And more tales of flight from early spring migration
Great Blue Heron
A Great Blue Heron arrived at the Salt Marsh a couple of days ago, basically on time compared with previous years. In an erratic and unpredictable time characterized by volatility and uncertainty, the heron’s appearance brings a comforting sense of continuity.
I do not see birdwatching as an escape from troubling times, but a place to care for and advocate for our shared natural environment. Many birds are facing declines in population.
Furthermore, as an act of self care, I believe birdwatching can help focus attention and bring solace to an otherwise busy mind. While walking through the woods, my mind will often turn to troublesome news or an overly long to-do list. After a couple of hours, my stomach insists on a second breakfast. Yet, the call of a bird will bring me back to the present moment, just like a bell in meditation practice.
The Flight of a Northern Flicker
I had heard the wild calls of the Northern Flickers for a week before I saw them. On the morning of March 29, I came upon two male flickers engaged in a territorial display. When one flew off, I managed to catch its flight. As I set my camera for continuous shooting in sequence, I can sometimes capture a good flight sequence.
Red-breasted Merganser Art
The mergansers have stolen my heart with their fanciful colors and lively dives. My new drawing here is of a female Red-breasted Merganser I observed on a morning in mid-March.
Fog, Mist, Drizzle
The weather in late March and early April had brought lots of foggy weather to the area. The murky conditions have made photographing the birds a unique challenge. The colors fade, and the backgrounds dissolve in the mist.
New Birds
Throughout the fog and mist, I’ve come upon Chipping Sparrows, Eastern Phoebes, kinglets, a Pine Warbler, Brown Creepers, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Hermit Thrushes, and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, among others. The strange company of Cedar Waxwings spent over a week in the trees at the edge of Muscota Marsh.
A New Day
The morning of April 8, 2025 brought cold and breezy weather. The skies were blue. A Merlin commanded a high post over the marsh. Not the app, but the actual bird.
April Sightings
April sightings bring the April 2025 Sightings page. More pictures here.
Recent Posts
- Observing Birds Outside the Window: The Comforts and Surprises of Birdwatching During a Winter Storm
- A Thanksgiving with Hawks and All the Birds of Inwood
- Easy Fall Birding with White-throated Sparrows
- The Birds for Our New York City Moment
- Fall Birding Falls Into Place: Notable Birds of Inwood During Mid-October
Birds of Inwood 
Comments welcome!