Plumb Beach and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with Casey Ferino, 8/1/2026

Registrar: Richard Davis
Participants: 22
Weather: Early morning at Plumb 74-78°F and sunny with WSW Wind 5 mph, low tide: 4:30 am, high tide: 10:30 am; mid morning to afternoon at JBWR 78-81° F and mostly sunny with WSW Wind 8 mph, high tide: 10:41 am
Bird Species: 63

The planned Linnaean Society trip to Jamaica Bay trip is expanded to include Plumb Beach due to high water levels in the East Pond at Jamaica Bay, recent downpours, and the timing of tide levels. Many participants are eager to experience Plumb Beach as a new birding territory to explore. We gather early morning in the parking lot under a fading full moon that becomes a backdrop to a family of Boat-tailed Grackles. Soon a Northern Yellow Warbler offers a distraction while awaiting the arrival of the final carload of participants.

We walk single file along the bike path and enter the marsh to be greeted by a Northern Mockingbird imitating several neighboring species including Purple Martins, Semipalmated Plovers, Common Terns and crickets. We proceed to examine every Willet closely to distinguish the Eastern from the Western subspecies. Our leader, Casey, points out juvenile American Oystercatchers by the dusky coloration at the tip of their beaks.

Making our way out to a view of the mudflats, we delight in Casey’s passion for terns and begin to examine more closely the many passing Forster’s Terns, whiter and frostier than the Common Terns that will fly by a short while later. Several Least Terns eventually appear and even set down along the beach and then a Royal Tern flies over, which is happily a life bird for some in the group. A probable hendorsoni subspecies of Short-billed Dowitcher is picked out and examined on the mudflat. Casey’s first-of-season juvenile Great Black-backed Gulls are spotted, one very fresh and crisp, eventually three will be observed along the beach and waterline. As the tide continues to rise, we decide to move on to Jamaica Bay.

At Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, the water levels are indeed very high on the East Pond. We end up staying at the south end to observe the birds that forage or rest on the flats nearby, or fly over, including numerous swallows, mostly Tree and a few Barn. Almost immediately a couple of White-rumped Sandpiper are observed on a nearby flat directly in front of the group. Eventually a few Pectoral Sandpipers and several Stilt Sandpipers are seen. A Red Knot flies by! Several groups of Short-billed Dowitchers are seen near and further away and combed through for a sought-after Long-billed Dowitcher observation. One potential subject is identified, but before every person in the group can get a solid view, the shorebirds are suddenly flushed.

After lunch some in the group decide to check the breach at the West Pond and are treated to another Royal Tern flying by, but no nearby shorebirds. The trip wraps up by early afternoon, and the group is satisfied with an excellent start to shorebird migration season. While this was Casey’s first experience leading a trip, the group would not have known as Casey is a wealth of naturalist information on insects, fish, crabs and other shore and marsh species that we encountered. We hope it is the start of many more trips to come.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
Bufflehead
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
American Oystercatcher
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Semipalmated Plover
Short-billed Dowitcher (griseus)
Short-billed Dowitcher (hendersoni)
Long-billed Dowitcher
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper (solitaria)
Lesser Yellowlegs
Willet
Willet (Eastern)
Greater Yellowlegs
Ruddy Turnstone
Red Knot
Stilt Sandpiper
Sanderling
White-rumped Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Black Skimmer
Least Tern
Forster’s Tern
Common Tern
Royal Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Glossy Ibis
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron (Great Blue)
Osprey (American)
Peregrine Falcon
Willow Flycatcher
Bank Swallow
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow (American)
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica)
Red-winged Blackbird (Red-winged)
Brown-headed Cowbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Northern Waterthrush
Northern Yellow Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Butterflies
Summer Azure
Broad-winged Skipper
Monarch
Cabbage White

Staten Island, Purple Martins Plus with Seth Wollney, 7/5/2026

Registrar: Lisa Kroop
Participants: 8
Weather: 76–84°F; humid, hazy, high cloud cover; calm, 0–3mph
Bird Species: 55

We began our day at the southernmost point of New York State, at Conference House Park. There, we walked a loop through woods, with a couple of detours onto the beaches overlooking Arthur Kill and Raritan Bay. In the woods, we listened and looked for White-eyed Vireo—a known nester at this location and found in previous years on Linnaean trips—but this year we were unsuccessful. Instead, the quiet was broken by the emphatic song of a nearby Carolina Wren that perched out in the open for all to see. Catbirds were singing as we walked along the path, and a red mulberry tree—covered in ripe fruit—was filled with bird activity, especially young robins going after the berries. From the beach, we saw a Double-crested Cormorant nesting colony on a channel marker, a flock of Canada Geese serenely swimming by with a few goslings in close-to-adult plumage among the adults, and a Red-winged Blackbird vehemently protecting its territory from an Eastern Kingbird that had just alighted on the same tree.

As the day started to noticeably warm up, we headed to our next stops. At Mount Loretto Unique Area, Warbling Vireos and Indigo Buntings were singing, Great Egrets and a Great Blue Heron were perched along the edges of the pond, and a few swallows and Chimney Swifts were flying overhead. Next, we headed to the Cemetery of the Resurrection to see the Little Blue Heron that had been reported, and it was still there. Then we made a quick stop at Lemon Creek Park to observe the long-established colony of Purple Martins and the terns flying over Lemon Creek. We moved on to Wolfe’s Pond Park for a lunch break and a short survey of the birds around there. While we ate, a very loud Fish Crow vocalized its unique caw.

Our final destination, a highlight for this trip, was the nesting colony of Bank Swallows at Great Kills Park. The Bank Swallows were there in abundance, constantly flying, but eventually three landed and perched on a dead branch overlooking the cliff. A few of our group climbed down to the beach and had an unexpected sighting—a Monk Parakeet perched in a tree at the top of the cliff. Our trip concluded with the last species of the day, a female Boat-tailed Grackle that flew onto the grass nearby and began foraging.

Many thanks to Seth for leading us on this bird walk to some of the summer birding hotspots of Staten Island. And thanks to Dave Eib for the lists of butterflies, odonates, and other invertebrates.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
American Oystercatcher
Killdeer
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Least Tern
Caspian Tern
Forster’s Tern
Common Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Little Blue Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Monk Parakeet
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Bank Swallow
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Northern House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Eastern Towhee
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Yellow Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting

Butterflies
Cabbage White
Common Wood-Nymph
Silver-spotted Skipper
Least Skipper

Odonates
Common Green Darner
Eastern Amberwing
Slaty Skimmer
Needham’s Skimmer
Spot-winged Glider
Common Whitetail
Halloween Pennant
Black Saddlebags
Familiar Bluet
Fragile Forktail

Other Invertebrates
Marsh Flies (Euthycera flavescens)
Common Micropanther
Cicada Killer
Dusky Stink Bug
Little Black Ants (Complex Monomorium)
Modest Katydid
Sculptured Resin Bee
Eastern Carpenter Bee
Western Honey Bee
Syrphid Flies
Orchard Orbweaver Spider
Buffalo Treehopper
Red Milkweed Beetle
Dogbane Leaf Beetle
Variegated Lady Beetle
Spur-throated Grasshoppers (Melanoplus sp.)
Green-striped Grasshopper
Rugged Flower Weevil
Hackberry Star Gall Psyllid
Spicebush Swallowtail (Caterpillar)
Cuban Laurel Thrip
Sand Hammertail
Milkweed Stem Weevil
Oriental Beetle
Chrysanthemum Lace Bug
Shore Flies (Tribe Discocerinini sp.)
Common Hentz Jumping Spider
Banded Bee Flies (Villa lateralis)

Herps
American Bullfrog
North American Snapping Turtle

Mammals
Striped Skunk
Cat
Eastern Chipmunk
Groundhog

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

Meadowlands Pontoon & DeKorte Park with Chris Takas, 6/6/2026

Registrar: Joyce Wright
Participants: 8
Weather: Sunny morning with a light breeze
Bird Species: 41

On arrival at 7:30 am we were already observing bird activity in the parking lot. As we waited on the dock overlooking the Hackensack River, we were looking forward to getting out onto the river, where there is an average tidal change of six feet. On the boat was Donna from New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), the captain, a trainee and a few birders from a NJ Audubon chapter. We saw many osprey nests – so many it was hard to keep count. We were informed that in New Jersey this species isn’t doing as well because of the scarcity of fish.

The Meadowlands District includes parts of 14 municipalities in Bergen and Hudson counties. Created in 1969, NJSEA has fought to end dumping and has developed or contributed to the design of parks throughout the Meadowlands.

Leaving the Barge at 10 am it was a 13-minute drive to Richard Dekorte Park, which is at the center of nature activities in the Meadowlands District. The park, set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, is built atop a former landfill. We walked along the Saw Mill Creek Mudflats. Some construction work taking place to upgrade part of the boardwalk limited our ability to walk the full loop, but we were aware of this before the trip.

We walked along the edge of the water in the shade since by that time it was feeling warmer than it had previously on the water. The water level was low as we walked the path lined with trees and greenery. Chris pointed out the area that had been seriously affected by Superstorm Sandy and the impact on the trees there.

Dekorte Park like the entire Meadowlands District, is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a major route for migratory birds. Chris pointed out Kingsland Overlook, a hilltop trail over a former landfill, which runs through a variety of habitats including an open meadow. Some common plant life is Red Cedar, Milkweed and Phragmites.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Blue-winged Teal
Gadwall
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Common Gallinule
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Greater Yellowlegs
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Least Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Snowy Egret
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Belted Kingfisher
Peregrine Falcon
Eastern Kingbird
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Marsh Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal

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

Shawangunk Grasslands NWR and Wallkill Marsh with Tod Winston, 5/30/26

Registrar: Christina Black
Participants: 13
Weather: Unseasonably cold in the 40s & 50s, with intense wind gusts and occasional sprinkles
Bird Species: 61

Tod Winston led us on an amazing day of birding in several locations, with everyone braced against unusually chilly weather for late May. Our full day of birding began at 7:30 a.m. at the Shawangunk Grasslands, with everyone bundled up against the weather. Happily, even the wind did not deter the birds, with many ably clinging to wildly gyrating reeds and branches throughout the day. Fairly quickly, the group found two of the key targets of the trip—singing and displaying male Bobolinks and nesting Eastern Bluebirds. The small and reedy-voiced Grasshopper Sparrow took a bit longer, with one turning its back to us (and therefore not 100% identifiable) but then, thankfully, another perching nearby a bit later for a view through scopes.

As we made our way down the trail to check the grasslands and its wooded border, we watched Tree Swallows and Purple Martins swoop over the fields and a female American Kestrel repeatedly hovering near her nest box. Other sightings included Red-winged Blackbirds and Song Sparrows. An accipiter sped by, not allowing enough time for a Sharp-shinned vs Cooper’s ID. Finally, two Eastern Meadowlarks were also eventually sighted, first after landing in a distant tree and then giving a better view when they melodramatically dashed by us with a flash of yellow. Further down the trail, we spent some time debating the identification of a flirty but silent empid, flycatching in and out of some bushes, without a clear decision between Alder or Willow.

As the main trail quieted down, and with the wind picking up, along with occasional drizzles, the group decided to shift focus and walk up the refuge’s entry road. We had excellent views of the Purple Martin colony, huddled against the cold in their “condos”. Along this road the group also saw Yellow Warblers, American Goldfinches, a Northern House Wren, Chipping Sparrows, and another empid, likely feeding its young. Finally, circling back to the path along the pond, we were treated to a very cooperative Willow Flycatcher that darted back and forth across the water, providing close views when perched.

After attempting lunch in the chilly gazebo, everyone swiftly retreated to their cars for a while to eat and warm up. Then we headed off in a short car caravan through the neighboring Blue Chip Farms property, well timed just as the light drizzle turned to rain. This area did not prove as productive as in previous years, but some participants saw or heard a Downy Woodpecker, Barn Swallows, and an American Goldfinch, mostly from the car.

Liberty Loop in Wallkill Marsh, our final destination of the day, has been in recent years a reliable spot for nesting Sandhill Crane and Common Gallinule. Despite much walking, scanning, and listening, however, we did not detect either of these species, but were ultimately rewarded with a number of other interesting wetland and songbirds. The parking lot platform yielded mostly a large Northern Watersnake slithering through the mild current, and then a flock of 30 peeps fluttering north.

Although the sun was coming out and despite unabating winds, the group decided to walk along the west side of the marsh. One or more Marsh Wrens were heard murmuring, though none popped up from the grasses, and a number of deer, including a fawn, were enjoying the more solid ground of little islands in the marsh. Avian activity picked up along the walkway, with woods on one side and marsh areas with various scrubby trees on the other. Species seen and heard included Wood Thrush, Eastern Warbling Vireos, and Cedar Waxwings; then as we officially crossed into New Jersey, Indigo Bunting, Red-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole were added to the mix. As the view of the marsh area opened up again, scanning for the elusive Sandhill Cranes yielded the sight of 55 feeding Least Sandpipers who were keeping company with three Semi-palmated Plovers and one Dunlin. Occasionally all of them took off at once, swooped around, and came back to rest again. Farther along, a small corner of solid land showed a Wood Duck nest with one or two juveniles and both parents—along with a visiting male Mallard!

Eventually, the group began to head back to the parking lot, passing some Brown-headed Cowbirds, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and a Black-capped Chickadee along the way. Then suddenly a Pileated Woodpecker called, and everyone was rewarded by seeing the male first hop up a tree trunk, followed by landing on the ground on top of a fallen, rotting trunk. He then spent at least 20 minutes intermittently and efficiently hammering open holes and then gorging on termite larvae, while the group watched from a mere 15 feet away. This was one of many highlights of the trip.

Closer to the cars, the Marsh Wren(s) started murmuring again and we were finally rewarded with some brief glimpses—showing a definite contrast in size with our area’s largest woodpecker! Then a Green Heron flew past us and away. Happy with having seen so much, as well as having survived the weather, everyone headed back to the city with new experiences, new year-list birds, and, for a few, some lifers. All in all, we saw 61 species, as listed below.

Species List

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Semipalmated Plover
Dunlin
Least Sandpiper
Green Heron
Turkey Vulture
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Yellow-throated Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
Marsh Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Grasshopper Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Bobolink
Eastern Meadowlark
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart
Northern Yellow Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting

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