This week I’ve witnessed many birds foraging on the forest floor. While the Hermit Thrushes hop gracefully among the fallen leaves, the Eastern Towhees and the newly arrived Wood Thrush vigorously rummage through the piles of decaying debris on the ground. Many birds do this, but the thrushes and towhees are by nature ground foragers.
These busy birds in lowly spots prove that spring migration does not always involve excessive strain to find the birds. Instead of forcing “warbler neck” while looking up, take a break by looking down.
I came across the Hermit Thrushes and the Wood Thrushes mostly in the Clove, the woodsy rough path that streams through the park. I found the Eastern Towhees around the Whaleback, the outcrop that marks the high southern terminus of the Clove. Much good birding may be found there. For two days in a row, I watched the Towhees foraging at the same leafy spot east of Whaleback. For all the rummaging, you would think they found buried treasure.
Ovenbirds should be arriving, and they’ll be on the ground, too.
Hermit Thrush
“If you don’t properly measure the feathers on the Hermit Thrush, the bird can’t fly.” That was my thought as I started drawing a Hermit Thrush, a bird I’ve often seen in Inwood Hill Park this month.
Taking the time to study a bird’s structure and proportions improves my overall satisfaction with the drawings. I like to spend extra time on the eyes.
Study of a Hermit Thrush by author. Mixed media. Watersoluble graphite, watercolor, gel pen, gouache, colored pencils, ink.
Spring Migration Updates
The week began with the sightings of Eastern Towhees and the first Baltimore Orioles, surely a sign that spring migration is ramping up to warp speed. Warblers are arriving as we speak. The spring celebration of World Migratory Bird Day is May 10, 2025, so the next two weeks should be among the busiest birding weeks of the year. See April 2025 Sightings page.
Park Regulars
As the spring migrants arrive, I’ve also turned my gaze toward many of the park regulars. Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and many woodpeckers inhabit most all areas of Inwood Hill Park. These ubiquitous birds may be overlooked, but springtime blooms highlight their beautiful plumage and inquisitive personalities.
Cover: A Wood Thrush takes a break from rummaging through leaves in the Clove of Inwood Hill Park. Late afternoon, April 23, 2025.
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