While the abundance of birds in the park seemed small, there were surprises.  The best for me was a new species of duck for my Central Park list, an American Wigeon.

(The mark on the bird’s right rear neck, seemed to either be feathers out of place or an injury rather than a field mark.)

I’ve been out of town, but have returned and I was able to spend a few hours in Central Park this afternoon.  Here are some pictures of a very shy Yellow-breasted Chat who was the highlight of my afternoon.

The Sora continues to be seen on Turtle Pond.  It is seen in the early mornings and briefly in the late evenings.  It’s been a joy to see a little more of this very secretive bird each day.

The Sora stayed in the same area of Turtle Pond on Sunday that it had been on Saturday.  It made appearances in the early morning and around 6 p.m.  Great little bird, but it took lots of patience to get just a few looks.

A Sora was found on the north shore of Turtle Pond this morning.  I got two brief glimpses of the small rail in the early evening.  Below is a slow motion video and a few shots taken in less than favorable light.

Despite spending about six hours in the park this holiday weekend, I only got two brief glimpses of the Fifth Avenue family members.  Both on the Beresford Apartments, one of a fledgling and one of the mother.

The fall migration has started and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are enjoying the Jewelweed patch in Strawberry Fields.