Even if I have only ten minutes to go birdwatching this time of year, I can always walk to the edge of Inwood Hill Park, look down, and find at least a dozen White-throated Sparrows. Pretty birds with white throats and yellow lores, these sparrows also possess a sweet, lilting song.
Cornell’s All About Birds page on the sparrow cites “cool facts” about these birds, including the fact that they will mate with Dark-eyed Juncos from time to time. They also come in two forms – white-striped and tan-striped – and “almost always mate with a bird of the opposite morph.” (website) Keep a lookout for any hybrids.
White-throated Sparrows forage on the ground, frequently darting into the underbrush. They work in groups, often in tandem with juncos, Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, and White-breasted Nuthatches.
Cover: White-throated Sparrows. November 18, 2025 1:15 p.m.
I Almost Stepped on an Ovenbird
Rounding a trail in Inwood Hill Park on a recent afternoon, I nearly stumbled when I encountered an Ovenbird just at my feet below. A dull, live green with distinctive stripes on its crown and dark chest stripes, the Ovenbird blended well with the fallen autumn leaves. That’s where they find tiny insects. It moved rapidly, the only reason I spotted it initially.
Great Blue Heron at the Salt Marsh
A Great Blue Heron is often seen at the Salt Marsh these days. While the Great Egret, this website’s mascot, is probably wading around a marsh in the Carolinas now, at least one Great Blue sticks around here through the winter. As long as there is open water, not frozen, look for the heron at low tide. More recent sightings of the heron and other birds may be seen on the November 2025 Sightings page.
Register for Christmas Bird Count on December 14
The 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count takes place on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Join NYC Audubon for this long-running community service project. Consult the organization’s website for details about local events and to register.
Shop Birds of Inwood for the Holidays
The Birds of Inwood shop on Redbubble is now overflowing with affordable and distinctive gifts for the holidays.
Look for greeting cards, journals, framed artwork, decorative home items, phone cases, tote bags, hats, and all sorts of T-shirts and hoodies decorated with your favorite birds. In addition to birds, I’ve added a few cats and some snowy scenes from Inwood Hill Park.
Bookmark BirdsofInwood.redbubble.com now for holiday shopping. Tell your friends!
Image: A spiral notebook with one of my photos of Inwood Hill Park in the snow.
Recent Posts
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- Fall Birding Falls Into Place: Notable Birds of Inwood During Mid-October
Birds of Inwood 
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