Van Cortlandt Park

Took a trip up to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Aside from the hundreds of geese and ring billed gulls, crows and sparrows were in abundance. I did not have any luck in locating any owls, but I did have a few surprises. It started with this gal.




Based on the slate gray back, yellow eyes and size of this bird, I'd make this out to be a second year female Cooper's Hawk. Her presence kept the song birds low and concealed, but I did manage to see this lifer.



On lake, there were squadrons of honking geese coming and going.


And a Great Blue Heron.




There was also a female Hooded Merganser.

And a Green Teal (another lifer).

This pair however, ruled the roost.