Watch Hill on Fire Island with Paul Sweet, 6/7/26

Registrar: Christina Black
Participants: 10
Weather: Sunny, warm, breezy, 75-85 degrees
Bird Species: 40

For five delightful hours, Paul Sweet led our group through the marshland, beaches and small forest areas of the Fire Island National Seashore in Watch Hill, NY. Joining and guiding us as well was Deborah Swambeck, a Queens County Bird Club member and volunteer, and a Watch Hill part-time resident and birder.

We began our day along the small bayside beach next to the ferry channel. This area at low tide yielded Ruddy Turnstones, Semipalmated Sandpipers, American Oystercatchers and a Willet – a very cheerful way to begin the walk. Next, the group headed to the newly restored boardwalk over the saltmarsh, a significant area of cordgrass with narrow tidal streams.

Two target species were immediately visible, if for brief moments during flight until they dropped into the grass – the Seaside and Saltmarsh Sparrows. Eventually, both species momentarily perched on clumps of dead grass which allowed for great views and photos.

Continuing along the boardwalk, the group was treated to small flocks of Willets, flashing their black-and-white wing stripes and white rumps as they repeatedly took off and landed in the marsh. In addition, a Willow Flycatcher, was first heard and then was visible in the scrubby trees along the edge of the marsh; while Glossy Ibis, four gull species, and an Osprey passed overhead.

After about 90 minutes, we left the marsh and headed back toward the small forest area between the ocean and the bay, characterized by low tree and shrub cover. Here we found numerous Northern Yellow Warblers darting about, along with scolding Gray Catbirds. Emerging into a lunch spot brought many swooping Tree and some Barn Swallows.

After lunch, we headed to the ocean beach in search of nesting Piping Plovers. After much walking and scanning, the group did spot one, standing alertly near the area they prefer for nesting – success!

We then headed back towards the marsh, finding an Eastern Kingbird and Eastern Towhee in the trees along the way, ending with more views of the special sparrows and a thunderstorm way out at sea. We were treated as well to more Glossy Ibis, Egrets and Osprey flying by. An amazing day was capped off with some ice cream and a pleasant ferry ride back to our LIRR train.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Mourning Dove
American Oystercatcher
Piping Plover
Willet
Ruddy Turnstone
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Osprey
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Fish Crow
Common Raven
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Purple Martin
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
American Goldfinch
Seaside Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Yellow Warbler

Great Swamp NWR with Richard ZainEldeen, 5/31/2026

Registrar: Lisa Kroop
Participants: 10
Weather: 55–75 °F; blue skies, sunny with scattered clouds; gentle breeze
Bird Species: 54

It was a beautiful day for a bird walk in the Great Swamp. The humidity was low and the temperatures were comfortable. We began our birding from the Fenske Visitor Center parking lot, especially observing the skies where Purple Martins and Tree Swallows were swooping and hawks were circling the thermals.

We then walked along trails through meadows and woods, listening and watching for birds. Among them was an Indigo Bunting, first heard, then seen—a small, vibrant blue spot in a sea of green leaves along a wooded edge. Through a window of sky from the woods, we caught sight of an adult Red-shouldered Hawk being mobbed by a Red-winged Blackbird. The action went on long enough (with frequent passes through the window) for all of the group to see.

At the Overlook on Pleasant Plains Road, we watched a Great Egret and a Great Blue Heron fly across the expanse of open swamp; a Double-crested Cormorant perched atop a snag; and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird (one of five for the day) perched on a small, bare branch, a tiny speck against the sky.

We ended our trip with a visit to Lord Stirling Park, a wildlife preserve bordering the Great Swamp NWR along the west bank of the Passaic River, and the top eBird hotspot in Somerset County. We walked along a wooded trail following the Passaic River upstream and made our way to the East Observation Tower. It was midday, and it was cool and still in the woods. Nevertheless, birds were singing, and we heard Ovenbirds, Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, American Robins, vireos (Yellow-throated, Eastern Warbling, and Red-eyed), Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Swamp Sparrows, Tree Swallows over the river, and a new species that we hadn’t heard or seen before at the Great Swamp: Northern House Wren. There were two of them commandeering a nesting box in Lenape Meadow.

After spending some time admiring the vista from the Eastern Observation Tower, looking in the direction of where we had birded that morning, we returned to the cars in time to catch the 3:42 p.m. train in Summit, NJ.

Many thanks to Richard for leading us and sharing stories and information about the birds we were seeing.

Species Lists

Birds
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper’s Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Field Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler

Mammals
White-tailed deer
Eastern chipmunk

Rockefeller State Park Preserve with Allan Welby, 5/27/2026

Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki
Participants: 10
Weather: Temperatures in the mid 60s – 70s °F, with light winds out of the west
Bird Species: 45

After rescheduling the trip twice due to rainy conditions, we were finally able to meet up with Allan Welby and several members of his local birding club to explore Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Soon after setting out from the Visitor Center, we encountered nest boxes being used by both Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows spread out over the terrain and arranged in pairs. Allan explained that placing them this way increases the incidence of the two species peaceably sharing the area.

Soon after, we spotted the first of three Orchard Orioles seen on the trip, as well as a Baltimore Oriole. As we continued, the group got good looks at the first of eight Blue-winged Warblers we saw over the course of the day. All in all, we saw or heard a total of five warbler species, the most abundant of which was the Northern Yellow Warbler.

One of the target birds we were all hoping to see was a Pileated Woodpecker. Early on, we heard one drumming in the distance but were unable to locate it. Later in the walk, two birders again heard the sound and this time we were rewarded with good looks at two of the handsome woodpeckers moving from tree to tree.

As we made our way toward Swan Lake, we continued to see a mix of species, including five brilliantly orange male Baltimore Orioles sharing a tree, perhaps trying to impress the lone female across the trail. We also encountered both a male and female Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. At the lake, we saw a Great Blue Heron standing statue still, ready to strike, and an Eastern Kingbird flying back and forth across the water.

The walk provided a great introduction to the park for those who had not been there before and an enjoyable morning of birding for all.

Species List
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
Veery
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Blue-winged Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting

Central Park Spring Migration Walk with Ken Chaya, Richard Davis, Elijah Shiffer and Kevin Sisco, 5/26/2026

Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki
Participants: 55
Weather: 59 – 76 °F and sunny, with very light wind
Bird Species: 58

May 26th marked the final Spring Migration walk of 2026. Fifty-five birders set out in three groups to get last glimpses of the various warblers and other species passing through Central Park on the way to their summer breeding grounds. The groups saw a total of thirteen different warbler species, with Blackpolls predictably being the most abundant. Other highlights included Yellow-bellied, Least and Great Crested Flycatchers and Swainson’s, Gray-cheeked and Wood Thrush. We look forward to resuming our Central Park walks on Tuesday, September 1st.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
White-throated Sparrow
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal

Central Park Spring Migration Walk with Ken Chaya, Richard Davis, Elijah Shiffer and Kevin Sisco, May 19, 2026

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 66
Weather: Sunny; 73° F at 7:30 am, going up to 88° F by noon
Bird Species: 55

Today was the first of several unusually hot days in Central Park, but despite the sudden and unpleasant change in weather, we enjoyed a productive day of birding. Fourteen warbler species were seen, including large numbers of Blackpoll Warblers and female warblers. The highlight of the day was a singing Summer Tanager in Strawberry Fields, a lifer for many participants.

Species List

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Veery
Swainson’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
White-throated Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Black-and-white Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Northern Yellow Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal

Sterling Forest State Park with David Spawn and Tod Winston, 5/16/2026

Registrar: Lisa Kroop
Participants: 14
Weather: 48–74°F; clear; calm to light breeze, 2–10 mph SW
Bird Species: 66

Many birds were singing as we gathered for our walk along the Sterling Forest power line cut. Among them were Common Yellowthroat, Northern Yellow Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, Prairie Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, and a blast from a Wild Turkey. We watched and listened to an energetically singing Prairie Warbler that was perched close above us on a crossbar of a power line tower. It was one of the first of many Prairie Warblers that we would hear along our walk. A Cerulean Warbler was also singing loudly, repeatedly. We headed south along the power line trail to try to locate it, following its song as it moved along the forest edge, though most birders, if not all, did not see it.

We turned around and headed into the woods, hearing Chestnut-sided Warblers, American Redstarts, and a Louisiana Waterthrush, and then walked out into the open and up the northern section of the power line cut. There were many more birds singing as we climbed the trail, and overhead we saw a Broad-winged Hawk and a Pileated Woodpecker that flew across the trail. As expected, there were several Blue-winged Warblers both heard singing and seen, but we didn’t find any Golden-winged Warblers or their hybrids.

Perhaps the highlight for many was the surprise appearance of a bobcat that crossed the path in front of some of the group as we were heading back to the cars. Many of those who missed seeing the bobcat crossing the path still managed to catch sight of it moving through the woods beyond us.

Many thanks to Tod and David for leading us on a wonderful walk in Sterling Forest.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
White-eyed Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
Veery
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Worm-eating Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
Cerulean Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting

Herps
Painted turtle

Mammals
Bobcat

Starr Saphir Memorial Walk in Central Park’s North Woods with Jeff Kimball, 5/15/2026

Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki
Participants: 18
Weather: Low 50s °F to mid 60s °F and partly cloudy with light wind
Bird Species: 46

Our group met our leader, Jeff Kimball, at the West 103rd Street entrance to Central Park. We headed up toward the Great Hill, stopping first at the Blowdown and then on to the “magic” Tulip Tree, where we were able to spot several warbler species, as well as an Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Orioles and numerous Cedar Waxwings.

After hearing reports of a vocalizing Bicknell’s Thrush (likely the same bird that had been in the area for several days) in the Loch, we decided to head down to try to find it. Along the way, we explored the lower parts of the Pool, where we saw several additional warbler species and paused to reminisce about Starr Saphir, the iconic birder and walk leader. Starr was well known to Jeff and to several members of our group. They shared their memories of her with those of us who did not have the privilege of meeting her. Inspired by the conversation, we then headed off to try to see the Bicknell’s which was happily in view when we arrived. We were also able to get good looks at a Wood Thrush in the area.

Our initial plan had been to continue to the Davis Center and the Meer; however the path was temporarily closed, so we decided to end our walk at the Loch. However, those of us heading west to leave the park stopped at the second cut-out along the way and were rewarded with nice views of a Hooded Warbler.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Spotted Sandpiper
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Gray Catbird
Veery
Bicknell’s Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Finch
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
American Redstart
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting

Central Park Spring Migration Walk with Ken Chaya, Will Papp, Elijah Shiffer and Kevin Sisco, 5/12/2026

Registrar: Yeree Shim
Participants: 82
Weather: 52°F warming up to a high of 65°F
Bird Species: 72

With spring migration reaching its highest point, this walk drew a large turnout of 82 participants and the observation count totaled 72 species. Highlights include first of season Eastern Kingbird, Prothonotary Warbler, which was found on the mudflat at Azalea Pond, Bicknell’s Thrush and Gray-cheeked Thrush.

Species List

Canada Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Spotted Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Blue-headed Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Northern House Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Bicknell’s Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
White-throated Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Canada Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting