Early Spring Migration Walk March 27, 2010

Birdwalk Results

    It was a lot colder than we expected. At 32 degrees and breezy, it did not feel like spring. Nevertheless, this was a most enjoyable walk. Dave Burg, the head of “WildMetro” came on the walk. He identified many of the plants and invasive species in the park. We surveyed the area near Rodman’s Neck, the area adjacent to the City Island Circle, Turtle Cove, The Meadow at Orchard Beach and finally Hunter Island. Our usual three hour walk, turned into five hours. Many of our frequent walkers were out of town or on the “injured” list. Others probably saw the outside temperature and went back to sleep. Last walk, we had 14 or so participants. Today there were five of us. Billy, Patty, Dave, Cathy and I. It was cold, but we absolutely loved being outside in the sunshine and clear air. At Hunter Island, we met the “Friends of Pelham Bay Park,” just as they had finished clearing the tract near the environmental center on Orchard Beach at Twin Island. We also met another group of birder friends at Hunter Island. We had many, very close up looks, at some relatively common birds, Chickadees, Carolina Wren, Flickers and White-throated Sparrows. We also saw our first migratory Eastern Phoebe of the season. Seeing the birds was great, but meeting old friends, while seeing the birds, was even better. It really was a fun morning.

Species Account

Common Grackle- several flocks

Red-winged Blackbird-  several flocks

Mourning Dove- several

Red-bellied Woodpeckers -6

American Robins- several flocks

Greater Black-backed Gulls  2

Bufflehead- several

Black Duck 4

Eastern Phoebe 2

Black-capped Chickadee 12

Carolina Wren 1

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Northern Flicker 3

White-throated Sparrow 4

Blue Jay 2

Downy Woodpecker 2

Red-breasted Merganser 4

Mallards 4

European Starlings- flock

Brown-headed Cowbirds- flock