Observations, ideas, and wonderings on birds encountered in the landscape.
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A Yellow Warbler’s Epic Journey, and Watching the Tides
The little yellow bird that flies a long way.View post to subscribe to the site’s newsletter. Read more
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Spotting the Spotted Sandpiper, or the Teeter-Peep
Amidst all the excitement of spring migratory birds arriving in the high canopies of Inwood Hill Park, it is sometimes easy to overlook the Salt Marsh. While walking along the marsh path on Tuesday, several vocal Baltimore Orioles in the nearby trees demanded attention. Following their movements, I glanced over to the sandy little island… Read more
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An American Redstart Hits the Sweet Spot on World Migratory Bird Day
The second Saturday in May typically brings many warblers and other spring migratory birds through Inwood, and the 2025 spring iteration of World Migratory Bird Day was no exception. The morning brought a full chorus of bird sounds to accompany a walk in Inwood Hill Park. Actually spotting the birds in the dense spring canopy… Read more
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Scarlet Tanagers: Wear Red to Steal the Show
A breeding male Scarlet Tanager is impossible to miss. In a mature old-growth forest, at the top of the tallest tree, the bird’s brilliant red coloring with contrasting black wings broadcasts its location. A Scarlet Tanager is a memorable sight during spring migration. Spotting a Scarlet Tanager can be elusive. They tend to perch high… Read more
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Swan Lake at the Salt Marsh
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… Read more
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Thrushes and Towhees Go Rummaging, and Other Spring Arrivals
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.… Read more
Birds of Inwood 