2025 Fall Bird Migration - Part 5

It's almost November, but there are still plenty of migratory birds to be seen as they make their way south through the city on their way to their wintering grounds. I enjoy fall bird migration more than the spring, as it seems to go on much longer and I have more opportunities to see different birds.

Like this cutie, a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet: 

I look forward to seeing these guys every season as they go nuts catching tiny insects. 

As I photographed the Kinglet above, a Nashville Warbler joined it in the same tree. 

This bird showed off its acrobatic skills as it gleaned insects from the bottoms of leaves.

Meanwhile, a Palm Warbler hunted insects in some nearby grass.

This Connecticut Warbler drew a small crowd of admirers as it foraged in the plantings around Trinity Church in lower Manhattan.

These birds often stay in the shadows, so I was happy to see this one when it flew into a tree. Now that I think about it, this may have been the first time I've ever seen one off the ground.

I saw this Sora out at Jamaica Bay, but there was another one that showed up in Midtown Manhattan and stayed in a raised flower bed for a few days. I went to see it, but didn't take any photos as I figured it was in a stressful location. The one below is walking around in a marshy area, which is its natural habitat.

I think Eastern Phoebes may be my favorite flycatchers. They're fun to watch as they catch insects out of the air and on the ground.

This not my best photo of a Purple Finch, but it's the only one I've managed to get so far this season. This female was eating the seeds from this evergreen tree.

My favorite part of fall bird migration is seeing all the different sparrows. The pretty little Clay-Colored Sparrow below was seen at Hudson River Park.  

They are normally found in the middle of the continent but show up here from time to time, which is always a special sight.

Field Sparrows rank high on my Cute Bird list.

This Lincoln's Sparrow gives us some side-eye.

Another Lincoln's cranes its neck to look around before diving back into the bushes. I like the crisp little streaks on its throat that look like they were made with a fine-tipped pen.

Swamp Sparrow nowhere near a swamp:

A male Eastern Towhee:

Cedar Waxwings bring me some frustration as I can hear them very well, but have a hard time seeing them. They tend to stay in the tops of trees and I only catch a glimpse when they fly away. This one obliged me with a brief pose.

Fall bird migration will be winding down soon, but we have raptor season to look forward to next...

 

 

Butterfly Highlights - Part 1

When I'm not looking at birds, I like to look at insects. Below are some of my favorite butterflies and moths seen along my recent travels.

Common Buckeye: 

Orange Sulphur:

 

Dainty Sulphur:

Tiger Swallowtail:

Variegated Fritillary:

White Peacock:

Gulf Fritillary:

Mourning Cloak:

Snowy Urola moth:

Skipper:

Monarch:

Little Yellow butterfly:

Pearl Crescent:

Kestrels around the city

We see American Kestrels year-round in the city, and below are some shots I've collected from around Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The males have spotted chests, blue wings, and rusty tails, while the females have brown streaky bodies, brown wings and brown banded tails. Both are very attractive.

Male:

 

Female:

 

Male:

 

Female:

 

Kestrels like to perch on tall pointed objects, like the spindly branch above and the finger below. 

You can usually hear kestrels before spotting them, as they are small but loud fast-flying falcons. Listen for their high shrieky calls, which can be heard over the sounds of traffic and air-conditioners.