Best of the Fortnight

Here are my favorite photos from the first two weeks of April. All photos were taken in Brooklyn's historic Green-Wood Cemetery. Enjoy!

Female Purple Martin

Chipping Sparrow

Osprey

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Eastern Phoebe

Crabapple

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Callery Pear

Killdeer

Blue-headed Vireo

Crabapple

Saucer Magnolia

Prairie Warbler

Blue Grosbeak

Familiar Silhouette

Week 15 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Over the past week in Green-Wood Cemetery there were lots of changes in the landscape and soundscape. Many more birds are adding to the dawn chorus that actually commences before the sun comes up. Cardinals and robins were the first musicians warming up in the pre-dawn darkness. Adding to the symphony of the last 7 days were phoebe, both ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglet, mockingbird, House Finch, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle. As the sun rises higher in the sky Palm, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warbler add to the music.

Some of the newly arriving northbound birds seen this week were Green Heron, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Brown Thrasher, Purple Finch, Louisiana Waterthrush, Prairie Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak. In addition, there was a very noticeable uptick in the number of Palm Warblers, Pine Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Ruby-crowned Kinglet abundance has gone up and the earlier arriving Golden-crowned Kinglets seem to have started moving north. In the airspace above the cemetery many Common Loons and flocks of Double-crested Commorants were seen passing by on their northbound flight path. Killdeer are migrating with several stopping off at Sylvan Water to rest, drink and eat.

Killdeer

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in nearly bloomed crabapple

Blue-headed Vireo

Louisiana Waterthrush

Prairie Warbler

Brown Thrasher

A few other species that arrived the previous week but are now being seen in greater abundance are Great Egret, Hermit Thrush and Savannah Sparrow.

Great Egret

Jailed Hermit Thrush

Savannah Sparrow

An unexpected surprise last week was the arrival of two Blue Grosbeaks. I spotted a non-breeding plumage male during my Saturday tour. A second, brilliant blue male was located on Sunday. Breeding primarily in old fields and forest edges, this species is not particularly rare, just scarce around Brooklyn on migration, especially at this early a date. They are always a welcomed sight.

Blue Grosbeak

Some butterflies are beginning to take flight with Red Admiral and Painted Lady seen recently. Note that the non-native Cabbage White has been seen for several weeks already.

Red Admiral

We've reached the peak of the cherry blossoms, although there are still many species blooming. Many of the magnolias are dropping their flowers, especially the early flowering species, such as the Yulan mangnolia. Some of the crabapples will reach peak bloom within the week.

Crabapple sp.

Cherry Plum

Saucer Magnolia

Norway Maple

Black Willow

Horsechestnut

Phlox sp.

Upcoming Trips

Below are the birding/nature trips for the weekend of April 20 - April 21, 2024:

Bedford Audubon Society

Field Trip: Croton Point Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Tait Johansson
Description:Join Naturalist Tait Johansson on a spring field trip to this popular Westchester County birding location, part of the Lower Hudson River Important Bird Area (IBA). The capped landfill, once the feeding grounds for thousands of gulls is now a meadow, and the star attractant for birds year-round. We will be looking out for Purple Martin, Savannah Sparrow, and new spring arrivals, possibly Wilson's Snipe, among others.
Registration: Cost: Free. Level of Difficulty: Moderate. Registration required by emailing Susan at info@bedfordaudubon.org or by calling 914-302-9713.
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Brooklyn Bird Club

Introduction to Birdwatching
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: A member of the Brooklyn Bird Club
Description: Whether you’re just starting out or have already joined the birding ranks, this introductory walk is for you. Join a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club to learn the basics of birding and search for the dozens of species that visit Prospect Park through all seasons. All levels are welcome.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Prospect Park Saturday Spring Migration Walks
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
Description: Walks typically go into early afternoon or later if the birding is great. Bring water, snacks and/or a sandwich if you plan to stay the whole duration–but feel free to leave whenever you want.
Registration: No registration necessary.
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Meandering for Birds in Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Leader: Peter Dorosh
Description: Hempstead Lake SP debuts as a new club location or at least a first visit in a very long time. There will be plenty of walking as we explore this site on official trails around the lake.
Registration: Peter Dorosh, email Prosbird@gmail.com or Prosbird@aol.com
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Feminist Bird Club

NYC: Fort Tilden Bird Outing with Feminist Bird Club NYC & NYC Plover Project
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Leaders: Jen Kepler
Description: Join Jen Kepler, a NYC Plover Project volunteer & an outing leader for FBC NYC, on Sunday April 21st from 10 AM -12 PM to explore the birds of Fort Tilden in collaboration with the NYC Plover Project. Traverse the beach of Fort Tilden to look for beach birds, any lingering winter waterfowl, and of course piping plovers! Learn how to become a NYC Plover volunteer or just a good sharer of the shore.
Registration: Registration page
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Great South Bay Audubon Society

Connetquot River SPP
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 8:30am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ken Thompson, Bob Grover, John Gluth
Description: Join us as we head out to Connetquot River SPP for an early morning adventure.
Registration: info@greatsouthbayaudubon.org
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Green-Wood Cemetery

Birding in Peace
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 6:00am - 7:30am
Description: Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful early morning walking tours to discover the many birds that make Green-Wood their home—at least temporarily. Our April tours will be a feast for the ears and eyes with the trilling song of pine warblers and drumming pronouncements of woodpeckers on newly blossoming trees (including magnolias, maples, quinces, and dogwoods). We’ll discover thousands of songbirds resting before their trip farther north as well as arriving herons and egrets at Green-Wood’s glacial ponds.
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Birds & Binoculars: Family Nature Exploration
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Description: Gather your flock and join us for a one-of-a-kind adventure! We’re teaming up with The Feminist Bird Club for an unforgettable exploration of the feathered wonders that grace the grounds of The Green-Wood Cemetery.
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Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Society

Southards Pond Park, Babylon
Sunday, April 21, 2024 - 8:00am
Leader: _____
Description: Named for the family that operated a grist mill on this site, Southard’s Pond Park attracts an impressive diversity of birds in early spring.
Registration: To register, call (585) 880-0915.
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Linnaean Society of New York

Pine Barrens For Early Spring: Butterflies and More
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Leader: Rick Cech
Description: The ephemeral magic of early spring is nowhere more marked than in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, where rare and local plant and butterfly species are on display for a short time each year, including up to seven species of elfins and “green” hairstreaks. Besides butterflies, the group will be on the lookout for birds, reptiles, and any other fauna of interest.
Registration: Matthew Fischer — matthewwfischer@gmail.com
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New York City Audubon

The Birds of Woodlawn Cemetery
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 8:00am - 10:30am
Leader: Tod Winston, Joe McManus, and Susan Olsen
Description: Join us for a morning bird outing and tour of this beautiful cemetery. Tod Winston and Joseph McManus will look for spring migrants and year-round residents on the expansive grounds, while Woodlawn Cemetery Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen will share fascinating stories about the cemetery’s history and the interesting mixture of individuals interred there. This event is held in partnership with the Woodlawn Conservancy.
Registration: Registration page
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Birding in the Midtown Greenway with EsplanadeFriends
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 10:00am - 11:30am
Leader: Russell Jacobs
Description: This spring, join NYC Audubon and EsplanadeFriends to discover the East River Esplanade through the newly opened East Midtown Greenway! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. Join NYC Audubon guide, Russell Jacobs, and expect to see many water birds swimming in and flying over the East River.
Registration: Registration page
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New York Botanical Garden Bird Tour
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Haley Scott
Description: Join NYC Audubon and the New York Botanical Garden for some spring birding! Get to see some of NYBG’s diverse landscape and learn why this unique green space is such a vital haven for a great variety of species year-round. The tour will meet at the Reflecting Pool in the Native Plant Garden.
Registration: Registration not required. No limit. Free.
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North Fork Audubon Society

Young Naturalist Club Family Bird Walk - Return of the Osprey
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 9:00am - 11:00am
Leader: Marina DeLuca
Description: Join Marina DeLuca, an Environmental Associate with Group for the East End to learn the local history of our beloved Osprey through a PowerPoint Presentation. Discover the history of this miracle bird's return from the brink of extinction, their unique adaptations, key identification markers, migration patterns and more. Learn about the Ospreys exciting return to the east end for the summer breeding season and ways to manage and prevent inopportune nesting. Then go on a family fun bird walk around Inlet Pond County Park with guide Kyra Leonardi.
Registration: Via Eventbrite
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North Shore Audubon Society

Welwyn Preserve
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Ashley (516) 817- 4363
Description: 100 Crescent Beach Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Registration: Limited registration. You must register via email to nsaudubonsociety@gmail.com, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you become unable to attend, please email to allow someone on the waiting list to take your slot.
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Queens County Bird Club

Shu Swamp
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 8:00am - 12:00pm
Leader: Eric Miller - (917) 279-7530
Description: Explore this beautiful natural area, part of a system of interconnecting waterways that empty into Mill Creek, then Oyster Bay. Shu Swamp at this time is a magnet for Purple Finch and migrating warblers. Paths are muddy - wear waterproof shoes or boots.
Registration: Please contact trip leader for meeting time and location. Ask whether to pack a lunch or whether to plan on eating lunch out.
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South Shore Audubon Society

Hempstead Lake State Park
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Leader: Members of SSAS
Description: From the Southern State Parkway, take Exit 18 (Eagle Avenue) south to Field 3 (use second park entrance and make an immediate left turn.)
Registration: Registration is required by calling Joe Landesberg at 516-467-9498
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Sullivan County Audubon Society

Woodcock Walk
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7:00pm
Leader: Renee Davis
Description: Meet at the town parking lot, at the stoplight in Livingston Manor at ``` 7:00pm. We will carpool a short distance from there.
Registration: Please call Renee Davis to register at 845-798-3266.
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Urban Park Rangers

Saturday, April 20, 2024
Birding: Spring Migration at Van Cortlandt Nature Center (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx
10:00am – 11:00am
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Van Cortlandt Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

Sunday, April 21, 2024
Birding: Spring Migration at Vermont Place Parking Lot (in Highland Park), Queens
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Baisley Pond Park to look for spring migrants that include warblers, raptors and more!
Free

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Cherry Tree Transition

Below is a short video I created of my favorite stretch of cherry trees in Green-Wood Cemetery. It is located along Battle Avenue near the Civil War monument.

Week 14 - Green-Wood Cemetery

Week 14 at Green-Wood Cemetery saw the greatest changes so far this year. Most New Yorkers are excited about the coming peak of cherry blossoms, but birders are champing at the bit for the warbler's arrival. Last week was a nice preview to the coming rush of warblers. At the end of this post I'll update you on the botanics.

Eastern Phoebes have arrived in abundance, with this small, tail-bobbing flycatcher seen hawking for insects nearly everywhere.

Eastern Phoebe

Common Grackles are the earliest arriving blackbirds, often nesting by the beginning of March. They've now been joined by Red-winged Blackbirds and a very small number of Rusty Blackbirds. The latter species becoming increasingly rare as their populations in North America have inexplicably plummeted.

Rusty Blackbird

The local Mallards and Canada Geese have already paired off with some now incubating eggs. A pair of Wood Ducks are courting on Sylvan Water and will likely nest in a tree cavity somewhere on the lake's adjacent ridge. Unfortunately they are rarely successful in the long term due to duckling predation by Snapping Turtles.

Wood Duck pair

Tree Swallows are on the move with a good sized flock swirling over Sylvan Water. In coming weeks expect to see Bank Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow and Cliff Swallow mixed in with the Trees. One exciting addition to the flock this week was a female Purple Martin, which is rarely seen in the cemetery.

Female Purple Martin

A greater diversity of birds of prey are now passing through the cemetery's airspace. Ospreys are now being seen in good numbers. Most will continue north, but many will remain and nest along the coast of New York City.

Osprey over Valley Water

A one hour hawk watch from the northern edge of the cemetery on Friday saw Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and American Kestrel. Kestrels were the most abundant raptor observed.

Northern Harrier

Chipping Sparrow are fairly prolific breeders in the cemetery. During the winter months it's not uncommon to see one or two sticking around during the cold months. In April they arrive in, sometimes, very large flocks. Last week I observed my first migrating flock near the western edge of Sylvan Water. Pretty soon there will be pairs nesting in nearly every conifer in Green-Wood Cemetery.

Chipping Sparrow

Golden-crowned Kinglet numbers are increasing with this individual seen foraging on ants at Dell Water.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

I was excited to have my first 4 warbler species day last week: Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush. By mid-May that diversity should increase to at least 20.

Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Louisiana Waterthrush

Cherry blossoms had suddenly exploded towards the end of last week. Together with the already blooming magnolias, the color and fragrance within the cemetery is a feast for both the eyes and the nose.

Higan Cherry on Lake Path

Yoshino Cherry tunnel at Battle Avenue

Crabapple getting close to blooming

Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata 'Rosea')

Callery or Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Finally, two non-cherry blooms that I spotted last week. Interesting name for the first one given that they bloom in the Spring here.

Japanese Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata)

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

I fully expect to have lots of new bird photos for the "Week 15" posting. Go out and enjoy some nature this week. It will be good for you body and soul.