In the aftermath of a winter storm’s arctic blast, an intrepid group of Linnaean Society birders braved sub-zero temperatures on a sunny Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a walk on Governors Island with resident expert Annie Barry. As the group circled the island, they observed a variety of winter waterfowl in the surrounding waters, including Buffleheads, Red-breasted Mergansers, Greater Scaup, and more than 250 Brant. Highlights included distinguishing two Great Cormorants among the many Double-crested Cormorants on Lima Pier, and several birders were treated to a brief view of an American Tree Sparrow, an uncommon visitor to the island. Despite the cold, the group enjoyed a rewarding outing.
Species List
Brant Canada Goose Gadwall American Black Duck Greater Scaup Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Red-tailed Hawk Blue Jay American Crow European Starling House Sparrow American Tree Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Amanda Bielskas Weather: It was cold, in the mid 30s with light to heavy snow at points. Mild wind, but was windier out on one of the piers we were able to walk out onto. Participants: 20 Bird species: 21
It was a great day birding in Brooklyn at Bush Terminal Piers Park. This was the second Birds & Brews excursion to Brooklyn and it was a success! After birding for about 3 hours we headed over to Industry City for some convos and snacks. We had 21 species, great birds, and snowy weather!
We started off near the main entrance to the park around 43rd Street. We birded the area around the piers at the entrance for a while waiting for everyone in the group to arrive. After introductions, we continued birding and quickly amassed a decent list of birds including may ducks (Gadwall, Mallards, American Widgeon) and a couple of Great Cormorants at the end of the pier to the north. There were also many Brant around and a couple Canada Geese as well. We didn’t walk very far before we found a fairly close juvenile Iceland Gull on one of the piers. It was rather brown overall, and had a pinkish bill base, it was also noticeably smaller than the nearby Herring Gulls and larger than the Ring-Bill Gulls.
We proceeded along the path and headed out onto the traversable pier. It was a bit cold and windy out there, but we got better views of the Great Cormorants and some of the other birds that were a bit further out in the water. After the pier we headed around to the other side of the basin and a Mockingbird popped up and flew between and behind us, we then got closer looks at many gulls. Some of the Ring-billed Gulls tried to trick us into thinking they were Iceland Gulls, but we persevered in our study and realized they were juvenile Ring-bills. Next, we headed around the hill to the far side of the park. One member of our group spotted a Palm Warbler in the woods, but the rest of us headed directly for the other side where there were many Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, and a couple Greater Scaup swimming. We also got quick, distant looks at several Red-breasted Mergansers. After admiring the scaup, we walked back through a bit of the woods but were not successful in re-finding the Palm Warbler.
Since the snow was getting a bit heavy, and we were getting a bit cold, we walked over to Industry City where we convened for lunch and libations at the Japan Village. After lunch we went our separate ways though a few of us made our way to Lilac Chocolate for a sweet bite to end the day.
Species Lists Birds
Brant Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Iceland Gull Great Cormorant American Crow Common Raven European Starling Northern Mockingbird Song Sparrow Palm Warbler
Registrar: Mary Ann Zovko Participants: 12 Weather: High 20’s at dawn to low 40’s in the afternoon. Abundant sunshine and low wind. Bird Species: 45
We had a stellar start to the day with the appearance of a Snowy Owl as everyone was en route to Shinnecock Inlet. We returned to Dune Road, where we were able to get excellent (yet respectfully distant) views of this beautiful bird.
We then proceeded to the inlet, where we were met with groups of Common Eiders (totaling 1,000) actively foraging close to shore. Nearby at Ponquogue Bridge, we found another 1,500, bringing the total to over 2,000. With them were numerous other sea ducks, including all three scoters (Black, Surf, and White-winged), Long-tailed Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, and cooperative Common and Red-throated Loons, allowing for great side-by-side comparisons on the water and in flight. Gulls and gannets were in short supply, though a quick flyby from a Bonaparte’s Gull was a nice surprise. On the small islands nearby, we viewed distant Black-bellied Plovers and a large group of seals sunning. On an island to the west, a group of 10 Great Blue Herons were roosting.
At Ponquogue Beach, we found a beautiful flock of Snow Buntings darting around the dunes, along with our first Yellow-rumped Warblers. Driving toward the usual Dune Road stops—Tiana, Hot Dog Beach, and Triton—we searched the wetlands for previously reported Short-eared Owls and a Bittern. No luck, but we did see Harriers.
During our parking lot lunch break, we saw a large group of Song Sparrows, Juncos, and a quickly passing flock of Dunlin.
Moving on to Eastport Ponds, we encountered even more avian activity. We were immediately presented with hundreds of Canada Geese and American Black Ducks, along with a healthy sprinkling of other species. Our group soon picked out several beautiful Canvasbacks, dozens of American Wigeon and Lesser Scaup, and even a well-camouflaged Double-crested Cormorant. Across the street, we found three gorgeous adult Black-crowned Night Herons, a nice group of songbirds, woodpeckers, and a Belted Kingfisher to end the day.
We wrapped up around 3:45. It was a beautiful day spent in great company, both human and avian alike.
Species List
Snowy Owl Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Canvasback Ring-necked Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Common Eider Surf Scoter White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Black-bellied Plover Dunlin Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Red-throated Loon Common Loon Northern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant Black-crowned Night Heron Great Blue Heron Northern Harrier Red-tailed Hawk Belted Kingfisher Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Carolina Wren Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird American Robin Snow Bunting Dark-eyed Junco Savanna Sparrow Yellow-rumped Warbler Northern Cardinal
The morning began with bright sunny skies and temperate winds. The Coast Guard Station had some lovely winter birds, with highlights including a White-winged Scoter and numerous Bonaparte’s Gulls. We then went to Point Lookout, where we saw six Harlequin Ducks (which was a real treat), Purple Sandpipers, and hundreds of Dunlin.
We then lunched at Jones Beach and saw some Horned Larks. After lunch, the weather turned, becoming cloudier and windier. Nonetheless, we caravanned to Robert Moses State Park, Field 2, with some highlights being lovely Long-tailed Ducks and a couple of Surf Scoters. At Field 5, we had one Black-bellied Plover. Also, everyone had great looks at a Northern Gannet.
Species List
Jones Beach SP–Coast Guard Station Brant Canada Goose White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Bufflehead Red-breasted Merganser Rock Pigeon American Oystercatcher Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Common Loon Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Merlin Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse Northern Mockingbird Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-rumped Warbler
Point Lookout Brant Common Eider Harlequin Duck Surf Scoter Rock Pigeon American Oystercatcher Sanderling Dunlin Purple Sandpiper Bonaparte’s Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Red-throated Loon Palm Warbler
Jones Beach SP–Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center Horned Lark
Robert Moses SP–East End of Field 2 Surf Scoter Black Scoter Long-tailed Duck Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Red-throated Loon Common Loon Northern Gannet
Robert Moses SP–parking field 5 White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Red-breasted Merganser Black-bellied Plover Bonaparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Red-throated Loon Common Loon Northern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant Northern Harrier Horned Lark
Registrar: MaryJane Boland Participants: 6 Weather: Cold but clear, cold and damp in the beginning, warming a bit later when the sun broke through. Good weather for birding. Bird Species: 59
In the three locations we visited (Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Bowman Avenue Pond, and Marshlands Conservancy), there is often a high likelihood of great waterfowl and winter passerines, along with the likelihood of surprises, and that was very true this year. Four of us came from Manhattan in one car. We had arrived early and birded the Playlands lake while waiting for our wonderful leaders.
Great Blue Herons seemed to be everywhere, as were Buffleheads and Hooded Mergansers. A solo Belted Kingfisher and two Bald Eagles were thrilling to see. A greater White-fronted Goose has been hanging out with Canada Geese at Bowman Avenue Pond for several years now, and it was again spotted on this visit. We had our lunch (quickly, eating outside on a cold day) at Marshlands and then walked down into the marshy area to see the Red-headed Woodpecker, a real thrill for all of us. We headed back to NYC around 3 pm with happy memories of a fun day and good birds.
Species List
Greater White-fronted Goose Brant Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Greater Scaup Lesser Scaup Long-tailed Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Mourning Dove Purple Sandpiper Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Common Loon Great Cormorant Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Turkey Vulture Sharp-shinned Hawk Cooper’s Hawk Bald Eagle Belted Kingfisher Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Blue Jay American Crow Fish Crow Black-capped Chickadee Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch Carolina Wren European Starling Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Eastern Bluebird American Robin House Sparrow House Finch American Goldfinch Fox Sparrow Dark-eyed Junko White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Eastern Towhee Red-winged Blackbird Common Grackle Northern Cardinal
Registrar: Cheryl Craddock Participants: 10 Weather: mid 50s to low 60s; clear to partly cloudy; mostly calm with southwest breezes Bird Species: 55 (34 at Shirley Chisholm, 38 at Jamaica Bay)
After a brief misunderstanding regarding the rendezvous point, we commenced observations at Shirley Chisholm, proceeding along the waters separating the two halves of the park. The area held numerous Ruddy Ducks and Buffleheads, accompanied by Double-crested Cormorants, American Black Ducks, and a calling Belted Kingfisher. En route to the pier, a Field Sparrow was noted.
The chief spectacle of the morning was a substantial mixed-species assemblage of American and Fish Crows—well in excess of one hundred individuals—creating considerable commotion. A Common Loon was observed offshore, along with additional cormorants and Buffleheads. Continuing clockwise around the park, the group recorded Song, Savannah, and White-throated Sparrows, as well as Yellow-rumped Warblers and other expected species. Upon departure, six Northern Flickers provided a final flourish with a flyover.
Our group then proceeded to the Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for lunch at the picnic tables, where an unusually bold chipmunk partook of its own meal amid the bittersweet.
Following lunch, observations commenced at the West Pond. Present were more than 400 Greater Scaup, a continuous line of Dunlin, and a suite of waterfowl including American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, Red-breasted Mergansers, Northern Pintail, and Northern Shovelers. Several Greater Yellowlegs were noted, and—unexpectedly—multiple Snowy Egrets. A scan of the shoreline produced a single American Coot, and a Purple Finch was seen along the trail. With no sign of the expected owl at its box, we reversed course and made a brief visit to the East Pond.
There, we encountered over 100 Hooded Mergansers, additional Ruddy Ducks, and a well-formed flock of Short-billed Dowitchers. Observations concluded at approximately 3 pm.
Species Lists
Birds at Shirley Chisholm State Park, Kings County
Brant Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard American Black Duck Bufflehead Ruddy Duck Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Common Loon Double-crested Cormorant Great Blue Heron Belted Kingfisher Northern Flicker American Kestrel American Crow Fish Crow Tree Swallow European Starling Northern Mockingbird American Robin House Finch American Goldfinch Field Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Savannah Sparrow Song Sparrow Red-winged Blackbird Yellow-rumped Warbler
Birds at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens County
Brant Canada Goose Mute Swan Northern Shoveler Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Greater Scaup Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruddy Duck Mourning Dove American Coot Short-billed Dowitcher Greater Yellowlegs Dunlin Ring-billed Gull Great Black-backed Gull Double-crested Cormorant Black-crowned Night Heron Snowy Egret Great Egret Great Blue Heron Sharp-shinned Hawk Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Downy Woodpecker Tree Swallow European Starling Northern Mockingbird American Robin Purple Finch White-throated Sparrow Yellow-rumped Warbler Northern Cardinal
November 14 is a bit late for a Central Park hawk watch, so our expectations for seeing raptors were not high. But with ideal conditions (WNW winds at 5-7 mph and overcast skies) we had the most productive hawk watch of the season. We saw nine raptor species, including an amazing number of Red-shouldered Hawks-16! Over the two and a half hours we scanned the skies and the area around Turtle Pond, 31 species were identified. The raptors included Red-tailed Hawks, some migrating and others probably resident NYC birds, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Kestrel, Cooper’s Hawk, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, and Turkey Vulture. Most of the Red-shouldered Hawks we saw were flying east to west, suggesting they may have crossed Long Island Sound before heading inland. Some skirmishes among the raptors provided extra excitement. One particularly aggressive Merlin was seen harassing a Kestrel, then going after another Merlin, while a brave crow took on a Red-tailed Hawk. In the closing moments of the watch, a Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted, our first and only Sharpie. Fittingly, the last bird spotted was a beautiful mature Bald Eagle soaring high above the Great Lawn. Thanks to our excellent leader, Gabriel Willow, for his keen eye and helpful tips on identification.
Registrar: Dom Ricci Participants: 19 (including leaders and registrar) Weather: Around 60 F, clear, light breeze Bird Species: 17
An unseasonably warm and sunny fall morning availed itself to the Linnaean birders who gathered on the Coney Island beach over Veterans’ Day weekend to take part in Bobbi and Dennis’s masterclass in gull identification. Traversing the beach, the birders encountered flocks which contained the five gull species frequently found in the area: American Herring, Ring-billed, Laughing, Great Black-backed, and Lesser Black-backed. Birders learned how to analyze the features of each individual bird—its size, plumage and other coloration, and behavior—to determine its species and age. Interspersed with the gulls, a flock of almost two hundred Black Skimmers staged in migratory anticipation while a single Royal Tern made a guest appearance. When the walk ended around lunchtime, everyone had all gained a foundation of knowledge to carry forward to future gull-watching experiences.
Species List
Brant Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) Laughing Gull Ring-billed Gull American Herring Gull Great Black-backed Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Black Skimmer Forster’s Tern Royal Tern Red-throated Loon Common Loon Osprey Sharp-shinned Hawk Fish Crow European Starling House Sparrow
