Successive waves of storm systems have been passing through the area, and I have been checking in on the birds to see how they fared. First, a winter storm brought snow to the city, but little of it stuck to the ground. Then a large storm brought heavy rain, this time swamping the shoreline of the Salt Marsh. The winds have been fierce each time.
On Monday, January 8, 2024, a day after the wet snow, the skies were clear and blue. As I have observed over the past couple of weeks, the breezy storm systems tend to pull down seeds and other edible materials from the high canopies of trees, providing a feast on the forest floor. The wrens, Northern cardinals, Blue Jays, various sparrows, American Robins, and the woodpeckers often gathered at the same places for a collective foraging.
A walk to the top of the ridge revealed dozens of American Robins, their number akin to spring migration, rummaging around the paths of forest floor. In the trees, a couple of Red-tailed Hawks were out scouting for their meals. The woodpeckers were also out in force, with a Red-bellied Woodpecker scurrying up to the tops of dead trees to search for insects, seeds, or even a better view.
The following morning, a Tuesday, began mostly overcast, brightened considerably by the cardinals and jays. An abundant rain followed and continued throughout the evening hours. The Salt Marsh trail was overtopped with the high tides and coastal flooding.
This morning, a clear and bright Thursday, a Red-tailed Hawk was perched on a high limb overlooking the inundated Salt Marsh, and a Great Blue Heron was perched on a snag just below (cover). They occasionally stole glances at one another. A walk though the Clove revealed a stream flowing through the trail, runoff from the excessive rainfall. Once again, Blue Jays and Northern Cardinals brightened the landscape.
Comparing this week of January 2024 with January of 2023, my own bird census shows similar findings. Yet, I’m still not seeing a Black-capped Chickadee or a Tufted Titmouse on my regular rounds. I saw several by this time last year. I’m also missing a few owls, including the Eastern Screech-Owl. I know a Barred Owl appeared near Isham Park a few weeks ago in late December, because a local resident showed me a picture. Maybe we need a proper winter for more winter birds to appear.
Another system is expected tomorrow evening, with strong winds and excessive rain. Next week, the forecast calls for chilly temperatures and a 40% chance for snow on Tuesday. I would like the forecast to include a 100% chance of chickadees.
See the January 2024 Sightings page for more birds from this week.
Cover: Great Blue Heron. January 11, 2024 at 8:47 a.m. Salt Marsh, Inwood Hill Park, Northern Manhattan, NYC.
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Birds of Inwood 
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