Post-migration bird life in CP

Red-bellied Woodpecker, an active nester
[this year has successfully avoided being ousted by starlings!]
Photo by Lloyd Spitalnik -
http://www.lloydspitalnikphotos.com


DATE: Thursday, 7 June 2007
LOCATION: Central Park
OBSERVERS: Irene Payne, Paula Schutte, Jack Meyer
REPORTED BY: Jack Meyer

Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Lake shore, Turtle Pond.)
Canada Goose
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift (Several over Turtle Pond.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Ramble.)
Eastern Kingbird (Turtle Pond, at least 2.)
Warbling Vireo (West shore of lake.)
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow (Turtle Pond.)
Barn Swallow (Turtle Pond, a few.)
House Wren (Heard only, singing in Shakespeare Garden.)
Wood Thrush (Ramble.)
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing (Shakespeare Garden, Turtle Pond.)
Common Yellowthroat (Hernshead.)
Song Sparrow (Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields.)
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Sparrow

A look at Jack Meyer's list of bird sightings yesterday, 6/7/07, gives an excellent idea of who is nesting in Central Park.

One bird is conspicuously missing -- the Baltimore Oriole. Most years they are a regular presence in the park's daily soundscape, and three or more pairs build their beautiful nests in the park. The bird did, however, appear on the NYC Bird Report yesterday, and so the orioles must have been unusually quiet during Jack's early morning walk , that's all. Another usual nester not on Jack's list, the Mockingbird is also probably around somewhere, though it's often hard to find once nesting has begun.

I've put in larger type those birds on the list that DON'T nest in CP. Both swallow species are question marks--they probably do nest in the park--fledglings have been seen in the park being fed by parents, but nests have never been found.

The remainder of the birds on the list nest in the park. Note I didn't say " nest successfully." That's why the red-tailed hawk is included among the nesters. [Well, Pale Male & Lola's nest is across the street from the park--but still considered ours.]

__._,_.___