed a Common Raven soaring high overhead. It was quickly joined by two others, and then an amazing thing happened. A Red-Tailed Hawk appeared and was trying to drive off the ravens! After a few dives at the ravens, they left. What an interesting experience to see how the local birds are reacting to this newly colonized species. I also added 2 Black-Throated Blue Warblers to make 10 warbler species. I headed up to the Pinetum and added Yellow-Rumped Warblers. Now I had 11 species. A report comes in of Yellow and Wilson's Warblers at the east side of Turtle Pond near the Polish Statue. Could I make 13? I went to the spot and ran into another birder who was there for the same reason. After a minute, we found the Yellow Warbler high in a tree. Then, we spotted an odd, streaky, yellowish warbler. It couldn't be a Magnolia or a Prairie. That's when it dawned on me. It was a Cape May Warbler! The bird gave decent looks and the other birder got photographs that clearly identified the bird. What a great migration day!

Species List:

CAPE MAY WARBLER
HOODED WARBLER
Yellow Warbler (late)
American Redstart
Black-and-White Warbler
Northern Parula
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Ovenbird
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Blue-Headed Vireo
Eastern Phoebe
Scarlet Tanager (Polish Statue)
Cedar Waxwing
Belted Kingfisher (Turtle Pond)
COMMON RAVEN (3)
Brown Thrasher
Swainson's Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Winter Wren
Chipping Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Chimney Swift
Red-Tailed Hawk
Northern Shoveler

Kingfisher and Vesper

On Monday, I heard there was a Belted Kingfisher at Turtle Pond, which would be a new year bird for me. When I got over there, I saw a large blue bird flying dowm to the water. I put my binoculars on it, and it was definitely the kingfisher. The next day, I heard of a Vesper Sparrow seen by the woodchip path west of the Great Lawn. I went there, and found the sparrow after 15 minutes, before having to go because I had a tight schedule. On Thursday, I got better looks at the sparrow with several people. I also have seen White-Throated. Song, Field, Swamp, more White-Crowned Sparrows, and Dark-Eyed Juncos in the spot. So far I'm at 152 species for the year and 6 out of the last 7 birds have been lifers for the county. Can I make it to 160? I guess I'll find out in a little less than 3 months.

Targets for the Rest of the Year

Here is a list of target species for the rest that I made for myself in late September. The ones shaded in green are the ones I have seen since.


Probable
White-Crowned Sparrow (in sparrow flocks in October)

Possible
Greater or Lesser Scaup (Wandering Waterfowl)
American Wigeon (Wandering Waterfowl)
Common Merganser (Wandering Waterfowl)
Blue-Winged or Green-Winged Teal (Wandering Waterfowl)
Northern Pintail (Wandering Waterfowl)
Any type of owl (a few species may show up each winter)
Broad-Winged Hawk (Hawk migration isn't over yet!)
Red-Shouldered Hawk (migration or winter)
Turkey Vulture (migration)
Merlin (migration or wintering)
Solitary Sandpiper (migration)
Belted Kingfisher (always a chance)
Phillidelphia Vireo (migration)
Least Flycatcher (migration)
Prairie Warbler (hopefully I will see a straggler)
Yellow Breasted Chat (migration)

Longshots
Canvasback (Wandering Waterfowl)
Redhead (Wandering Waterfowl)
Northern Harrier (migration)
Eastern Bluebird (migration)
Clay-Colored Sparrow (many are starting to be reported in Long Island)
Nelson's Sparrow (If I can get to Randall's Island)
Saltmarsh Sparrow (If I can get to Randall's Island)

Additionally, a few rarities are usually bound to appear in the last 3 months of the year. Most of these birds are from the west, so hopefully something will be as (preferably more) confiding than the Couch's Kingbird of

Migratory Waterfowl Corral

On Sunday, I went with my friend, Ryan to Randall's Island to try to see if there were any Nelson's or Saltmarsh Sparrows or American Pipits. We failed in that, but found many regular fall migrants, including my first flocks of Yellow-Rumped Warblers of the season, as well as several Savannah Sparrows seen there. A surprise was a Great Blue Heron in a marsh, since most herons have gone south already. After that, we went to the Harlem Meer in Central Park to search for 2 rare ducks for the park that were seen that day and the day before, an American Wigeon and Green-Winged Teal. They were said to be in a flock at the southwest corner of the Meer. When we got there, we found a flock of Mallards and Gadwalls along the shore of an island there, and Ryan quickly spotted the wigeon in front of the other ducks. After looking at the wigeon, I looked throughout the ducks for the teal, and I found the bird on the shore. 2 lifers in the same flock! We then worked our we south, finding kinglets, phoebes, and warblers along the way, as well as my FOS Blue-Headed Vireo. We then went to a spot he said was good for many sparrows including White-Crowned Sparrows. In fact, a Vesper Sparrow was seen there the day before. When we got there, we immediately located 3 White-Crowned Sparrows, as well as an Indigo Bunting, Swamp Sparrow, and a Dark-Eyed Junco. 3 new year birds, including 2 lifers made this day awesome!

American Redstart
Blackpoll Warbler
Northern Parula
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Black-and-White Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Pinetum, FOS for park)
Golden-Crowned Kinglet (Pinetum, Great Lawn, FOS)
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (Great Lawn)
Blue-Headed Vireo (Great Lawn)
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Indigo Bunting (female, FOS)
Song Sparrow
White-Throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow (FOS)
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW (2 juveniles, 1 adult)
Dark-Eyed Junco (FOS)
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
American Coot (Turtle Pond)
Ruddy Duck (Reservoir)
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
GREEN-WINGED TEAL
AMERICAN WIGEON

Dickcissel in Central Park

On Tuesday afternoon, I went to Central Park in search on a Dickcissel which was seen at Maintenance Field, a sparrow-like bird from the Great Plains that comes to the east in small numbers every fall. Despite a lengthy search I was unable to find it. Later that evening, I decided to try one more time for the bird. When I arrived, I found a group of people looking at the bird, and it was a thrill to glimpse this rarity amongst the House Sparrows it was with. Year bird #147 is added to the list!

Strawberry Warblers

Sunday's birdwalk started out slow, with not a lot of birds. That all changed when we got to Strawberry Fields, where we picked up an amazing 12 warbler species, including 2 Cape May Warblers! I also added Sharp-Shinned Hawk to the year list with one being chased by Blue Jays at Laupot Bridge. We had good day for bird variety.

Species Seen:

CAPE MAY WARBLER (2)
NASHVILLE WARBLER
Pine Warbler
Northern Parula
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat (before walk)
Yellow Warbler
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Black-Throated Green Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Red-Eyed Vireo
Empidonax sp.
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Phoebe (before walk)
Brown Thrasher
Wood Thrush (Upper Lobe before walk)
Probable Gray-Cheeked Thrush
Veery (before walk)
Eastern Towhee
White-Throated Sparrow
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Sharp-Shinned Hawk

Elusive Warbler at Trinity Church

Yesterday afternoon, I headed down to Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan in search of a Connecticut Warbler, an uncommon warbler that only comes through in fall. It was found the day before, and was said to give great views sometimes. When I got to the cemetery there, I found a couple of birders looking at the warbler. It was unusual to see a warbler that was not a waterthrush or an ovenbird walking on the ground, but apparently that's what Connecticut Warblers do. The bird gave exposed looks, then flew to the other side of the cemetery, where we viewed it from the outside through the fence. The biggest suprise is that this one little cemetery held 6 warbler species, and makes me think what else the small pocket parks of New York City may hold.

Warbler Species:

CONNECTICUT WARBLER
Black-and-White-Warbler
Northern Waterthrush (in the grass)
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Black-Throated Blue Warbler

The October Wave is Moving In

Yesterday, I went to the park and stopped at the Reservoir to find out that the water level was finally raised so that the dike was covered. It also seemed like the gulls were more spread out. As I scanned the gulls, I saw a bird that was small and dark. A Laughing Gull! As I watched the bird, I kept seeing a brownish thing on the edge of my sight. I intiallly thought it was a leaf, but decided to look and realized it was my first Palm Warbler of the season! And I also found a second Laughing Gull! Year bird #144 is in the bag! Other than that, there were the usual birds, but more arrivals had come. At Maintenance Meadow, I found my first Eastern Phoebe of the fall, and at the Gill, I also found my first White-Throated Sparrow of the fall. I also saw a male Hooded Warbler at Azalea Pond, likely the same one that was here last Tuesday. Anyway, here is what I saw:

HOODED WARBLER
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Northern Parula
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
PALM WARBLER
EASTERN PHOEBE
Swainson's Thrush
Veery
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (The Oven)
Brown Thrasher (Willow Rock)
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Gadwall
LAUGHING GULL

Birds in the Shadows

On the Sunday birdwalk, we had to work for our birds. Still, we did have some highlights, such as 2 Wilson's Warblers near Bow Bridge, a Ruddy Duck on the Lake and a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker at the Swampy Pin Oak. Before the walk, I also saw Nashville Warbler and Scarlet Tanager. 12 warbler species that day. Here is what I saw:

Northern Waterthrush
Nashville Warbler (before the walk)
Black-and-White Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Parula
American Redstart
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Ovenbird (after the walk)
Chestnut-Sided Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Scarlet Tanager (before the walk)
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (before the walk)
Veery (before the walk)
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Empidonax sp. (probably least)
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
American Kestrel (after the walk)
American Coot
Gadwall
RUDDY DUCK

Active Afternoon

On Tuesday afternoon, I went around the park with my friend, Ryan. We saw many birds, including 9 species of warbler. The best bird would have to be the male Hooded Warbler at The Oven that fed out in the open very close. Anyway, here is what we saw:

Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
Black-and-White Warbler
Wilson's Warbler (1 at the Reservoir and 1 at the Swampy Pin Oak)
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Parula
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Pine Warbler (Flock at the Pinetum)
Common Yellowthroat
Song Sparrow (Turtle Pond)
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Baltimore Oriole
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Osprey (Flyover)
Spotted Sandpiper (Reservoir)
Black-Crowned Night Heron (Turtle Pond)
American Coot (Turtle Pond)
Gadwall

Saturday September Species

We saw many species on the Central Park birdwalk on Saturday. I added Osprey and after the walk I added Spotted Sandpiper (finally!) to the year list. Here is what we saw:

NASHVILLE WARBLER (boathouse after the walk)
Northern Parula
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Magnolia Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Chestnut-Sided Warbler
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Wood Thrush
Baltimore Oriole
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Spotted Sandpiper (#143, at the reservoir)
Osprey (#142, flyover)
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron (flyover at tupelo meadow)

Nashville, Tennessee (Warblers!)

Yesterday morning I went into the park hoping for warblers. While there were many birds, the light was terrible, and I was only to identify 6 common species, as well as a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. In the afternoon, I hung out around Maintenance Field looking for a Yellow-Breasted Chat that was reported there. A guys there said he saw a large yellow and olive bird fly into some vegetation and I was able to find it. It was a Great Crested Flycatcher. A good bird in itself, with similar colors, but not what I was looking for. I hung out there for a while, during which I saw 2 empids, 3 redstarts, a Downy Woodpecker, 2 Eastern Kingbirds, and all the Red-Eyed Vireos and Veerys you could ask for. I then met up there with my friend, Ryan. We looked around the field, and found an empid, possibly one of the birds from before. Oh how fun the empid game is for a birder. Fortunately, the bird made a "wit" call, and we were able to deduce that it was a Willow Flycatcher. Year bird #140! After that, we then went to Azalea Pond, which wasn't that active, and we headed down to Laupot Bridge. There, we spotted a Northern Parula. Then we realized that we found a flock of about a half dozen warblers at least. We started identifying them one by one. Chestnut-Sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, another Parula. A Pewee gives good looks for us. Then, we spotted an interesting warbler. It turns out to be a Tennessee Warbler. Year bird #141! Not long after seeing the Tennessee, we saw a parula that didn't look right. We noticed the eye ring and concluded it was definitely a Nashville Warbler! It was a good day for birds, with me seeing 9 species of warblers, and also adding to birds to my year list! Here is what I found:

American Redstart
Northern Parula
TENNESSEE WARBLER (#141)
NASHVILLE WARBLER
Common Yellowthroat
Black-and-White Warbler
Chestnut-Sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Ovenbird
WILLOW FLYCATCHER (#140)
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Red-Eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Veery
Swainson's Thrush
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Tupelo Meadow)
Gadwall (Over a dozen at Turtle Pond)

Many Species, Low Numbers

I went on a new early 7:30 am birdwalk on Saturday, so no pre-walk birding. We started out with an Eastern Kingbird eating berries near the boathouse, but we were having trouble finding birds after that. Once we found our first warblers after a while of nothing, which were 2 Magnolia Warblers and a Common Yellowthroat at the Swampy Pin Oak, we started getting species fast. Northern Parula, Ovenbird, Chestnut-Sided Warbler. We kept getting species and by 9 am, we had 9 warbler species. When the second birdwalk at 9 am joined us, we went to The Oven to find a Red-Tailed Hawk hanging out there and drinking the water. We also found nearly all of the warblers we saw before. At the Upper Lobe, I heard a bird calling which I recognized as an Ovenbird. As I found the small, brownish, black-speckled bird, I saw a larger brownish, black-speckled bird above it. It was a thrush, obviously, and seemed to have a reddish tint. I was so excited that I had just found a WOOD THRUSH! Others were able to confirm its identity, and it was one of the highlights of our day. We also found a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird at Tupelo Meadow (one later wasn't seen by me). Just before the walk ended, we found our 10th warbler species of the day, a really high Blue-Winged Warbler. It seems like today had good diversity, but low numbers. Here is what I saw today.

American Redstart
Northern Parula
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-Sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Blue-Winged Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Wood Pewee (heard)
Eastern Kingbird
Veery
WOOD THRUSH (at the Upper Lobe)
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo
Baltimore Oriole
Ruby Throated Hummingbird

Slow Birding in Early September

Birding was slow late this week. Many species were around, but most of them were only here in low numbers. This meant you had to WORK for what you would find. Despite that, I did see some migrants on Thursday and Friday, including 7 warbler species. I saw less birds on Friday than on Thursday. Here is what I saw.

T= Thursday only
F= Friday only

American Redstart
Magnolia Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird (T)
Black-and-White Warbler (T)
BAY-BREASTED/BLACKPOLL WARBLER (T,Azalea Pond, a bit early for either)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (T)
Empidonax sp. (T, Tupelo Field, likely least)
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (F, Azalea Pond)
Veery
Cedar Waxwing (T)
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo
American Goldfinch
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (T, Tupelo Meadow)

Slow Late August Day

A slow walk in Central Park on Sunday but there were some birds to be seen. Before the walk, I saw several warblers in Maintenance Field, including my FOS Northern Parula, as well as Common Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, and Ruby-Throated Hummingbird among other things. When the walk started, we headed back to Maintenance Field, only to find out everything was gone. Consolation came in the form of a Veery only seen by me and a flyover Peregrine Falcon. We then went to Tupelo Meadow, where after a bit of waiting. we found a flock of Magnolia Warblers and American Redstarts, along with my FOS Chestnut-Sided Warbler. Not many other new birds besides that, but the group did have our FOS Scarlet Tanager at the Swampy Pin Oak. 8 species of warbler for the day. Here is what we saw:

Chestnut-Sided Warbler (FOS)

Northern Parula (FOS)

Common Yellowthroat

Ovenbird

Magnolia Warbler

American Redstart

Northern Waterthrush

Black-and-White Warbler

Eastern Kingbird

Warbling Vireo

Red-Eyed Vireo

Baltimore Oriole

SCARLET TANAGER (FOS)

Swainson's Thrush

Veery

American Crow

Carolina Wren

Black-Capped Chickadee (heard)

American Goldfinch

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Peregrine Falcon

Empid Identified!

I went out birding in The Ramble in Central Park yesterday morning. The day started out at the point with American Redstarts and a Black-and-White Warblers. I then went to the oven, where I found a pair of Common Yellowthroats and a Northern Waterthrush. I hung around there a little longer than usual, but it paid off. I saw a large duck-sized bird fly out from behind the willow being mobbed by grackles. I put my binoculars on it, and it turned out to be a GREEN HERON! I then went to Azalea Pond, where I found another waterthrush, as well as my first Magnolia Warbler and Black-Throated Blue Warbler (female) of the year. Laupot Bridge unfourtunately did not hold any waterthrushes, through there was one a bit upstream. I then went to Maintenance, where I heard there were many birds. I was only able to see a few before they all left, including Common Yellowthroats. a Canada Warbler, an Eastern Wood-Pewee, and a Great Crested Flycatcher. I then went to Tupelo Meadow, where birds from Maintenance sometimes head. The birds were behind the meadow, but these were certainly not the cast of characters seen at Maintenance Field. A Swainson's Thrush popped out of the shrubs. An willow/alder flycatcher flew by. A Magnolia Warbler and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher flitted right above us. Then, I spotted another empidonax flycatcher, likely the same bird. Everyone scrambled to try to identify it. But before they could, it started calling, and it became clear it was an ALDER FLYCATCHER! This is one of the more uncommon flycatchers that comes through the city. I probably have seen this difficult-to-identify bird before. but this is now definitely on my life list. 7 species of warbler and 1 life bird made this a great morning. Finally, a new addition to the year list!

Black-Throated Blue Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Magnolia Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Canada Warbler
ALDER FLYCATCHER (Year bird #139!)
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
GREEN HERON

Laupot Bridge Waterthrushes

Laupot Bridge is located in The Ramble near the end of The Gill before it empties into The Lake.One thing that is strange about Laupot Bridge is that every time I've been there since late July, it always has a Northern Waterthrush foraging in the mudflats there. Some might say it's the same bird, but birds with different leg colors keep showing up, and there have been a number of occassions where there have been 2 birds there. Every time I go there, I'm scared I'll break the streak. And every time I smile when I see a Northern Waterthrush hunting in the stream.

August Catchup

Sorry for the 2 week hiatus. Here is a recap of what happened

Last Thursday morning and evening and Friday evening I went birding in The Ramble. I saw:

Am. Redstarts
A lot of Canada Warblers on Thursday, a few on Friday
Northern Waterthrushes
Black and White Warblers
1 Ovenbird on Thursday
2 Blue Winged Warblers on Thursday afternoon at Azalea Pond and Tupelo Meadow
1 Ruby Throated Hummingbird neat Azalea Pond on Thursday morning

I also went to The Berkshires and Boston, Massachusetts this week, but saw little birds of interest there. I'm going birding tomorrow and can't wait to see what new migrants have arrived!

I Find an Early Thrush

On Thursday morning, I did a search of The Ramble for migrants. I found 3 warbler species fairly easily, which were Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart, and Black-and-White Warbler. I then took a break at Evodia Field. After several minutes, I was surprised when a thrush started to come towards me. We were both startled and the bird flew, but I was able to get more looks. There was no doubt that this was an early migrant. It was hard to tell, but it may have been the Hermit Thrush reported a few days previously, due to its tail looking a bit reddish, but it still could have been a Swainson's or Gray-Cheeked. After the bird disappeared, I went to Warbler Rock, where I found what was either a Magnolia Warbler or a Canada Warbler, as well as another thrush, which was a Swainson's! Later, I went to Maintenance Field, where I saw an Ovenbird, and to Tupelo, where I found 2 empidonax flycatchers (Willow/Alder?) and a definite Canada Warbler. 5-6 warbler species today, with the Canada Warbler bringing my warbler count up to 11.

Interesting Species:

1 Canada Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
1 Ovenbird
Black-and-White Warbler
American Redstart
2 Empidonax sp.
Eastern Kingbird (heard)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH
Barn Swallow
Red-Eyed Vireo
Northern Flicker
Red-Bellied Woodpecker

August Migrants in the Shadows

On Sunday, I went on my usual birdwalk in The Ramble. At first it was slow, with the best birds being a pair of Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers. But then out luck changed when we headed deeper into The Ramble to Azalea Pond and found a HOODED WARBLER, Ovenbird, and 2 BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS. I had a total of 6 warbler species seen that day.

Other species seen:
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-White Warbler
Great Crested Flycatcher (Swampy Pin Oak)
Eastern Kingbird
WOOD THRUSH
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo

Birding on the North Side (of Manhattan)

Yesterday, I went to Inwood and Swindler Cove Parks with Ryan to try to find waders and shorebirds. We started at Muscota Marsh in Inwood, where there were Great Blue Herons, a Great Egret, an Eastern Kingbird and Song Sparrows. No shorebirds were there. We then went to Swindler Cove in which there was also a Great Blue Heron, kingbird, and several Song Sparrows, as well as some goldfinches. This didn't go as well as we hoped and I only added Great Blue Heron to my year list.

Fall Migration is Starting

On Sunday's bird walk, we started at the boathouse and headed towards The Oven. Before we got there, we stopped along the way to find a Yellow Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Warbling Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, and House Finches. When we got to The Oven, I suddenly heard "WORM- EATING WARBLER!". Unfortunately the bird was well hidden and I couldn't get good looks at it. This is not a new year bird, having had just as terrible looks at one before in early May. When we headed past Bow Bridge to the island in the lake, the Song Sparrow was singing away as usual. I briefly spotted a flycatcher on the island, probably a Least, which would be new for the year. I also saw Eastern Kingbirds there. When we went to Warbler Rock, we found a Black-and-White Warbler. We also found a second one nearby. We then went to The Gill, where we saw a Northern Waterthrush, and then to Maintenance Meadow, where we found Northern Mockingbirds. After that, we went to Tupelo Meadow, where we found a few American Redstarts, After a minute, we also found a Blue-Winged Warbler mixed in with them! Then, we went to the Upper Lobe, where there was a waterthrush and a redstart. A brief trip to Turtle Pond produced a Great Egret. 6 species of warbler is a good number for the beginning of August. Let's hope things get better as the weeks go by!

Great Egret
Chimney Swift
Northern Mockingbird
Empidonax sp. (likely Least Flycatcher)
Great Crested Flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Red-Eyed Vireo
Eastern Kingbird
WORM-EATING WARBLER
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER
Black-and-White Warbler
Yellow Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Waterthrush
Song Sparrow
Red-Winged Blackbird
House Finch

June Recap and July Predictions

Sorry I've gone so long without posting. It's just that there aren't many birds around to see. Anyway, in June I added to the year list 4 great species: Common Raven, Yellow-Crowned Night Heron, Common Tern, and Killdeer. With these difficult to find birds checked off the list, there are only 3 known possibilities for the rest of July.

Possible
Laughing Gull (Many sites)
Snowy Egret (Flyovers)
Spotted Sandpiper (Early migrants)

I think Laughing Gull is the easiest of the three, being seen often in the harbor and at the Central Park Reservoir. Snowy Egrets nest in the city and often flyover sites such as Randall's Island and Central Park. Spotted Sandpipers are early migrants, but become more common later in summer. I hope to see something good this month!

Governor's Island Birds

On Friday, I ended my last day of school at noon. I then ate lunch and went to meet my friend, Ryan at the ferry terminal. We were going to look for birds that can be found at Governor's Island, but not in Manhattan. When we got there, we ran into another birder on the island. He told us of a Yellow-Crowned Night Heron nest on the island and offered to show it to us. At the same time, we started seeing Fish Crows, a species we may have seen up to 30 of today. When we got to the nest, we saw two adult herons and got amazing looks at them. We then went to search for a Killdeer he saw earlier at a place he called the nesting field, because of the Herring and Great Black-Backed Gulls that nest there. As we headed to the spot, we spotted a Common Tern, Peregrine Falcon, a pair of American Black Ducks fly by, and a Red-Winged Blackbird attacking a Fish Crow. When we got there, it took a bit of scanning, but eventually we found the Killdeer very camouflaged. After that, we went to the Yankee Pier tern colony to check out the nesting Common Terns. We were able to see 15-20 birds from our viewing platform, as well as the American Black Ducks, which flew down to the water. 22 species and 3 new year birds bring my total to 137 species seen this year. Which means I have officially beaten last years total of 135!

My new aditions:

135. Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
136. Common Tern
137. Killdeer

Species seen/heard:

American Black Duck
Mallard
Double-Crested Cormorant
Peregrine Falcon
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
KILLDEER
Herring Gull
Great Black-Backed Gull
Common Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker (heard)
Chimney Swift
Barn Swallow (many)
Cedar Waxwing (heard)
European Starling
Fish Crow
American Robin
Song Sparrow (heard)
Common Grackle
Red-Winged Blackbird
House Sparrow

Ravin' for Ravens!

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts. There just aren't many birds of interest around during the summer doldrums (early June-late July). One of these few birds is the Common Raven. This large corvid has only recently began to (re)colonize the city. Earlier this month, a pair was confirmed to have fledged 3 young in the Chelsea neighborliness of Manhattan. But there haven't been any sightings within the last few days. I went there yesterday to try and find the ravens. I went to a spot my friend told me about, which is at 23rd street and 9th avenue. I alternated, spending time at the spot and wandering nearby. After a while, I grew anxious. Then, as I was wandering nearby, I saw a corvid fly across 24th street. I rushed to 23rd after not seeing the bird on the building at 24th. I knew the bird couldn't have flown away that quickly, so it must have been out of view on the building. After several minutes of waiting, I saw two birds flying just above the building. One bird was a crow, but the other was much bigger. A raven! The crow was trying to chase the raven away, trying to get it out of the neighborhood. I heard the raven call once, soon after which the crow chased the raven out of sight, perched on the building and then flew away. Common Raven boosts my year list to 134.

June Target List

In May I added 40 new species to my year list, bringing my total to 133 species. I saw 98 species in that month. I only need 2 birds to break my record of 135. And there is still nearly 7 months left. Maybe my new goal should be 150? I've been ahead of last year the whole year (except for Jan. 1 and neck and neck a brief period in April), so why not? Anyway, here is my target list for June. Nearly all of the possibilities have come through, so there's hardly anything to chase.

Possible
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (first half migrants?)
Black-Billed Cuckoo (first half migrants?)
Laughing Gull (in the river)
Common Tern (in the bay)
Willow/Alder Flycatcher (first half migrants?)

Longshots
Any coastal birds that somehow made it inland

2015 Spring Migration has Ended

On Sunday in Central Park, nearly all of the migrants had left the area. The only warblers to be found were a few Blackpoll Warblers and American Redstarts. The most (and only) numerous migrants were the Cedar Waxwings, which also nest in the park. Speaking of which, I saw quite a few nesting birds on the walk that day. In one Willow Tree at Turtle Pond, there were the nests of Common Grackle (2), Eastern Kingbird, Baltimore Oriole, and a very hidden Orchard Oriole nest (I saw no Orchard Orioles). A few potential nesters were around, such as Great Crested Flycatchers. We saw 2 together by The Gill, and they followed us to the rock behind the Summer House. Meanwhile, the Warbling Vireo pair at Maintenance Meadow is tending to the nest a lot, swapping places sometimes, which means they probably have eggs. I think this day officially marks the end of migration season and the begining of nesting season. As for the warblers, I'll see many again this August. Still, today was productive for the year, as Great Crested Flycatcher was a new addition which I had missed at least once this year. The last time I saw one of these birds in the city was of a family in the Bronx in July 2012, although I did see one at camp last summer trying to blend in with Eastern Kingbirds. Good Birding!

Still Some Migrants Coming Through

On Sunday, I went birding before the walk and didn't really see much in The Ramble. On the walk, we started with some glimpses of Orchard Orioles at the Turtle Pond dock along with several warbler species. Throughout The Ramble, warblers were seen in small numbers, except for American Redstarts, which were common, as well as Common Yellowthroats. At an arch there, I saw a flycatcher feeding in a open bush, not in the open like they usually do. Even though there was a shadow, I was able to see that it was a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher. Other than that, there were still many of the later migrants coming through, such as Eastern Wood-Pewees and Cedar Waxwings. I saw 8 species of warblers today and heard 2 more. Good Birding!

Migration Starting to Slow Down

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Birds are becoming less numerous, therefore reducing the number of interesting sightings greatly. I seem to be always below 10 species per day. Still,  First off, the SUMMER TANAGER was a new year bird on Wednesday. I was looking at warblers and orioles in a Tulip Poplar tree near The point with several others when one teenager (not me) spotted a young male Summer Tanager. I got a quick glimpse of it before it flew off. More interesting sightings came on Friday. Throughout the week, I went to The Gill to search for Gray-Cheeked Thrushes among the Swainson's. For some reason, likely related to habitat, I see more thrushes here than anywhere else, but only in the evenings or late afternoon. I struggled to tell them apart, so I was lucky today to run into a few birders who were also after these birds. After a bit, we were able to find a few definite Gray-Cheeked Thrushes, which were a new year bird. When we were done, I was about to leave when I spotted a yellow warbler bathing in The Gill. I initially blurted out Wilson's Warbler, but I noticed that the tail and face looked a bit odd. That's when the other birders chimed in. Hooded Warbler! We watched as the female bathed in the stream and went up into the trees until it disappeared. At the time, my year list was boosted to 130. I added 2 more today, but I'll talk about that in another post. Good Birding!

Fallout Birding?

Yesterday, I went to the park very early in the morning (6:45) to try to take advantage of what I thought could be a fallout day. On those days, rain and winds bring birds down in great numbers, resulting in lots of birds in the morning. That morning, a lot of rain fell the night before, and it was very damp and misty. I could hear several species of warbler before I even got into the ramble. When I got there, birdsong filled the air. As I started birding around the point, it became apparent that there was fallout, but it was more of quantity than quality. Common Yellowthroats could be seen around every patch of shrubs. Ovenbirds and Black-Throated Blue Warblers were heard singing everywhere. It was that kind of day. I did find a Canada Warbler at The Point. After many warblers (10 species) and after hearing a few Eastern Wood-Pewees, I found an empidonax species of flycatcher in the upper lobe. It looked a bit like Yellow-Bellied, but I'm not sure. Anyway, then I went to meet up for the walk I was going on at the Turtle Pond dock. After about 10-15 minutes and one Northern Waterthrush, I spotted a grackle chasing a much larger bird over the pond. A Green Heron! Anyway, by the time walk finally started, the clouds and mist had mostly cleared up. We did searches for a Mourning and Kentucky Warbler, but failed. We did see a Bay-Breasted Warbler at Azalea Pond, possibly a bird from the day before. When we went to The Point, we refound the Canada Warbler, and found a Yellow and Wilson's Warbler. At Captain's Bench, a location near The Point which we went to before and after we went there, there were many Scarlet Tanagers. When we went to the gill, we ran into other birders looking at a very visible Blackburnian Warbler in the exact same spot in which I saw the Bay-Breasted Warbler the day before. I missed the Mourning Warbler and a Summer Tanager by just a few minutes today, a bit of a dissapointment. But with 16 warbler species and 2(+1) new year birds, it was a good day to be out.

Bird List:

Warblers:
Yellow
Black-and-White
Blackburnian
Blackpoll
Canada
Ovenbird
Parula
Bay-Breasted
Wilson's
Yellowthroat
Redstart
N. Waterthrush
Black-Throated Blue
Black-Throated Green (heard)
Magnolia
Chestnut-Sided

Gadwall
Green Heron (addition)
Empidonax sp. (4-5. addition)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (addition. Heard, with some birds seen later)
Eastern Kingbird
Veery
Wood Thrush (heard)
Swainson's Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Baltimore Oriole
Northern Flicker
Warbling Vireo (heard)
Red-Eyed Vireo
Eastern Towhee
Song Sparrow

A Busy Saturday Afternoon

Today I went out for some afternoon birding in Central Park. I started at The Point, where there were many warblers, including many American Redstarts and Common Yellowthroats. I also saw a Chestnut-Sided Warbler bathing in the stream there. Then, I started to head north to Tupelo and Maintenance Meadows, but first I wanted to make a quick stop at Azalea Pond to see what was there. This turned out to be an amazing detour, harboring some of the best birds of the day. When I arrived, I saw a Canada Warbler and a few Scarlet Tanagers. I then ran into a guy and asked him what he saw. He told me (the usual suspects) and then spotted a perched Olive-Sided Flycatcher. It was high up, but it was out in the open and gave good views. I ran into a small group of birders and they told me they saw a Bay-Breasted Warbler at the other side of the pond that flew in this direction. I then spotted a warbler low in a tree. The Bay-Breasted Warbler! Almost immediately after that we spotted a second bird. Both birds, which were males, gave great views (some said there were 3). I then headed north to my intended destinations. I saw many Swainson's Thrushes and Ovenbirds, but nothing really of interest. I headed back to Azalea, where I saw the Olive-Sided Flycatcher be chased off by a grackle, as well as what might be my last flock of White-Throated Sparrows this season. The Olive-Sided Flycatcher, Chestnut-Sided, and Bay-Breasted Warblers raise my species total for the year to 125. Good Birding.

Lincoln's Sparrow!

Yesterday evening, I went into the park to try to find some good birds. I started at Turtle Pond (empty), so I went to Maintenance Field. I saw a Blackpoll and Canada Warbler, as well as seeing what was likely a Northern Parula. Next I went to Tupelo to look for stuff, including a Lincoln's Sparrow that was reported there today. I saw a Black-Throated Blue Warbler there. I also saw a small sparrow briefly fly above the very dense undergrowth, but I did not see it again. I went back to check Maintenance to see if anything new came there. Nothing. Then, I went back to Tupelo just in case the mystery sparrow may have come foward. When I arrived, there were no people anywhere near where I saw it. After about 30 seconds, I saw the sparrow fly and land between two bushes, being visible. I put my binoculars on it. Lincoln's Sparrow! This is a life bird for me, Not much later, I found out that there were at least 2 other birds around at seperate locations. Those were also more visible than my bird, which few people saw. I then went to the point, where I found a Canada Warbler and what might be my last Yellow-Rumped Warbler of the season, while missing a Chestnut-Sided Warbler that was also there. 23 species and 1 new year bird raises my species total to 122. Good birding!

Miserable May Morning?

Today was slow. I got to the park early expecting migrants, but didn't see/hear much. I heard a Wood Thrush and House Wren along with a few warblers, as well as seeing a pair of Eastern Kingbirds and Gadwall at Turtle Pond, but nothing much besides that. On the walk I went on, we saw very few birds. The only common warblers were Yellow-Rumped, Parula, and Blackpoll, as well as a few Black-Throated Blues and Ovenbirds. We heard a report of a Cape May Warbler at Tupelo Meadow, so we went over there. The bird was there, but it took extremely long to get views of it that were identifiable and more than a few seconds long, but when we did, it was amazing! After that, I heard that there were 2, so maybe that's why everyone was looking all over the place, apart from it being in a flock of Yellow-Rumped and Blackpoll Warblers. Now I don't have to say that my only Cape May Warblers were seen in the Bahamas. We also had a female Scarlet Tanager there. Not long after, I had to leave to celebrate Mother's Day. At one quick stop at The Point, a guy told me about a Yellow-Billed Cuckoo at Willow Rock. I went there to search for it. I found a tree that looked just right for a cuckoo, and almost immediately, I saw something move, It was a big bird with a slender body and long tail, but the light was so bad, I can't be sure if it was a cuckoo or a grackle. Therefore, it won't count for the year list. It disappeared before I could get my binoculars on it. Not a good day, but I got 2 year birds, which were the Cape May Warbler and a Red-Eyed Vireo heard and later seen

Species List:
CAPE MAY WARBLER
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler (heard)
Ovenbird
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Gadwall
Eastern Kingbird
Veery
Wood Thrush (heard)
Baltimore Oriole
Scarlet Tanager
Red-Eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Chimney Swift
Great Egret
Carolina Wren

Good Afternoon Birding

Yesterday afternoon, I went rambling in the park looking for birds. I came across a birder I've met before named Fran, and we birded the point together. Within 10 minutes, I found an Indigo Bunting, Common Yellowthroat, Blackpoll Warbler, and Baltimore Oriole all bathing in the stream at The Point. I also found an Eastern Kingbird at the end of The Point. When we turned around, we found a Wilson's Warbler! We then continued on to the feeders, where we found 2 Scarlet Tanagers. I saw several more that day. We then headed for Triplet's Bridge to see a Mourning Warbler reported there. I searched for a Cape May Warbler the day before there, with no luck. Today would hopefully be different. But before we did that, we took a quick detour to Tupelo Meadow. We found a group of people looking at a Worm-Eating Warbler. A bad view, but a year bird nonetheless. I left Fran and continued on to Triplet's Bridge. When I arrived, the Mourning Warbler was only being seen by a few people, but we still had a Northern Waterthrush, Swainson's Thrush, and 2 Indigo Buntings to keep us company. During the time I was there, I had a handful of brief glimpses of the bird, which is considered "good views" if you're looking at a Mourning Warbler. At Turtle Pond, I saw a pair of Gadwalls. Maybe they will nest here? Today was a fun day, with 11 warbler species and 7 new year birds.

Species list:

MOURNING WARBLER (FOS)
Wilson's Warbler (FOS)
Northern Parula
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Black-Throated Green Warbler
Worm-Eating Warbler (Lifer)
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Warbling Vireo
Eastern Kingbird (FOS)
Indigo Bunting (FOS)
Scarlet Tanager (FOS)
Baltimore Oriole
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Swainson's Thrush (FOS)
Chimney Swift
Brown Thrasher
Northern Flicker
Gadwall
Savannah Sparrow
Eastern Towhee (heard)
House Finch

Quick Sweep of the Ramble

Today I went on a quick sweep (30 minutes) through the Ramble. As I entered Maintenance Meadow, I saw a Baltimore Oriole singing, hopefully being a good sign. Not far in, I encountered my first Common Yellowthroat of the year! At the Gill, I found an Ovenbird feeding. Then I went to the point. There were lots of warblers there, mainly Yellow-Rumps, but there were at least a few Black-and-White Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. There was also a Northern Waterthrush. Just as I was about to leave, someone spotted a Canada Warbler. My first of the season! 2 new year birds today, which were the Yellowthroat and the Canada Warbler. I also went to the park Monday evening, but the best bird I saw there was a Savannah Sparrow, along with a heard only Blue-Winged Warbler.

The Waves of Warblers Have Arrived!!!

There were many more birds today than yesterday. I saw a Veery and Purple Finch before the walk at Maintenance Meadow, along with several species of warblers seen and heard.  When we started the walk at Turtle Pond, there wasn't much there. But as we got closer and closer to The Ramble, we could see (and hear) that there were a lot of warblers. There were many parulas, Black-Throated Blue, Yellow-Rumped, and Black-and-White Warblers. We also had many Blue-Headed Vireos and 3-5 Yellow-Throated Vireos. Tupelo Meadow was the place to be. We saw Blue-Winged, Black-Troated Blue, and Blackburnian Warbler, as well as one of the Yellow-Throated Vireos. At Willow Rock/The Oven, we saw Northern Waterthrush, Blackburnian and Blackpoll Warbler. Over by the Rustic Shelter, we saw Blue-Winged and Magnolia Warbler, as well as a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. After the walk, I went to the Upper Lobe and saw a White-Eyed Vireo. 14 warbler species for today! 13 new year birds, bringing the total to 110 (Black-Throated Blue Warbler was #100). Good birding!

Birds seen today:

Chimney Swift
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Barn Swallow

Tree Swallow

Northern Rough-Winged Swallow

House Wren

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (heard)

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Gray Catbird

Veery

Hermit Thrush

Warbling Vireo

Blue-Headed Vireo

Yellow-Throated Vireo

White-Eyed Vireo

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Baltimore Oriole

Chipping Sparrow

Purple Finch

House Finch

Warblers:

Northern Waterthrush

Ovenbird (heard)

Blue-Winged

Yellow-Rumped 

Magnolia 

Yellow 

Nashville 

Northern Parula

Black-Throated Blue 

Black Throated Green 

Palm Warbler

Blackburnian 

Blackpoll

Black-and-White

First May Birding

I went rambling about this afternoon. There were less birds than I hoped for, but I still got some new year birds. I started at The Point, where there were many Yellow-Rumped and Black-and-White Warblers. A birder I ran into there said he had the continuing Louisiana Waterthrush down in the trickle of water that runs there. As I went to see it (I didn't), I spotted a male American Redstart! This is one of the more common and colorful warblers of spring. Many people got to marvel at this bird. Later, I went to the Upper Lobe, where I found a House Wren and a Yellow Warbler. Then, I went to Tupelo Field, where I spotted a thrush that didn't appear to be the usual Hermit Thrush. A Wood Thrush! After that, I went to Turtle Pond, where there was nothing there. Back at the feeders, I saw the continuing male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, which I also saw on Thursday. After this brief excitement, I saw nothing much besides a second House Wren at the Swampy Pin Oak. Near the end of the day. I saw a spectacular show of dozens of swallows feeding over the lake. Most were Tree, with many Barn and at least one Northern Rough-Winged. I added 4 new species to my year list (I heard Cedar Waxwing), bringing my total to 97. I wonder what my 100th species will be!

Species List:

American Redstart
Yellow Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-Winged Swallow
Blue-Gray Gnatcather (heard)
House Wren
Cedar Waxwing (heard)
Wood Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Brown-Headed Cowbird
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
House Finch

May Targets

During the month of April, I crushed my expectation total of 15-25 species with 34 new ones, bringing my 2015 year list to 93. Top birds that month were Prothonotary Warbler (The Point,CP), Chuck-Wills-Widow (Bryant Park), Marsh Wren (The Pond,CP), Common Loon (The Reservoir,CP), Rusty Blackbird(The Gill,CP), and Fish Crow(Cal Schurz Park), as well as many others. I feel very confident about May, and great conditions are coming early next week. I aim to see 35-50 species of birds. It might sound high, but I'll be out a lot, and know several websites/mailing lists that help report rarities and other stuff so you can find them. Anyway, here is what I want to find.


Year List To Date: 2014:123   <   2015: 132(+1)

Added so far this month: 40(+1)
Probable
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (numerous migrants, may be seen at Swampy Pin Oak)
Gray Catbird (nesters arrive)
Cedar Waxwing (migrants)*
House Wren (migrants)*
Eastern Kingbird (migrants/nesters arrive)
Least Flycatcher (migrants arrive)
Willow/Alder Flycatcher (migrants arrive)
(Empidonax sp.)
Eastern Wood-Pewee (migrants)
Red-Eyed Vireo (migrants/nesters arrive)
Warbling Vireo (migrants/nesters arrive)
Wood Thrush (migrants)
Swainson's Thrush (migrants)
Veery (migrants)
Prairie Warbler (migrant arrive)*
Ovenbird (migrants)
American Redstart (numerous migrants)
Common Yellowthroat (numerous migrants)
Black-Throated Green Warbler (migrants)
Black-Throated Blue Warbler (migrants)
Blackpoll Warbler (migrants)
Wilson's Warbler (migrants)
Magnolia Warbler (numerous migrants)
Canada warbler (migrants)
Chestnut-Sided Warbler (migrants)
Scarlet Tanager (migrants)
Indigo Bunting (migrants)

Possible
Great Blue Heron (wanders)*
Green Heron (migrants)
Turkey Vulture (flyovers)*
Osprey (flyovers)
Spotted Sandpiper (migrants)
Solitary Sandpiper (migrants)
Laughing Gull (near the river.migrant/nester)
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (migrants)
Black-Billed Cuckoo (migrants)
Belted Kingfisher (wanders)
Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher (second half of month)
Olive-Sided Flycatcher (migrants)
Great-Crested Flycatcher (migrants)
White-Eyed Vireo (migrants)*
Yellow-Throated Vireo (migrants)
Gray-Cheeked Thrush (migrants
Nashville Warbler (migrants arrive)
Yellow-Throated Warbler (overshoots)
Worm-Eating Warbler (migrants)
Cape May Warbler (migrants)
Blackburnian Warbler (migrants)
Bay-Breasted Warbler (migrants)
Hooded Warbler (migrants)
Mourning Warbler (second half)
Yellow-Breatsed Chat (migrants
Summer Tanager (overshoots)
Orchard Oriole (migrants)
Lincoln's Sparrow (migrants)
White-Crowned Sparrow (migrants)*

Longshots
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (fallout)
Merlin (sometimes wanders into the park)*
Any kind of rail (annual)
Red-Headed Woodpecker (Can appear in May)*
Common Raven (flyovers have been reported)
Eastern Bluebird (one could turn up)*
Golden-Winged Warbler (rare but regular migrants)
Cerulean Warbler (rare but regular migrants)
Kentucky Warbler (migrants)

Pre-May Birding

Today I went to Central Park to see what new birds have moved in. I started at Turtle Pond, where there were many Yellow-Rumped Warblers, as well as a few Palms and a Pine. I then traveled through the Ramble to the feeders, where I found a male Rose-Breasted Grosbeak on one of the feeders. It was there for a few minutes before it took. I found a Brown Thrasher at the Swampy Pin Oak and then went to The Point. There, people were looking at a Blue-Winged Warbler, drawing most of the attention away from the Black and White Warblers and the Louisiana Waterthrush that were also there. We watch the Blue-Winged for almost 10 minutes before it flew off across the lake. I did a bit more searching through the Ramble and found a Blue-Headed Vireo feeding near the ground at the Gill, along with more Yellow-Rumped Warblers. I then went back to the feeders where I found a bunch of people looking at 2 Baltimore Orioles high up in some trees. 3 new year birds for today. Many other migrants were seen today, but I will probably get nearly all of them in May.

New year birds:
91. Rose-Breasted Grosebeak
92. Blue-Winged Warbler
93. Baltimore Oriole

Prothonotary Warbler -YES!!!

On Monday, a rehabbed Prothonotary Warbler was released at Tanner's Spring in Central Park after striking a building nearby. It was found later that afternoon at Turtle Pond. It was seen there the next day. I went to try to find the bird myself on Tuesday afternoon. When I got there, I searched all around, but could not find the bird among the many Yellow-Rumped and Palm Warblers, as well as a few Pine Warblers. I thought I might have heard it, but it was probably just a Yellow-Rumped Warbler song that stood out, or maybe even the singing of a Yellow Warbler (they have been seen here). As I was heading home, through the Ramble, someone told me that the bird was seen at The Point. I rushed over there, and there it was, standing out like a jewel. It often came within a few feet of me and others. The official American Birding Association rules states that once a released bird is behaving normally and has moved a considerable distance away from the release site, it can be counted. A sweet new addition to the year list.

Some New Stuff Trickling In

Today I started my traversing through the Ramble by going to The Point. There were many Palm and Yellow-Rumped Warblers there, with a few Black-and-Whites too. I then found one of the walk leaders watching a Louisiana Waterthrush. After that, I ran into some people looking at a Northern Waterthrush. I then went to the feeders, where there were 2 female Purple Finches. I then went to Turtle Pond to meet up with our group. Then, we went through Shakespeare Garden to the Belvedere Walk (that's what I call it) at the south side of Turtle Pond. There, we saw Yellow Rumps, Palms, and our first Yellow Warbler of the season, as well as 2 Blue-Headed Vireos and a Tree Swallow. Then, at Maintenance Meadow, we found 3 Savannah Sparrows, which usually show up at places like Turtle Pond.We then went to the feeders, where we saw the Purple Finches, a Pine Siskin, and a Coopers Hawk. I also saw a distant Chimney Swift there. After that, we headed to The Point, where we refound both of the waterthrushes and found a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, as well as finding a Winter Wren in the Oven.  At the lake, we saw a coot, 2 shovelers, more swifts, and a Barn Swallow. We then refound the Yellow Warbler at Maintenance Meadow and went to Turtle Pond. Most of the same stuff was there from before, with a few more Pine Warblers and a Northern Parula being new. After that, we went to lunch. After lunch, I tried to see if I could find stuff in Strawberry Fields. No luck, but I did find a Great Egret in the Upper Lobe and a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher near Hernshead. 7 new species for the year today, raising my total to 89.

Migrant Roundup #1

I'm doing a new series of weekly posts called Migrant Roundup. They will talk about what migrants have come through the area over the past week. I'm planning to have this running until early June, and then start it up again around early August. Anyway, here's the first migrant roundup.

Migrants currently moving through are some Pine and Yellow-Rumped Warblers in lesser numbers than previous weeks, but still findable. Palm Warblers are the most common warbler around by far. Black-and-White Warblers are starting to come through in numbers. Both waterthrushes and wrens are coming through in similar numbers. Meanwhile, a few Northern Parulas are starting to come through. The phoebes seemed to have moved out. Gnatcatchers and Purple Finches are still coming through.The Blue-Headed Vireos are coming in now. Most waterfowl are moving out. Tuesday had a fallout that produced many firsts this season, including Indigo Buntings, Rose-Breasted Grosebeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow Warblers, and Northern Parulas. Nearly all of those are gone now. Overall, the next few days wont be that different, with bad winds and no storms.

Wren a Rarity Shows Up

Today I heard about a Marsh Wren that showed up yesterday at the Pond in Central Park. Marsh Wren is a rare. but regular migrant through the park. They are also very elusive, hiding in the reeds. Anyway, I heard that the bird was refound this morning. This afternoon, I went to the site where the bird was being seen. I met up with a woman who said she saw the bird 15 minutes before I got there. We waited. Another guy showed up. We spotted a Hermit Thrush along the shore, and then the others saw a bit of movement. Could it be the wren? More waiting. Not long after, the Marsh Wren finally showed. Life bird for me! Immidiately after I spotted the wren, I spotted another small bird in the reeds. A Northern Parula! New year bird! After that, the wren went into the reeds and we didn't really see it again.

Species List:

Mallard
Wood Duck
Canada Goose
Red-Tailed Hawk
Blue Jay
MARSH WREN (Year bird #81)
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Black-and-White Warbler
Palm Warbler
Northern Parula (Year bird #82)
White-Throated Sparrow (heard)
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
House Sparrow

80 Species Mark Reached!

Yesterday I finally could add Brant to my year list. I spotted some waterfowl near the Roosevelt Island shore from the hospital, and when I put my binoculars on them, it was clear they were Brant. I'm nearly certain that I have seen Brant already, but now I am sure I have. I then went to Cal Schwartz Park late in the afternoon to see what was there. After a bit, I thought to myself "There's nothing here,". And that's when the towhee showed up. Followed by a Hermit Thrush. And then 2 Fish Crows flew overhead calling. I wasn't anticipating this bird, mainly because it prefers coastal habitats and is usually seen flying over elsewhere. After these birds, nothing else new showed up. Brant and Fish Crow raise my year list to 80(+1).

Species seen/heard on 4/22
Brant
Gull sp.
Red-Tailed Hawk
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Red-Bellied Woodpecker (heard)
Fish Crow
American Crow (heard)
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
Tufted Titmouse (heard)
Eastern Towhee
White-Throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
House Sparrow

Migration is Progressing

Before the bird walk I went on today, I did a little birding. At the Point, there were many Palm warblers as well as a few Yellow-Rumped Warblers. At the feeders, there were 2 female Purple Finches, a differnt pair from the males that were here this week. When the walk started, we first went to the Point, where the Palm Warblers were gone, but the Yellow Rumps were still there. We tried to call in a Blue-Headed Vireo, which we succeeded in doing. Shortly after that while searching for Palm Warblers, I spotted a swallow flying on the right side of the Point. I quickly identified it as a Tree Swallow, and when we called it in, it gave us great views. Later, we saw 3 Blue-Grey Gnatcatchers at different times, each identified by call. As we watched on of them, we also spotted a Black-and-White Warbler. With 5 new species for the year, this was a pretty good day!

75. Yellow-Rumped Warbler

76. Blue-Headed Vireo

77. Tree Swallow

78. Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher

79. Black-and-White Warbler

Chuckie in the Bag!!!

Yesterday morning, I heard about a Chuck-will's-widow sighted in Bryant Park. This nightjar it a very hard to spot bird, and is a rare migrant for the area. Since its nocturnal, it usually stays in the same place throughout the day, often moving away at night. I didn't want to miss the chance of seeing one. So after school yesterday, I set out to find the bird. Once I got there, it didn't take long to find the bird. It just looked like a little lump on a branch. I also went to see a lingering American Woodcock that has been around. I found it and it was out in the open and really easy to approach. It was very cool to watch it feed right out in the open. Most woodcocks have migrated through here, but this one seems to be doing fine. With the woodcock and Chuck in hand, it was definitely a good stop to make!

Year bird #73: CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW

Nothing New, But More of Everything

On today's birdwalk, we started out with a few phoebes, a Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, a Hermit Thrush, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, and 2 Palm Warblers at the Turtle Pond dock. We then went to the Polish statue on the other side of Turtle Pond, after hearing reports of a flock of about 7 Pine Warblers there. We could already see quite a few birders there from where we were. When we got there, there were at least 9 Pine Warblers flycatching really close to us, along with a Palm Warbler. After that, when we went to the Ramble, we found 2 Swamp Sparrows, scattered Chipping Sparrows, more Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, a Golden-Crowned Kinglet, as well as several Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers. a few Brown Creepers, and an Eastern Towhee before going to lunch. By the way, we revisited the warblers again on the walk. After lunch I saw mostly the same stuff and went to revisit the warbler flock yet again. This time, large groups of visitors and sunbathers were everywhere. Somehow, the warblers still kept their cool and about all of them were still in the same area. The Palm Warbler was very aggressive toward the House Sparrows, even though they are considerably larger than it. I also spotted 2 Red-Tailed Hawks and a flyover Northern Rough-Winged Swallow. Afterwards I ran into two other birders and decided to chase the continuing Common Loon  at the Reservoir(yes, its still here) with them. After a brief Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and a pair of Swamp Sparrows in some shrubs, we were off. It took a lot of walking, but eventually we reached the northern pumphouse and saw the loon. What  a way to end a day!

New additions: 1

#72: Northern Rough-Winged Swallow

The April Norm?

Today after going to the Upper West Side, I thought a little afternoon birding would be fun. At the Reservoir, there were some Black Ducks and Northern Shovelers, along with the continuing Common Loon. As I headed towards the Ramble, I stopped by Turtle Pond. There were a few Eastern Phoebes there, as well as some more shovelers and a few Double-Crested Cormorants. I started hearing some tsip calls and realized that I was surrounded by a small flock of Palm Warblers! They seemed fairly tolerant of me, and as I searched the flock, I also found a Pine Warbler and a Golden-Crowned Kinglet. After that, I went to the Ramble. I saw Chipping Sparrows and a Golden-Crowned Kinglet at the feeders, and a Hermit Thrush at Maintenance Meadow. I then decided to make some runs along the gill. I found a Swamp Sparrow and another Hermit Thrush. Then, I ran into a guy who found a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet for me. Year Bird #71! Afterwards, I went back to the feeders and found a male Pine Warbler feeding on a suet cake. I've heard of these birds, along with kinglets, taking advantage of feeders, but usually only when there is no food around. It's strange to see this happen in April, since it was only in the mid 40s, but I guess it was just taking advantage of it. Today wasn't that good, but I did get a new addition to the list, even though I will probably see it this weekend.

#71: Ruby-Crowned Kinglet

Knocking Out The Early Migrants

Before the birdwalk today, I walked around the Ramble for a bit. I saw a Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Swamp Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Pied-Billed Grebe (told where it was by someone), and Northern Flicker. At the start of the walk, there were several Eastern Phoebes and a Great Egret at Turtle Pond. As we were leaving, my friend Ryan spotted a large flock of birds on the great lawn. It mainly consisted of juncos, but it also held a Chipping Sparrow (not seen), a few Golden-Crowned Kinglets, 2 Pine Warblers, and 3-4 Palm Warblers. We followed the Palms back to the dock after a bit, and we found Wood Ducks that flew in. After this, we went into the Ramble. There we got good looks at a Field Sparrow. I also spotted an American Kestrel there. When we were at the Point, a few birders told me that there was a Rusty Blackbird seen at the Gill. After going to the point, we headed there, and sure enough, the bird was singing and very visible. We then went to lunch. After lunch, I went to search for a Common Loon on the Reservoir that I had missed yesterday. When I got there, I ran into another birder, and after a few minutes, we spotted the loon, which was in full breeding plumage. 8 new year birds really made my day today!

# 63. Pied-Billed Grebe
# 64. Swamp Sparrow
# 65. Pine Warbler
# 66. Palm Warbler
# 67. Field Sparrow
# 68. American Kestrel
# 69. RUSTY BLACKBIRD
# 70. COMMON LOON