Just when you expect to see tiny warblers, a large waterfowl pirouettes into the Salt Marsh of Inwood Hill Park. A Mute Swan, a native to Eurasia, was visiting the main inlet early this week. It was sleeping when I first saw it, a pile of white feathers floating in the water. Then it raised its neck, assuming the classic swan shape.
A graceful bird, the Mute Swan let the tide carry it to the north and south shores of the inlet and then back again to the middle. It was like it choreographed its appearance! Mute Swans may be distinguished from the Trumpeter Swans due to their bright orange bills.
The swan’s appearance caused some nostalgic chat among the longtime residents of Inwood. Many claim there were many more a few decades ago. Nostalgia aside, Mute Swans can create havoc in the ecosystem. They’ll eat everything and lots of it. These swans were initially imported into various parks throughout North America, and presumably this swan will find another park soon for its traveling ballet.
Cover image: Mute Swan, Inwood Hill Park, NYC. April 28, 2025. 9:16 a.m.
Spring Migration Report
Southerly winds, clear skies, and warmer temperatures ushered in many spring migrants last night. This morning, I started my walk early, first to the Salt Marsh and then back up through the woods.
I was richly rewarded at first light with beautiful Tree Swallows at the Salt Marsh. Their sweet flights from the old sunken willow are only outdone by their resting beauty. Their blue hues are incomparable, and the morning sun landed on them just right.
Reaching the easternmost ridge, I came upon the loudest Northern Flicker in the forest. Its shrill constant vocalizations drowned out the subtle warbler songs nearby. Northern Flickers are striking in appearance with perfect geometrical markings.
Warbler neck became apparent when I tried to identify the birds at the top of the trees. I saw a few Blue-headed Vireos, a couple of Yellow-rumped Warblers, and a Black-and-white Warbler. I was delighted to see a Great Crested Flycatcher with its long slim silhouette and yellow belly. These birds spend winters down in Florida and farther south, and they undertake solo migrations. See more images from spring migration on the April 2025 Sightings page.
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