Fall Birds Part 1

The Fall migration is in full swing now. The new cast of characters is on scene ready to play out their wild drama, amidst our urban settings. Resident raptors remain, new raptors are moving through, but both are enjoying the bounty of songbirds prevalent now. From my old roof on 110th, I could make out small groups of warblers, jays, titmice and flycatchers flitting about, trying to fatten up for their long journey South.

The Lily Ponds

After yesterday's brief outing in City Hall Park, it was clear I had the warbler fever. From my roof I could see small groups of birds chirping north. There was also Norman

and an egret.

In the Park, I set up in a shaded spot over-looking the local watering hole. As the more common birds built in, like this grackle,

and goldfinch

and flicker,

warblers then began to move through for a cool drink!
First this common yellow throat came in for a peek.


then this parula came in for a bath!




There were many black throated blue warblers,




black throated greens,


and black and white warblers.


A few chestnut-sided warblers came by



and a redstart.

Also I caught glimpses of scarlet tanagers...the male

the female.

Last but not least, a thirsty white throated sparrow also flitted in.

In the Loch, these wonderful owls have been learning the ropes!


A parent keeps a watchful eye!


On a final note, I may still do the bird walk on Sunday. I will be in touch with all who have emailed me on Friday. Also, thanks for all the positive feedback on the bloggy!

Full Circle

More narratives from the Parks above 110th St. Redtailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Cooper's Hawks and Peregrine Falcons all continue through the area, both hunting for prey and warding off each other.
The resident male Kestrel,



A juvy RTH hunting over the Meer.

He even went after this female hooded Merganser!




Also on the Meer,


Meanwhile, over the Douglas Houses on Amsterdam, 3 perched RTHs.



Lording over these cold pigeons.

Across to Riverside, an eagle

and another juvy RTH!

Also in the park were
gold finch

juncos

downys

and ybss!

At the north end of the park, some 40 blocks from the first juvy, I caught a fleeting shadow from my peripheral. I swung around just in time to see another juvy RTH come right over my shoulder!
It made several well intentioned, but awkward attempts on this squirrel.
Here it is in flv,

and here in pix!


Which one do y'all prefer?
As I walked home in the stiff clear air, I swung through Mourningside to watch the sunlight deepen over Manhattan Ave. There was a familiar silouette among my favorite lookouts!

Suddenly a familiar shape emerged over the hill!


Boy, the Cooper's sure saw that too!

And lit off in pursuit...



Just then, my camera died. The Cooper's flew off before I could get another battery in, but I did watch the Cathedral Male chow down!




The Cycle Completes!