Coney Island Pier and Coney Island Creek Park with Rob Jett, 2/11/2023

Registrar: Linda LaBella
Participants: 16
Weather: Clear skies and cool temperatures, 45 degrees 
Species: 39

Rob Jett’s field trips to Coney Island and Coney Island Creek Park are always fun and often fruitful, and this trip was no exception. Right from the start, while viewing from the boardwalk, we witnessed thousands of Northern Gannets in a continuous stream—diving, feeding, and circling over the bay. It was an amazing sight that continued the entire time we remained at the beach.

On the pier, we were treated to close views of three Razorbills, a seabird of the Alcidae family that has been unusually abundant this winter in the waters around NYC. Along the beach on our way to the 35th Street overlook, and at the jetty, we saw three more Razorbills, Common Loons, and Long-tailed Ducks. We then continued to Coney Island Creek Park, encountering yet another Razorbill as well as hundreds of Brant and other waterfowl, and finished up at the 23rd Street overlook. 

Species List

Birds
Snow Goose
Brant 
Canada Goose 
Mute Swan
Gadwall 
Mallard
American Black Duck 
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup 
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove 
Razorbill
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Cooper’s Hawk 
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
European Starling 
House Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbirds
Northern Cardinal

Staten Island with Richard ZainEldeen, 2/5/2023

Registrar: Ursula Mitra
Participants:  11
Weather: 44-47 F, overcast, winds WSW 5 mph
Species:  54

This trip started on a high note as eleven Linnaean members collected in the Wolfe Pond parking lot for the annual Staten Island field trip with Richard ZainEldeen, one of the Linnaean Society’s veteran field trip leaders. 

A Peregrine Falcon with a full crop was spotted sitting high in a tree, and it remained there until we left the park two hours later. Within minutes we saw an American Kestrel and a Merlin, also perched.

Richard took us to four planned locations: Wolfe’s Pond Park; Lemon Creek Park; Mt. Loretto Unique Area, where we saw four Harbor Seals relaxing on rocks out in the water; and Blue Heron Park, with its lovely nature center and picnic area.

When news of a Cackling Goose at Silver Lake Park reached us, Richard agreed to add it to the itinerary. We ended the trip on a high note there, seeing a female Common Goldeneye close up, Ring-necked Ducks, and the CACKLING GOOSE!

Thank you, Richard, for another great experience, and thank you to all of the participants for making this a very memorable trip.  Nobody wanted it to end!

Here are the ebird checklists for all locations, with photos by the participants.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S127707223  
https://ebird.org/checklist/S127707330  
https://ebird.org/checklist/S127707370  
https://ebird.org/checklist/S127707417  
https://ebird.org/checklist/S127707468  

Species Lists

Birds
Brant
Cackling Goose
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Gadwall
Mallard
American Black Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Wild Turkey
Horned Grebe
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Dunlin
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red-throated Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal

Mammals
Harbor Seal

Governors Island with Annie Barry, 1/16/2023

Registrar: Nick Dawson
Participants: 17
Weather: 35°F – 45°F, sunny
Bird Species: 30

On a cold, bright winter day, Annie Barry led an enjoyable walk on Governors Island when, truth be told, the birding gods did not seem to be want to cooperate. Although the group ultimately saw and/or heard 30 species, it was a bit of a grind at times, with long stretches where all that seemed to be on the water were Ring-billed and Herring Gulls and, on land, the passerines had gone silent. Luckily, that made every new species for the day something of an event (“I hear a nuthatch!” “Look, it’s a Mallard!”) in the way it would not normally be. Sadly, Purple Sandpipers were not around to be seen and admired, and the undoubted highlight of the walk was a handful of Bonaparte’s Gulls — a group of eight, and later two more — flying kinetically as they actively fed in the waters of New York harbor, right next to the island.

Species Lists

Birds
Brant
Canada Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
American Black Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Bonaparte’s Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal

Croton Point Park and Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge with Gordon Lam, 1/14/2023

Registrar: Evelyn Huang
Participants: 20
Weather: 33–35° F; mostly cloudy, 12 mph N wind
Bird Species: 31

The group met at 9:00 am at the parking lot of the Croton-Harmon train station and proceeded to search the riverside from the train station. Right away, three Bald Eagles were sighted on the muddy far shore, and another one could be seen flying overhead shortly after. In the water were Canada Geese, Buffleheads, Mallards, and American Black Ducks.

We proceeded to Croton Point Park, where the strong wind may have deterred several birds from showing themselves, but where we had flyover views of more Bald Eagles and a Red-tailed Hawk, saw Tree Sparrows foraging in the grass, and caught sight of an American Kestrel in some locust trees by the maintenance shed near the RV lot. A beautiful perched Bald Eagle gave us good views from a pine tree, and toward the end of the walk, sharp-eyed birders found Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks in distant trees.

After lunch at the parking lot of Croton Point Park, we returned to our cars and drove to the Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, arriving mid-afternoon. We were disappointed to find that the feeders had been taken down, as had the feeders at the Croton Point Park visitor’s center; we speculated that this may have been done as a precaution against bird flu. The group split into two, with some keeping vigil on the viewing platform while others explored the two winter trails that remain open. Those on the platform had better luck, seeing a Red-shouldered Hawk, an Eastern Meadowlark, and a Red-winged Blackbird. Neither group found the Loggerhead Shrike that had been reported there by others.

Around 4:30 pm, as if on schedule, the first Short-eared Owl appeared just as the group was about to decamp due to the cold temperature and dimming light. In total, two owls were seen, the first perched in distant trees across the parking lot, and another swooping over the grassland. This was a life bird for many birders, and served as our sign to head for the warmth of our cars and the drive home.

Many thanks to Gordon Lam for stepping up to lead this enjoyable and informative walk on short notice.

Species Lists

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
American Black Duck
Bufflehead
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Short-eared Owl
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Common Raven
Northern Mockingbird
American Tree Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Meadowlark
Northern Cardinal

Jones Beach with Joe DiCostanzo, 1/8/2023

Registrar: Kathleen Howley
Participants: 16
Weather: sunny 35–40°; winds 6–8 mph
Bird Species: 47

We met at 9 am at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station, and after scanning the Jones Inlet for the usual wintering species, we meandered along Fisherman’s Road until we got a clear view of the Inlet. Unfortunately, there were a couple of boats nearby with hunters firing at flying birds, aiming especially at Long-tailed Ducks. Most often, the shooters missed their targets, and we did manage to get good looks at Long-tailed Ducks, as well as at a Bonaparte Gull and Common and Red-throated Loons. Afterward, we headed toward the main road to look for a flock of Red Crossbills that had been reported earlier. We were successful in seeing them, and it was a big highlight for everyone.

But then, a little before noon, while we were birding along the Swale, someone mentioned that a Swainson’s Hawk was being seen along Front Street on Staten Island. The leader took a vote, and eleven participants voted to leave Jones Beach and head to Staten Island. Below you will find two lists, the first one of the birds seen at Jones Beach and the other of the birds seen at Staten Island. All in all, many of us never dreamed that we would start our day on Long Island and end up on Staten Island. But all’s well that ends well.

Species Lists

Birds

Jones Beach
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Greater Scaup
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Rock Pigeon
Sanderling
Dunlin
Razorbill
Bonaparte’s Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Crow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
Red Crossbill
American Goldfinch (h)
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

778 Front St., Staten Island, NY
Gadwall
Greater Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Bonaparte’s Gull
Herring Gull
Bald Eagle
Swainson’s Hawk (Juv.)
Fish Crow
Common Raven

Inwood Hill Park with Annie Barry, 12/4/2022

Registrar: Lisa Kroop
Participants: 16
Weather: 37°F–40°F, mostly sunny, wind NW, 6 mph
Bird Species: 26

It was a chickadee morning in Inwood Hill Park, with several flocks seen as we made our way from the park entrance through the woods and up to the higher reaches of the park. And it was a Red-tailed Hawk morning as well: we were greeted by a loudly vocal one perched above us as we were gathering, and, later, others were seen soaring overhead through the treetops. As we walked we came upon many of the expected winter bird residents, including woodpeckers, sparrows, American Goldfinches, and Blue Jays, among others.

In addition to the birds, our leader pointed out the noteworthy geological features that are a part of Inwood Hill Park. We passed the Inwood Hill caves, glacial potholes with spring water seeping from them, a whaleback rock formation, and, finally, at the crest of the Inwood Hill ridge, a panoramic view of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. And as we were walking through the woods looking for birds from the understory on up to the tall forest canopy of tulip trees and oaks, we learned that this is Manhattan’s only remaining natural forest, and that one of the tulip trees growing here is possibly the tallest in all of New York City.

On the way back from the ridge to the northern end of the park, we looked down on Spuyten Duyvil Creek and saw numerous Great Blue Herons on the north shore; and as we headed back to the lower, eastern part of the park, we found the salt marsh mudflats exposed at low tide. There were many Ring-billed Gulls busy poking in the mud and Mallards were dozing in the pools at the mudflats’ edge.

We were ending our walk, looking out to the east near the water’s edge, when in the distance a Peregrine Falcon appeared, flying fast and making a lovely conclusion to a wonderful walk. A big thank you to Annie for leading us.

Species Lists

Birds
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Peregrine Falcon
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal

Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel

Rye Playlands and Environs with Tom Burke and Gail Benson, 12/4/2022

Registrar: Alice McInerney
Participants: 10
Weather: Clear, WNW winds at 10 mph, temperatures in the 40’s F
Bird Species: 45

On December 4, 2022, 10 enthusiastic birders spent the day birding at Rye Playland and other nearby spots in Westchester County. We initially birded near the lake and Long Island Sound and then moved on to walk through the trails of the nearby Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the birds seen were Greater and Lesser Scaup, Long-Tailed Ducks, Mergansers, and Common Loons.We then visited the Bowman Ave. Pond, where our leaders discovered the Greater White-Fronted Goose and a couple of Wood Ducks, in addition to many Canada Geese. Our final stop was at Marshlands Conservancy, where many Wild Turkeys roamed about.It was a beautiful day of birding.

Species Lists

Birds

Greater White-fronted Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
American Black Duck
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Wild Turkey
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal

Shirley Chisholm State Park and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge with Peter Dorosh, 11/19/2022

Registrar: Debbie Mullins
Participants: 12
Weather: Sunny, 32-39 degrees F, northerly winds at 7 mph
Bird Species: 54

We started the day at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. On the West Pond we found many duck species that had returned for the winter, as well as several species of lingering shorebirds, including Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs. Very large numbers of Brant and Canada Geese and Double-crested Cormorants were seen on the West Pond and in the bay, as well as four gull species, including a few Laughing Gulls. Several passerine species were observed on our walk around the West Pond, including a large flock of Pine Siskins foraging with American Goldfinches. During lunch, two mature Bald Eagles were seen circling over the Visitor Center. In the afternoon, we moved to Shirley Chisholm State Park. Fewer species were seen here than at Jamaica Bay, but we had beautiful close-up views of a low-flying Sharp-shinned Hawk and of several Northern Harriers gliding over the hills. Many thanks to our excellent leader, Peter Dorosh, for a wonderful day of birding.

Species List

Birds
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
American Black Duck
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
American Coot
Killdeer
Dunlin
Long-billed Dowitcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Lesser Yellowlegs
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Golden-crowned Kinglet
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
House Sparrow
House Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal