Registrar: Dom Ricci Participants: 13 Weather: Around 47–51 F, overcast, moderate breeze, infrequent light rain Bird Species: 40
You might think that overcast conditions are are incompatible with good nature photography, but you would be mistaken. Gathered together on a cloudy Saturday morning near the Vale of Cashmere in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, a dozen Linnaean birders learned from noted birding writer, lecturer, and technology expert Tom Stephenson how to optimize their camera techniques and post-processing skills to capture avian subjects for both identification and aesthetics.
After the workshop we put those lessons to use in Prospect Park’s mix of lingering winter residents and early spring migration arrivals. In addition to Pine and Black-and-White Warblers in the Vale, sharp-eyed spotting treated us to two Louisiana Waterthrushes in the Ravine, near the site of last fall’s brush fire. We beheld an assortment of Wood Ducks, a Ring-necked Duck, a Rusty Blackbird, Golden-crowned Kinglets, a Green Heron, and a Cooper’s Hawk in close succession around the Pools.
The walk was concluded by an extended photographing session with an Orange-crowned Warbler, whose pool-side performance gave everyone a great opportunity to apply Tom’s photography lesson.
Species List
Canada Goose Wood Duck Mallard Ring-necked Duck Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Double-crested Cormorant Green Heron Osprey Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Belted Kingfisher Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe Blue Jay Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Brown Creeper Winter Wren European Starling Hermit Thrush American Robin House Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Fox Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Rusty Blackbird Louisiana Waterthrush Black-and-white Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler Pine Warbler Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Debbie Mullins Participants: 36 Weather: 44° F; cloudy at 7:30 am, warming to 55°F and clear by mid-morning Bird Species: 51
An enthusiastic group came out for the first spring migration walk of 2025. Very chilly conditions at the beginning of the walk had many people wishing they had worn gloves, but by late morning conditions had improved. Migration is definitely underway, as evidenced by the abundance of Pine Warblers and Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Other harbingers of spring included Palm Warblers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Phoebes, and Swamp Sparrows. At least a dozen Brown Creepers were seen in the Ramble, often several on the same tree, and Rusty Blackbirds at Evodia Field and Swampy Pin Oak were a special treat. Part of the group birded the reservoir to see the winter ducks that will be leaving us soon for their northern nesting grounds.
Species List
Canada Goose Wood Duck Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Ruddy Duck Rock Pigeon Mourning Dove American Coot Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Double-crested Cormorant Cooper’s Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe Blue Jay American Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Carolina Wren European Starling Northern Mockingbird Hermit Thrush American Robin House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Chipping Sparrow Field Sparrow Fox Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Rusty Blackbird Common Grackle Palm Warbler Pine Warbler Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Kathleen Matthews & Elizabeth Keim Leaders: David Spawn & Erika Piik Participants: 18 Weather: Clear, 43° F, 6 mph W wind Bird Species: 31
A lovely mix of 18 both seasoned and newer birders enjoyed a crisp but clear day of relaxed birding. Beginning in Strawberry Fields and moving through the familiar route to Hernshead, Oak Bridge, the Ramble, and up to the Reservoir, 31 species were identified. Highlights included a Bald Eagle found on the reservoir and two early spring migrants—a Pine Warbler and a Yellow-rumped Warbler. At the end of the walk, a remnant of the group socialized over coffee at the Central Park Boathouse Café.
Species List
Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Mallard Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Cooper’s Hawk Accipitrine hawk sp. (former Accipiter sp.) Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Blue Jay Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Ruby-crowned Kinglet White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper Carolina Wren European Starling American Robin House Sparrow American Goldfinch White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Common Grackle Pine Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki Participants: 7 Weather: Sunny, but cold and windy, 30 degrees Bird Species: 38
The group met our leader, Ethan Goodman, at noon at the Croton Harmon train station and quickly travelled the short distance to Croton Point Park. The viewing day began with good looks at an Eastern Screech-Owl fast asleep in its frequent roosting spot.
We made our way over to the large grassy area on top of the former landfill, where as we walked we saw numerous Bald Eagles in flight, including adults, sub-adults, and juveniles. We also spotted a Northern Harrier as it flew low over the grass. Unfortunately, due to the windy conditions, we did not see many sparrows or other song birds in this area.
After leaving the mound, we began walking a path with views of Croton Bay. Here we saw a number of birds, including a Cooper’s Hawk moving from post to post in the distance and several Song Sparrows. We took a brief break for snacks and to warm up, and then headed out along another trail in the direction of The Point (where you can see both the Bay and the Hudson River). Along the way, we spotted an accipiter perched above us, and spent some time studying the bird before determining that it was a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
As we got closer to The Point, Ethan spotted some Bufflehead, Common Mergansers, and American Black Ducks down below in Croton Bay and shared his scope to provide better looks. We also spotted a majestic adult Bald Eagle easily visible in a nearby tree. On our way back to the parking area, we continued to spot other species, including a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and some White-breasted Nuthatches.
As dusk began to fall, the group discussed how much time we would give ourselves to try to spot a Short-eared Owl. As Ethan was managing our expectations, one sharp-eyed birder pointed out what she initially thought was another Northern Harrier. Ethan quickly corrected her i.d. – it was the Short-eared Owl we were all hoping for.
What a great way to end our walk. Despite the chilly temperatures, we all enjoyed ourselves and greatly appreciate Ethan’s sharing his deep knowledge of Croton Point Park and its birds with us (not to mention sharing coffee and donuts too).
Species List
Canada Goose Mallard American Black Duck Bufflehead Common Merganser Mourning Dove Ring-billed Gull Great Black-backed Gull Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Northern Harrier Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Eastern Screech-Owl Short-eared Owl Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Northern Flicker American Kestrel Merlin Blue Jay American Crow Fish Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch European Starling Northern Mockingbird American Robin American Goldfinch American Tree Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle
Registrar: Steve Holleran Participants: 10 Weather: Warm, in well lighted rooms
Combining his birding expertise with a lifelong love of art and a detailed knowledge of the museum’s collection, Kevin led us through centuries of bird-related images, from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic periods. We explored the significance of birds in all of these cultures, depicted as everything from military mascots to symbols of virtue, food resources, and divine intermediaries, all while enjoying the beauty of the artworks and the leisurely fun of watching birds that don’t move.
While the birds were very cooperative, many were highly stylized and some completely imaginary. Here are some of the ones we recognized, and some of the things they’re thought to represent.
Species List
Ibis (Egyptian god Thoth, wisdom, magic, hieroglyphic symbol) Doves (peace, purity, Holy Spirit, messengers) Ducks, Geese (food offerings mostly) Swans (fidelity, love, Greek god Zeus) Eagles (coins, military mascots) European Goldfinch (joy, renewal, redemption) Falcons (Egyptian god Horus, kinship, hieroglyphic symbol) Owls (wisdom, Greek goddess Athena) Parrots, Macaws (decorative)(Note: eBird would question the identity of some of these) Peacocks (luxury, wealth) Rooster (reawakening) Raven (divine guidance)
Registrars: Amanda Bielskas & Kristin Ellington Participants: 14 Weather: Cold, around freezing, clear skies for most of Saturday with snow (3-5 inches) overnight into Sunday morning and then overcast. Bird Species: 73
Participants met in Manhattan and carpooled to our first stop, the Jones Beach Coastguard Station. Most of the groups were greeted there by a perched Peregrine Falcon, and some early arrivals also spotted Horned Larks in one of the medians in the area. Additionally, good numbers of ducks were seen, and there were distant views of a Common Loon and a Northern Harrier.
Our next stop was at Point Lookout, where a flock of Harlequin ducks was hanging out at the end of the closest jetty; there was also a large group of sanderlings foraging at the shoreline. After Point Lookout, we stopped briefly at Jones Beach again in search of some rarities that had been reported, but moved on after not finding them.
Our next stop, Eastport Lake, showed us large numbers of ducks and geese, including American Wigeons, Black Ducks, Northern Pintails, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks, three types of Mergansers and one continuing Pink-footed Goose. In addition to the waterfowl, we had a Snowy Egret, a Belted Kingfisher, a Black-crowned Night Heron, a pair of nesting Bald Eagles, and a flyby Turkey Vulture and Cooper’s Hawk. At Mecox Bay we saw a Common Goldeneye and a Killdeer.
Last, we stopped at Sagaponack Pond, where a Dovekie was spotted in the surf just offshore, in addition to three types of Scoters. We proceeded to our hotel in Montauk for a quick break before heading to The Shagwong Tavern for dinner.
Sunday morning greeted us with a bit of lingering snow. After a quick stop at The Hampton Coffee Company for breakfast and/or coffee, we headed to Montauk Point, where we saw many Common Eiders, three types of Scoters, and—new for the trip—a handful of Razorbills. Second stop was at Camp Hero, where we spotted some Long-tailed Ducks and a Red-throated Loon.
After the morning stops we had a full breakfast at Jon’s Pancake House before heading back to the hotel to check out. Early afternoon stops included Lake Montauk, where we added Iceland Gull and Great Cormorant to our list, and Napeague, where we saw a Greater Yellowlegs; this species was also new to the trip.
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was a roadside stop in Water Mill, where we saw a rare (to the region) Northern Lapwing. There was also a large flock of Red-winged Blackbirds, among which were some Savanna Sparrows, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, and, towards the end of the stop, some Snow Buntings that flew in.
We then stopped at a farm stand—also in Water Mill—where a Lark Sparrow had been hanging out; we almost missed it, but it popped up right in front of some of the cars as we were about to leave the parking lot, giving us great views. Our last stop out east was at Shinnecock inlet, where there were large rafts of Common Eiders and a single continuing King Eider. We also had some nice views of Long-tailed Ducks and another Northern Harrier that flew over the inlet entrance.
We cruised Dune Road in search of more birds, but other than a few sparrows, gulls, and a Great Blue Heron, we didn’t add any new species to the trip list. Everyone then headed off in their cars and made their way back to Manhattan after a very successful weekend.
Species Lists
Birds Pink-footed Goose Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Northern Pintail Canvasback Redhead Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup King Eider Common Eider Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Killdeer Northern Lapwing Greater Yellowlegs Sanderling Razorbill Dovekie Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Iceland Gull Horned Grebe Red-throated Loon Common Loon Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Black-crowned Night Heron Snowy Egret Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Cooper’s Hawk Northern Harrier Bald Eagle Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker American Kestrel Peregrine Falcon Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Horned Lark Carolina Wren European Starling Northern Mockingbird American Robin House Finch Snow Bunting Clay-colored Sparrow Lark Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Common Grackle Yellow-rumped Warbler Northern Cardinal
Mammals Eastern Gray Squirrel Red Fox White-tailed Deer
Thirteen of us braved the cold–and it was cold–in order to visit several sites on Staten Island under the expert guidance of Richard ZainEldeen. We began our tour at Wolfe’s Pond Park, where we saw a beautiful Wood Duck drake, a Surf and a White-winged Scoter, Common Goldeneyes and Red-breasted Mergansers.
From there we proceeded to Blue Heron Park Preserve, where we were hoping to see Pileated Woodpeckers. Unfortunately, although we saw lots of evidence of their presence in the form of large, oval-shaped holes in dead trees, we did not see or hear the birds. However, we enjoyed seeing a Raven flyover and a Hairy Woodpecker at the feeders.
Our final stop was at Mount Loretto Unique Area, where we hoped to see the King Eider that had been reported there for some time. This time we were successful and had very close looks at the female bird. We thank Richard for yet another wonderful trip!
Here is the link to the ebird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/327206
Species Lists Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan Wood Duck Gadwall Mallard American Black Duck King Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Red-breasted Merganser Rock Pigeon Sanderling Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Horned Grebe Great Cormorant Great Blue Heron Black Vulture Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren Northern Mockingbird House Finch American Goldfinch Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow8 Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Matthew Fischer Participants: 18 Weather: A few clouds; temperature 23–27° F; moderate breeze from west; 20% cloud cover; humidity 49–58%. Sunrise: 7:10am; sunset: 5:04pm Bird Species: 41
As in past years, we started the day at the Fort Tilden area, which was very productive. From the beach we saw Long-Tailed Ducks and each of the three expected scoter species (including a Surf Scoter walking in the surf), and some Sanderlings. On the way back to our cars, we saw some Horned Larks in the ballfields (at the exact same spot we saw them last year) and a perched Cooper’s Hawk. Our walk down the Breezy Point 4×4 Trail was a lot easier than last year, and we were rewarded with a large flock of Snow Buntings and a perched American Kestrel when we got to the beach. At the jetty, we spotted a Purple Sandpiper and a raft of Common Eider. We saw a Northern Harrier (Gray Ghost) patrolling the dunes and multiple Great Cormorants mixed in with the Double–crested Cormorants.
Species List
Brant Canada Goose Mallard Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Rock Pigeon Sanderling Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Red-throated Loon Common Loon Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Cooper’s Hawk Norther Harrier American Kestrel Common Raven Black Capped Chickadee Horned Lark European Starling Northern Mockingbird American Robin House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Snow Bunting American Tree Sparrow Dark Eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Yellow Rumped Warbler Northern Cardinal
