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Field Notes from the 2026 Cedar Waxwing Gathering in Isham Park
Dozens of flocks of colorful Cedar Waxwings have arrived in Isham Park in Northern Manhattan for their annual feasting of the Juneberry trees (Amelanchier is the scientific name, or serviceberry). The festive occasion takes place during late May and early June and lasts as long as the bright red berries are consumed. While Cedar Waxwings…
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Birds in the Garden of Eden: A Field Trip to Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers, New York
At Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers, NY, on May 18, I didn’t see many birds out of the ordinary. I was so taken in by the dramatic vistas of the park and garden that I may have overlooked them. Tens of thousands of birds migrate north of New York City each spring and…
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An Evening Walk with a Great Egret, and Spring Migration Report
On an early evening walk on May 11, I came across a Great Egret foraging near high tide at the Salt Marsh in Inwood Hill Park. I usually take my walks in the early morning, and the egret usually forages near times of low tide, so this was new for both of us. The Great…
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Birds on the Forest Floor: Ovenbird and Veery
During spring migration season in an old-growth forest like Inwood Hill Park, be sure to look for birds wandering along the park paths or in the dense foliage near the ground. While we are often straining our necks looking for warblers and other small songbirds in the high canopy, some warblers like the Ovenbird or…
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A Flurry of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Flickers Flickering, and a Great Egret Returns
Today, April 22, 2026, is Earth Day, a time to learn more about and advocate for the health of our home planet. The birds depend on us. A great thing about being out in nature in the morning is that a memorable morning with birds can last all day. Whatever I’m doing, whatever happens during…
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The Kinglets of the Forest, with More Stories and Tech-Related Mishaps in the Age of Digital Birding
So tiny and fast. They were kinglets, and I saw both kinds this week in the forested areas of Inwood Hill Park. Kinglets are either golden-crowned or ruby-crowned, fast-moving, and constantly in search of insects. They may be distinguished by the color of their crowns and the coloring around the eyes. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet features…
Birds of Inwood 