Saturday, March 12, 2016

PHOEBE news, yesterday

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Eastern Phoebe in Central Park -- Photo by David Speiser 3/28/08


Jordan Spindell writes:

After scattered reports on the 10th, I decided to try my own luck at trying to find an Eastern Phoebe today, despite my chance possibly being a bit lower. It became apparent as I first walked in Central Park that migration was happening, as a flock of about 40 Double-Crested Cormorants was on the Reservoir, the most I've ever seen together there. In the Pinetum and Ramble, there were flocks of Song and Fox Sparrows everywhere. At the Humming Tombstone, I finally saw my target bird sitting on a branch, my first EASTERN PHOEBE of the year. It only stuck around for a minute before it flew off to the north. I then made my way to the feeders after watching a large flock of Fox Sparrows, when I went to watch some Song Sparrows bathing at the source of the Gill. Right there, another phoebe popped into frame in a bush, and this one was actually calling. Then, I noticed it seeming to appear in random parts of the bush. When it chased another bird out and into the trees, it became clear that there were 2 EASTERN PHOEBES here, making my day count 3 phoebes. Hopefully, the kinglets, sparrows, and Pine Warblers are just around the corner. Good Birding!