Rusty Blackbird

A Rusty Blackbird has been hanging out south of the Azalea Pond and east of the Summer House, in an area called the Swampy Pin Oak. (The tree fell over in a wind storm years ago, but the area is still called the Swampy Pin Oak, which must confuse new birders.) There is a large puddle and the bird works the shoreline for food.

Western Tanager

There is a Western Tanager in Chelsea.  It’s a strikingly beautiful bird eating Crab Apples.  (It’s on a residential street.  If you go, be careful to respect the stoops and gardens.  I understand folks were a bit worried about all of the binoculars and cameras today.)  I got there as the light was going from sunlight to shadows.  It was incredibly bright in the sunlight.

20201207WETA01
20201207WETA02
20201207WETA03
20201207WETA04
20201207WETA05
20201207WETA07
20201207WETA08
20201207WETA09

Virginia Rail

Central Park had a Virginia Rail at Triplets Bridge (77th Street, west of the West Drive) on Thursday and reports are it continues there today.   It’s a fun bird often very hard to see, even when you know it’s there!  This one gave those who were patient some great views.

20201105VIRA01
20201105VIRA02
20201105VIRA03
20201105VIRA04
20201105VIRA05
20201105VIRA06
20201105VIRA07
20201105VIRA08
20201105VIRA09

Even More 944 Fifth Avenue Chimney Swifts

I’m amazed to see the Chimney Swifts still roosting in large numbers at 944 Fifth Avenue.  I would have expected the number to have decreased by now.  What’s been fascinating to watch is the change in behavior.  Instead of swarming at the model boat pond and then going to the roost, lately the swifts have been appearing almost out of nowhere five minutes before they roost.

It would be fascinating to know if they are swifts hunting higher or in a different place during the day or if these are migrating swifts that know this stop along their migration route?

Update: I went to see them on Thursday, October 22nd and only saw one Chimney Swift at the roost. It made one pass at the chimney and continued on.

20201017CHSW01
20201017CHSW02
20201017CHSW03