A Northern Parula, also a warbler. They are usually up pretty high.
All photos and text by Jack Rothman. All rights reserved. No photo may be copied or duplicated without written permission.Copyright 2023
Updated 5/24/23
City Island Birds
Since 2007
Welcome to City Island Birds. My name is Jack Rothman. I created this website and birding club because this area of New York City is little known and underutilized by birdwatchers and other nature lovers. Pelham Bay Park, with its woods and wetlands is a critical stopover and nesting area to many migratory species.
Birding News
City Island Birds was created in 2007 to bring birders, and would be birders, to the park. Everyone has always been and always will be welcome. Our walks are always inclusive, friendly, non-competitive, fun and free. We all love to see great birds, but without each other, it's never as enjoyable.
Saul's Science Watch
My birding buddy Saul has been writing wonderful science articles for the Hudson River Audubon Society. You can link for years of wonderful insights and information. Just scroll to the bottom of the page for a complete list of the articles.
Jack's talk , "Pelham Bay Park"
On March 14, 2023, I did a Zoom talk for the Saw Mill River Audubon. If you would like to view it, it is available on YouTube, Just link here.
Watch a City Island Birds birdwalk here,
and another walk here.
A pandemic interview about birding here.
Five Quick Beginning Birding Suggestions
1. Go out with a group or an experienced leader. You'll learn how to use binoculars, find birds, meet interesting and friendly people.
2. Wear appropriate clothes. Weather is always a little more extreme in open spaces. Don't wear your brand new $200 running shoes. It can be muddy.
3. Most leaders have binoculars to lend if you don't have your own. Opera glasses are pretty useless for birding. If you want to buy a pair, email me and I will make suggestions depending on your budget.
4. Bring a snack and water. Most walks are a few hours. You'll see that birding is not fast walking. Expect to be moving slowly.
5. Get a portable field guide to bring with you when you bird alone. Use it at home too. Look for the Peterson or Sibley guide.
The Yellow -billed Cuckoo is not easy to find but they are here.
A Chestnut-sided Warbler in mid May. If they're up high, you may not see the yellow on their head but the chestnut color on their flanks are also a good field mark.
A Common Yellowthroat is fairly easy to find this time of the year. They nest here.They are usually no more than a foot or two above the ground. Listen for the witchety-witchety call. They are warblers.
Next walk/Tour with Jack on June 10 at Van Cortland Park
Parking Fees Begin at Orchard Beach this Weekend
No Registration, All walks are Free
Everyone Always Welcome
Not a warbler is the Great-crested Flycatcher. I've seen them a few times here in Pelham Bay Park where they nest.
In Indigo Bunting. They may be gone by now but were in the Southern Zone of the park. This photo was taken in Cape May.
Scarlet Tanagers are here. They are in Pelham Bay Park and the other Bronx parks as well. You can't see them indoors, so get out there!
The Blackburnian Warbler is truly stunning !
I saw a Veery like this one recently. There are also Hermit, Swainson's and Gray -cheeked Thrushes around the park.
Here are some approximate bird arrival times:
Mid May- Red Knot, White-rumped Sandpiper, Roseate Tern, Black Skimmer, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Common Nighthawk, Eastern Wood Peewee, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Cheeked Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Red-eyed Vireo, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson's Warbler, Canada Warbler, Indigo Bunting, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow.
Late May- Sooty Shearwater, Wilson's Storm Petrel, Black Tern, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Alder/ Willow Flycatcher, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Mourning Warbler, Nelson's Sparrow
