Highbridge Park

I decided to take another look at Highbridge this Fall. Although it still has some serious squatter issues, it also holds a great abundance of migratory birds. Here's the highlights and some surprises.
A gorgeous Palm Warbler.

Also in abundance were yellow rumps,


including this musically inclined individual!

Kinglets and sparrows of all types were in abundance.



I was also surprised to see a blue headed vireo feeding on the ground!

Last but not least were more that a dozen phoebes sprinkled throughout the Park.

Oh, I almost forgot...this mockingbird was thrashing a small snake!

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.

Full Bloom

It finally feels as if the cold, grey shroud of winter has lifted. Although some winter birds still remain, the first wave of spring migrants is in full swing. The hawks and peregrines are all well into brooding, and even the kestrels have begun mating and will soon brood too. This is a sample of some of the action!
Norman's reign of terror over Morningside continues!


He seems fond of starlings!



Finally caught my resident kestrels copulating on top of Wadleigh!

While downtown on Water St., I discovered another nesting kestrel pair while checking on the 55 Water peregrines. The male was nest raiding above the lunch time crowd!




And now a sampling of those migrants.
Palm Warbler

Phoebe

Wood thrush

White throated sparrow

Mocker

Titmouse

Bluejays chasing each other through the trees.

Brown Creeper

Golden Crowned Kinglet

Chipping sparrow

Doves, chippers and juncos

Pigeon carcass