Birds of Inwood

Birdwatching during the early morning hours is often a favorite time for birders in general, but during a summer heatwave, the earlier the better. The month of July is frequently hot in New York City, but in the past few days the heat has been amplified by high humidity and poor air quality.

Still, an early morning bird walk on the morning of July 8, 2024 turned up some regular summer visitors as well as a few surprises. These pictures unfold in sequence as I walked down to the athletic fields in Inwood Hill Park, circled around the marsh and peninsula, and then back home along a park path.

The first birds I encountered were a couple of Blue Jays sipping from the drainage swells that carry the overflow from the natural springs.

Shortly after, I found a lone Mallard busily foraging in the low tide of the Salt Marsh. While the light at such an hour is not conducive for conventional bird images, something about the steely grays of the morning light on the water cast a poignancy to the duck’s quest.

Rounding the marsh to the peninsula, I was able to spot an Eastern Kingbird assume its usual regal high perch in the morning sun.

Walking to the end of the peninsula, I spotted a Great Blue Heron in the waters between the Salt Marsh and Spuyten Duyvil Creek. The heron had found a good place to preen, and its reflection in the water mirrored its routine. I also took in the wider view of the Henry Hudson Bridge and the Palisades beyond. For the cover image of this post, look for the heron in the leafy shadows at the edge of the morning light.

Around 7 a.m., approximately an hour after low tide, I was on my way back home when a Great Egret flew into the marsh waters. A morning Metro-North Hudson train headed north at the same time.

Feeling the heat, I decided to wrap up my walk by circling back to where I started. Near where I saw the Blue Jays earlier, I saw Cedar Waxwings in the trees. True to form, Cedar Waxwings come and go in mysterious ways.

At the conclusion of my walk, I came across a chipmunk munching on a berry. Smart little squirrel.

The National Weather Service has extended the Heat Advisory to 8 p.m. on July 10, 2024. Stay cool out there.

Birds of Inwood will return in August.

Cover: The waters of Northern Manhattan with a Great Blue Heron. Monday, July 8, 2024. 6:23 a.m.