This post could be about Hermit Thrushes, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Belted Kingfishers, but it’s more about the beauty of all birds in autumn. Not even glorious pastel springtime can rival the dying colors of the forest. We do not always go on a road trip to catch the colors of springtime, but we will often make the effort to catch fall foliage in its peak. It all goes by so quickly.
A recent stretch of pleasant weather allowed for multiple opportunities to explore the forest paths of Inwood Hill Park over the past week and to see the birds in their fall habitats.
The forest in the fall is full of cinematic action. Waves of leaves fall as we explore the woodlands. Fall is the last call before the hush of winter days, our homecomings to the fireside, and warm blankets. It’s the last chance, too, to appreciate the lifecycle that spring began and then ripened into summer.
The birds in fall may be unpredictable, but the regulars here such as Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays look exceptionally brilliant when paired with the warm autumn tones of oranges, reds, and yellows. The more brown and rusty birds look sophisticated and elegant when juxtaposed with autumn’s tones.
Woodpeckers look good with everything, but the Red-bellied Woodpecker with its brilliant red cap and subtle reddish belly is especially alive in autumn. When one shimmied up a tree at the top of Inwood Hill Park, it caught the fires of the autumn sun.
The Hermit Thrush and the Belted Kingfisher are also subjects of pictures this week. The thrush repeatedly flicks its tail, so multiple shots are needed to get the full effect. The kingfisher is easily one of the favorites of locals not just for its dusty blue feathers, a long bill, and its disheveled hair but also for its antics retrieving fish in the nearby Salt Marsh.
Finally, the fall forest is once again home to hawks. I’ve caught tantalizing glimpses of Red-tailed Hawks here and there. I hope to see more of them.
As the trees lose more of their leaves, the picture of the winter forest for the next few weeks will fall into place. We’re still short in numbers of the chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches. The Dark-eyed Juncos are here. The upcoming holidays may be hectic, but we will also need to listen closely at night for any signs of owls.
Cover: Hermit Thrush. November 5, 2023
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November sightings
Check the November 2023 sightings page for pictures between posts.
Birds of Inwood 
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