Tag: birds
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The Early Autumn of Herons and Hawks
The emerging patches of golds and yellows of early autumn in New York signal a rich time for birdwatching. As the fall migrants make their way from north to south hopping along the forest branches and salt marsh reeds, raptors explore the landscape from the sky. In the water, multiple species of colorful herons gather…
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The Wonderful Twos of a Black-crowned Night Heron
This summer, both juvenile and adult Black-crowned Night Herons were observed at the Salt Marsh. An immature heron, recently spotted, exemplifies the gradual transition to adulthood, marked by the fading of juvenile markings and developing features. Additionally, fall migration activities are beginning, coinciding with the artist’s new seasonal artwork offerings for sale.
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Observing Warblers in Migration Through Moments of Chaos and Clarity
Small migratory birds such as warblers move through the landscape so swiftly and unpredictably that observing them can feel at times chaotic and overwhelming. Since the beginning of September, a few nights of high nocturnal migration have brought a flurry of new or returning birds to Inwood Hill Park. Experienced birdwatchers have gathered in the…
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A Common Grackle Takes the Waters of Inwood Hill Park
A Common Grackle has lately been foraging for food and bathing in a flooded part of the path leading to the open athletic fields in Inwood Hill Park. I’ve observed it splashing in the puddle and dipping berries into the cool water. Many other birds have taken to this large puddle, including Mallards, European Starlings,…
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Notes from Spring Migration 2024 – Common Yellowthroats at the Masked Ball
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a Common Yellowthroat. It was several years ago in Central Park during spring migration. I was new to birding and learning the ropes from seasoned birders. I was dazzled by the warblers and couldn’t quite keep up with the sightings. We were along The Loch on Central…
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Cedar Waxwings and a House Finch in the Juneberries of Isham Park
If it’s June, go find a Juneberry shrub or tree (or call it serviceberry or Amelanchier, if you prefer) bearing fruit. Cedar Waxwings may be there as well as other birds. They are all after the berries. A fellow birder asked me the other day if I had seen the Cedar Waxwings in Isham Park,…
Birds of Inwood 