Central Park Family Walk with Eric Ozawa, 5/2/2026

Registrar: Yoming Lin
Participants: 6
Weather: Unseasonably cool, but comfortable; Mostly cloudy; Temperatures in the 50s
Bird Species: 37

On a pleasant Saturday morning, the experienced and excellent Central Park birder, Eric Ozawa, led our small group on a lovely walk. We started near the restroom facilities on the Great Hill where we quickly saw a couple of migratory birds, including a beautiful Chestnut-sided Warbler, a first of the season for many of us. We continued around the woodsy perimeter of the Great Hill, where many of us saw our first mature male American Redstart of the season with its striking orange-and-black contrasting plumage.

We continued on to the magic tulip tree on the south side of the Great Hill and saw a couple of stunning male Scarlet Tanagers peaking through the dense leaves and flowers of that magnificent tree. Overall, it turned out to be a fairly birdy day, and we ended up seeing a dozen species of warblers!

A couple of participants continued on to the Pool to conclude the morning’s walk. Thank you to Eric for leading our small group on such a pleasant and informative walk, during which we learned about the migratory birds visiting our park (and about some of the amazing trees that are critical sources of shelter, shade, and fuel for these incredible birds).

Species List

Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift
Great Egret 
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole 
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Louisiana Waterthrush
Northern Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
American Redstart 
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula 
Magnolia Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler 
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Spring Migration in Central Park’s North Woods with Ursula Mitra, 4/26/2026

Registrar: Suzanne Zywicki
Participants: 26
Weather: Partly cloudy with light wind. Temperatures ranging from 44 degrees to the high 50s
Bird Species: 63

A large group eagerly met up with Ursula on a chilly Sunday morning to explore the North Woods and hopefully catch some of the interesting early Spring migrants that had been reported. Peter Davenport, Linnaean President, graciously stepped in to help support Ursula in getting us oriented on the birds and answering any questions our birders might have.

We began our walk on the Great Hill and quickly found a Black-and-white Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo and several other species. At Sparrow Rock, we were treated to three female Purple Finches up in the trees. We then headed south and walked along the northern edge of the Pool, where we saw Ovenbirds and Yellow-rumped warblers. After seeing Discord posts of some less common warblers in the Ravine/Loch area, we headed in that direction and were rewarded with sightings of a Nashville Warbler, followed by a Worm-eating Warbler.

After taking a break at the Davis Center, we headed back out to the Compost and Nursery areas followed by the Wildflower Meadow, where we saw both Blue-headed and Eastern Warbling Vireos. We then headed up to the Blockhouse, which was fairly quiet, although we did get good looks at a Great Crested Flycatcher.

After a lunch break back at the Davis Center, we headed back out, keen to try our luck at finding recently reported Orchard Orioles and an Indigo Bunting in the Ravine. While many of us were successful in seeing one or more Orchard Orioles, we were unable to get eyes on the Indigo Bunting and had to settle for just hearing the bird. Some of the group then continued over to the south side of the Pool, where we were lucky to see a Prairie Warbler and two pairs of Green-winged Teal, among several other species.

At this point, we were down to Ursula and four participants. We decided to make a final stop at the High Meadow and were able to end the day with sightings of two Wood Thrush, a Black-throated Green and a Blue-winged Warbler.

Species List

Birds
Canada Goose
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Great Crested Flycatcher
Blue-headed Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Northern House Wren
Winter Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Ovenbird
Worm-eating Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Blue-winged Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting

Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Raccoon

Reptiles
Red-eared Slider

Central Park Spring Migration Walk with Ken Chaya, Richard Davis, Elijah Shiffer and Kevin Sisco, 4/14/2026

Registrar: Catherine Ichord
Participants: 71
Weather: Sunny with a few clouds and a light breeze; 62°F at the start, rising into the 80’s
Bird Species: 54

A large turnout of birders enjoyed a warm spring morning for the second spring migration walk of the year. Birders split into four groups and set out to explore Central Park. Highlights included a Blue-headed Vireo and Rusty Blackbird, both much appreciated by the group. Other spring arrivals helped round out the morning, and by the end of the walk a combined total of 54 species were observed.

Species List



Canada Goose
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Egret
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Northern House Wren
Winter Wren
European Starling
Brown Thrasher
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Louisiana Waterthrush
Black-and-white Warbler
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Green-Wood Cemetery with Rob Jett, 4/11/2026

Registrar: Prathima Christdas
Participants: 15
Weather: Sunny, in the 50s
Bird Species: 44

On a warm sunny day, fifteen birders, several of whom braved the vagaries of the F train to reach the meeting place, walked through the Hill of Graves, then down and across the cemetery to Valley Water and the areas surrounding Sylvan Water. Other stops were Dell and Crescent Waters. Highlights were an American Kestrel perched on top of a tree on the hill above Crescent Water, Savannah Sparrows, and Louisiana Waterthrushes.

Species List

Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Monk Parakeet
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Common Raven
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Winter Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Louisiana Waterthrush
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Central Park Spring Migration Walk with Ken Chaya, Richard Davis, Elijah Shiffer and Kevin Sisco, 4/7/2026

Registrar: Sarah Dahl
Participants: 51
Weather: Cloudy and low 40s at the start
Bird Species: 51

A chilly spring day greeted an energetic group of 51 birders, kicking off the first Tuesday morning spring migration walk of the season for Linnaean members and friends. Sightings included the Pine Warbler, the Palm Warbler, and the Eastern Phoebe as well as a number of Field Sparrows on the lawn north of Turtle Pond.  

Species List

Canada Goose 
Wood Duck 
Northern Shoveler 
Mallard  
Green-winged Teal 
Bufflehead 
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 
Mourning Dove  
Ring-billed Gull  
American Herring Gull  
Great Black-backed Gull 
Double-crested Cormorant 
Black-crowned Night Heron 
Osprey
Cooper’s Hawk  
Red-tailed Hawk  
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  
Red-bellied Woodpecker  
Downy Woodpecker  
Northern Flicker  
Eastern Phoebe  
Blue Jay  
American Crow  
Tufted Titmouse 
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  
Golden-crowned Kinglet  
Red-breasted Nuthatch  
Brown Creeper 
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  
Winter Wren  
Carolina Wren  
European Starling  
Hermit Thrush  
American Robin  
House Sparrow  
House Finch  
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow 
Field Sparrow  
Dark-eyed Junco  
White-throated Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Swamp Sparrow  
Eastern Towhee  
Red-winged Blackbird  
Brown-headed Cowbird  
Common Grackle  
Louisiana Waterthrush  
Palm Warbler  
Pine Warbler  
Northern Cardinal 

Better Bird Photography in Prospect Park with Tom Stephenson, 4/4/2026

Registrar: Richard Davis
Participants: 11
Weather: 64-71 F and partly sunny with periods of overcast. NNE wind 6 mph, gusts to 14 mph.
Bird Species: 49

Eleven bird photographers gathered on the steps of the Brooklyn Library to share their goals and challenges with Tom Stephenson. One of the most common concerns was difficulty obtaining sharply focused images. Tom suggested trying back-button focus and increasing shutter speed, while also discussing how aperture and ISO factor into image quality.

Our first photo opportunity upon entering the park was a Northern Cardinal posed on the ground among Siberian squill (Scilla siberica). We bypassed the Vale of Cashmere—normally an excellent spot for early migrating warblers—as it is currently under reconstruction (or “destruction,” as Tom put it). He has been actively advocating for preserving natural wildlife features and soft edges in the redesign.

We continued to the Midwood and Ravine, lingering in this old-growth forest where Tom pointed out a Cooper’s Hawk nest. The female was on the nest while the male fed nearby. Soon, the female joined him; he passed her the prey, and they briefly copulated. Not far from there, Tom identified a territory where Acadian Flycatchers are known to nest later in the season. Singing Pine and Palm Warblers gave us a chance to compare their vocalizations, and Tom shared detailed insights into the calls and songs of these and other species we encountered.

We eventually made our way to the Lake, circling the Peninsula and continuing along the paths through the Lullwater, where we observed many warblers. Our final species was a Rusty Blackbird sifting through leaf litter near the boathouse. It offered a good opportunity to see the species in spring plumage. As Tom pointed out the fall coloration wears off by the spring. It also presented a photographic challenge: a dark bird against a dark, unflattering background with limited shooting angles.

We walked over two and a half miles until nearly 3 p.m., barely noticing how the day went so quickly. It was especially gratifying to hear participants grow excited about the quality of their photos, already seeing noticeable improvement.

Species Lists

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
American Black Duck
Ring-necked Duck
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Laughing Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Belted Kingfisher
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
crow sp.
Tufted Titmouse
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Palm Warbler
Pine Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Staten Island Hot Spots & Early Migrants with Seth Wollney, 3/28/2026

Registrar: Joyce A. Wright
Participants: 7
Weather: 36°F, Sunny, Winds 15-20 mph
Bird Species: 34

The day started at the Conference House Park with a chill and steady wind. The Eastern Phoebe was the bird of the day, seen at all three locations. Our first Pine Warbler of the season was also observed here.

Some trees with blackened bark were noted, and Seth explained this was damage caused over the years by Spotted Lanternflies. Five deer were observed as we walked the paths.

At Wolfe’s Pond Park, Seth pointed out a woodchuck on the hill across from the stream, near where a Belted Kingfisher was seen. Introduced in the 1990s, wild woodchucks are now common in Staten Island’s green spaces, including Conference House and Mount Loretto Unique Area.

Walking along the pond toward the ocean, Seth referred to the “pond” that no longer exists following Superstorm Sandy. He described the former “fingers” that opened and closed to the ocean in cycles, a process that has not occurred in years; as a result, there is no longer a true pond.

Species Lists

Birds
Wood Duck
Mallard
Bufflehead
Common Loon
Horned Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Osprey
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Golden-crowned Kinglet
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Field Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Pine Warbler
Northern Cardinal

Mammals
Woodchuck
White-tailed Deer

Birds & Brews: Bird Jazz in Harlem with Leaders Elija Shiffer, Alan Drogin, and Amanda Bielskas 3/11/2026

Registrar: Amanda Bielskas
Participants: 13
Weather: Indoor activity but there was a thunderstorm during the event
Bird Species: 11

We joined Linnaean member and saxophonist Elijah Shiffer and his City Of Birds quartet for an evening of music inspired by birds at Silvana in Harlem. Elijah’s project City Of Birds is a collection of instrumental jazz songs dedicated to all the birds he’s seen in New York City. Some of these compositions are directly influenced by specific birds’ songs or calls, while others are more abstract musical portraits of a species’ behavior, habitat, or even the circumstances of a specific sighting. Both styles delighted the audience this evening. For this show, the audience was encouraged to request songs for particular species. Elijah handed out lists of available species to choose from, represented on the three albums he has recorded so far ( https://linktr.ee/elijahshiffer) as well as his forthcoming works. The evening was a wonderful treat for all who attended, we were entertained by two sets featuring songs by the birds listed below. A “1” or a “2” listed after the bird reflects which set the song was played in. Thank you to Elijah and his City of Birds quartet for a wonderful evening full of great music.

Species Lists
Birds

Wood Duck – 1
Horned Grebe – 2
Morning Dove – 1
American Coot – 2
Snowy Egret – 2
Barred Owl – 1
Monk Parakeet – 2
Veery – 1
American Robin – 1
Ovenbird – 2
Bobolink – 2