TRIP REPORT:
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS, MARCH 21, 2009

by Linda Kedenburg, trip co-leader



As I sit here watching rain and fog blow in from the Sound on a dreary early April day, I think back to a perfect early spring Saturday when six of our members and two guests met Rick and I at the New York Botanical Gardens. Purple pansies (堇花 link1) greeted us at the entrance to the Gardens and crocuses bloomed on the hillsides on the greening lawns. Robins foraged everywhere but the Juncos that usually accompanied them in previous years were missing. We decided that they had recently left us during the clear nights that had preceded this trip. However, White-throated Sparrows still scratched and darted beneath the shrubbery. With them were Song Sparrows and a Chipper or two.

Proceeding directly to Twin Lakes with Wood Ducks on our minds, we were disappointed when two pair flushed immediately. However, upon further inspection, we found a stately pair paddling about the north end of the lake .and admired them appreciatively. An added bonus was a dapper pair of Ring-necked Ducks, also on parade. We spied a Rough-winged Swallow, circling above and skimming along the surface of the lake. A sure sign of spring! Also, seven turtles sunning themselves on a log. A Muskrat swam across the lake and Mallards dabbled in the shallows. We became greedy. Where were our usual Phoebes? As if in answer, Rick spotted one on the hill behind us flitting from perch to perch in expected Phoebe fashion. And then a lovely little Golden-crowned Kinglet perusing the branches above us.

Crossing the road, we discovered a small flock of Rusty Blackbirds poking about in the soggy leaves of the seeps along the Bronx River. Red-winged Blackbirds called from the low-lying trees and a Mockingbird sunned itself on a tall bush. Entering the forest trail, we commented upon the lack of bark gleaners. Just then, Bernie called out a Red- bellied Woodpecker, and soon after, Vic spotted a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Wish for it and they will appear! We also found a White-breasted Nuthatch, a Wood Thrush and a curious, habituated Chickadee.


Dorothy and George had packed sunflower seeds and soon we were enticing the little mote with treats. What a thrill to feel those tiny feet on your fingers as its little bill selected a seed from our outstretched palms. Elated, we carried on, sure to find the Great- horned Owls. We inspected the tree where we found them last year and where John had discovered them several years ago. The Crows were not being helpful and a rival birding group, although friendly, and extending greetings to some QCBC members they remembered from years past, pointed vaguely behind them when questioned about the owls.

We crossed the Hester Bridge and ate lunch on the path below the Snuff Mill, listening to the Bronx River as it passes over its small waterfall and over scattered rocks. This white water on the Bronx River never fails to fascinate. It could be a trout stream upstate, rather than a river in the wilds of the Bronx. Just then Rick called out,” Come here quick!’ We all ran to the rail to find a Great Egret hunting in the rapids. Water swirled around his gangly legs as he stabbed at the eddy and came up with - a fish! It wiggled and thrashed in his bill as he struggled with it and finally turned it around. Down it went, wiggling all the way down His long neck. One happy bird. One unhappy fish.

Returning to the owl hunt, we crossed the River on the Snuff Mill Road and continued westward, searching trees that looked promising, but to no avail. We began traveling overland, climbing up rocks toward promising-looking pine trees. Was that white wash? It could be. Or it could be pine sap. That tangle up there could really hide an owl’s nest. Yes, but it’s too dark to see into it. We finally admitted defeat. Owls- one , us -zero. Sometimes I just like to think of them looking down on us and chuckling in victory. (Can owls chuckle?) We walked back through the children’s garden and admired once again the Red-tailed Hawk who had been soaring and circling over us most of the morning. A stirring sight, on any day but especially beautiful against today’s deep blue sky. We gathered on the sunny benches near the entrance to make up our bird list and look forward to the coming spring and more great birding ahead of us.


src: http://www.qcbc.all.at/