Welcome to BirdingAroundNYC
A birding digest, informational blog, and photographs about the birds around NYC
Click on blog button above to see photographs and learn more about birds. 

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Debbie Becker, NYBG Bird Guide
Debbie Becker lives and works in the New York City area. Her photographs and essays have been published in 
"The New York Times," "The New Yorker," "New York Magazine," "WildBird Magazine," "The Daily News," 
"The New York Post," New York City Audubon and The New York Botanical Garden's "Science Blog." 

Debbie leads bird walks for The New York Botanical Garden and teaches photography and creative writing classes. This website is an informative way to learn about the birds in and around NYC. 

"I became obsessed with bird watching many years ago and began studying birds and their behavior using photography, video and journal/blog writing."

All the text and photographs on this site were written and photographed by Debbie Becker. No reproduction without permission. © Copyright 2012-2016, Debbie Becker. All rights reserved.
FREE BIRD WALKS AT
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
​EVERY SATURDAY 11am (with grounds admission) MEET REFLECTING POND​.
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Ruby crowned Kinglet- CP 4/15//17
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First day back at NYBG and the first bird we see is one of the resident Great Horned Owls!



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Buckeye butterfly- NYBG 8/17
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Belted Kingfisher at Turtle Cove
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Eastern Blue Bird - Central Park 5/14 Additional pictures under "Seasonal Birds"


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Birding Digest


    "Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies"
               July - August 2017 at
       The New York Botanical Garden
​               Free with admission

8/12/17- Baird's Sandpiper at Orchard Beach! 
After my NYBG bird walk I drove over to Orchard Beach to see the shore birds in the puddles. The puddles were filled with semipalmated sandpipers! Among the sandpipers, three Pectoral Sandpipers stood out and then I caught a glimpse of a record bird for the Bronx- Baird's Sandpiper! My amazing sight was short lived as a car - out of nowhere - drove through the puddle sending all the birds flying towards the lagoon. Some of the birds rejoined in another puddle - but not the Baird's. Also observed semipalmated plovers, Forster's Tern, Common Tern, Osprey, herons and egrets.  

8/12/17-NYBG
Baltimore Orioles
Ruby throated hummingbird- male
Eastern Kingbird
A. Goldfinch
Catbirds
Mockingbird
Chimney swifts
American Kestrel
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow warbler
Common Yellowthroat




7/22/17- Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies!
The green herons' offspring has fledged the nest and can be seen on the south side of the big lake hanging out with mom near the bushes. All the red tailed hawks are hunting on their own and have flown into the forest. Flickers, red bellied woodpeckers, yellow warbler, common yellowthroat, catbirds, bluejays, cardinals, tufted titmouse, wood thrush, white breasted nuthatch, mourning doves, Balt. Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, Warbling vireo, wood ducks, mallards, Eastern Wood Peewee and Eastern Phoebe were all nesting at NYBG.  We have spotted silver spotted skipper, hairstreaks, summer azure, painted lady, red admiral, comma, tiger swallowtail and many dragonflies, including pond skimmers, saddle bags, cottontail, red damsels, and more. 


6/3-6/24/17- NYBG
Birding during the month of June is always a bit of a let down. After the month of May, June is usually very slow with most birds on the nest. At NYBG we have observed the following birds nesting:
Eastern Wood Peewee
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Baltimore Oriole
Blue Jay
Cardinal
Mourning Doves
Catbirds
Red tailed hawks (3 young!)
Green Heron
Red winged blackbirds
Grackles
Cedar waxwings
Wood ducks
Also spotted:
Rough winged swallows, tree swallows, great blue heron, great egret, great horned owls, mallards, chipping sparrows and song sparrows. 


5/27/17- NYBG 
Thanks to Linda we hit a nice pocket of warblers feeding in the black locust trees next to the Bronx River. We need to remember this location for next late May. 
Cape May -f
N. Parula
Magnolia
Yellow
Black throated blue
Blackpoll

Warbling Vireo
Orioles
Great crested flycatcher
E. Kingbird
Green Herons
Great Blue Herons
Eastern Wood Peewee

5/18/17 - Central Park
Warblers were either dripping from the trees or scarce to find this past week. A very strange spring migration indeed. 
Worm eating
Northern Parula
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird
Black throated blue
Black throated Green
Hooded
American Redstart
Black and white
Blue winged
Wilson's
Bay breasted
Chestnut sided
Blackpoll
Yellow
Scarlet Tanager
Swainson's thrush

4/30/17 - Central Park- The Ramble 1-7pm
Hooded Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged warbler
Yellow rumped warbler
Black-throated green
Black-throated blue
Ovenbird
Northern Parula
American Redstart
Black and white warbler
LEAST BITTERN- Life bird!
Red headed woodpecker - at the feeders- this is not the same bird that has been on 68th & 5th Ave.
Wood Thrush
Swainson's thrush
Field Sparrow
House Finch
Scarlet Tanager
​Belted Kingfisher

4/29/17- NYBG -They're Here! The warblers and Spring Migrants Have Arrived! To see photos click on "Spring Migrants 2017" from the menu above.

Common Blackpoll-2
Bay breasted warbler -1
Yellow warbler-2
Louisiana water thrush-1
Northern waterthrush -1
Yellow rumped warbler -many
N Parula-3
Prairie warbler-1
Oven bird-1
Black and white warbler-3
Black throated green warbler-1
Warbling vireo-4
Blue Headed Vireo-2
E Phoebe-4
Green heron-1
Baltimore oriole-2
E Kingbird-1
Chimney swifts -many
Northern rough winged swallow-6
Wood ducks-2
Mallards
Red tailed hawk
Great horned owl
Sharp shinned hawk
Cooper's hawk
American Crow-3
Grackles
Chickadee
Tufted titmouse
Cardinal
Bluejay
Mourning doves
Wild male turkey 
Great crested flycatcher
Catbirds

4/28/17- Central Park- The Ramble 4-6pm
Black throated blue -f
Black throated green 
Common yellowthroat -m
Prairie warbler
Black and white
Yellow rumped warbler
Palm warbler
American Redstart - m
Oven bird
Scarlet tanager
Wood thrush
Veery
Great crested flycatcher
Winter wren

4/1/17- Highlights of my bird tour @NYBG include Eastern Bluebird, Phoebes, Turkey Vulture, Sharp shinned hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Cooper's hawk, wood ducks, great horned owls and nesting red tailed hawks.

3/25/17- @NYBG - Eastern Phoebes! The Harbinger of Spring Arrives - spring is on its way!
Golden Crowned Kinglets, Rusty Blackbird, YB Sapsucker, wood ducks, great blue heron and hooded merganser.  

3/23/2017
Go Birding @NYBG, The New York Botanical Garden. Winter birding at its best! Birds of interest include: Rusty Black birds, Field Sparrows, Kinglets and American Woodcocks. 

2/19/17- Canvasbacks have been reported at 147th and Hudson River.

2/19/17- Central Park Reservoir
N. Shovelers
Black duck
Pied billed grebe
Red necked grebe
Common loon
Coots
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Ducks

2/18/17 - Lagoon, Orchard Beach
Red throated loon
Buffleheads
Black ducks
Red breasted merganser
Bald eagle, immature
Belted Kingfisher, flyby

2/18/17- NYBG
Highlights of today's bird walk include our nesting Great Horned Owls. The female seems to be attending to her nest as she was observed moving about and reaching low into the nest with her beak. The male is nearby, in a tree, guarding his family. Rusty blackbirds, red-winged blackbirds, yellow bellied sapsucker and a continuing Field Sparrow were some of the top birds we spotted. 

2/4/17- NYBG
Our resident GHO are nesting and we are keeping our fingers crossed for owlets this year. For the last two years, the nest was not a success. If you should see nesting owls, at NYBG, or elsewhere, please KEEP your distance. Do not disturb them with noise, flash, or baiting. If you like to photograph wildlife then please respect the wildlife. 

1/22/17
At the NYBG on my Saturday morning bird walk.
Wood ducks- 30
Belted kingfisher
Cooper's hawk
RT hawk
​Sharp shinned hawk
Great blue heron
American Crow
A Robins
N Cardinal
Downy Woodpecker
White breasted nuthatch
Juncos

1/14/17
At the NYBG on my Saturday morning bird walk. 22 people.
Rusty blackbirds
Peregrine falcon
Cooper's hawk
YB Sapsucker
RB woodpecker
Wild turkey
Song sparrow
WT sparrow
Juncos
Chickadee 
Tufted Titmouse
Cardinals
Blue jays
American Robins



12/28/16- Central Park 59th St. Pond
Green winged Teal
Northern Pintail
Wood duck

NYBG - 12/10/16
​On my Saturday morning bird walk @NYBG we saw the following:

Red winged blackbirds-large flock of mostly immature males. 50+
House finch
Swamp sparrow
Fox sparrow
White crowned sparrow
Song sparrow
White breasted nuthatch
A Goldfinch
A Robin
Tufted titmouse
Chickadee
Cooper's hawk
Sharp shinned hawk
Red tailed hawk
Wood ducks
Mallards
Belted Kingfisher
Red bellied woodpecker 
Downy woodpecker 
Juncos

NYBG -12/3/16
Great day of winter Birding on my Saturday morning bird walk @NYBG. We saw the following:

Cedar waxwings 20+
Red winged blackbirds 50+
Belted Kingfisher 
Mallards
Red tailed Hawks 
Blue jay 
Cardinals
Mourning dove
American crow
A Goldfinch
House finch
Swamp sparrow
Song sparrow
White throated sparrow
Red breasted nuthatch
White breasted nuthatch
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker
Yellow bellied sapsucker 
Great horned owl
A. Robin
Chickadee
Tufted titmouse

11/12/16
​Red shouldered hawk
Red tailed hawk
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker 
Hairy woodpecker 
Chickadee
Tufted titmouse
Golden Crowned kinglet
Ruby crowned Kinglet
White throated sparrow
Swamp sparrow
Song sparrow
Mallards
Belted Kingfisher 
White breasted nuthatch
Cedar waxwing
A Goldfinch
House finch
Northern Cardinal
Mourning dove
Blue jay
Mockingbird
Hermit thrush
Juncos
Tufted titmouse
American Robins



10/8/17- NYBG
Despite the dreary day - we found some good birds to watch on my Saturday morning bird walk @ NYBG. 

Cooper's hawk
Red tailed hawk
Great horned owl
Palm warbler
Pine warbler
Black and white warbler
Yellow rumped warbler
White crowned sparrow- Twin Lakes
Savannah sparrow- Twin Lakes
Field sparrow- Crab Apples
Chipping sparrow- Crab Apples
Song sparrow- Bronx River
Swamp sparrow- Swale
White throated sparrow
House finch
Purple finch- male/2 females- Twin Lakes
A Goldfinch
Catbird
Mockingbird
American Robin
Swainson's thrush
Chimney swift
N Flicker
Red bellied woodpecker 
Yellow bellied sapsucker 
Chickadee
Eastern Phoebe
Ruby throated hummingbird
Black crowned night heron- immature
Cedar waxwings


​9/25/17- NYBG
Finally,  a day with north west winds! While it remained overcast we saw many low flying migratory hawks and osprey. We also had a nice pocket of warblers in the woods, in addition to a gray cheeked thrush. 
Here is a list of what we saw and what was reported by those who birded before the walk began:

Broad winged Hawks -3
Cooper's hawk-1
Osprey-11
American Kestrel-1
Red tailed hawk-2
Great horned owl
Black throated blue warbler
Black throated green warbler
Black and white warbler
Blackpoll - immature
Common yellowthroat
American Redstart
Palm warbler
Northern Parula
Grey cheeked thrush
Mockingbird
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Brown thrasher 
Chimney Swifts- many
American Goldfinch-many
Flickers-many
Red bellied woodpecker
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Red breasted nuthatch
White breasted nuthatch
Downy woodpecker 
House finch
Mourning dove
Blue jays
Cardinals
Tufted titmouse
Ruby throated hummingbird-6
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern wood peewee
Wood ducks
Mallard


​
9/17/16- NYBG
At the beginning of today's walk there were reports of an unusual bird in the Native Plant Garden. The general consensus seemed to suggest a cockatiel. The bird was not found again. We heard and observed the following:

Scarlet tanager
Chimney swift
Black and white warbler
Yellow warbler
American Redstart
Northern waterthrush
Common Yellothroat
Eastern wood peewee-2
Red breasted nuthatch
White breasted nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse
Catbird
N. Cardinal
A. Goldfinch
Bluejay
Mockingbird
Mourning dove
Wood duck-female
Mallard
Ruby throated hummingbird-9
House finch
Downy woodpecker
Red bellied woodpecker
N Flicker
A. Robin
Red tailed hawk
Osprey
American Kestrel

​
9/10/16-NYBG
A very warm and humid day on the Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG. We toured Twin Lakes, Native Plant Garden, swale and the Rock Garden. We saw/heard the following:

Eastern wood Peewee-4
Least flycatcher -1
Empidonax flycatcher -2
Northern flicker
Downy woodpecker
Blue gray gnatcatcher -1
Black capped chickadee
Warbling video-2
Red eyed vireo-2
Ruby throated hummingbird-2
Cedar waxwings
Red tailed hawk-3
Song sparrow
A. Goldfinch
Carolina wren
House wren
Common Yellowthroat
Black and white warbler
White breasted nuthatch
Mourning dove
American Robin
Chimney swifts-many
Catbird
Cardinal
Bluejay



​9/3/16- NYBG
The first bird walk of the new season was simply fantastic! We had birds for three hours in most garden locations. Highlights include our first bird, a Great Horned Owl looking as majestic as ever sitting prominently out on a branch. We moved on to see a Solitary Sandpiper giving spectacular views at Twin Lakes. Also on the lakes were two Green Herons, an immature Night Heron and Belted Kingfisher. We viewed a family of wood ducks, mallards, Baltimore Orioles and a Ruby throated hummingbird's nest. We found a hummer later in the walk. 
We ran into a splendid pocket of warblers including black throated green, black and white, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart and two Red eyed vireos. 

Here is a list of what we saw:
Great horned owl
Red tailed Hawks
Solitary sandpiper
Immature Night Heron
Green herons-2
Belted kingfisher
Song sparrow
House finch
American Goldfinch-15
Mourning dove
Blue jays
Cardinals
House wren
Red bellied woodpecker
Downy woodpecker 
Great created flycatcher
Ruby throated hummingbird
Red eyed vireo-2
Warbling vireo
Baltimore Oriole-2
Black throated green warbler
Black and white-3
Northern Parula-2
American Redstart-2
Common Yellowthroat
Mallards
Wood ducks
Black capped chickadee-1
Tufted titmouse-5
Northern Flicker-2
American Robins - many in assorted states of maturity
Catbird-5


8/1/16
​Most birders, during the summer, become restless with free time between birding seasons. Many have comforted themselves by watching butterflies, dragonflies, moths and anything else that flies. It has been a long hot summer with not many birds to see. Shore birds were supposed to arrive the third week in July, but judging by some of the posts from Jamaica Bay, they are late or have diverted to another wetland area. Since Hurricane Sandy, the shorebird population, in the NYC area seems to have dwindled. 

​Most of the nesting summer visitors have raised their young and have begun their migratory journey back to their winter habitats. As soon as September arrives we will see this migration begin and all the spring visitors will pass through again, but this time in drabber plumage. Look for Orioles, Tanagers, Hummingbirds, Grosbeaks, Warblers and of course, the highlight of the migration: Hawks and Eagles  during the months of September and October. 

Turtle Cove- 7/30/16
Yellow warbler, nesting Alder/Willow type flycatcher, great egrets, snowy egrets, great blue heron, osprey, red winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, barn swallows, Common Yellowthroats, Song Sparrows and flickers. 

NYBG 6/19/16
Highlights of my free Saturday bird walk at NYBG include a MALE RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 

Also observed and heard:
Eastern Wood Peewee
Balt Oriole
N. Flicker
Yellow bellied Sapsucker 
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker 
Chipping sparrow
Song sparrow
Cedar waxwings
Mourning dove
Bluejay
Cardinal
American Goldfinch
American Kestrel
Red tailed hawk
Cormorant
Great egret
Eastern Kingbird
Warbling Vireo
Chimney swifts
Catbird
Red winged blackbird
Grackles
American Robin
Cowbird
Mallard
House Wren

Clouded Sulphur
Tiger swallowtail 

5/21/16- NYBG
Even though it was an overcast day and the migration seems to be winding down we still had good looks at some pretty good birds on my Saturday morning bird walk @NYBG. Cedar waxwings were everywhere but most visible and posing for the camera while taking baths in the Native Plant Garden. Warbling vireos were definitely the voice of the day perched high in the trees warbling while the B. Orioles, in the same trees, were quiet and busy building nests. Eastern Kingbirds, perched high in treetops, were fly catching throughout the garden. Most the warblers we saw and heard were in the Native Plant Garden including the female Indigo bunting. 

We heard/observed the following:
Indigo bunting - female 
Wood duck w two ducklings
Balt Orioles
Eastern Kingbirds
House Wrens
Chestnut sided warbler
Common yellowthroat
Yellow warbler
Cedar waxwings- large flocks throughout he garden
Tree swallow on Twin Lakes & Native Plant Garden
Chimney swifts
Red tailed hawk
Cooper's hawk
Warbling vireos- everywhere
Swainson's thrush
American Robin
Goldfinch
Mockingbird
Tufted titmouse
Chickadee
Song sparrow
Chipping sparrow
Cardinal
Mourning dove
Grackle
Red winged blackbird
Cowbird
N. Flicker
Red bellied woodpecker
Downy woodpecker 
Catbird
5/14/16-NYBG
A spectacular day of birding on my Saturday morning bird walk @NYBG. There were 57 birders ready to see warblers and the birds do not disappoint! We had wonderful eye level views of BAY BREASTED, BLACKPOLL and Black -throated Green off Hester Bridge. On the Ridge Trail we had great views of a male CAPE MAY and female BLACKBURNIAN -in one eyeglass - battling over inch worms. A female black-throated green and CANADA were also competing for insects in a nearby tree. A YELLOW warbler came in for a drink at the water basin inside the Native Plant Garden - the sun reflecting brightly off its yellow feathers - it really was a sight to behold. At the Swale we watched two Cedar Waxwings courting and also observed red tailed hawks circling, one with prey in its talons. 

We heard/observed the following:

Bay breasted- eye level
Blackburnian-great looks
Cape May male - great looks
Blackpoll - eye level
Black n white-3
Common yellowthroat-male/female
Yellow- great looks
Northern waterthrush-1
American redstart-male
Ovenbird 
Black throated green- eye level-3
Black throated blue 
Blue winged
Northern Parula 
Canada-1
Yellow rumped-7
Eastern kingbird-1
Warbling vireo-2
Baltimore Orioles - everywhere
Cedar waxwings-2
Least flycatcher-heard and observed
Eastern Wood pewee- calling
Red wing blackbirds
Wood ducks
Mallards
House wren-2
Grackle
Mourning dove
Cardinal
Bluejay
Mockingbird
Red tailed hawk
American kestrel
Red bellied woodpecker 
Tufted titmouse
Catbird 
American crow
Chimney swifts
American Goldfinch
Chipping sparrow
Song sparrow
Swamp sparrow 
Cormorant 

NYBG - 5/7/16
It was a damp and dreary start to my Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG. Highlights of the walk included YELLOW WARBLERS, RED Tailed Hawks courting and Eastern Kingbirds. 

It was a feeding frenzy at the Native Plant Garden as 100's of chimney swifts were swooping into the pond grabbing insects. Also hawking were tree swallows, Eastern Kingbirds and house sparrows. Over Twin Lakes two red tailed Hawks were performing a mating ritual. Throughout the garden,
Yellow warblers were calling and Baltimore Orioles were busily feeding in the trees. 

A lone Nighthawk flew over Twin Lakes at 3:30pm. 

We saw/heard the following:
NIGHTHAWK
Red tailed Hawks 
Kestrel
Cooper's hawk
Yellow warbler-6
Yellow rumped warbler-5
Blue winged warbler-heard
Black and white warbler
Cormorants 
Wood duck
Mallard
Belted Kingfisher
Mockingbird
Red winged blackbird
Grackles
Tree swallow -3
Barn swallow-1
Chimney swifts- 100+
House wren-2
Balt Oriole-4
Eastern Kingbird-3
Warbling vireo-3
Downy
White breasted nuthatch
Cardinal
Bluejay
Mourning Dove
Swamp sparrow
Song sparrow
House finch
American goldfinch
Eastern Towhee
Chickadee
American Crow-3



NYBG 4/23/16 - Highlights include:
Black throated blue warbler
Prairie Warbler
Yellow Warbler
House Wren
Chimney Swift

Turtle Cove
Osprey
Greater Yellowlegs
Snowy Egrets
​

NYBG 4/2/16
Highlights of my Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG include: an early VEERY, PINE WARBLERS, HERMIT THRUSH, TREE SWALLOWS and the spectacular sight of 5-6 GREAT BLUE HERONS, in breeding plumage, perched on the forest tree tops. 

Also observed:
Osprey
Red tailed hawk
Sharp shinned hawk 
Juncos
American Goldfinch
House finch
White throated sparrow
Fox sparrow-5
Song sparrow
Hermit thrush
VEERY
Pine warblers-6
N. Flickers-4 - displaying tails
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Red bellied woodpecker 
Downy woodpecker 
Eastern Phoebe-4
Red winged blackbird
Grackles
Wood ducks
Mallards
Cardinal
Blue jay
Mourning doves
Tree swallows on Twin Lakes-3
Golden crowned kinglet
Ruby crowned kinglet 
Chickadee
White breasted nuthatch
American Crow-6



3/13/16
The Saturday morning bird walk was delightful with blossoming daffodils and spring crocuses welcoming the warmer weather. At Twin Lakes and the Bronx River we counted 14 pairs of wood ducks. The turtles were on the log and mourning cloaks were everywhere! We saw / heard the following birds:
​SNOW GEESE - 2 flyover
Red tailed hawk
American Kestrel
Cooper's hawk
Sharp shinned hawk
Hairy woodpecker 
Downy woodpeckers 
Red bellied woodpecker 
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Red winged blackbird
White breasted nuthatch
Chickadee
Song sparrow
White throated sparrow
Fox sparrow
House finch
American goldfinch
Juncos 
Cardinal
Bluejay
Mourning dove
Grackle
American Robin
Wood ducks
Mallards
2/20/16 NYBG Birdwalks 
We have run the gamut of -1 degree to 56 degrees in a matter of seven days. But how does it affect the birds? Most birds, who do not have layers of down feathers, will shiver to keep warm. Some will flock together on a branch in tight rows to share body warmth and shiver together. The real challenge is finding enough food, during the day, to give them the energy to shiver at night. Birds who frequent feeders have a better chance of survival. They can take the peanuts and sunflower seeds and use the protein in these nuts to fuel their shivering abilities. Wild birds, who cannot find feeders, use nature's own products to help them survive. At NYBG, crabapples, plant seeds, and sweet gum sticky ball seeds offer sustenance for our avian friends. The seeds and berries that were not picked off the branch now lay below the trees, buried in the shrubbery of winter's dormant foliage. Ground birds feast on these morsels gathering the precious food for survival. 
​On yesterday's bird walk, we found a dead American Robin. The robin is an interesting bird. Once a migratory bird who signaled the beginning of spring in the northeast, the robin has been overwintering - for more than 15 years. And the number of overwintering robins continue to grow. They are a classic example of a evolution through adaptation. During the warmer months the American robin, or red breast robin will run along the ground, tilting its head trying to hone in on worm vibrations as they move through the dirt below. When the robin's toes feel the vibration of a worm it will jump and sharply drive its pointy beak into the ground to pull the worm from the warm earth. During the winter months, the worms are hibernating and not moving. The ground is frozen with ice and snow and not even a robin's beak can penetrate the winter frost. So robins have adapted to eating different types of food. Crabapples are a favorite, as the robins follow the example of resident winter birds who are feasting on the berries. We have observed robins turning over leaves in a marsh  imitating rusty blackbirds who are also leaf turners. Is this learned behavior or a natural adaptation?
The Eastern Towhee performs a dance in dry winter leaves thrusting itself back and forth to dislodge any hibernating spiders and insects from the leaves. Once an insect crawls out it is quickly gobbled up. White throated sparrows have adapted the Towhee's behavior in searching for food. Now you can watch a ballet of movement in shrubs on the grounds of NYBG as the white throated sparrow and towhee dance for their dinner. So who does the robin mimic when it comes to finding food? Most often we see robins with blackbirds, European Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, House Finch and American Goldfinch. Wherever we see these birds feeding in trees a poke of red breast robin with their distinctive call will peak out. When anyone doubts the theory of evolution, they need not look any further than the wintering American Robin. As for the dead robin we found, it could be that it was also evolution and the survival of the fittest that lay this robin to rest. Future generations will adapt in ways we have yet to observe to survive the northeast winter. 
1/23/16- Snow Storm Jonas
Many people have been emailing me asking what types of birds they may see after the storm. Since this storm is coming from the west and up the coast - it might bring any southwestern birds into our area. Look for ducks and long earned owls who might get caught up in the powerful winds. As the storm turns off the Atlantic Coast it will bring sea birds closer to shore. The best time to see these rarities - if it is SAFE - is right after the storm ends. Sunday morning might be a good time to look off shore for seabirds and ducks who were drawn in by the wind gusts and high tide. If you see anything good please email me: birdingaroundnyc@gmail.com or tweet @debbiebecker1. 


Orchard Beach 1/9/16
After the bird walk at NYBG I took a ride to Pelham Bay Park. The unusually warm weather has impacted the duck population usually observed in the waters of the lagoon, Hunter Island and local beaches. I was able to find a few buffleheads, red breasted mergansers, hooded mergansers, gadwall, and even more surprisingly, 15 scaup!  There were plenty of Canada geese, but nothing out of the ordinary. Except for the one red tailed hawk perched high on a snag it was pretty quiet. I stayed around till sunset to watch the deer gently emerge from the forest. They are so lovely to watch!
​
1/9/16- NYBG
On my Saturday morning bird walk, through the rain drops, we saw the following birds:

Red tailed hawk
Cooper's hawk w pigeon in talons
Sharp shinned hawk
Hooded mergansers-2
Grackles -200+
Rusty Blackbirds -3 Twin Lakes
Mockingbird-2
White breasted nuthatch
Red breasted nuthatch-2
Yellow bellied sapsucker - adult
Red bellied woodpecker 
Downy woodpecker 
House finch-5
American goldfinch
Fox sparrow -4
Song sparrow
White throated sparrow
Juncos
American Robin
Cardinal
Bluejay
Mourning dove
American crow
Ruby crowned kinglet
Chickadee 

JANUARY 2, 2016 - NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walks @NYBG are free with grounds admission and everyone is welcome. Today we had 25 people on my first bird walk of 2016 and saw the following birds: 

Great Horned Owl - 1 
Red tailed hawk-1
Cooper's hawk-1
American Robin - many
Mockingbird-1
Chickadee-6
American Goldfinch -12
Pine Siskin-1
Rusty Blackbird -2
Grackles -300+ large flock
Blue jay -12
Cardinal-4
Song sparrow-2
Swamp sparrow-1
White throated sparrow-many
Fox sparrow-2
Juncos-many
House finch-3
Red bellied woodpecker-3
Downy woodpecker -4
Wood ducks-2
Mallards-8
Hermit thrush-1
Ruby crowned kinglet-2
American Crow-1
Mourning doves-9
Red winged blackbird -1
White breasted nuthatch-3



NYBG 12/26/15
The last Saturday morning bird walk of 2015 produced a surprising Nashville and black and white warbler.
We saw the following on today's walk:
Great horned owl-1
Red tailed hawk-1
Cooper's hawk-1
Fox sparrow -9
White throated sparrow -44
Song sparrow -2
Swamp sparrow -2
Eastern towhee-1
Hermit thrush-1
American Robin-29
White breasted nuthatch-1
Chickadee-6
Junco-14
House finch-19
American goldfinch-3
Red winged blackbird-1
Mockingbird-1
Blue jay-6
Mourning doves-15
Cardinal-3
Cedar waxwing-2
Ruby crowned kinglet-1
Golden crowned kinglet-2
Eastern Phoebe-1
Mallard-5
Hairy woodpecker -1
Downy woodpecker -3
Red bellied woodpecker -2
American crow-1
Nashville warbler - swale
Black and white warbler- crabapples

​12/13/15 NYBG
On the unofficial Christmas bird count (temp 65 degrees) @NYBG we saw the following:

Fox sparrow -4
Swamp sparrow-1
Song sparrow -5
House sparrow-26
House finch-7
White throated sparrow-17
Mallards-27
American crow-2
Red tailed hawk-3 including one bathing in the Bronx River
Red winged blackbirds-86+ (more than a spring/summer day)
Rusty blackbirds-2
Pine Siskin-1
Cardinal-2
Bluejay-11
Mourning doves-58
American Goldfinch -1
Cedar waxwing -2
American Robin-29
Yellow bellied sapsucker-1
Downy woodpecker -3
Red bellied woodpecker -4
Chickadee-3
White breasted nuthatch-2

​NYBG 12/6/15
Another great day of birding on the Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG. 
We started out on the forest trail walking to Twin Lakes. Mallards were on the small lake and there was a bit of a birding frenzy at the larger lake. Thirty + red winged blackbirds were circling the lake along with a Pine Siskin and Rusty Blackbirds. Also observed was a brilliant mature yellow bellied sapsucker. The bird was beautiful with red and yellow highlights. An immature bird was also present as was a male purple finch. Another birder reported a flock of Pine Siskins earlier in the week. 
We followed the path back kicking up the juncos feeding by the Watson Building and found American Goldfinch, Fox, white throated, song and swamp sparrows, Chickadees and another mature sapsucker at the Swale. 
As we moved down toward the crab apples we spotted a BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER and a FLYCATCHER. The flycatcher appeared to be an Eastern Phoebe. 

Bird List
BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER
Eastern Phoebe 
Red tailed hawk
Sharp shinned hawk
Cooper's hawk
Purple Finch- male
Yellow bellied sapsucker - mature & immature
Hairy woodpecker 
Downy woodpecker
Red bellied woodpecker
Fox sparrow
Swamp sparrow
Song sparrow
White throated sparrow
Eastern towhee - heard
Chickadee
Blue jays
Mourning doves - many
Red winged blackbirds- 30+
Rusty Blackbird
American Crow
White breasted nuthatch
Mallards
Pine Siskin
Juncos
American Goldfinch
American Robin

11/28/15- NYBG
Today's morning bird walk @NYBG had to be the best - since fall migration. Birds were everywhere and very active for a cloudy/rainy day. 
We started off by observing Rusty Blackbirds in the swale when I received a phone call from fellow birder Joanne Wasser who found one of our GHOs. We left the Rusty and headed straight for the forest finding the owl in a deciduous tree- quite visible. When comparing this male owl to the owl in Central Park you can certainly see differences in age and perhaps health. As nesting season approaches, we hope the NYBG owls have much better luck this year.  

At Twin Lakes we found a female Cooper's hawk being harassed by a mob of blue jays but the hawk held tight. 

We headed towards the Native Plant Garden spooking up Juncos as we walked. Earlier we had watched American Goldfinch on seed balls and scanned for the Pine Siskin, who might have been up there, but we were unable to get good looks in the dead light. In front of the Rock Garden we found 9 Cardinals -all juveniles - in a tree eating berries. It was a fantastic sight. (Photos on my website tomorrow). There was also a Hermit Thrush and Chickadees. And bird watcher Maya got her Yellow bellied sapsucker! 
We proceeded down to the Mitsubishi Path and encountered a pair of downy woodpeckers, white throated, song, swamp and fox sparrows. The white throated sparrows were singing sweetly. A red winged blackbird was sitting on the fence watching us watch all the commotion. There were birds everywhere! 

We wandered down to the crab apples where we found American Robins all over the red, orange and yellow berries. Another beautiful sight. Cedar waxwings, two Ruby Crowned Kinglets and a Purple Finch were trying to partake in the fruit while being buzzed by a Merlin and red tailed hawk. 

We spotted three more Rusty Blackbirds on the way back and a Cooper's hawk while scattering sparrows, cardinals and chickadees on the path. 

Cedar waxwings
Rusty blackbirds
Purple finch
American Goldfinch
Cooper's hawk
Red tailed hawk
Great Horned owl-1
Merlin
Red tailed hawk
Ruby crowned kinglets
American Robins
Red winged blackbird
Grackle
Fox sparrow
White throated sparrow
Swamp sparrow 
Song sparrow
Cardinal
Blue jays
Hood Mergansers - Bronx River
Mallards
Red bellied woodpecker
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Hermit thrush
Chickadees
Tufted titmouse
Mourning doves




11/27/15 NYBG
Beautiful day at the Saturday morning bird walk. Quiet winds and the last of the fall foliage made the day quite nice. Highlights include Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Rusty Blackbird. 

Purple finch spotted in Native Plant Garden.
Rusty Blackbirds in the marsh area.
Red winged blackbirds
Cooper's hawk
Red tailed hawk
American Kestrel 
American Goldfinch
Pine Siskin in the Sweet Gum at the bottom of Azalea Way. 
House Finch
Fox Sparrow
Song sparrow
White throated sparrow
White breasted nuthatch
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker (heard)
Yellow bellied sapsucker
American robin
Chickadee 
Cardinal
Blue Jay
Wood ducks on Bronx River
Mallards
Hermit Thrush


11/14/15 - NYBG
​On a windy Saturday morning bird walk, at NYBG, we saw the
following:

Peregrine Falcon
Red tailed hawk
Cooper's hawk
American
Goldfinch- many
Purple finch-2 in sweet gum trees
House finch
Savannah
sparrow-1
Swamp sparrow
White throated sparrow 
Song sparrow
American crow
Red winged blackbird-2 females/4 immature males
White breasted
nuthatch
Chickadee
Blue jay
Mallard
American Robin
Red bellied woodpecker-heard
Cedar waxwings- mixed flock immature and mature-8
Downy woodpecker
Dark eyes juncos

10/17/15 - The New York Botanical Garden
The radar from last night was quite accurate as there were many birds at the
garden especially hawks. But the rarest find was a NELSON's SPARROW in the swale
closest to the sign that reads "What is a Wetland."  It was hunkered down in a
bush with other swamp and song sparrows. The orange face was the immediate give
away and we had brief but rewarding looks. We also had a flock of Brant and
Canada Geese separately fly over. 
We also saw:
Black vultures-4
Turkey
vulture-1
Rough legged Hawks-2
Sharp shinned hawk-1
Cooper's hawk-1
Red
tailed hawk-2
American Kestrel-1
Indigo Bunting -3
Cape may warbler-1
Yellow
rumped warbler-3
Palm warbler-2
Common yellowthroat -1
Nelson's sparrow-1
Song sparrows -7
Swamp sparrows -3
White throated sparrow -1
Field sparrows-2
Savannah sparrows -1
Towhee - male and female-2
American
Goldfinch-8
Ruby crowned kinglet -2
Tufted titmouse-1
Cardinal-3
Bluejay-12
White breasted nuthatch-2
Hairy woodpecker-1
Downy woodpecker -2
Red bellied woodpecker -2
Northern Flicker-1
Eastern Phoebe-1
Mockingbird-1
American Robin-2
Gray Catbird -1

10/10/15- NYBG
There were 26 people on my Saturday morning bird walk @NYBG. We saw the following birds:

Red tailed Hawks-2
Cooper's hawk-1
Osprey-1
Field sparrow-3
White crowned sparrow-1
Chipping sparrow -too many to count
Eastern towhee-3
White throated sparrow -12
Fox sparrow-1
American goldfinch -12
Yellow rumped warbler-2
Common yellowthroat -3
Black n white warbler-1
Red eyed vireo-1
Cardinals
Blue jays
Catbird-3
Northern flicker -1
Red bellied woodpecker-2
White breasted nuthatch-1

9/12/15- NYBG
Although the weather looked threatening 24 birders turned out for late summer
birding. Migration is underway with warblers, and migrating osprey flying over
NYBG. Highlights include a late afternoon Bald Eagle and a pair of green herons
dramatically reacting to a red tailed hawk by vocalizing, wing flapping and
perching with beak up on a branch. 

Also spotted:

Bald Eagle-1
Blue gray
gnatcatcher-1
Canada warbler
Common yellowthroat-3
Black throated blue
American redstart 
Northern waterthrush
Black n white
American
Goldfinch -many
Peewee -3
Ruby throated hummingbird -4
Red eyed vireo-3
Yellow throated vireo -1
Belted kingfisher
Green herons-2
Red tailed
hawk-1
Osprey-4
Cardinal
Chipping sparrow-3
Song sparrow
Blue jay
Baltimore oriole-1
Catbird
Ruby crowned kinglet-1
Northern flicker-7
Red bellied woodpecker 
Chimney swifts-many
American
Robin
Mourning Dove
White breasted nuthatch 


9/5/15- The New York Botanical Garden
The Bird Walks Begin!
On the Saturday morning bird walk twenty seven birders enjoyed wonderful weather and the beauty of NYBG. The garden looks gorgeous as the late season blooms are giving summer its last looks. 

Orange crowned warbler
Prairie
Common Yellowthroat -3
American Redstart
Osprey
Red tailed hawk
Northern Flicker
Great crested flycatcher
Chimney swifts
Red bellied woodpecker 
Mockingbird 
Catbird
American Goldfinch 
Warbling Vireo
Chickadee
Bluejay
Mourning Doves
House Finch
Red winged Blackbird
Ruby throated hummingbird 

Butterflies
Great Spangled Fritillary -2
Sooty wing-1
Pearl Crescent -3
Monarch-2
Sulphur-3
Tawny Skipper-1
Tiger Swallowtail-1

8/26/15-Roosevelt Island
Spotted sandpipers, Eastern Kingbird, Canada Geese, Cormorants.


8/8/15
The warblers are here! On a bird walk in Central Park we found, blue-winged warbler, photo above, black and white warbler, American Redstart and Northern Waterthrush.  It won't be long now, before we start to see a steady stream of migrating warblers.


7/27/2015
Shore Birds!
Shore bird migration begins the third week in July!  On the shoreline of Roosevelt Island, located off Manhattan, two spotted sandpipers were on the rocky shoreline. At Turtle Cove, in Pelham Bay Park, a Killdeer was hiding in the tall grasses. Since working on the Cove's water flow, ducks and marsh wrens were few and scarce this summer. Egrets and herons - although not in great numbers - are still on the Cove. Jamaica Bay is also having their own water problems which will prove disastrous for shorebirds seeking low tides to land and feed. Birders reporting from Marine Park, in Brooklyn, have spotted Willets. Of course, Long Island is always a good place to spot shorebirds, terns and even a Lark Sparrow.

Central Park birding is beginning to pick up with a few warbler species here and there. Eastern Kingbirds are still at Turtle Pond along with night heron. Flycatchers are scattered through the Ramble- listen for their call or watch for acrobatics from a tree limb.

Late July is always a great time for butterfly watching. Shakespeare's Garden in Central Park is an excellent spot. An even better location is NYBG's demonstration garden located by the large cafeteria. My bird walks at NYBG will begin Sept. 5th and we will be looking for hummingbirds, monarchs, warblers and hawks!

NYBG 6/27/15
Highlights of the Saturday morning bird walk include a RUBY THROATED HUMMINGBIRD continuing in the Rock Garden. Also observed and heard: Cedar waxwings Chimney swifts Northern Flicker Baltimore oriole Eastern Kingbird Warbling Vireo Swamp Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Fox Sparrow Song Sparrow Red tailed hawk Osprey Tufted titmouse Chickadee White breasted nuthatch Catbird Cardinal Blue jay Mourning doves American goldfinch House wren Yellow warbler Red winged blackbirds Grackles Brown headed cowbirds Red bellied woodpecker Downy woodpecker American Robins American Crow My Saturday morning bird walk, at NYBG, will be on hiatus for July and August. The bird walk will return on September 5th at 11am. Many thanks to all the birders who join us on Saturdays to explore the Garden looking for birds. It is a pleasure to take a bird walk with each and every one of you! 




5/31/15
On today's bird walk we saw the most amazing sight! Two cedar waxwings performing a mating ritual. The male got lucky, and we got photos. See Spring Migration tab above. 
Nesting at NYBG - Baltimore Orioles, Eastern Kingbirds, Warbling Vireos, Yellow warblers, Mourning Doves, House Wren, Gray Catbirds, Cardinals, Blue Jays and American Robins. There may be Ravens or crows on the garden grounds too.  Tree swallows and wood thrush are noticeably absent for the first time in many years. 

5/23/15 - NYBG
Beautiful day at the Saturday morning bird walk. We were treated to the sights and sounds of the following birds:
Blackburnian warbler
Yellow
Yellow rumped
Canada
Black throated blue
American Redstart 
Blackpoll 
Cedar waxwings
House wren
Red eyed vireo
Warbling vireo
Eastern kingbirds
Balt oriole
Rough winged swallow
Chimney swifts
Red bellied woodpecker 
Northern flicker
Song sparrow
Mourning dove
Bluejay
Cardinal
American Crow
American goldfinch 
House finch
Gray catbird
American Robin
Grackle
Red winged blackbird
Red tailed hawk
Mallard
Eastern peewee




5/16/15- The New York Botanical Garden
Another cloudy and rainy day for my Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG. We started out in the Native Plant Garden where we found yellow and Canada warblers. The oak tree which usually attracts many warblers was in full bloom and there were many birds high and in the density of the tree. We  continued walking south through azalea way picking up warblers and listening to the sounds of the orioles echoing through the forest. At one point we watched a junior male oriole weaving his nest and pulling it tightly to the branch. In the forest we found a robin's egg, baby blue, laying quietly on the ground. We watched a chipping sparrow gather blossoms to line it's nest. And we found a yellow warbler and purple finch bathing in the stream. As the raindrops began to fall we heard the house wren, with its beautiful song, proclaiming its territory in the Children's Garden. 
Observed and heard: 
Black throated blue
Northern Parula 
Prairie
Yellow
Canada
Common yellowthroat
Blackpoll
Black and white 
Magnolia
Red tailed hawk
Mockingbird
Red bellied woodpecker 
Chipping sparrow
Song sparrow
House finch
Goldfinch
American crow
Baltimore Oriole-5
Warbling vireo
Chimney swifts
House wren
Gray catbird
Empidonax 

The garden looks beautiful as the azaleas and peonies are beginning to bloom. 

5/15/15- Central Park
Prairie
Yellow
Blackburnian
Northern Parula
Chestnut sided 
Magnolia 
Black throated Blue 
Black throated Green 
Bay breasted 
Blackpoll 
Black n white
American Redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat
Wilson's Warbler
Canada Warbler

Eastern Towhee
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Baltimore Oriole

Eastern Wood Pewee
Olive sided flycatcher
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed vireo
Veery
Swainson's Thrush

5/8/15 - Central Park
After sitting at my desk all week watching Twitter light up every few seconds with warblers I finally got out to Central Park and got me a few! Here is what I missed! Blue wing, Hooded, Cape May, Bay breasted. But here is what I got in just four hours at the park: Mourning Warbler, Wilson's, Blackpoll, black and white, yellow rumped, Northern  Parula, Nashville, Red eyed vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Balt. Oriole, Indigo Buntings -3, and Great Crested Flycatcher. Looking forward to leading the bird tour at NYBG 11 am tomorrow!

4/25/15 NYBG
On a chilly Saturday morning 26 people gathered for the weekly bird walk at NYBG. 
We started out by walking towards Twin Lakes, when we spotted an INDIGO BUNTING - high in a tree- the sun shining off its back. Walking towards the lake we could hear the birds:

Yellow rumped Warbler-many
Pine-very pale bird
Palm-1
Black n white-2
Northern Parula-1
Blue headed vireo-1
Blue gray gnatcatcher-2
Cormorant 
Kinglet - both
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker 
Flicker
Barn swallow
Chickadee
White throated sparrow
Swamp
Song
Savannah-1
Eastern Phoebe -2
Rusty blackbird -1 
American goldfinch
Red tailed hawk
Brown headed cowbird
Red winged blackbird
Grackle
Mallard
Mourning dove
Bluejay

4/10/15- Warblers are here! Palm, Pine and Yellow-rumped have been spotted throughout NYC parks. On tomorrow's bird walk at NYBG we will be looking for warblers. 

4/4/15- NYBG
Tree swallows on Twin Lakes! These beautiful birds nest in the Children's Garden and often battle with House Wrens for the bird houses. 

3/28/15
Spring struggles, as winter holds on for dear life! 
Red-winged blackbirds, Phoebes, Pine Warblers and a Yellow-rumped Warbler were spotted in local parks this weekend. 

3/7/15- NYBG
BLACK VULTURES
Great Horned Owl
Merlin
Kestrel
Rough legged hawk
Red tailed hawk

2/14/15- Birding Update
The past few weeks, including this weekend, have been brutally cold, snowy and icy. Many paths and trails at local parks have been covered with thick sheets of ice making most dangerous and not passable. At the NYBG we have been seeing our regular winter visitors including, fox sparrow, rusty blackbird and yellow bellied sapsucker. In Central Park, a Common Redpoll has been a regular at the feeders along with Chipping and Tree Sparrow. Along the Brooklyn inlets, a Thick-billed Murre has been spotted with additional Murres in the areas around Long Island. Also in Jones Beach a single Bohemian Waxwing has been spotted around West End 2. This area has been popular for Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs. More than 100 Bald Eagles have been spotted along the Hudson River, at least five down in the NYC area, with a pair nesting near a small island off the coast of Staten Island. This nest is record breaking. A gray phased Gyrfalcon has been dazzling birders and photographers in Ulster County, NY. 
Along the area of 14th Street - 23rd and the FDR Highway, Ruddy and Black ducks, Gadwalls, Brant, Bufflehead and a Red throated Loon were observed. 
During this cold winter it is always helpful to carry bread, crackers or even Cheerios to toss to house sparrows and other ground dwelling birds on the city streets or parks, where allowed. The ice and snow make it hard for them to find food, so a hand-out is always welcome. 



1/24/15 - NYBG 
Rusty blackbird Red winged blackbird Grackle White throated sparrow Song sparrow Swamp sparrow Eastern towhee Cooper's hawk Hooded merganser Blue jay Cardinal Downy woodpecker Hairy woodpecker Red bellied woodpecker Goldfinch Junco White breasted nuthatch Chickadee Tufted titmouse


1/17/15- City Island and Hart Island
Eared Grebe
Common Goldeneye
Redhead
Brant
American Wigeon
Greater and lesser scaup
Red breasted merganser
Bufflehead



1/17/15 NYBG -
16 birders braved the cold to see:
Rusty Blackbird
Red winged blackbird
Cooper's hawk
Chickadee
Tufted titmouse
Cardinal
Bluejay
Grackle
White throated sparrow
Song sparrow
Hairy, Red bellied and downy woodpecker
Hooded merganser-4
Goldfinch
Junco
White breasted nuthatch

1/1/15
While everyone was in the West Village getting the Couch's Kingbird I decided to check out the Reservoir and Ramble in Central Park. Reservoir Under bright blue, but cold skies, Ring Necked ducks (3M/SW corner), Pied billed Grebe, Gadwalls (m&f), Buffleheads, Hooded Merganser, Canada Goose, Northern Shovelers, Ruddy, Coot (1), Mallard, Black backed gulls, Red tailed hawk, Carolina Wren. Ramble Brown Creeper, NORTHERN FLICKER, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, PINE SISKINS -11, Fox Sparrow, Song, White throated, Goldfinch, Cardinal, Bluejay, Tufted titmouse, Chickadee, White breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Red bellied woodpecker, Cooper's Hawk, Junco, Mourning Dove, Hermit thrush, red tailed hawks. Debbie Becker, Gunda, Linda, Steve, Joanne and Zach

1/3/15- New Year, New List
You can follow my bird count on my BLOG above. Just click!


Couch's Kingbird on the CBS News
12/29/2014 
 
I was contacted by CBS reporter Meg Baker, to comment on the Couch's Kingbird that has been hawking insects on Jane Street in the West Village. Happy to oblige I left work, on my lunch hour, and headed downtown. There were still quite a mob of birders with 400-600mm lens and binoculars scouting the area trying to locate the yellow Tyrannus couchii on trees and balconies in the immediate area. The reporter seemed interested and amused by the birders who were so dedicated to their hobby of finding, photographing, recording and listing birds. We are an odd, but dedicated bunch of people who chase birds (twitchers) and stalk them until we get the "ahhh." For some it can almost be a religious experience, others a competitive sport to try and see more birds in a year than your fellow birders (big year). We have a separate way of speaking with codes and time references. Gestures, winks, pointing and facial expressions that let our fellow birders know what we see and how they can see it too. We are a close knitted society of dedicated individuals. Some of us are loners and depend on the birds to bring us together at a familiar birding site. Others bring their families or partner with a spouse who also enjoys the sport. Many plan vacations based on life birds they have yet to see and record. 

So while all the fuss in the West Village may seem strange to some it is a lot of fun for birders. Seeing a rare bird in NYC is amazing. And one of this magnitude that has never even been close to this part of the world simply amazing. The Couch's kingbird most likely was swept up the coast, from its home territory of Mexico and Guatemala, by a storm with high winds. Will he survive a NYC winter? We certainly hope so, but if the insects begin to disappear we certainly hope this holiday treat will take his cue and look for warmer areas to hawk his insects and delight others. 

Thank you Meg Baker, CBS

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/video/10987764-rare-find-has-new-york-bird-watching-community-chirping-with-excitement/



12/27/14- NYBG
The highlights of today's bird walk were great horned owls, golden crowned kinglets and purple finch. Hooded mergansers-2 Mallards-5 Wood Ducks-1 Great blue heron-1 Red bellied woodpecker -2 White breasted nuthatch-1 Chickadee-5 Juncos-many American Robins-4 Blue jays-many Cardinals-3 Tufted titmouse-3 Mourning dove-8 Mockingbird-2 Swamp sparrow-1 White throated sparrow-1 Song sparrow-1 Purple Finch-1 House finch-1 Red tailed hawk-4 Great horned owls-2 American Crow-2

12/20/14- NYBG

On the Saturday morning bird walk we had house finch in the crabapples, many white throated sparrows hopping through the leaves doing their leaf dance-by the Bronx River, and a yellow bellied sapsucker and hermit thrush in the forest. Juncos-many American Robin-5 American kestrel-1 Cooper's hawk-1 Red tailed hawk -6 White throated sparrow-many Song sparrow-2 Fox sparrow-1 Swamp sparrow-1 Cardinal-many Blue jay-6 Mockingbird-1 Chickadee-7 Tufted titmouse-2 White breasted nuthatch-1 American goldfinch -12 House finch-6 Great blue heron-1 Mallard-6 Hooded merganser-1 Downy woodpecker -1 Red bellied woodpecker -1 Yellow bellied sapsucker -1 Mourning dove-9 Hermit thrush 


12/13/14- NYBG
A quiet day on the Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG. We had distant looks at -most likely- the NORTHERN GOSHAWK observed two weeks ago. The hawk was flying up and down the Bronx River area. Also, Cooper's hawk and a few red tailed hawks. One immature RT was very pale - almost milky white. A stunned RED BREASTED NUTHATCH was on the ground by the crabapples. A few minutes in a warm pair of gloves brought this fellow around and off he went. One male and four female Hood mergansers were on the lake very close to a hungry looking (opening and closing its bill) great blue heron. It was interesting behavior to watch the ducks diving and the heron moving closer and closer to them. Either the heron was interested in what they were diving on - or them! Chickadees Tufted titmouse Cardinals Bluejays Mourning doves White breasted nuthatch Yellow bellied sapsucker Red bellied woodpecker -6 Downy woodpecker Goldfinch-2 White throated sparrows Mallards American Robins Mockingbird Juncos



12/6/14- Rainy Day at the bird walk. While searching for owls the heavens opened up and poured upon us. Undaunted we pressed on, but could not find any owls. 

11/8/14- 43 birders joined us today.
A beautiful fall day at NYBG. Highlights of my Saturday morning Birdwalk include PINE SISKIN, RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER. 

Rusty blackbirds-Twin Lakes- 4
Pine Siskins- Twin Lakes - 25 +
Purple Finch-8
House Finch-2
Swamp Sparrow-7
Song sparrow-11
White throated sparrow -15
Field sparrow-1
Fox sparrow-1
Tufted titmouse-2
Chickadee-4
Junco-12
Northern flicker-1
Orange crowned warbler-1 (Martin)
Yellow rumped warbler-3
Red tailed hawk-3
Hermit thrush-3
Hairy woodpecker -3
Downy woodpecker -1
Kinglets (both)
Brown creeper-1
Cedar waxwings-6
Goldfinch-2
Cardinal-1
Bluejay-3
Mallard
Wood duck
Great blue heron-1



NYBG - 10/18/14
Beautiful autumn day at NYBG. On my Saturday morning bird walk we saw the following birds: Pine warbler-3 Yellow rumped-2 Common yellowthroat-1 Purple finch-1 Ruby crowned kinglet-3 Lincoln's sparrow-1 Song-2 Field-1 Chipping- many White throated-2 Indigo bunting-2 American goldfinch-many Northern flicker-4 Eastern Phoebe-1 Catbird-2 Cardinal-3 Bluejay- many Red tailed hawk-2 White breasted nuthatch-2 Red breasted nuthatch-1 Yellow bellied sapsucker 3 American Robin-many


10/18/14- Bartow Pell Mansion
During my second bird walk for Bartow Pell Mansion, located in Pelham Bay Park, we saw the following: Wild turkey-7 Brown creeper-1 White breasted nuthatch-2 Brown thrasher-2 Yellow rumped warbler-5 Black throated blue-1 Blue headed vireo-1 Catbird-2 Cedar waxwing-1 Northern flicker-7 American Robin-many Bluejay- flocks Song sparrow-2 White throated sparrow-2 Great egret-9 Snowy egret-7 Belted kingfisher-1 Cormorant -3 Great blue heron-2 Black duck Mallard Osprey-1 Red tailed hawk-1 Eastern Phoebe-1 Towhee - heard Junco- heard Yellow bellied sapsucker -2

10/11/14- Turtle Cove
Turtle Cove at Pelham Bay Park also turned out to be a sparrow paradise. Savannah, White crowned, Vesper, American Tree,  Field, Swamp, Song, White throated,  Peregrine falcon, Sharp shinned hawk, Common yellowthroat,  Palm warbler, Ruby crowned kinglet, Northern flicker, Great white egret Cormorant,  Marsh wren, Belted kingfisher , Clapper rail- heard

10/11/14 - NYBG
Fantastic Sparrow Day at NYBG yesterday. Even though it was raining five birders 
arrived ready to search for sparrows. We headed straight to the Native Plant 
Garden and we were not disappointed!
Pine Siskin- large flock + 75
Lincoln
Field
Clay colored
Savannah
Chipping
Swamp
Song
White throated
Eastern towhee
Indigo Bunting
Palm warbler
Common yellowthroat
American goldfinch 
Sharp shinned hawk
Red tailed hawk
White breasted nuthatch
Northern flicker
Catbird
Wilson's Snipe -heard
Winter wren

10/4 Rained Out! NYBG - Heavy Rain prevented birders from attending the bird walk on 10/4 at NYBG. Tomorrow's forecast doesn't look too promising either, but there will be a walk. If anyone is unsure about the walks, please email me at BirdingAroundNYC@gmail.com before 10am. 

10/9/14 Central Park 
I birded ALL of Central Park. Well, most I should say. I started at 102nd Street and walked around the compost heap, chip pile, Sparrow Rock, Great Lawn and then down to 86th and the Pinetum ultimately winding up in the Ramble. I did manage to see a Pine Siskin, Magnolia, Yellow rumped and Common YellowThroat. Not much of a haul for an all day adventure. The sparrows should be arriving in the next few days and this is a chance to see birds that only pass through once a year. While uncommon warblers seem to be quite common, the common warblers are nowhere to be found. 
Brown Thrasher
Eastern Towhee
Chipping, Song and White throated Sparrows
Eastern Phoebe
Chimney Swifts
Brown Creeper
White Breasted Nuthatch
Red bellied woodpecker
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Hairy woodpecker
Tufted Titmouse
Swainson's and Hermit Thrush
Red tailed hawk
Carolina Wren
Golden Crowned and Ruby Crowned Kinglets
Cedar Waxwing - 25 immature

9/27/14- NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk hit warbler heaven just south of the Rock Garden. Most the warblers listed below were in one tree engaged in a feeding frenzy. Joining them were flycatchers and a yellow throated vireo. New migrants include; kinglet, white crowned sparrow and hermit thrush. Cape May-2 Yellow rumped-3 Canada-2 Black throated blue-2 Black throated green-3 Nashville-1 Ovenbird-1 heard Northern Parula-2 Common yellowthroat-2 Yellow throated vireo-1 Yellow bellied flycatcher-1 Alder flycatcher-2 Eastern phoebe-3 Eastern wood peewee-1 Ruby throated hummingbird-4 Yellow bellied sapsucker-2 White crowned sparrow-4 House finch-2 Swamp sparrow-1 Song sparrow-5 Cedar waxwings-5 Red tailed hawk-4 Ruby crowned kinglet-2 Veery-1 Hermit thrush-1 Northern Flicker-9 Gray Catbird-many American Robin- many Goldfinch-6 Red bellied woodpecker -3 Downy woodpecker -1 Chickadee-1 White breasted nuthatch-1 Red breasted nuthatch-1 Cardinal-3 Bluejay-11 Grackle-3 Mourning dove-3 Eastern Towhee -1 heard



9/27/14- Bartow Pell Mansion
On an afternoon bird walk for Bartow Pell Mansion, located in Pelham Bay Park, we had the following birds; Eastern Phoebe -22! Brown thrasher -2 Eastern Towhee-1 heard Yellow bellied Sapsucker -3 Song sparrow-2 Carolina wren - 1 heard Osprey-2 American goldfinch-2 Downy woodpecker-1 Red bellied woodpecker -3 Ruby throated hummingbird-1 Great crested Cormorant -1 Double crested cormorant -1 Great egret-1 Belted kingfisher - 1 heard Great crested flycatcher -1



9/18/14
Madison Square Park
Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, Hermit thrush.

9/13/14-NYBG
On my Saturday morning bird walk, at NYBG, we saw the following birds -between the rain drops. EASTERN BLUEBIRD Rose breasted grosbeak-4 Scarlet tanager-1 Ruby throated hummingbird-6 Least flycatcher-1 House finch-2 American Goldfinch-12 Common yellowthroat-2 Magnolia warbler-1 Northern waterthrush -1 Red eyed vireo-2 Chickadee-1 Wood duck-2 Peregrine falcon-1 Red tailed hawk-2 Chimney swifts-many Northern flicker-6 Catbird-11 Cardinal-2 Blue jay-3 Mourning dove-1 Song sparrow-1 American Robin - many Red bellied woodpecker-2 Yellow bellied sapsucker-1

9/6/14-NYBG
First walk of the season at NYBG and it was a very warm outing. Highlights include NASHVILLE and ORANGE CROWNED warblers. 

Also observed:
American Redstart
Northern flicker
Yellow bellied sapsucker
Hairy woodpecker 
Downy woodpecker 
Red bellied woodpecker 
Osprey
Red tailed hawk
Chimney swifts 100+
Ruby throated hummingbird
Red eyed vireo
Warbling vireo
Swamp sparrow
Song sparrow
Chipping sparrow
American Goldfinch
House finch
Cardinal
Blue Jay
White breasted nuthatch
Tufted titmouse
Catbird 
American Robin


7.26.14- Turtle Cove, Pelham Bay Park
A tour of Turtle Cove, with some of the NYBG birders, produced the following birds:
Scarlet Tanager-1
Orchard Oriole-3
Baltimore Oriole-3
Raven-2
Blue gray gnatcatcher-4
Red eyed vireo-1
Cedar waxwing-6
Yellow warbler-4
Common yellowthroat-1
Eastern Kingbird-12
Marsh wren-3
Carolina wren-2
Great egret-4main.php
Snowy egret-9
Black crowned night heron-1
Belted kingfisher-1
Osprey-2
Catbird-4
Cardinal-2
American Goldfinch-1
Red winged blackbird-9
Song sparrow-2
Chipping sparrow-1
We went at low tide and did not see any shorebirds. Quite different than last year, about this time. 

6/28/14- NYBG
The last bird walk of the season was quite rewarding. Highlights include Great Horned Owls, Cedar Waxwings, and Warbling Vireo. We started out in the new Native Plant Garden and were amazed by the meadow. Dragonflies and damsels were darting about all the native flowering plants. This is the haven that produced a Lark, Clay, and Vesper sparrow, last October. We are excited to see what this fall will bring as the new plantings will be even more mature with seed. The tour continued around the swamp, where we saw Cedar Waxwings. Then up through the Crabapples watching Orioles bathing and Eastern Kingbirds fly-catching. We went down to the secret forest, along the Bronx River and observed a Cormorant swimming, under water, like a shark. We passed the waterfall and went into the forest looking for our resident Great Horned Owls. We found two- see below. It was a wonderful 3 hour journey with very nice birders some who were new and many of the regulars. Along the way we spotted: Eastern Kingbirds (2 Baltimore Orioles-( 5 Warbling Vireos- (6 Cedar Waxwings -6 Blue jays-4 Cardinals -3 Red winged blackbirds-4 Cormorant -1 Osprey-1 Turkey Vulture-1 Mallard-2 Yellow warbler - heard Northern flicker- 2 Red bellied woodpecker -3 heard White breasted nuthatch-1 Mourning dove-4 Song sparrow-3 Chipping sparrow-2 heard American Robin- many Grackle-13 The best part of the tour occurred when we were looking for the resident owls. With all the foliage they blended in nicely, but at one point we heard jays mobbing and suddenly a large bird flew out from a branch - it was an adult GHO! It flew right by us- jays in hot pursuit! After carefully examining the surrounding trees, I found the cat like eyes of the immature GHO staring at us through a break in the foliage. This owl has the largest eyes I have ever seen on an immature bird. (I will post photographs on my site later). We had great looks and then left quickly so as not to disturb the owls. The tour ended by the small pond in back of Twin Lakes as we watched 3 Orioles searching for food in the trees. As this season comes to an end I would like to thank all the birders who come to my Saturday morning bird walk; rain, shine, snow, sleet and even tropical storm! This year we had so much snow that many of the paths were covered but somehow we managed to get all the good birds in the garden. It's been a pleasure to meet all the new people who are learning how to bird watch. it is also a great deal of fun to bird with the "regulars." Thank you! I hope to see everyone September 6th at 11am when the walk resumes. The great fall migration begins in September - so don't miss the Hummers, hawks, warblers and eagles! Until then, have a great summer and happy birding!



6/14- NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG observed/heard the following birds. 
Great crested flycatcher -2 
Willow flycatcher - heard
Olive sided flycatcher - heard
Eastern wood peewee- heard 
Tufted titmouse - heard
White breasted nuthatch- heard
Cedar waxwings- heard
Chipping sparrow- heard
Song sparrow -1
Mourning dove-5
Blue jay-4
Cardinal-2
Chimney swifts-2
Downy woodpecker -1
Red bellied woodpecker-1
Flicker-1
Yellow warbler- heard
American Redstart-1
Red tailed hawk-3
Sharp shinned hawk-1
Red winged blackbird-14
Grackle-many
Amer. Robins -many
Eastern kingbird-1
Balt Oriole-3
Our immature great horned owl was observed and appeared to be healthy and quite alert.  



6/3/14-NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk had 27 people and we were delighted by the antics of yellow warblers flying around us and Cedar Waxwings everywhere! Yellow warblers-4 Blackpoll-1 Cedar waxwings -30+ Great blue heron Wood ducks and ducklings Song sparrow Chipping sparrow Warbling vireo-8 Balt oriole-2 Red winged blackbird-2 Grackle-2 House wren-1 Flicker Mourning dove Mockingbird Eastern peewee - heard Cormorant Sharp shinned hawk Red tailed hawk Chimney swifts

5/26/14-NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG was a bit quieter than last week but we still had a few warblers:
Canada-2
Blackpoll-2
Magnolia-2
Yellow rumped-1
Yellow-2
Common yellowthroat
Ruby throated hummingbird-1
Baltimore oriole-2
House wren-1
Warbling vireo-4
Red eyed vireo-1
Mallard-2
Red winged blackbird-5
Least flycatcher-1
Eastern wood Peewee-1
Northern flicker-3
Downy woodpecker -1
Red bellied woodpecker -1
Chickadee-1
Tufted titmouse-1
Grackle-14
Cedar waxwing-8
Mockingbird-2
House finch-1
Chipping sparrow-1 (more heard)
Song sparrow-1
Goldfinch-6
Red tailed hawk-3
Chimney Swifts-many
American Robins-many
Cardinal-2
Blue Jay -3
Mourning Dove-2
House sparrows-17
Hermit Thrush-2
Swainson's Thrush-3
(Amended)
5/19/14-NYBG
Highlights of my Saturday morning bird walk include another wonderful day of warblers - near the Children's Garden- and PURPLE FINCH. 
Magnolia-2
Northern Parula-2
Black throated blue-1
Common blackpoll-1
Black and white-1
Yellow-1
Common yellowthroat -1
Yellow Rump-7
American redstart-1
House wren-2
Warbling vireo-2
Red eyed vireo-1
Cedar waxwing-1
PURPLE FINCH-3
House finch-2
Goldfinch-2
Mockingbird-2
Cardinal-1
Eastern kingbird-3
Balt oriole -2
Mourning dove-1
Chimney swifts-5
Red tailed hawk-2
Cooper's hawk -1
Red winged blackbird -2
Rose breasted grosbeak-1
Mallard-2
Northern flicker-2 (nesting)
Red bellied woodpecker -1
Am Robin-many
Wood thrush-1
White breasted nuthatch-1
Gray catbird-1

5/10/14- NYBG
Today had to be the best birding day at NYBG! Not more than five minutes and 50 feet into the walk we had a low flying adult bald eagle and then warblers! Most of the warblers listed below were in one oak tree. The Chestnut sided were taking a bath with Goldfinch - quite a colorful sight. On the forest path we had Scarlet tanagers,Rose breasted Grosbeaks (which may be nesting) Veery, house wren and Swainson's thrush. Most impressive were the number of species and quantity. Prairie-1 Blackburnian-2 Cape May-2 Nashville -3 Common Blackpoll-2 Black throated green-20+ Northern Parula-6 Chestnut sided-3 Magnolia-6 Black and white-5 BLUE WINGED - heard American Redstart-4 Ovenbird-2 Yellowrump-20+ Yellow-4 Palm -3 Common yellowthroat -2 WHITE EYED VIREO-1 Red eyed vireo-2 Scarlet tanager-4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak- 4 House Wren-3 Veery-3 Wood thrush-2 Swainson's Thrush-1 American Robin-20 Goldfinch-6 Blue jay-3 Cardinal-10 White breasted nuthatch-1 Chickadee-1 White throated sparrow-3 Chipping sparrow-4 Song sparrow-1 House sparrow-5 Hairy woodpecker -1 Red bellied woodpecker Flicker-1 Least flycatcher-3 Eastern Peewee-2 Great crested Flycatcher-1 Mallard-2 Baltimore oriole-2 Eastern kingbird-2 Gray catbird-14 Red winged black bird-2 Common grackle-many Red tailed hawk-2 Chimney swifts-many Canada goose-2 Wild turkey-1 BALD EAGLE-1 


5/9/14- Central Park

Wet, sticky, foggy and plain yucky but I was determined to see a Hooded and Wilson's warbler today. It took me almost 3 hours to get to Central Park  with Friday traffic, but it was well worth the journey. 

I didn't get the hooded, but had 2 Wilson's who were flying around like  crazy birds, Black throated green, Canada, Least flycatcher, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Veery, and the usual suspects. 

Spectacular day of birding highlighted by a SCARLET TANAGER taking a bath, BLACK THROATED GREEN, CHESTNUT SIDED and INDIGO BUNTING. A ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK landed right in front of us with an insect in its beak. For the most part, the birds were eye level making it a wonderful bird walk for the 44 birders. 

Magnolia-1
Chestnut sided-1
American Redstart-1
Northern waterthrush-1
Palm-8
Yellow rumped-9
Black throated blue-6
Black throated green-1
Northern Parula-3
Black and white-6
Warbling Vireo-2
Blue headed Vireo-2
Indigo bunting-2
Rose breasted Grosbeak-1
Scarlet tanager-5
Wood thrush-1
Hermit thrush-1
Turkey vulture-1
Red tailed hawk-2
American kestrel-1
Eastern Kingbird-2
Baltimore oriole-1
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER-1
Chimney swifts
WHITE CROWNED SPAR ROW-1
Chipping sparrow-5
White throated sparrow-8
Catbird-3
Cardinal-2
Bluejay-3
Ruby crowned kinglet-4
Yellow bellied sapsucker2
Northern flicker-3
Red bellied woodpecker-4
Mourning dove-3
Downy woodpecker-1
Hairy woodpecker-1
Mallard-4
Grackle-many
Red winged blackbird-4
Tufted titmouse-1 heard
American Goldfinch-2


Warblers, warblers, warblers! It is May 1st and it is time for warblers! Join me on a bird walk at NYBG to look for warblers and all spring migrants beginning this Saturday, May 3rd- June 28th. 

March 20
A rather quiet day at my Saturday morning bird walk. T
As for birds we had 1 Yellow rumped warbler and heard a blue gray gnatcatcher. 
In addition to the following:
Ruby crowned kinglets-2
American Kestrel with a lizard in its talon
Red tailed hawks-3
Wood duck-6
Mallard-4
Cardinal-1
Bluejay-6
Mourning dove-3
Grackle-18
American robin - many
Chipping sparrow-2
Song sparrow-1
White throated sparrow-1
Northern flicker-2 (heard)
Red winged blackbird-8
American goldfinch-3
Cormorants -2
Tufted titmouse (heard)
Yellow bellied sapsucker-1
Red bellied woodpecker -3
Downy woodpecker -2

4/12/14-NYBG
Spectacular day for a bird walk and we were not disappointed. PALM, PINE AND BLACK & WHITE WARBLERS, at last! We also had a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER and many Kinglets. Palm-17 Pine-1 Black and white-1 Blue gray gnatcatcher-1 Brown creeper-1 Golden crowned kinglet-13 Ruby crowned kinglet-2 Hermit thrush-2 Comorant-1 Belted kingfisher-1 Wood ducks-4 Mallard-4 Black duck-2 Flicker-6 Hairy woodpecker -1 Downy woodpecker-1 White breasted nuthatch-2 Chickadee-1 Bluejay-2 Mourning dove-4 Grackle- many American Robin-many White throated sparrow-2 Chipping sparrow-1 Song sparrow-2 Red winged blackbird-14 American Kestrel-1

4.5.14 -NYBG
Highlights of my Saturday morning Birdwalk include COMMON MERGANSER on Twin Lakes and 18 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS many in breeding plumage. Turkey vulture-2 Red tailed hawk-2 Cooper's hawk-1 White breasted nuthatch-1 Cardinal-1 Bluejay-3 Great egret (FOS)-1 Chickadee -1 Eastern Phoebe-1 Wood duck-2 Mallard-5 Red bellied woodpecker -2 Red winged blackbird-3 Grackle-many American Robin-many Dark eyed junco-2 White throated sparrow-2 Song sparrow-1


3/22/14 - NYBG
Highlights from my Saturday morning bird walk at NYBG include a very visible American Woodcock, Eastern Phoebe, Rusty Blackbirds, Pied billed grebe on Twin Lakes and 4 Turkey Vultures. 

American Woodcock can be seen here:
birdingaroundnyc.com/seasonal-birds.html

Eastern Phoebe-2
Pied billed grebe-1
Rusty blackbird-8
Wood duck-2
Black duck-2
Mallard-7
Brown creeper-1
American woodcock-1
American goldfinch-4
Red winged blackbird-2
Grackle-6
Great blue heron-1
White breasted nuthatch-4
Tufted titmouse-1
Chickadee-1
Hairy woodpecker-1
Downy woodpecker-4
Red bellied woodpecker-1
Yellow bellied sapsucker-1
Junco-many
Song sparrow-2
House sparrow-2
Canada geese-2
Red tailed hawk-1
Cooper's hawk-1
American Robin-many
Blue jay-8
Cardinal-2
Turkey vulture-4
Mourning dove-6
Golden crowned kinglet-1


March 1, 2014 NYBG
Highlights from my Saturday morning bird walk, at NYBG, include a growing flock of 18 + RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in the wetlands area behind the Children's Garden; 8-RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS and 2 GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLETS.

Cedar waxwing (heard)
American Crow (heard)
Red tailed hawks-courting display-3
Cooper's hawk-1
Red bellied woodpecker -4
Yellow bellied sapsucker -1
Hairy woodpecker -1
Downy woodpecker -3
Brown creeper -2
American Robin- 250+
Hooded merganser-3
Wood duck-4
Mallard-8
White throated sparrow-many
Song sparrow-2
Chickadee-5
Tufted titmouse-3
Junco-many
Mockingbird-1
Mourning dove-2
American goldfinch-17
Eastern Towhee-1
Cardinal-1
Blue jay-6
White breasted nuthatch-3
House sparrow-12
Grackle-3


2/8/2014- NYBG
13 Rusty Blackbirds and 13 American Crows highlighted this Saturday's walk at NYBG. We also saw:
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Cardinal
Junco
Blue Jay
Hooded Merganser
Wood Duck on Bronx River
Red bellied woodpecker
Yellow bellied sapsucker
white throated sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Cooper's Hawk
Red Tailed hawk
American Goldfinch

1-10-14-NYBG
Highlights of the Saturday morning bird walk include: Golden Crowned Kinglet and Red Winged Blackbird. Although it was quite soggy, this morning, we managed to find:

Downy woodpecker -1
Red bellied woodpecker -2
Tufted titmouse -6
Chickadee-3
White breasted nuthatch -1
Cardinal - 3 males, in different locations, all singing!
Song sparrow-1
White throated sparrow-2
Dark eyed Junco-34
American Robin-5
Bluejay-4
Red tailed hawk-1
Hooded Mergansers-2
Grackle-1

1/4/14
Highlights from today's bird walk include 12 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, 3 RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS, 2 YELLOW BELLIED SAPSUCKERS and 1 RED BREASTED NUTHATCH. 
Also observed:
White breasted nuthatch-2
Chickadee-2
Mallard-15
Black duck-1
Cardinal-3
Bluejay-5
American Goldfinch-3
Grackle-2
Red tailed hawk-1
White throated sparrow-15
Junco-many
Red bellied woodpecker-2
American Robin- many
House sparrow-2
Canada geese-8
Mockingbird-1

12/28/13- NYBG
Highlight from the Saturday morning bird walk: RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. Four birds were observed in the swampy area between the smaller Twin Lake and the Bronx River. They were traveling with a small flock of grackles. Also in the same flock were two red winged blackbirds. A Great Horned Owl was well hidden in the forest compared to last week when both owls were easily spotted. Grackles-25 Red winged blackbird-2 Rusty blackbird-4 American Goldfinch- on the Sweetgum seed balls -13 Tufted titmouse-3 White breasted nuthatch-1 Hairy woodpecker-2 Downy woodpecker-2 Red bellied woodpecker-3 Yellow bellied sapsucker-1 Hermit thrush-1 Mallard-6 Cooper's hawk-2 Peregrine falcon -1 Red tailed hawk-3 Song sparrow-7 Swamp sparrow-1 White throated sparrow-3 Wild turkey-2 Blue jay-5 Cardinal-3 Dark eyed junco-many House Finch-1 Mockingbird-1 American Robin- many

12/21/13- NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk had 13 people on an unusually balmy day. Highlights include: Our female GHO now roosting with the new male. So courtship looks like it has begun! I will have photos of the pair on my website later today. The Bronx CBC takes place today - so here's hoping to some good finds. We saw the following; Chickadee-1 White breasted nuthatch- 1 Yellow bellied sapsucker -1 Hairy woodpecker -1 Downy woodpecker -1 Red bellied woodpecker -2 American goldfinch-3 Dark eyed junco-many Carolina wren-1 American Robin-many Red winged blackbird-2 Song sparrow (singing)-1 White throated sparrow-5 House sparrow-7 House finch-/ Raven-1 Red tailed hawk/3 Cooper's hawk -3 Great horned owls-/ Blue jay-4 Cardinal-1 Eastern Towhee-1 
 One of our regular birders, Steve, had surgery so we wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him soon. Good Birding, & Happy Holidays! Debbie Becker BirdingAroundNYC.com 

12/7/13 NYBG
Common Ravens, Cooper's Hawks and brilliant Cedar Waxwings highlighted the Saturday morning walk. I found it interesting that the Cooper's Hawks are back in full force. Last winter, we found a Cooper's in every tree/bush where indications of Saw whets were present. NYBG can have a few Saw whets per season and the Cooper's have made them a primary meal. On a happier note, the Cedar waxwings on the crabapples were a sight to behold. There were American Goldfinch dangling from Sweet Gum balls and Kinglets frantically working the yews. A well hidden Great Horned Owl was alone in the forest. I hope the female finds a suitor as mating season approaches. Cedar waxwings-8 Common raven-2 Brown creeper-2 Belted kingfisher-1 Great blue heron-1 Wood duck-1 Mallard-14 White throated sparrow-5 Song sparrow-4 Junco-15+ Cardinal - 9 in one tree Blue jay-6 American Goldfinch-many Ruby crowned kinglet-4 Red breasted nuthatch-2 White breasted nuthatch-2 Chickadee-2 Tufted titmouse-2 Cooper's hawk-4 (3 flying together) Mourning dove-8 Red bellied woodpecker-2 Downy woodpecker-1 Great horned owl-1 House finch-2 House sparrow-3 Red winged blackbird -6 American Robin-many Carolina Wren-1

11/30/13
After reading Pat Pollack's post (re: Reservoir) we set out to find the Ring-Necked Duck, Northern Pintail and Common Merganser she found. Good luck brought us the Ring-Necked Duck with spectacular views on the west side of the Reservoir. We picked up Buffleheads, Coots, Black Ducks, Pied-billed Grebes, Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards and Canada Geese. We decided to try the Pool where we found Wood Ducks, Buffleheads and a large flock of Grackles bathing. Heading back to the Reservoir we finally found the Northern Pintail and C. Merganser - at the NW and NE corner. We also found Pat Pollack -guiding birders to her wonderful finds. Also observed- 2 American Kestrels at the Pinetum. Good Birding, Debbie Becker, Zach, Joanne, Steve, Ettie, Gunda, Linda, Todd, Joan, Sandy, Ruth and Ira.

11/23/13- NYBG Owl News
There's a new Owl in town! Mrs. Robusto, the female owl- left widowed last year- may have a courter as a new owl has apppeared  in the forest of NYBG. Spotted, last Saturday, on the bird walk, this rather large Great Horned Owl was hiding in a tree, well out of view. Mating season for our resident Great Horns begins at the end of December and this new fellow may have shown up just in the nick of time! 

11/10/13- Bartow Pell Mansion
The Buffleheads are back! Buffleheads were observed on my first bird walk for Bartow Pell Mansion. I will be doing two more bird tours, Dec 21 and Jan. 9th - Prowling for Owls. The Mansion is a great place to bird because its north side borders a marsh and it's south side is Pelham Bay Park -where 2 adult Red headed woodpeckers -are still being spotted. On today's walk we saw the following: Buffleheads-6 Black duck-25+ Canada geese-30 Great egret-1 Great blue heron -1 Belted kingfisher-1 Rusty blackbirds-3 Red winged blackbird-4 Cowbird-5 Grackle-4 Red bellied woodpecker -3 Downy woodpecker -1 American Robin-16 Bluejay-6 Cooper's hawk-1 Red tailed hawk-2 Yellow rumped warbler-1 Swamp sparrow-2 Song sparrow -4 American Goldfinch-4 Chickadee-1 Turkey Vulture-3


11/9/13- NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk had 30 birders celebrating Forest Weekend. The foliage at NYBG is spectacular! Highlights, from the walk, include a White crowned sparrow, American Crow and Common Raven. Also spotted: Eastern Phoebe-1 Hermit thrush-3 White breasted nuthatch-2 Red breasted nuthatch-1 Golden crowned kinglet-2 Ruby crowned kinglet-1 American Crow-13 Common Raven-1 Red tailed hawk-2 Cooper's hawk -1 Red bellied woodpecker -2 Hairy woodpecker-1 Swamp sparrow-2 White throated sparrow-3 White crowned sparrow-1 Song Sparrow-2 Winter wren-1 Wood duck-1 Cardinal-2 Blue jay-3 American goldfinch-2 Dark eyed Junco-1

11/2/13
There were 37 birders on the Saturday morning bird walk as NYBG celebrates Forest Weekend - this weekend and next. One of our target birds, a VESPER SPARROW, was observed by Greg Prelich before the walk began. Other highlights include late Black throated blue, and Blue headed Vireo. VESPER SPARROW-1 Blue headed vireo-1 Field -2 Chipping-2 White throated-6 White crowned-1 Song-5 Swamp-2 Dark eyed Junco-7 American Goldfinch-5 Brown Creeper-1 House Finch-1 Black throated blue-1 Yellow rumped-1 Rusty blackbird-3 Cedar waxwings- 35+ (Mature and immature) Cardinal-2 Bluejay-8 Tufted titmouse-2 Red bellied woodpecker -4 Yellow bellied sapsucker -1 Hairy woodpecker -1 Hermit thrush-7 Swainson's thrush-1 Eastern Phoebe-6 Red tailed hawk-2 Ruby crowned kinglet-2 Golden crowned kinglet-1 Wood duck-3 Mallard-6 Black duck-1 Great blue heron-1 Belted Kingfisher-1 American Robin-12 Catbird-1 Winter wren-1 Mockingbird-2


10/29/13
A Wilson's Snipe was observed, at the Oven, in Central Park yesterday.

10/25/13-NYBG
Very birdy day at NYBG! Lots of sparrows but none of them were target birds. Song sparrows were more than abundant with 50+ spotted throughout the garden. One field sparrow at Twin Lakes along with 4 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS and a BROWN CREEPER were the highlights of the day. 
Rusty blackbirds-4
Red winged blackbird-1
House finch-5
Brown creeper-1
Field sparrow-1
Fox-1
Chipping-2
Swamp-5
Song- 50+
House-3
White throated-8
Raven-2
American goldfinch-1
Red tailed hawk-2
Cooper's hawk-1
Mockingbird-1
Yellow rumped warbler-1
American robin-27
Bluejay-2
Cardinal-1
Tufted titmouse-4
White breasted nuthatch-1
Eastern towhee-1
Hermit thrush-16
Belted kingfisher-1
Great blue heron-1
Wood duck-6
Mallard-6
Eastern Phoebe-1
Mourning dove-4
Golden crowned kinglet-1
Ruby crowned kinglet-3
Downy woodpecker -4
Red bellied woodpecker -2
Dark eyed junco-1
Northern flicker-1
Chickadee-1

10/19/13-NYBG
There were 26 people on my tour of NYBG and we saw the following birds: Warblers: Palm-1 Blue headed vireo-1 Blackpoll-1 American redstart-1 Yellow rumped -many Black throated blue-1 Sparrows: Field-4 Song-9 Swamp-5 White throated-3 Chipping-many Eastern towhee-1 American goldfinch-2 Great blue heron-1 Belted kingfisher-1 Wood duck-6 Mallard-8 Mockingbird-4 Cardinal-2 Bluejay-3 Winter wren-1 White breasted nuthatch-1 Hermit thrush-2 Downy woodpecker-1 Red bellied woodpecker-3 Chickadee -1 American Robin-many Eastern Phoebe-2 Ruby crowned kinglets-many Dark eyed junco-3 Osprey- fishing Twin Lakes! Red tailed hawk-4 Interestingly, as my birding tour meandered around the back of the lake we were walking and talking when a red tailed hawk plummeted to the ground -right in between us - grabbing a chipmunk in his talon and flying off. It was a mere 12 inches from us and we could hear the thud as it hit the ground. An amazing sight and sound









10/16/13- Randall's Island
A tour around parts of Randall's Island, searching for sparrows, proved a bit disappointing. At the salt marsh area a single quick sparrow darted into the brush never to resurface again. Yellow rumped warblers were abundant on the north side of the marsh. Several mallards were on shore. The tide was out and could have attributed to the lack of sparrow activity in the marsh. Walking to the south side of the island near fields 80-60 we were treated to a large mixed flock of warblers; pine, palm, and yellow rumped foraging with chipping sparrows. Also mockingbird, hairy and downy woodpecker were spotted in the wooded area. Other than 1great cormorant and several immature double crested cormorant we did not spot any other water fowl. It's a beautiful island accessible by foot bridge from 103rd St and FDR Drive in Manhattan. 

10/15/13 - Sora - Bryant Park!
A small rail- like bird, Sora remains in Bryant Park darting through the bushes in the beds adjacent to the lawn area. Why this marsh bird has chosen to set down in Bryant Park remains a mystery but to the birder who spotted the Sora, thank you for the life bird!

10/14/13- Pelham Bay Park
I attempted to find Jack Rothman's Red headed woodpeckers at Pelham Bay Park. I had tried on Saturday without much success - but did have a palm, prarie, savannah, many song, swamp, clapper rail and belted kingfishers as consolation birds. 
Today, I followed the directions given to me by Jack and while on the trail received a call from Joe Morales (he had observed the woodpecker earlier) who guided me closer to the bird but I still could not locate it.  I eventually gave up and returned to Turtle Cove -which was way less birdy than it had been on Saturday. While on the path I heard footsteps and ran into Steve and Joanne who were also looking for the RHW. We decided to look together and tried following the driving range path Joe advised. When we came to the clearing with two paths we took the lower path that Jack's directions called for - but actually traveled further down the path when we saw the unmistakable white, black and red colors fly past us. We spotted 3 adult RHWs!! They were flying back and forth over the path giving us outstanding views! It was quite a sight! Thank you Jack Rothman and Joe Morales!!

10/12/13- NYBG
Beautiful birding day at NYBG. A three hour tour of the Garden produced the following birds;
Black throated blue-1
Northern Parula-1
Common Yellowthroat-1
Yellow rumped -2
Sparrows (all spotted in new Native Plant Garden)
Clay-1
Field -3
White crowned -3
Chipping-many
Song-4
Swamp-2
Eastern Towhee-2
Scarlet Tanager-1 female
American Goldfinch-15+
Red tailed hawk-1
Rose breasted grosbeak -1
Belted Kingfisher-1
Wood duck-8
Mallard-12
Ruby crowned kinglet-3
Mockingbird-1
Catbird-5
American robins-17
Yellow bellied sapsucker-3
Mourning dove-7
Red bellied woodpecker -1
Eastern phoebe-2
Northern flicker-2
Blue jay-2
Cardinal-1
Junco (heard)

•••Thank you to the people who responded to my email about the "stunned" bird. The Scarlet Tanager was revived and released. Picture below.

10/5/13- NYBG
The Saturday morning bird walk had 18 birders and we enjoyed a rather birdie day at NYBG. The new Native Plant Garden at NYBG continues to be a superb birding area for sparrows. Clay colored, Field, Song, Chipping, white throated, Fox and LARK sparrow (another birder we met along the way found the Lark). The best point of lookout is under the pavilion adjacent to the tall grasses behind the waterfall. Also spotted throughout the Garden: Yellow rumped warbler-6 Black throated blue-2 Magnolia-1 Northern waterthrush-1 Common yellowthroat-4 Black and white -2 Brown thrasher-1 Rose breasted grosbeak-1 Ruby crowned kinglets-3 Wood ducks-2 Mallards-4 Catbird-6 Bluejay-12 Mockingbird-1 Eastern phoebe-2 American goldfinch-many White breasted nuthatch-1 Chickadee-2 Northern flicker-4 Hairy woodpecker -1 Downy woodpecker-2 Yellow bellied sapsucker-3 Red bellied woodpecker -3 Sharp shined hawk -1 American robins-many in assorted maturity. Great blue heron -1 Junco-1 Red tailed hawk-1

9/28/13- Turtle Cove
Off of the path leading to the steel bridge I picked up the following birds in about 30 minutes. Clapper Rail (finally!- first heard and then observed) Great blue heron-1 Great egret-4 Snowy egret-8 Black and white warbler-1 Eastern phoebe-1 Song sparrow-2 Belted kingfisher-1 Osprey Cormorant -3 Mallards-6 Killdeer -3 Catbird-1 Marsh wren-1

9/28/13 NYBG
Beautiful day at NYBG! The 31 birders on my Saturday morning bird walk observed the following birds: Purple finch - 2 FOS Chipping sparrow-10 White crowned sparrow-4 Song sparrow-1 Clay colored sparrow-1 Ruby crowned Kinglet-1 Eastern phoebe-4 Eastern wood peewee-2 Northern waterthrush-1 Common yellowthroat-2 Red tailed hawk-2 Cooper's hawk-1 American goldfinch-16 Catbird-5 Bluejay-2 Chimney swifts -6 Brown thrasher-1 American robin-many Cedar waxwings-14 Scarlet tanager-3 Ruby throated hummingbird-4 Yellow bellied sapsucker-1 Red bellied woodpecker-3 Downy woodpecker-1 Hermit thrush-1 Northern flicker-23

9/21/13-NYBG
They say if you build it, they will come. NYBG created a Native Plant Garden, last May, and on today's bird walk we spotted a LARK SPARROW in the new garden! Martin Carney - you were right! Also at the Native Plant Garden; Chestnut sided and Common Yellowthroat.

Spotted in ONE large tree over the Bronx River:
Eastern Phoebe-1
Eastern wood peewee-1
Rose breasted grosbeak
American goldfinch-3
Great crested flycatcher-1
Red eyed vireo-3
Hairy woodpecker-2
Downy woodpecker-2
Northern flicker-3
Red bellied woodpecker -2
Black and white warbler-2
Grackle-1
Mourning doves-2
Blue jay-1
White breasted nuthatch-2
Scarlet tanager -1
Chipping sparrow-1
Song sparrow-1
Wood thrush-1
American robin-1
Catbird-1
The bird watchers called the tree "magic" and so it was!

On Twin Lakes
Solitary Sandpiper -2
Belted kingfisher -1
Cardinals-2

There were Ruby throated hummingbirds (8) on every patch of Jewel Weed. 

We were limited in the flyway because of southern winds but managed to find;
Red tailed hawk-4
American Kestrel-1
Chimney Swifts-6

9/19/13 - Manhattan

I decided to see how the local parks were doing in terms of migration. Wednesday, certainly turned out to be  flycatcher day. Birding midtown to lower Manhattan 8:00am- 1pm.

Central Park @ 59th
Rose breasted grosbeak-1
Belted kingfisher-2
Black and white -1
Common yellowthroat-1
Scarlet Tanager  -1

Bryant Park @ 40th and 6th
Common yellowthroat -16
Oven Bird-12
Swainson's Thrush-3
Northern Flicker-3

Union Square Park (14th St.)
Northern Waterthrush wading in a pool of water from a broken pipe -1
Black throated blue-1
Common yellowthroat -1
Eastern Wood peewee-2

Stuyvesant Park (2nd and 15th)
Least Flycatcher-1
Eastern Wood peewee-2
American Redstart-1
Red eyed vireo-1

Stuyvesant Town Oval (1st Ave & East River)
Blackpoll-1
Eastern Wood peewee-2

East River @ 23rd St
Least flycatcher-2

8/27/13 - I had the pleasure of participating with Jack Rothman on a walk he organized with three birding clubs. Click on the link for photographs and bird list. It was a great walk! Thanks Jack!
http://www.cityislandbirds.com/Three_Club_Walk_1.html


8/17/13- Pelham Bay Park

A bird walk around the Pelham Bay Area produced a nice mix nesters and migrants. Bartow Pell Mansion Red tailed hawk Osprey with bunker Blue gray gnatcatcher -4 (nesting) Red breasted Grosbeak Eastern Towhee-immature Baltimore Oriole-4 Red eyed Vireo Ovenbird (2 heard) Black & White warbler White breasted nuthatch Chipping sparrow-2 American Goldfinch Carolina Wren(heard) Hairy Woodpecker Raven Turtle Cove Eastern Kingbirds-6 Marsh Wren-2 Barn Swallow-2 Great Egret-3 Forster's Tern Semipalmated Sandpiper-11 Semipalmated Plover-1 Red winged Blackbird-4 Mockingbird Northern Flicker-3 Cormorant Chimney Swift-3 Good Birding, Debbie Becker, Ettie, Maisey, Paula, Joe, Gunda, Sandy, Todd and Joanie

8/3/2013- Bartow Pell Mansion

While searching for shore birds at Turtle Cove in Pelham Bay Park and coming up with absolutely nothing - I decided totry Bartow Pell Mansion for early migrants. Blue - gray Gnatcatchers were everywhere. They often nest in the area. I counted at least 8! A Baltimore Oriole was preening in the sunlight; Ruby throated hummingbird was sipping from a Cardinal flower; American Goldfinch gently plucking seeds from a giant sunflower whose head was bowingwith weight. A Carolina Wren was vibrantly calling and displaying from a wood pile- while it's young foraged the vegetable garden. A Raven thundered over the woods with its mighty call and darkening fly over. A Great crested flycatcher flew by and landed on a gnarly tree. A Silver spotted skipper and Question Mark bathed in the sun. Not a Monarch in sight - yet. On City Island - Forster Terns and 5 Osprey all diving andcatching bunker! A single Sanderling - its flock flew further down the shore. Great and Snowy egrets. Glorious day!


7/27/2013- Central Park
We birded Central Park from 2:30-6pm covering the area around and including the Ramble. A possible Yellow billed Cuckoo in the Maintenance Meadow along with a Ruby throated hummingbird being chased by an Eastern Kingbird over Turtle Pond, highlighted our day. Baltimore Oriole-1 Eastern kingbird-6 Eastern wood peewee (heard) Marsh wren- Turtle Pond Wood duck-1 Mallard with 4 ducklings Red tailed hawk-2 Chimney swifts-many Barn swallow-2 Cedar Waxwing-1 immature Hairy woodpecker -1 Red bellied woodpecker -1 BC Night Heron-1 Catbird, House finch, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, Grackles, American Goldfinch.  

Butterflies: Snout nosed, Question Mark, Red Admiral, Tiger Swallowtail, Swallowtail, Meadow Fritillary, Hairstreak

 With Debbie Becker, Zach, Joanne, Steve, Todd, Joan, Ettie, Camille, Maisy, Cheryl, Ruth, Ira and Norma.


7/14/13- Pelham Bay Park
After reading Jack Rothman's post on Turtle Cove I decided to drive over and take a look. Unfortunately, the weather was hotter than hot and the birds appeared to be cooling somewhere in the shade. I did get to see two Warbling Vreos feeding their young, a Great Crested Flycatcher, Tree Swallows, Osprey in their nest, Chipping Sparrow, Cedar Waxwings, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Killdeer and Willow Flycatcher (heard).

7/12/2013- Central Park
Yesterday's bird walk at Central Park - although wet - was very productive for a rainy mid- July day. Highlights include: Olive sided flycatcher calling from a tree top in the Upper Lobe. Immature Cedar waxwings, Warbling Vireo and (3) immature Eastern Kingbirds (very quietly sitting on a top branch as their mom went back and forth bringing them tasty morsels) by Bow Bridge. Barn swallows, Black crowned Night Heron and Chimney Swifts at Turtle Pond. Willow flycatcher and a Black crowned night heron (in breeding plumage) at the Oven. The usual suspects include; Grackles, Blue jay, Cardinal, Catbird Mallard, Canada goose, American Robin (many still on nests and lots of immature speckled birds), Hairy woodpecker, Red bellied woodpecker, Northern flicker, and Tufted titmouse (heard). Checked ponds and lake for skimmers - but came up empty.

6/29/2013- NYBG
Last bird walk for the 2012-2013 Season. Bird walks resume September 7, 2013.
Thank you to all the wonderful birders who join me, every Saturday, in the rain, snow, sleet or sunshine, to walk the beautiful trails at NYBG, looking for birds. It has been a pleasure to guide you through the Garden. I will begin my 29th year of leading walks for NYBG September 7th. I hope you will be there to join me. 

A beautiful and productive day of birding at NYBG. My walk had 30 birders. We ran into a puzzling sight at Azalea Way. A house wren, song sparrow, chipping sparrow and catbird were all trying to feed an immature cowbird perched in a tree. The cowbird had initially been spotted on the birdhouse where the wrens were nesting. Highlight include; cedar waxwings, warbling vireos, a rusty blackbird and Carolina wrens nesting in the forest. Great egret-1 Cedar waxwing-4 Chimney swift-1 Barn swallow-1 Warbling vireo-3 Hairy woodpecker-3 Red bellied woodpecker (heard) Northern flicker-2 Wood thrush (heard) Rusty blackbird-1 Red tailed hawk-2 Carolina wren-1 House wren-2 Red winged blackbird-3 Mallard-4 Eastern kingbird-1 American goldfinch-4 Blue jay-2 Catbird-7 Mockingbird-1 Mourning dove-3 Cardinal-4 House sparrow-many Field sparrow-1 Chipping sparrow-4 Song sparrow-2 Cowbird-1 European starling- too many American Robin-many

6/22/13- NYBG
On the Saturday morning bird walk 27 birders watched a male and female Baltimore Oriole feeding their newly fledged chicks. Quite a sight to see the young birds in a crabapple tree as flashes of orange and yellow feathers quickly flew from branch to branch gathering worms, spiders and other insects to deposit into their gaping mouths. On the other side of the garden a male and female House Wren were working equally as hard to feed their brood chirping from a nearby  bird house. Chipping sparrows were chipping, 
Cardinals were calling, Red winged black birds were flashing their red  epaulets in territorial defense, immature grackles were chasing their parents begging for food and warbling vireos were working the treetops gathering insects for their young.   It was a very busy birding day! 

House Wren-2
Baltimore Oriole-3
Warbling Vireo-4
Hairy Woodpecker-1
Red bellied woodpecker-1
Northern flicker (heard)
Catbird-4
Bluejay-2
Cardinal-2
Song Sparrow-2
Chipping Sparrow-5
Grackle-6
Red winged blackbird-4
Mallard-2
Cedar waxwing-7
American Goldfinch-1
Eastern Kingbird-2
Eastern Peewee-(heard)
Mockingbird-1
American Crow-(heard)
Chimney swift-2

6/19/13- Pelham Bay Park
PURPLE MARTINS! A pair were hunting on Turtle Cove at sunset. A very unusual sighing. I have spotted Purple Martins on Long Island,  but never in the New York City vicinity. I also observed nesting Oriole, Osprey and Yellow Warbler along with Marsh Wrens, Red winged black birds, Black Crowned Night Heron and Great Egret.

6/15/2013- Pelham Bay Park
The Marsh Wrens are back! Those noisy little birds who speckle the reeds over by Turtle Cove are singing their song and jumping up and down. Great Egrets were also spotted, along with a Baltimore Oriole. 

6/15/2013- NYBG
A beautiful morning for a bird walk after a rainy week. Nesting birds include; House Wrens, Baltimore Orioles, Warbling Vireos and American Robin. Also observed: Hairy Woodpecker-1 Northern Flicker -1 Catbird-2 Bluejay-3 Cardinal-2 Song Sparrow-1 Grackle-many Red winged blackbird-4 Wood thrush (heard) Green heron - 2 Cooper's hawk-1 Cormorant-1 Mallard-1 Black capped chickadee (heard) Cedar waxwing-6 American Goldfinch-2 Eastern Kingbird-1 (finally)

6/8/13- NYBG
Friday's rain storm turned the Bronx River into an amazing sight as it rushed through NYBG. The rain filled the forest with babbling brooks and turned the waterfall into a spectacular rush of water. Even though a small iron fence separates you from the waterfall the motion of the water, spray and sound were breathtaking. Anyone who wants to see nature in action should go to NYBG today or Tuesday before the fury subsides. 

Highlights from my Saturday morning bird walk: we saw a Catbird chasing a chipmunk in a crabapple tree; Cedar waxwings were everywhere; a Bald Eagle soared over the Bronx River while an Eastern Peewee continuously called from a branch above the water.

Bald eagle - immature
Cedar waxwings- many & everywhere
Eastern Peewee-1
Warbling Vireo-4 nests w birds
Chimney Swift-1
Red bellied woodpecker -2
Baltimore oriole-2
Green heron-1
Mallard-1
Song sparrow-3
Grackle-4
Red winged blackbird-1
American Robin-many
Red tailed hawk-3
Mockingbird-1
House Wren-2 nesting
Cardinal-3
American Goldfinch-3
Mourning Dove-2
Cormorant -1

There appears to be an absence of Eastern Kingbirds at NYBG and an increase of Warbling Vireos. Usually Eastern Kingbirds nest in the Sycamore trees along the Bronx River. Yesterday, we spotted four Warbling Vireo nests in the Sycamores but not one Eastern Kingbird. 


6/1/13- The New York Botanical Garden
The following birds were observed on the Saturday morning bird walk. Cedar waxwing-9 Eastern Peewee-(heard) Wood thrush-(heard) Warbling Vireo-2 Red eyed vireo-1 Chimney Swifts-13 Tufted Titmouse-1 Hairy woodpecker-1 Red bellied woodpecker -1 Baltimore oriole-1 Green heron-1 Great blue heron-1 Mallard-2 Song sparrow-1 Grackle-4 Red winged blackbird-2 American Robin-many Red tailed hawk-2 Mockingbird-1 Northern Flicker-2 House Wren-1 Cardinal-1 Blue Jay-3 American Goldfinch-1

5/11/13-NYBG
The warblers were with us at NYBG - always the best place to bird. The diverse habitat makes NYBG the perfect place to increase your birding numbers and see really good birds. 
   The following birds were spotted on my Saturday morning and afternoon bird walk. 
14 Species of Warbler
 Swainson's Thrush Wood thrush Veery HOODED Warbler Chestnut sided Bay breasted Blackpoll Black and white Northern Parula Yellow rumped Black throated green Black throated Blue Yellow Oven Bird Magnolia American Redstart Common Yellowthroat Yellow throated Vireo Warbling Vireo Great crested flycatcher Wood ducks w 12 ducklings Mallard Baltimore Oriole Scarlet Tanager Eastern Kingbird Great Blue Heron American Goldfinch Grackle Catbird Red winged blackbird Song sparrow Rough winged swallow Chimney swift
Thanks to Joann, Steve and Martin

5/9-5/10/13 Central Park and Bryant Park - 24 Hour Count
24 Hour Bird Count
Central Park 5/9 4-6:30pm
Bryant Park- 5/10 8-10am 1:30-3pm
Central Park- 5/10 4-6:30pm

16 Species of Warbler
Bay Breasted
Canada
American Redstart
Magnolia
Black Throated Blue
Black Throated Green
Blackpoll
Yellow
Yellow rumped
Northern Parula
Black and white
Worm Eating
Prairie
Northern Waterthrush
Palm
Common Yellowthroat

SUMMER TANAGER
INDIGO BUNTING
Scarlet Tanager
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Towhee
Veery
Baltimore Oriole
House Wren
Swamp Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White throated Sparrow
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Golden Crowned Kinglet
Catbird
Red tailed hawk
Great Egret
Chimney Swift
Downy Woodpecker
Red bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Grackle

5/4/13-NYBG
Northeast winds persist and the warblers were few and far between. I had two bird walks today, to celebrate the opening of the Native Plant Garden. After birding NYBG for 6 hours we saw the following birds: WORM EATING WARBLER PRAIRIE WARBLER Yellow warbler Palm warbler Yellow rumped warbler Black and white warbler Great blue heron Cormorant Wood duck Mallard Eastern Phoebe Northern Cardinal Blue Jay White throated sparrow Song sparrow Chipping sparrow House sparrow American Goldfinch Downy woodpecker Red bellied woodpecker Northern Flicker Red winged blackbird Cowbird Chimney Swifts Rough winged swallow Grackles Tufted titmouse White breasted nuthatch Red tailed hawk Snapping turtle Red eared sliders Beavers are making progress taking down a large tree on Bronx River.



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Magnolia Warbler - NYBG 5/14
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Nashville Warbler - NYBG 5/14
FREE BIRD WALKS AT 
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
(with Garden Grounds Admission)
Saturday, September 6th, 2014
Meet 11am at The Reflecting Pool
NYBG.org
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Great Horned Owl - NYBG
Click On Blog for Photos of 
"People" on my bird walks. 
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Imagine my surprise walking down 6th Avenue in New York City and spotting a Scarlet Tanager sprawled out on the sidewalk- an apparent victim of a window collision. Its eyes were closed and it looked dead. People were brushing by the bird as I dove on it like a fumbled football at the Giants' game!  I have found migrating birds before, some dead, some still alive. I quickly retrieved the bird and began massaging its body looking for a sign of life when its eye opened just a bit, giving me the hope I was searching for. I held it cupped in my hands to keep it warm and began looking for a place to keep it safe as I was expected in school. A nearby park looked quite promising. By the time I walked to the park–the bird was almost, fully recovered. I brought it over to a shrubby area where the leaves were olive green.  I held out my hand and with a burst of energy the tanager flew to a nearby branch, blending in quite nicely. 
   I ran late to where I was headed, but my encounter with the Scarlet Tanager was quite worth it!
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Cedar Waxwing - The New York Botanical Garden
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Monk Parakeet- City Island
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American Robin, The New York Botanical Garden
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Broad winged hawks forming kettle - NYBG 9/14/13 Northwest winds. Perfect migration push!


The New York Botanical Garden
"Birds, Butterflies & Dragonflies" Walks
Every Saturday
11am at the Reflecting Pond
With Grounds Admission


​
Links to More Birding Information

NEW PHOTO ESSAY ON NYBG WILDLIFE BLOG!
http://blogs.nybg.org/plant-talk/2015/08/wildlife/birders-paradise-the-fall-migration/

http://blogs.nybg.org/plant-talk/2014/09/photography/morning-eye-candy-rare-giant/

http://blogs.nybg.org/plant-talk/tag/bird-walk/
http://www.NYBG.org
http://www.cityislandbirds.com
http://youtube/0d3Malv-Vc8

http://www.nybg.org/plant-talk/2012/05/wildlife/the-pileated-woodpecker-red-crested-rarity/#more-24202
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/in-brooklyn-and-manhattan-owl-watchers-may-have-their-day/
http://www.nybg.org/plant-talk/2013/11/photography/morning-eye-candy-thank-you/

    If you would like to arrange a private bird walk at NYBG, Central Park or Pelham Bay Park you can contact me here. I am available for group tours, as well. All photographs can be purchased through this website. Or you can contact me at: birdingaroundnyc@gmail.com

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This photograph of a Yellow rumped warbler is featured on a information stand in the Native Plant Garden at The New York Botanical Garden.
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Wood Duck nesting in a tree- NYBG
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Northern Rough Winged Swallow - NYBG
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White Winged Crossbill - NYBG
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Peek-A-Boo-Great Horned Owl - NYBG
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White Winged Crossbill - NYBG

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Osprey with bunker in its talons, Turtle Cove
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Winter wren- Union Square Park
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Red breasted Nuthatch, NYBG
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White crowned sparrow, immature - Turtle Cove
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Connecticut Warbler, Bryant Park
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Whip-poor-will, Central Park
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Red Crossbill - Central Park
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Red Crossbill, Central Park
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White crowned sparrow- immature Turtle Cove
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Cedar Waxwing - The New York Botanical Garden
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American Kestrel, The New York Botanical Garden
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Wood Duck - Central Park
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Pied billed Grebes, The Reservoir, Central Park
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Rufous Hummingbird - American Museum of Natural History, NYC
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Great Egret, breeding- Turtle Cove
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Towhee- Bryant Park
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Gadwall - The Reservoir
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Red winged Black Bird- Pelham Bay Park
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Least flycatcher, Bartow Pell Mansion
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American Robin, The New York Botanical Garden
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Northern Flicker, The New York Botanical Garden
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Common Yellowthroat, Bryant Park
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Rose breasted Grosbeak, NYBG
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Lincoln Sparrow - For more pictures of sparrows click on blue button above
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Purple Finch - NYBG
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Wild Turkey, male (beard) - Bartow Pell
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American Robin in the Crabapples, NYBG
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Hairy Woodpecker- Central Park
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Grey Catbird-NYBG
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Twin Islands, Pelham Bay Park