Sunday, October 17, 2010

October Backyard Birding in Queens NYC

My birding plans changed due to some networking issues that I had to work on, which ate into my departure time. As the clock ticked, the window for that early morning birding closed; so, I decided to work and bird the garden. I was not disappointed with my decision. My reward, was an early morning flock of 6 Purple Finches that came to the feeders providing extended crippling views - late this afternoon, a few of them were still around.  A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker paid a visit along with a Downy Woodpecker.  I have counted at least 3 YB Sapsuckers this week in the garden as well as a Brown Creeper, which did not show today.  Seen among the Pokeweeds were 2 Hermit Thrushes and 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush.  A lone Chipping Sparrow, was seen briefly in the grass, making 9 species of Sparrows for the month of October.  I am hoping that Fox Sparrows return again this year.  Goldfinches were again visiting the thistle and shelled sunflower seed feeders and now I am down to 2 Black-capped Chickadees at the feeders. 


A Cooper's Hawk seen a few times during the week, made an early morning pass and would have gotten a Pigeon save for the early warning that the Blue-Jay screamed.  No evidence of a kill yet in the yard, but this is a sign of things to come.  Last year I had as many as 4 Hawks staking out the feeders.  Whether, I am in the garden or off somewhere in the field, I just enjoy the time with nature. I hope you had a good day too and somehow included nature in your travels.

Female Northern Cardinal

Female Purple Finch

White-throated Sparrow

Male Purple Finch

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3 comments:

Dan Huber said...

very nice post Andrew- you have a great variety in your yard at the feeders. This is a great time to watch the feeders for the surprises that show up. All of a sudden I am having to refill mine almost 2x/week now.

LukaszDolowy said...

Amazing shots!
We invite you to share them with our wildlife community at http://yourwildlifestories.com
Please note that each new post to our site gets tweeted to our 400 followers with a mention of your website (please add it to your posts as well). Thanks!

cindyzlogic said...

Oops!! I mean, White-throated Sparrow...LOL!