Summer 2016 1

ThThee nnewsleewslettertter of NeNeww YoYorkrk City AAudubonudubon SU MMWinERter 2016 2014 / Volu/ Volmumee XXXV XXXVII No. 42

THE URBAN AUDUBON

NYCNYC GrasslandsGrasslands CaseCase Study:Study: FloydFloyd BennettBennett FieldField 11th11th AnnualAnnual JamaicaJamaica BayBay ShorebirdShorebird FestivalFestival

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 1 5/2/16 8:55 AM NYC AUDUBON MISSION & VISION Mission: NYC Audubon is a grassroots community that works for the protection Bird’s Eye View Kathryn Heintz of wild birds and habitat in the five boroughs, improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. irds that flock together seem to understand that there is strength in Vision: NYC Audubon envisions a day when birds and people in the numbers, and power in collective efforts. NYC Audubon has its own five boroughs enjoy a healthy, livable faithful flock, and from my perch, it is a thrill to see us all flying habitat. B together. Thousands of members and wild-bird enthusiasts are turning out for our THE URBAN AUDUBON walks, classes, trips, lectures, festivals, and volunteer events. We are adding new Editors Lauren Klingsberg & Marcia T. Fowle programs in an effort to meet the demand. Hundreds are also responding to our Managing Editor Tod Winston fundraising appeals. This show of support makes a huge difference and encourages Newsletter Committee Ellen Azorin, Lucienne Bloch, Ned Boyajian, us every day. Some 542 friends and members contributed a collective $154,039 Suzanne Charlé, Diane Darrow, in the first three months of the calendar year, the closing quarter of our fiscal year. Catherine Heller, Mary Jane Kaplan, That is strength in numbers flocking together. Abby McBride, Sarah McGullam, Hillarie O’Toole, Jennifer Rauch, And our flock is growing. Spring migration 2016 carries NYC Audubon into Don Riepe, Carol Peace Robins its 38th year as an urban conservation organization. With strengthening numbers,

Printing & Mailing Kase Printing, Inc. we embark upon this new cycle with confidence. We are buoyed by the collective Design Whitehouse & Company efforts of our board and advisory council, volunteers who share with us their vision Art Director Christina Rubin Publisher NYC Audubon and leadership. But this year is unusual. June 2016 will bring us a new president as Harry Maas’s term concludes. 2016 will also see a number of remarkable THE URBAN AUDUBON is published members rotate from the board to the advisory council. Among them are two four times per year (spring, summer, fall, and winter) by New York City past presidents, Marcia Fowle and Oakes Ames; a vice president, Rick Andrias; Audubon Society, Inc. a secretary, Marcy Boyle; and a preeminent bird-conservation scientist, Andrew BOARD OF directors Farnsworth. These six super-volunteers have collectively contributed more than 72 President Harrison D. Maas years of board service. Our election in June at the NYC Audubon Annual Meeting Executive Vice President David Speiser Vice President Richard T. Andrias (see page 14) welcomes a new slate of officers and directors who will strive to fill Treasurer John Shemilt their shoes, adding to our flock’s collective wisdom. Corresponding Secretary Marsilia A. What lies ahead for wild birds in New York City? Continue to flock with Boyle Recording Secretary Alexander Ewing us this summer and help shape their future. I invite you to find inspiration in Immediate Past President Oakes Ames these pages, to learn about the challenges urban birds face, and to see what NYC Directors Robert Bate; Karen Benfield; Drianne Benner; Alexander Ewing; Audubon is doing to strengthen their numbers. Then join us for a walk in the Andrew Farnsworth, PhD; Marcia T. park, a cruise around the harbor, and celebrations of terns and shorebirds. See Fowle; Richard Fried, VMD; Catherine Schragis Heller; Sarah Jeffords; Jeffrey you there! Kimball; Lauren Klingsberg; Lawrence Levine; Eugene Nardelli; Fredric Spar; Tom Stephenson

ADVISORY COUNCIL Sarah Grimké Aucoin; Claude Bloch, MD; Albert K. Butzel; Clifford Case; Rebekah Creshkoff; Andrew Darrell; Remember the Birds Joseph H. Ellis; Lynne Hertzog; Mary Jane Kaplan; Robert J. Kimtis; Kimberly Make sure that New York City remains a haven for the birds and wildlife Kriger; Janice Laneve; Pamela Manice; Peter Rhoades Mott; Dorothy M. Peteet, you love. A bequest is a generous and straightforward way to safeguard birds PhD; Don Riepe; Lewis Rosenberg; and their habitat in New York City’s five boroughs. It can be expressed as, “I James R. Sheffield bequeath [a sum of money or a percentage of my estate] to New York City EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Audubon Society, Inc. a not-for-profit organization with offices at 71 West Kathryn Heintz 23rd Street, Suite 1523, New York, NY 10010.” To learn more, contact Director of Development Kellye Rosenheim at [email protected] DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE or 646-502-9611. Susan Elbin, PhD

RECYCLED 2 www.nycaudubon.org Supporting responsible use of forest resources

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 2 5/2/16 8:55 AM In This Issue Summer 2016 ©Ron NYC AUDUBON B 71 West 23rd Street ourque Suite 1523 New York, NY 10010 Tel: 212-691-7483 Fax: 646-606-3301 www.nycaudubon.org

Cover Photograph: Grasshopper Sparrow ©David Speiser Small Banner Photographs: Susan Elbin, Steve Nanz, and Don Riepe *This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License.

Features 5 “It’s Your Tern” Festival 6 New York City Grasslands Case Study: Floyd Bennett Field by Ron Bourque

7 Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) 7 by Don Riepe 12 A Freshwater Pond Returns to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

© by Harrison Maas D an Pancamo 13 11th Annual Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge * 14 Working Together to Conserve New York City’s American Oystercatchers by Catherine Heller 8 15 Book Excerpt: Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island by Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim

17 Celebrate Jamaica Bay on World Oceans Day 20 The Fall Roost

Departments 14 Annual Meeting and Final Spring Lecture 2 Remember the Birds 14 16 Book Reviews 4 Conservation Notes 18 Acknowledgments 5 Volunteer! 19 News & Notes 8 Events and Adventures 19 Support NYC Audubon’s Mission

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 3 5/2/16 8:55 AM Conservation Notes Susan Elbin ©

L ronmental Conservation’s Jason Smith, who is In orbe excogita, in urbe age! aura Meyers YC Audubon focuses its conserva- coordinating a color-coding system for different tion and science activities within the states that band black skimmer chicks. five boroughs of New York City, but Conservation Biologist Debra Kriensky N leads our local work with migratory shorebirds, the outcomes of that work support bird conservation on a regional, national, and global scale. asking the question: are the birds finding what In English: we think globally and act locally. In they need in Jamaica Bay? Shorebird surveys this issue, Conservation Notes illustrates how and horseshoe crab monitoring give us an indi- we apply this framework to NYC Audubon’s cation of habitat use, but this coming year Deb- two main conservation programs: Waterbirds ra wants to learn more. Two shorebird “blitzes” of New York Harbor and Project Safe Flight. are planned for May and September during A review of major global conservation is- which expert shorebirders will traverse the city sues for all bird species reveals many grave con- Black-Crowned Night-Heron and count all the shorebirds they can find in one cerns: global climate change, severe storms, sea- to either island since their abrupt departures in day. We will also join a larger, global partner- level rise, habitat degradation, built structures 2012 and 2013, respectively. ship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as barriers, invasive species, and hunting. Best Local movements of waterbirds can tell us and New Jersey Audubon as we use a new tech- practices and approaches used by large nonprofit about the quality of available food resources. nology, nanotagging, to track the migration of organizations like National Audubon, Cornell Former Development Assistant Joe O’Sullivan semipalmated sandpipers banded in Jamaica Lab of Ornithology, and American Bird Conser- continues to manage our citizen-science forag- Bay as they pass by stationary VHF data loggers vancy (to name just a few) include counting and ing surveys. In 2015 we partnered with New in the eastern U.S. and across northern Canada. mapping individual birds; monitoring popu- Jersey Audubon and Lenoir-Rhyne Univer- lations; applying new technology; engaging sity scientists to employ a new transmitter Project Safe Flight citizen scientists; and sharing lessons learned. technology in order to follow two adult male In addition to the same threats faced by These larger issues and general approaches mir- great egrets (Edward and Clarence) from their migratory shorebirds such as lack of quality ror our work here at NYC Audubon. nesting activities on Hoffman Island to their stopover habitat and invasive species, migra- wintering grounds in South Carolina. We are tory landbirds also encounter collisions with Waterbirds of New York Harbor seeking a grant that will allow us to statistically buildings and glass. The Leon Levy Founda- Global and local conservation issues for analyze these local trend data. tion is generously supporting our work in this waterbirds are similar. Declining numbers of In addition to the overall conservation is- area. Glass testing continues as we partner with long-legged wading birds nesting in colonies sues confronting all birds, beach-nesting and American Bird Conservancy, New Jersey Audu- along the northeast coast parallel the Harbor migratory shorebirds face a similar global and bon, and the Wildlife Conservation Society to Herons’ nesting dynamics in the New York local subset of threats: habitat loss from coastal test different glass products for detection by Harbor. The loss of nesting sites for colonies development, human disturbance, predation, birds. A new partnership with New York Uni- here in the Harbor and an impoverished food hunting, and declining food resources. Support- versity’s Center for Urban Science and Progress supply affect waterbirds on every scale. Region- ed by a grant from National Fish and Wildlife is helping us unleash the power of “big data” to al declines are highest for Leach’s storm-petrel, Foundation to the Manomet Center for Conser- analyze correlations between artificial light and black-crowned night-heron, arctic tern, and vation Science, Field Biologist Emilio Tobón bird collisions. Meanwhile out on the streets, royal tern. NYC Audubon’s annual waterbird continues our work with American oystercatch- NYC Audubon volunteers continue searching nest surveys, under the leadership of Communi- ers for the sixth season, monitoring nesting suc- for dead or injured birds during migration. Last cations Manager Tod Winston, allow us to track cess and impacts from human disturbance, and year our citizen scientists found 88 birds along long-term population trends in New York Har- following re-sightings of color-banded birds. their survey routes. At first glance, this seems bor. The overall breeding population is doing Of the 54 birds we banded in New York City, to be a low number. But we know from research relatively well, but black-crowned night-herons 18 have been re-sighted. Of those birds, 13 that most injured or dead birds are not found are in decline. In recent years we’ve lost two im- spent recent winters in Florida. The remaining In 2015 we launched D-Bird, a web-based portant nesting sites: Canarsie Pol in Jamaica 5 were distributed along coastal Virginia, South interactive site for dead bird reports. Darren Bay and Goose Island in Long Island Sound. Carolina, and Georgia. We are applying the les- Klein, the architect of D-Bird, has been able to Both islands were subject to human disturbance sons learned to a new project being conducted tweak the program and has rolled it out for use and predators. Nesting birds have not returned by the New York State Department of Envi- by three other Audubon chapters. Our three-

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 4 5/2/16 8:55 AM Conservation Notes Susan Elbin Volunteer!

year plan is to scale D-Bird up across the entire ork in NYC Audu- monitor buildings weekly for session will be held Wednes- Audubon network. bon’s friendly office bird collisions, rescue injured day, September 7, 6-7pm at the or in the field and birds, and record any casual- Wild Bird Fund. Also important to migratory landbirds is W make a difference for the City’s ties. Orientations will be held availability of quality stopover habitat. We are wildlife. There are many ways Tuesday, August 16, and Mon- INTERNATIONAL COASTAL monitoring avian response to the replacement to help. If interested in any of day, August 22, 6-7pm. CLEAN-UP of invasive species with native plants, a Nature the projects listed below, con- Saturday, September 17, Conservancy project at the Jamaica Bay Wild- tact us at 212-691-7483 x304 or TRIBUTE IN LIGHT 10am-2pm [email protected]. MONITORING With American Littoral life Refuge. Green roofs are another potential Sunday, September 11, Society, National Park Service, source of bird habitat, as we have observed at OFFICE PROJECTS beginning at 8pm and Sadhana the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. We Help with mailings, filing, and With National September 11 Join us at North Channel continue to work with the Javits Center as it general office work. Computer Memorial & Museum Bridge to take part in a adds new habitat dimensions to its green roof. skills and birding knowledge Each year a tireless group of multi-state effort to improve And we are working closely with the New York are helpful but not required. volunteers monitors the Trib- coastline habitat. The North ute in Light to ensure that mi- Channel Bridge area, used State Department of Environmental Conserva- THE URBAN AUDUBON grating birds do not become by species like the American tion to bring together all the New York City bi- Join the newsletter committee entrapped in the light beams. oystercatcher, is also a stone’s ologists working on green roofs, so that we can and contribute your writing A training session will be held throw away from the Harbor share our lessons learned. A new project funded skills to four seasonal issues. Thursday, September 1, 6-7pm. Heron Islands and the Jamaica by the Greenpoint Community Environmen- Meetings are bi-monthly in the Bay Wildlife Refuge. Help early evening. BIRD TRANSPORTERS us clear the beach and raise tal Fund to create a green roof in Greenpoint, We often receive calls from awareness of the importance Brooklyn, will become part of that network. PROJECT SAFE FLIGHT concerned individuals who of coastal areas to birdlife. Birds come from far and wide to spend Begins Thursday, have found injured birds but Please check www.nyc time in New York City. Here at NYC Audu- September 1 are unable to transport them to audubon.org/volunteer- bon we are following their example: we are During spring and fall, migrant a rehabilitator. We need caring events in the coming thinking globally and acting locally. birds confront many hazards volunteers to transport these months for more details and as they pass through New York birds to licensed wildlife reha- registration. City. Volunteers are needed to bilitators in the area. A training

“It’s Your Tern” Festival Saturday, July 16, 10am-4pm (Rain Date Sunday, July 17, Noon-4pm) © L loyd Spitalnik ome celebrate Governors Island’s treasures: common terns and oysters! Common terns, listed as a Cthreatened species in New York State, have nested for several years on three decommissioned piers on Gov- ernors Island’s waterfront. The colony has expanded over time and benefited recently from the introduction of oyster shells as a nesting material. This year, the Tern Festival will be held from 10am to 4pm as part of Waterfront Alli- ance’s City of Water Day. Free activities at this year’s festival will include bird walks and talks with Gabriel Willow and Annie Barry, displays, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Get to the festival either by taking a ferry to Governors Island or with NYC Audubon on the City of Water Day ecocruise (see page 9 to learn more). For more information and directions to the Tern Festival, visit www. nycaudubon.org/tern-festival. No limit. Free

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 5 5/2/16 8:55 AM New York City Grasslands Case Study: Floyd Bennett Field Ron Bourque ©Valary *

n 1979, my wife Jean Bourque wrote board member Lew Rosenberg, overheard Once completed, Jean monitored the and submitted to the Superintendent us and suggested we take the proposal to the grassland birds for more than 20 years, of Gateway National Recreation Area a NYC Audubon Conservation Committee. Al keeping her detailed field notes in a journal. proposal to reinstate the Floyd Bennett Appleton, chair of the committee, jumped Despite NYC Audubon’s best efforts, the Field management practice of regu- in with both feet and ran with it—though regional decline of meadowlarks, grasshopper Ilar mowing. Why? We, the regular birders at it turned out to be a marathon. In 1985, the sparrows, and savannah sparrows was reflected this decommissioned airfield on Jamaica Bay in National Park Service and NYC Audubon in their disappearance from Floyd Bennett Brooklyn, realized that this grassland habitat— began a grassland restoration and management Field. Grasslands were becoming scarce in the which supported grasshopper sparrows, savan- project for 140 of Floyd Bennett Field’s 1,500 Northeast. nah sparrows, eastern meadowlarks, American acres. Gateway left the clearing of the Floyd Lessons learned from this project at Floyd kestrels, and short-eared owls—was slowly Bennett Field grasslands to NYC Audubon Bennet Field include the value of persistence, changing. For lack of mowing, shrubs and trees volunteers, offering to mow once a year after we the value of teamwork, and proof that one were beginning to sprout among the grasses. If had cleared the 140 acres of trees and shrubs. person can make a difference. Fast forward to allowed to progress, the grassland birds would It took four years, working from October 2016: Grassland habitat is still scarce in the have to find other places to forage and nest. to March, on our knees cutting brush and trees Northeast. In February a group of dedicated Later that same year, as Jean and I down to two inches—a height that would biologists, managers, and naturalists was wondered aloud about the apparent lack of accommodate the mower. What kept us going convened by NYC Audubon and the New interest in her grassland management proposal, was the company of short-eared owls watching York State Department of Environmental Sheila Rosenberg, wife of NYC Audubon our progress. Conservation to identify those remaining

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 6 5/2/16 8:55 AM New York City Grasslands Case Study: Floyd Bennett Field Ron Bourque

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) Don Riepe © D

small, nondescript bird, avid Speiser the grasshopper sparrow Awas named for its high- pitched, insect-like call, as well as its fondness for a diet of grass- hoppers and other insects. Hard to identify and often overlooked as it scurries among patches of grass, this ground-nesting species prefers large tracts of open grasslands. It breeds across the eastern U.S. and Great Plains, wintering in the southern U.S. and Central America. Many birders are likely to classify the grasshopper sparrow as an “LBJ” (Little Brown Job) and move on to larger and showier grassland species such as meadowlarks and bobolinks—all of which have experienced steep population declines in New York State. Like these species, the grasshopper sparrow has been disappearing from New York City and Nassau County, most likely because of human development, increased pesticide use, grassland habitat fragmentation, and mowing during the breeding season. grassland habitats in New York City and to Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn was once a stronghold for the grasshopper implement best management practices to sparrow. In 1992, twelve breeding males were seen there. But only three years later, maintain them. Much of today’s grasslands the last breeding pair was documented by Ron and Jean Bourque. JFK Airport, on are on Staten Island: Freshkills Park, Mount the eastern side of Jamaica Bay, was also a well-documented breeding area for the Loretto, and Brookfield Avenue Landfill. sparrow, as well as for a small population of upland sandpipers. Neither species has Brooklyn hosts the Penn and Fountain Avenue been seen there since 2000. Landfills, and Pelham Bay Park Landfill According to the most recent New York State Breeding Bird Atlas, the number provides grassland habitat for birds and other of breeding blocks where the grasshopper sparrow was found declined 42 percent important pollinators in the Bronx. between 1980 and 2005. It is currently listed as a Species of Special Concern in Just last spring, over 30 male grasshopper New York State. As more farmland and open fields succeed to forested land or are sparrows were reported singing atop one of developed as housing and shopping malls, this little sparrow—along with other Freshkills Park’s grassy mounds. If these and grassland species including short-eared owl, northern bobwhite, American kestrel, other emerging urban grasslands are adequately and northern harrier—will continue to decline. However, new grassland habitat is managed, there is renewed hope for grassland being created where City landfills once stood, and that ecological transformation birds nesting again in New York City. may bring about a resurgence of the grasshopper sparrow in New York City: a See page 17 to learn about an opportunity breeding colony has recently established itself in Staten Island’s new Freshkills to visit Freshkills Park, and sidebar to read a Park. (To learn more about grassland birds and their habitat in the City, see species profile of the grasshopper sparrow. opposite.)

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 7 5/2/16 8:55 AM Events and Adventures

Bear Mountain State Park. Hooded, location in the East River that hosts • NYC Audubon Events • EXPLORE THE MEADOWLANDS cerulean, and golden-winged restored freshwater wetlands and BY PONTOON BOAT, SECAUCUS, Partnership Events • warblers may be seen, as well as salt marsh. We’ll look for spring NJ indigo buntings, wild turkeys, and migrants (both waterbirds and land Saturday, June 11, 7:30am-12:30pm • VAN CORTLANDT BIRD WALKS, much more. Bring lunch. Transport birds) as we explore the results of Guides: Tod Winston and NJ THE BRONX by passenger van included. Limited recent restoration efforts. Limited to Meadowlands Docent Saturdays, June 4 -July 30, 8-9:30am to 12. $122 (85) 20. $40 (28) Guides: NYC Audubon, Van With NJ Meadowlands Commission Explore the Meadowlands' Mill Cortlandt Park Conservancy BREEDING BIRDS OF JAMAICA THE PARAKEETS OF GREEN- • • Creek Marsh, a 225-acre restored With the Van Cortlandt Park BAY WOOD CEMETERY, BROOKLYN wetland off the Hackensack River. Saturday, June 4, 7am-1pm Conservancy Sunday, June 5, 10am-1pm We'll take a relaxing pontoon boat Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Guide: Tod Winston Guide: Gabriel Willow ride in search of egrets, night- Center. The history of birding and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is home With Green-Wood Cemetery herons, belted kingfishers, and Van Cortlandt Park are inseparable. to nesting cedar waxwings, brown Meet at the cemetery entrance at 5th marsh wrens—along with nesting Influential birders such as Roger thrashers, white-eyed vireos, tree Avenue and 25th Street, Park Slope, osprey and peregrine falcons. Bring Tory Peterson and Allan D. swallows, yellow warblers, American Brooklyn. Green-Wood Cemetery is lunch. Transport by passenger van Cruickshank got their starts on Van redstarts, osprey, willet, and seven rich in both history and wildlife. It is included. Limited to 12. $101 (71) Cortlandt’s ecologically diverse species of wading birds. We'll also the highest point in Brooklyn, grounds. These walks celebrate the walk the refuge trails and observe affording marvelous views. We will PROSPECT PARK LATE SPRING tradition set forth by these great these species and many more • explore its environs in search of BIRD WALK ornithologists. Participants will look on their breeding grounds. Bring spring migrants and its most unique Saturday, June 11, 8-11am for various species of residents lunch. Transport by passenger van avian residents: the huge flocks of Guide: Gabriel Willow and migrants and discuss a wide included. Limited to 12. $88 (62) brilliant green monk parakeets that Meet under the arch in Grand range of avian topics. For more nest there. Native to South America, Army Plaza. Join Gabriel Willow information, call 212-691-7483. No SPRING MIGRATION ON these charming immigrants are • for a leisurely walk to see late- registration necessary. No limit. Free RANDALL’S ISLAND surprisingly hardy and flourish even spring migrants and breeding bird Saturday, June 4, 9am-2pm in our harsh winters. Limited to 15. residents of “Brooklyn's Backyard.” • THE BREEDING BIRDS $46 (32) Guides: Gabriel Willow, Randall’s Prospect Park has a wide variety of OF DOODLETOWN ROAD, Island Park Alliance Staff habitats that attracts a large number ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY With Randall’s Island Park Alliance, • SUNSET ECOCRUISES TO THE of migrants and breeding bird Thursday, June 2, 8am-4pm Inc. HARBOR HERON ISLANDS species—significantly more than Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers Meet on the northwest corner of Wednesdays, June 8-August 17 Central Park, in fact. We will explore LLC 102nd Street and the FDR Drive. 7-9pm (Brother Islands; Hoffman the park's meadows, forests, and A great variety of warblers and other We’ll walk across the foot bridge to and Swinburne Islands) waterways in search of waterfowl, songbirds, including species at Randall’s Island, an under-explored 6:30-9:30pm (Jamaica Bay) warblers, tanagers, and more. risk, breed at Doodletown Road in Guide: Gabriel Willow Limited to 15. $36 (25)

© With New York Water Taxi L aura Meyers Meet at South Street Seaport • SUMMER BIRDING AT WAVE Pier 16 to visit the fascinating HILL, THE BRONX Brother islands, the large egret and Sundays, June 12, July 10, August 14, cormorant colonies on Hoffman September 11, 9:30-11:30am and Swinburne islands, or the Guide: Gabriel Willow great expanses of Jamaica Bay. With Wave Hill Whichever your destination, you’ll Meet at the Perkins Visitor experience the wonders of New York Center. Naturalist Gabriel Willow Harbor at sunset and see some of contributes his extensive knowledge the 3,000 wading birds that nest of bird species and their behaviors here—including glossy ibis, little on these captivating walks. Wave blue and tricolored herons, great Hill’s garden setting overlooking and snowy egrets, and black- and the Hudson River flyway provides yellow-crowned night-herons. To the perfect habitat for resident and choose a cruise and register, contact migrating birds. Walks run rain or New York Water Taxi at 212-742- shine. Ages 10 and up welcome with 1969 or www.nywatertaxi.com/ an adult. For more information, visit tours/audubon. Limited to 90. Price https://www.wavehill.org/events/ varies by destination. NYC Audubon spring-birding-10/. NYC Audubon members eligible for a special members enjoy two-for-one Tree Swallows discount. Call 212-691-7483 x304 to admission learn more 8 www.nycaudubon.org

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 8 5/2/16 8:55 AM © D avid Speiser a picnic lunch by the banks of Prospect Park. Although birding in • TWILIGHT BAT WALKS IN Indian Brook, we will explore the the summertime in the City can be CENTRAL PARK extensive grasslands and highbush a bit slow, Prospect Park has a wide Tuesdays, July 19-August 16, blueberry stands of Indian Brook variety of habitats that attracts a 7:45-9:15pm number of breeding bird species. Farm in search of breeding field Guide: Paul Keim We will explore the park's meadows, and savannah sparrows, bobolinks, Meet at 103rd Street and Central forests, and waterways in search of and indigo buntings. Transport by Park West. Explore the mysteries of nesting waterfowl, green herons, barn passenger van included. Limited to Central Park at twilight as we seek swallows, yellow warblers, Baltimore 12. $129 (90) these fascinating and misunderstood orioles, and more. Limited to 15. $33 flying mammals—and learn about (23) per walk • BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES, AND their great importance to our TERRAPINS AT JAMAICA BAY environment. We'll see local bat Saturday, June 25, 10am-1pm • BREEDING BIRDS OF species in flight as they hunt and Guide: Don Riepe NICKERSON BEACH AND MARINE dive for insects, and hear them with With the American Littoral Society NATURE STUDY AREA, LI an echolocator. Other nocturnal Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Friday, July 15, 6:30am-1pm creatures like crickets and katydids Indigo Bunting Refuge Visitor Center for a slide Guide: Tod Winston may be seen as well. Bring bug program and hike around the Join Tod Winston in exploring two spray and a flashlight. All children ponds and gardens to look for popular birding spots that are a little must be accompanied by an adult. • THE SUMMERING BIRDS nesting birds and other wildlife. To hard to get to for car-less New Yorkers. Recommended for ages 5 and up. OF INWOOD HILL PARK, learn more and register, contact Departing early to beat the heat, we’ll $26 (18) MANHATTAN Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or first seek out breeding common and Saturday, June 18, 8:30-11am [email protected]. No limit. least terns, American oystercatchers, • BIRDING GEMS OF STATEN piping plovers, and black skimmers Guide: Annie Barry Free ISLAND: FRESHKILLS PARK at Nickerson Beach. Then we’ll walk Meet at the entrance to Inwood Hill Sunday, July 24, 8am-3pm the boardwalks of the nearby Marine Park at the corner of Isham Street • FRESHKILLS PARK DISCOVERY Guides: Cliff Hagen, Tod Winston Nature Study Area in search of nesting and Seaman Avenue. Join Annie DAYS, STATEN ISLAND Meet at the Staten Island Ferry and saltmarsh and seaside sparrows, as Barry for a hike through a mature Sundays, June 26 and September 18, start your trip with a journey across well as osprey, herons, egrets, and forest in search of Baltimore and the Upper Bay. This is a special 11am-4pm shorebirds. Limited to 12. $90 (63) orchard orioles, eastern towhees, Guides: NYC Audubon, NYC Parks opportunity to visit Freshkills Park, currently in transition from what was wood thrushes, warbling vireos, and With New York City Department of other summer residents—and then • CITY OF WATER DAY ECOCRUISE once the world’s largest landfill into Parks & Recreation search the shores of the Inwood Hill Saturday, July 16, Time TBA an expansive park. Currently closed See page 17 for details Park saltmarshes for herons and Guide: Gabriel Willow to the general public, the park is ducks. Some hilly walking required. With Waterfront Alliance home to rolling grasslands, tidal Limited to 15. $36 (25) • EARLY FALL SHOREBIRD Boat launch location TBA. As part of marshes, successional woodlands, MIGRATION AT JAMAICA BAY Waterfront Alliance’s City of Water and a freshwater pond system, • BREEDING BIRDS OF THE Saturday, July 9, 10am-1pm Day, join naturalist Gabriel Willow for which host an array of breeding HUDSON HIGHLANDS, NY Guide: Don Riepe a free guided ecocruise to Hoffman birds, butterflies, mammals, frogs, and turtles. Grasshopper sparrows, Sunday, June 19, 8am-5pm (Father’s With American Littoral Society and Swinburne Islands. Disembark on Governors Island and enjoy many of osprey, yellow warblers, and blue Day Edition!) Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for a slide the other City of Water Day activities, grosbeaks nest alongside wrens, Saturday, June 25, 8am-5pm program and hike around the ponds including NYC Audubon’s own It’s blackbirds, orioles, and shorebirds. Guide: Gabriel Willow to look for the first shorebirds Your Tern Festival (learn more on Wading birds feed on the mudflats Join Gabriel Willow on a day-long migrating south. To learn more and page 5). Visit the City of Water Day at low tide while hawks and vultures trip to some of the most exciting register, contact Don Riepe at 718- website in June to learn more and soar above. On calm, sunny days, and beautiful birding locations in 474-0896 or [email protected]. register for the free boat tour to one can expect to find nearly two the Hudson Valley: Doodletown No limit. Free Hoffman and Swinburne Islands: dozens species of butterflies here. Road, Constitution Marsh, and http://waterfrontalliance.org/what- Transport by passenger van on S.I. Indian Brook Farm. We'll look • PROSPECT PARK SUMMER we-do/city-of-water-day. Registration included. Limited to 12. $68 (47) for uncommon breeding warbler required. Limited to 150. Free specialties at Doodletown, such BIRD WALK CROTON POINT PARK, NY as cerulean, hooded, blue-winged, Saturday, July 9, 8-10:30am • "IT’S YOUR TERN" FESTIVAL Saturday, July 30, 8:20am-3pm golden-winged, and worm- Saturday, August 27, 8-10:30am • Saturday, July 16, 10am-4pm eating. We will then head to the Guide: Gabriel Willow Guide: Gabriel Willow Travel in comfort aboard Metro Constitution Marsh Audubon Meet under the arch in Grand With Waterfront Alliance, Governors North to visit Croton Point Park, Sanctuary, home to breeding Army Plaza. Join Gabriel Willow Island Alliance, National Park Service, a beautiful 500-acre park on a wood ducks, bald eagles, least for a leisurely walk to get to know New York Harbor School, Earth Matter peninsula on the Hudson River, bitterns, and marsh wrens. After the summer bird residents of NY “Brooklyn's backyard,” beautiful See page 5 for details …continued on page 10

SUMMER 2016 9

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 9 5/2/16 8:55 AM

Overnight Trips Events and Adventures (continued) © L loyd Spitalnik in the day and then early to get a about one hour north of the City. good variety of hawks. Also visit The park is rich in natural and birding hotspots such as Higbee human history: it has the oldest Beach, Jake's Landing, Cape May Native American oyster shell Meadows, and Nummy Island. middens in the Northeast, revealing that it was inhabited as long as Transport by passenger van 7,000 years ago; today, the park has included. Limited to 10. $330 ($50 a wonderful mix of forest, wetlands, single supplement) and grassland. The grasslands are home to hard-to-find breeding • CAPE MAY FALL MIGRATION, birds such as indigo buntings, NJ grasshopper sparrows, bobolinks, Saturday, October 1, 9am-Sunday, and eastern meadowlarks. Great October 2, 7pm horned owls, willow flycatchers, Guide: Gabriel Willow and orchard orioles breed in nearby Cape May, NJ, is the East's capital woodlands. Bring lunch for a picnic in one of the river-side pavilions. of birding, and is particularly Limited to 20. Round-trip Metro Yellow-Throated Warbler bird-rich in the fall. On good fall North fare ($20.50) not included in migration days, the area's forests trip price. $53 (37) and marshes are swarming with • MONTAUK SPRING WEEKEND • BOREAL BIRDING IN THE warblers, vireos, thrushes, and • SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION Friday, June 3-Sunday, June 5 ADIRONDACKS, NY other songbirds, and of course the WORKSHOP Guides: Mike Bottini, Mickey Friday, July 1, 8am-Monday, July hawk watch is legendary as well. Thursday, August 4, 6:30-8:30pm Cohen, Don Riepe 4, 8pm We'll visit Cape May Point, Higbee (class) With American Littoral Society Guides: Gabriel Willow, Joan Beach, Cape May Meadows, and Saturday, August 6, 10am-2pm (trip) Join us for our 20th year at the Collins more in search of songbirds, Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy luxurious Montauk Manor and THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT raptors, wading birds, ducks, and Warblers LLC enjoy indoor/outdoor heated terns. Transport by passenger van Shorebirds are one of the most pools, jacuzzi, and spacious • CAPE ANN WHALE WATCH included. Limited to 10. $330 ($50 challenging groups of birds to suites. Registration price includes WEEKEND, MA single supplement) identify, yet beautiful and fascinating five meals, five guided field trips, Thursday, August 11-Sunday, once they can be distinguished. two evening slide programs, August 14 • CHINCOTEAGUE REFUGE/ Learn to identify plovers and an evening star watch, and free Guide: Don Riepe ASSATEAGUE ISLAND: BIRDS sandpipers (including "peeps") by learning behavior, field marks, pickup at the LIRR station in With American Littoral Society AND PONIES and calls. Then take a field trip to Montauk. For information and Visit scenic Gloucester, Thursday, November 10, 9am- Jamaica Bay to practice your new reservations, contact Don Riepe Massachusetts, and enjoy a whale Sunday, November 13, 6pm skills. Limited to 12. $65 (45) at 718-474-0896 or donriepe@ watching boat tour, an evening Guide: Don Riepe gmail.com. $395 ($130 single cruise on the Essex River, easy With American Littoral Society • SHOREBIRD WALK IN JAMAICA supplement) canoeing on the quiet Ipswich A great natural history weekend BAY, QUEENS River, a guided hike along a scenic on the Virginia coast. See wild Saturday, August 13, 9:30am-2pm • BASHAKILL, SHAWANGUNK shoreline, and a lobster dinner. ponies, snow geese, bald eagles, Guide: Gabriel Willow NWR, AND DOODLETOWN, NY For information and reservations, migrating hawks, waterfowl, and Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Saturday, June 11, 9am-Sunday, contact Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 shorebirds. Includes three nights’ Refuge. We'll search the mudflats June 12, 6pm or [email protected]. Limited lodging at the luxurious Refuge and ponds for breeding herons Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy to 40. $425 (double occupancy) Inn (heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and egrets, Forster's and common Warblers LLC exercise room, and observation terns, clapper rails, and American THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT • CAPE MAY FALL MIGRATION, deck), breakfast, a Safari bus oystercatchers, as well as migratory plovers and sandpipers that will NJ tour of the back dunes area, already be headed south. Limited to BASHAKILL, NEVERSINK, AND Saturday, September 24, 9am- guided hikes, evening programs, • 15. $40 (28) STERLING FOREST, NY Sunday, September 25, 7pm and an "all you can eat" oyster and seafood dinner. Contact Saturday, June 18, 9am-Sunday, Guide: Joe Giunta • 11TH ANNUAL JAMAICA BAY Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or June 19, 6pm Cape May, NJ, is one of the best SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL [email protected] for more Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy birding venues in the United Saturday, August 20, 7:30am-5pm information and to register. $395 THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT States, especially during fall With Gateway National Recreation ($180 single supplement) migration. Visit the Cape May Area and American Littoral Society hawk watch on two days, once late See page 13 for details 10 www.nycaudubon.org

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 10 5/2/16 8:55 AM

Events and Adventures (continued) © L loyd Spitalnik • EVENING FALL MIGRATION • BIRD WALK IN THE NORTH WALKS IN CENTRAL PARK WOODS Monday Series: September 12– Friday, September 23, 8-10am October 10; 5-6:30pm Guide: Tod Winston Tuesday Series: September 13– Meet at 103rd Street and Central October 11; 5-6:30pm Park West, parkside. Explore the Wednesday Series: September 14– peaceful North Woods and Loch at October 12; 5-6:30pm the height of fall songbird migration. We'll seek out warblers, vireos, Guide: Gabriel Willow tanagers, grosbeaks, and more. Meet at Central Park West and Limited to 15. $36 (25) 72nd Street. Witness the spectacle of autumn migration as songbirds EARLY MEMBER follow the Atlantic Flyway to their • REGISTRATION FOR tropical wintering grounds. Look UPCOMING EVENTS for tanagers, warblers, and other More fall and early winter neotropical migrants in the wilds events will be posted at www. of Central Park. Choose from our nycaudubon.org and available Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday for registration for Contributing evening series. Limited to 15. $125 NYC Audubon members (87) starting on Monday, August 8. (Registration will open to all on JAMAICA BAY SUNSET • Monday, August 22.) American Avocet ECOLOGY CRUISE Saturday, September 17, 4-7pm Guides: Don Riepe, Mickey Cohen • FALL MIGRATION BIRD WALK • FALL WARBLERS With American Littoral Society • TO REGISTER FOR ALL NYC Sunday, August 28, 10am-1pm Friday, September 9, 6:30-8:30pm Meet at Pier 4 in Sheepshead Bay, AUDUBON EVENTS and for Guide: Don Riepe (class); Sunday, September 11, Brooklyn. Enjoy a narrated cruise more information, visit www. aboard the “Golden Sunshine.” See With American Littoral Society 8-11am (trip) nycaudubon.org or call Darren migrating hawks, herons, ibis, and Days are getting shorter—and Instructor: Joe Giunta, Happy Klein at 212-691-7483 x304 unless many other species and learn about birds are heading south. Meet at Warblers LLC otherwise specified. the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge the history, ecology and wildlife of Identifying “confusing fall warblers” this great urban preserve. Wine, Visitor Center for a hike around the can be tricky, even for the experts. important information east and west ponds and gardens cheese, fruit, and snacks included. Come study some of the most To register, contact Don Riepe at • Classes meet at 71 West 23rd to look for warblers, tanagers, puzzling species that stop through Street, Suite 1523. shorebirds, and many other species. 718-474-0896 or donriepe@gmail. our area during fall migration with • Contributing Members To learn more and register, contact com. Limited to 140. $55 expert Joe Giunta, and then enjoy a (Student/Senior level and up) Don Riepe at 718-474-0896 or second session in the classroom of receive a 30% discount on [email protected]. No limit. Central Park. Limited to 12. $65 (45) • HOOK MOUNTAIN HAWK Free WATCH, NY most local trips and classes Sunday, September 18, 9am-4pm (on discounted events, the • INTRO TO BIRDING: BIRD discounted price appears • MORNING FALL MIGRATION Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers WALK IN CENTRAL PARK in parentheses after the WALKS IN CENTRAL PARK LLC Saturday, September 10, 8-10:30am nonmember price). See Wednesday Series: September 7– Guide: Tod Winston Part of the Palisades Interstate October 26 Park system, Hook Mountain has membership form on page 19. Meet at the entrance to Central • For all coach and van trips, Thursday Series: September 8– Park at Central Park West and commanding views of all nearby the meeting location is in October 27 72nd Street. Are you curious about mountains ridges and the Hudson front of 71 West 23rd Street in (All Walks 7:30-10:30am) "birding" but don't have much (or River. From this inland hawk watch spot we expect to see many species Manhattan unless otherwise Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy Warblers any) experience? Come on a relaxed of migrating raptors, including specified. LLC walk through Strawberry Fields broad-winged and red-shouldered • We depart promptly at the Meet at Central Park West and and the Ramble to go over birding hawks, bald eagles, accipiters, and 72nd Street. Birders of all levels basics and see warblers, tanagers, stated start time. falcons. Note: this trip requires a can enjoy this fun and educational sparrows, waterbirds, and more. • For all overnight trips, 35-minute hike up and down the series of eight walks, observing the Binoculars available. Limited to 15. membership in nyc audubon mountainside. Bring lunch to enjoy diverse and ever-changing waves of $36 (25) at the Student/Senior level and atop the mountain as you watch the migrants that stop over Central Park up is required. See membership hawks fly overhead. Transport by during fall migration. Limited to 15. form on page 19. passenger van included. Limited to $180 (126) 12. $99 (69) SUMMER 2016 11

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 11 5/2/16 8:55 AM A Freshwater Pond Returns to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Harrison Maas

significant victory for birders, wild- The adoption of the final NPS plan NYC Audubon’s staff for the great work done life enthusiasts, and proponents of required the combined efforts of NYC to achieve this result, in particular to Executive Athe health of Jamaica Bay’s ecosys- Audubon, the Birders Coalition for Gateway, Director Kathryn Heintz for her leadership, tem has been won. The National Park Service and other groups and individuals, along with Director of Conservation and Science Susan (NPS) has selected their preferred “Alternative the willingness of NPS and Gateway to work Elbin for her scientific input, and Program B: Repair the Breach and Improve Habitat with all concerned to restore the West Pond and Advocacy Manager Darren Klein for his Conditions” for restoration of the West Pond to its original ecological health. Thanks go to knowledgeable and tireless involvement. in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. © N In 2012 Hurricane Sandy breached the YC Audubon West Pond, connecting it to the open bay and transforming it into a saltwater lagoon subject to the changing tides. Much of the original vegetation surrounding the pond was destroyed. Once a breeding area for freshwater bird species, a wintering haven for many waterfowl, and a stopover spot and feeding area for migrant shorebirds, the West Pond became relatively devoid of birdlife. (Even before Hurricane Sandy, the West Pond had become increasingly saline, and freshwater species previously breeding there had already declined or disappeared.) Since the breach occurred, NYC Audubon and the Birders Coalition for Gateway, among others, have been advocating to restore the Pond to its The Breach of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge West Pond

original freshwater status. ©United States Several years ago following the destruction by Sandy, NPS announced it would consider D

restoration alternatives for the West Pond. epartment of the This allowed NYC Audubon, the Coalition, and other interested parties to renew their I call to restore the pond to freshwater status. nterior / All concerned parties attended meetings, N commented on NPS proposals, communicated ational Park Service with Gateway National Recreation Area (Gateway) and NPS personnel, and arranged for political and media pressure during the planning process. The resulting restoration plan fills the breach and provides for the installation of a freshwater source. A new water control structure will control water levels, meaning that not only will the West Pond be freshwater again, but the means for keeping it so will be provided. Freshwater vegetation will also be planted. Future plans call for improved trails and viewing blinds. It is expected that birds will return. The National Park Service Preferred Alternative Plan

12 www.nycaudubon.org

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 12 5/2/16 8:55 AM © F rançois Portmann 11th Annual Jamaica Bay Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, August 20, 7:30am-5pm uring the past 40 years, over 40 species of shorebirds available for NYC Audubon members at the Student/Senior level (including rare and accidental vagrants) have been and up. Meet at 71 West 23rd Street at 6:30am. Contact the office Drecorded at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge’s East and West at 212-691-7483 x306 to reserve a seat. For more information, Ponds from mid-July through October, with the greatest diversity contact NYC Audubon at 212-691-7483 x306, American Littoral and abundance usually occurring in August. We invite you to Society at 718-474-0896, or Don Riepe at [email protected]. attend our eleventh annual celebration at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife The Shorebird Festival is a NYC Audubon partnership Refuge on Saturday, August 20. program with American Littoral Society and Gateway National Free bus transportation from Manhattan to Jamaica Bay is Recreation Area. 7:30am Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for registration and continental breakfast (coffee, donuts, juice, etc.) 8am Hike to the East Pond to view shorebirds during the high tide (Kevin Karlson, Lloyd Spitalnik, Tom Burke, et al.) 10am* Family activity with a National Park Service Ranger 10:15am Welcome from the National Park Service (Gateway Superintendent Jennifer Nersesian) 10:30am Overview of Jamaica Bay conservation issues and wildlife (Don Riepe) 11am NYC Audubon shorebird research (Susan Elbin, Debra Kriensky) 11:30am Shorebird photography (Lloyd Spitalnik) Noon Lunch (bring lunch or drive to deli located in nearby Broad Channel) 1pm Hikes to East and West Ponds or other sites to be selected (all leaders) 2pm* Family activity with a National Park Service Ranger 3:30pm Birding by impression (Kevin and Dale Karlson) 4:30-5pm Discussion and wrap-up *Family activities are intended for children and will run concurrently with principal festival events.

SUMMER 2016 13

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 13 5/2/16 8:55 AM Working Together to Conserve New York City’s American Oystercatchers Catherine Heller ©

he American oystercatcher’s neon L and dispersal of American oystercatchers loyd Spitalnik orange bill may be a bit too long across their range. Collected data show that Tto be stylish, but it’s perfect for the birds exhibit a high fidelity to both their feeding on clams, mussels, and oysters. And northern breeding grounds and their south- with over 500 miles of shoreline rich in ern wintering destinations. Over the past five such shellfish, New York City is an excel- winters, New York City’s birds, identified by lent place to observe, monitor, and band this yellow or orange bands, have been spotted in brown-backed, black-headed, white-bellied various southern locales: thirteen in Florida, shorebird. NYC Audubon is part of the two in Georgia, two in South Carolina, and American Oystercatcher Working Group one in Virginia. Each spring, NYC Audubon (AMOWG), which focuses on the study and has watched “our birds” come back to breed conservation of the species throughout its in Queens. Atlantic and Gulf Coast range. Regionally, American oystercatcher Oystercatchers nest at two locations here in the City (Breezy numbers are declining; human activity, introduced predators, and habi- Point and Arverne Beach, Queens), and NYC Audubon cooperates tat loss are among the main culprits. At nesting areas in Breezy Point, with partners at the New York City Department of Parks & Recre- swimmers, sunbathers, joggers, bikers, fishermen, and occasionally beach ation, Urban Park Rangers, and the National Park Service to monitor clean-up machinery have had a negative impact on the birds. To protect their populations. NYC Audubon’s research team, led by Director of nesting pairs from human disturbance, informational signs and symbolic Conservation and Science Susan Elbin, studies oystercatchers breed- fencing are typically erected around nesting areas. NYC Audubon’s “Be ing at Breezy Point—and Field Biologist Emilio Tobón has been on a Good Egg” program asks beachgoers to sign a pledge to stay out of the beach the past five summers, checking nests twice a week from marked areas where birds are nesting and keep their dogs leashed and early May till late August. away from those areas as well. (Visit www.goodeggnjny.org to learn In the spring and summer of 2015, Tobón counted 43 nesting more.) Increased banding to identify individual birds, monitoring pro- oystercatcher pairs. Eggs hatched in 28 of these nests, resulting in 57 ductivity of breeding pairs, and tracking the birds in their seasonal habi- chicks—of which 37 survived to fledge. To the layman this survival rate tats are also important conservation tools. might seem low, but Elbin reports that because adult oystercatchers New York City is not often thought of as a beach community—but breed for many years, a productivity rate of 0.86 is in fact adequate to to American oystercatchers and other shorebirds, its beaches offer criti- sustain our local oystercatcher population. cal nesting habitat. In cooperation with many partners, NYC Audubon Through a central database of banded birds maintained by Audu- is working to protect these beaches and learn more about the birds that bon North Carolina, AMOWG has learned much about the movement depend on them.

Annual Meeting and Final Spring Lecture

All lectures are free and open to the public. This series has been made possible by the support of Claude and Lucienne Bloch.

NYC AUDUBON ANNUAL MEETING AND Join NYC Audubon for a brief annual meeting and board election, followed by a lecture by birdsong FINAL SPRING LECTURE: expert Donald Kroodsma. Author of The Singing Life of Birds, Kroodsma will discuss his new book, LISTENING TO A CONTINENT SING Listening to a Continent Sing: Birdsong by Bicycle from the Atlantic to the Pacific, which narrates a ten- Lecture by Donald Kroodsma week, ten-state bicycle journey undertaken by the author and his son. Lingering and “listening to our Monday, June 13, 6:30pm continent sing” on remote country roads and over vast and spectacular terrain, from dawn to dusk (Please note that no lecture will take place on and sometimes through the night, the author also comments on the history of a young nation and the Wednesday, June 8, as previously scheduled.) geology of an ancient landscape. (Read our review of Listening to a Continent Sing on page 16.) Light Central Park Arsenal refreshments will be served.

14 www.nycaudubon.org

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 14 5/2/16 8:55 AM Book Excerpt: Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island © D eborah Rivel By Deborah Rivel and Kellye Rosenheim UPNE, 2016

Conference House Park Named for a seventeenth-century manor house where an unsuccessful peace conference took place during the Revolutionary War, Conference House is part of a 265-acre park whose lengthy expanse on open water and sweeping views of Raritan Bay make it a great spot in winter for waterfowl. The rest of the year this highly recommended spot brings in songbirds (especially sparrows), shorebirds, and birds that use wetlands.

In their new book Birdwatching in Viewing spots New York City and on Long Island, Enter the park on Satterlee Street and look for the historic manor house on your right. In authors Deborah Rivel and Kellye spring and fall, you will want to visit the ancient oak tree just past the house and check the Rosenheim describe more than 170 tangles in the woodlands behind the tree for migrants. You may find Indigo Buntings and parks and preserves, providing the latest Bluebirds as well. Take your pick of paths through the woods, or head toward the beach, information on the seasonal status and where in winter you can set your scope and look for loons and ducks in Raritan Bay. Keep distribution of more than 400 species. an eye out for the red South Pole, a good orientation landmark that notes the southernmost With 39 maps and over 50 photographs, point in New York State. this full-color guide includes all At the beach, Northern Gannets may be seen. Scan the shoreline for Bald Eagles that information essential to planning your sometimes perch here. next local birding expedition. Features After walking on the beach, go inland at the South Pole toward the woodlands in summer include the best times to go, the best and during migration. Follow the trail to the attractive wetlands area in the east and look birding locations in each park, clear for Red-winged Blackbirds and waders. This part of Conference House Park is also home directions, plus other practical tips such to muskrats. If you walk around the wetlands, the path will eventually take you back to the as whether a scope is needed, food and parking lot. restroom availability, and other things to do for the non-birders in your group. key species by season Spring Eastern Phoebe, kinglets; warblers including Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Palm, American Redstart, and Black-and-white; Eastern Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Bluebird. Summer Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole; waders include Great Egret. Fall Sparrows, such as Savannah, White-throated, Chipping, and Eastern Towhee; Cedar Waxwing; Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers; returning warblers, Osprey. Winter Waterfowl including large numbers of Brant, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated and Common Loon; good numbers Horned Grebe, Northern Gannet, occasionally Bald Eagle; Black-capped Chickadee.

Habitat Woodlands, beach, and wetlands.

Best time to go Year-round, but winter, fall, and spring, in that order, are best.

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 15 5/2/16 8:55 AM Book Reviews by Hillarie O’Toole and Carol Peace Robins

Listening to a In addition to serving as a thorough Tanyas. It is said the smallest birds sing Continent Sing: auditory field guide, Kroodsma’s book treats the prettiest songs! (This is subjective, but readers to a heartwarming tale of a father-son songbirds do sing the more complicated Birdsong by Bicycle journey, complete with close encounters with tunes, as we learn in Kroodsma’s book.) from the Atlantic kind strangers whose colloquial dialects and Do you have additional suggestions? to the Pacific cultures mirror the land on which they live Please share them at www.facebook.com/ By Donald Kroodsma (as do the songs of the birds!). Illustrations nycaudubon. —HO Princeton University Press, peppered throughout the book call to mind a simpler time when an honest journey and Better Birding: 2016 good companions were all that mattered. Tips, Tools, and Sharing his own reflections on self-discovery, Kroodsma offers the reader the question that Concepts for the Field weighs heavily upon him as he crosses the By George L. Armistead and continent: what comes next? Brian L. Sullivan Listening to a Continent Sing is a feast for Princeton University Press, the senses and will no doubt inspire many to listen more deeply and more intently on the 2015 next walk or bike ride. —HO Mark Your Calendar: Donald Kroodsma will be lecturing at the Central Park Arsenal on Monday, June 13, at 6:30pm. See page 14 for more information. ver dream of shedding your routines and heading for the open road to- Planning a Journey? wards adventures unseen and unheard? E Here’s a Birdsong-Inspired Through Listening to a Continent Sing, author Donald Kroodsma shares the joys and discov- Playlist! eries of such a journey as he and his 24-year- In addition to keeping your ears tuned old son bike from the Atlantic to the Pacific. when you are outdoors, below is a list of his beautiful book, Better Birding: Choosing to travel from east to west, with the music inspired by birdsong for your daily Tips, Tools, and Concepts for the Field, morning sun at their backs, from May through commute or summer travels. It is by no means Tis not aimed at beginners. But that July, Kroodsma immerses himself in a sym- comprehensive, but as Kroodsma highlighted doesn’t mean enthusiasts of all levels won’t phony of birdsong following the TransAm- the many dialects of birds influenced by learn from it. The stunning photos make it erica Trail bicycle route. regions and cultures, so this list includes irresistible to page through while picking Kroodsma, professor emeritus of orni- multiple genres to explore: up knowledge along the way. Ornithologists thology at the University of Massachusetts, 1. 20th Century Classical: Le Merle Noir by George Armistead of the American Birding Amherst, is to birdsong what a sommelier is to Olivier Messiaen captures the song of the Association and Drexel University and Brian fine wine. With ears as finely tuned as a musi- blackbird. Sullivan of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology cian able to recognize a symphony by the first 2. Bluegrass: “Birdsong” by The Wailin’ cover everything from plumage patterns few notes, he identifies a variety of bird spe- Jennys captures the essence of summer to foraging through illustrative photos and cies and their many song variations. He also birdsong and freedom in the lyrics. explanatory text that reveal the techniques of provides QR codes, which allow the reader to 3. Brazilian Jazz: “O Pato” by João Gilberto. expert birders. listen to recordings and samples on a camera- Swans, geese, and ducks are “quoted” in The authors advocate “wide-angle equipped cell phone. (Additional background this light-hearted samba. birding”: seeing the big picture and a information and photos can be found on the 4. Jazz: “Strange Meadowlark” by Dave particular bird in context. Ask yourself what book website, http://listeningtoacontinentsing. Brubeck. This piece was likely inspired the environment is like. Pay attention to com). Mnemonic transcriptions are provided, by the meadowlarks Brubeck would have what the bird is doing. And use the handy but nothing compares to losing oneself in the heard during his youth on the West Coast. acronym GISS, which stands for general accompanying soundscape. 5. Folk: “The Littlest Birds” by The Be Good impression, size, and shape—all essential

16 www.nycaudubon.org

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 16 5/2/16 8:55 AM Freshkills Park Discovery Days, Book Reviews by Hillarie O’Toole and Carol Peace Robins Staten Island ©City of considerations to identification. To help N

with this approach, the book organizes ew York, birds into groups of like species, such as N curlews and godwits, white herons, and YC Parks, accipiters. Multiple photos illustrate visual F distinctions within each group, as well as reshkills Park variations at different stages of life, while the text describes habitat, behavior, range and distribution, and more. So if, for example, you’re an amateur who can’t tell a raven from a crow, it will help you to know that the common raven is larger and lives in remote areas, while the American crow prefers open or urban habitats. (New York City birders should know to take this advice with a grain of salt, however, given the City’s growing population of nesting common ravens!) Throughout, the text discusses more sophisticated aspects of birding, including breeding strategies, molting, natural Sundays, June 26 and history, taxonomy, bird systematics, and September 18, 11am-4pm finding and recognizing rare species. Along with tips on using online tools that track Guides: NYC Audubon, NYC Parks With birds in your area and others that play New York City Department of Parks & Recreation recorded birdsong, Better Birding is an indispensable—and outstanding—tool in t 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park is almost three times the size of Central Park and the itself. —CPR largest park to be developed in New York City in over 100 years. It also has a sig- Anificant history as the site of the former Fresh Kills Landfill, which was the largest landfill in the world before closing in 2001. Since then, the landfill has been covered with Celebrate Jamaica Bay layers of soil and infrastructure, and the site has become a place for wildlife, recreation, sci- on World Oceans Day ence, education, and art. As the park is built in phases, free tours and events provide special access for learning and exploration opportunities. During free-admission Discovery Days on Think globally and act locally with NYC June 26 and September 18, eight miles of trails and paths will offer views of the park’s hills, Audubon and the Wildlife Conservation creeks, and wildlife. Society in commemorating World Activities include: Oceans Day on Wednesday, June 8. Join • Guided bird walks with NYC Audubon us for a special screening of the new, award-winning documentary film Saving • Hiking and running on a five-kilometer course Jamaica Bay, which celebrates this • Free shuttle buses into the park and to the top of a hill offering panoramic views of critical bird sanctuary and the devoted New York City advocates working to protect the Bay’s • Bike-riding on five miles of paved routes, including a three-mile loop along future. meadows and wetland ponds (visitors of all ages can borrow bicycles at the park or $20 admission includes bring their own). refreshments as well a performance by • Educational tours and displays covering a variety of topics, including sustainability, the New York Aquarium’s famous sea ecology, landfill infrastructure, and design. lions. Doors open at 6:30pm; screening • Kayaking tours (available with pre-registration) begins at 8pm. Learn more at www. For more information, visit http://freshkillspark.org/programs. savingjamaicabay.com.

SUMMER 2016 17

67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 17 5/2/16 8:55 AM Acknowledgments

PARTNERSHIPS New York University Center for Urban Rocking the Boat Conservation is not possible without working partnerships. NYC Science and Progress (CUSP) SCAPE Studio Audubon collaborates with government agencies and other nonprofit New York University Wallerstein Science and Resilience Institute at and community organizations to reach broader audiences and achieve Collaborative for Urban Jamaica Bay common conservation goals. Recent partnerships have included the Environmental Education South Shore Audubon Society following organizations: New York Water Taxi Staten Island Museum The North Shore Waterfront SUNY College of Environmental Alive Structures Lenoir-Rhyne University Conservancy of Staten Island Science and Forestry American Bird Conservancy Linnaean Society NYC H2O Toyota TogetherGreen American Birding Association Manomet Center for Conservation Ocean Conservancy The Trust for Governor’s Island American Littoral Society Sciences Open Space Alliance for North U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service American Museum of Natural History Massachusetts Audubon Society Brooklyn U.S. Geological Service Audubon New York McGolrick Park Farmers Market The Ornithological Council U.S. Green Building Council of New Bird Studies Canada - Motus Wildlife McGolrick Park Neighborhood Pace University York Tracking System Alliance Patagonia U.S.D.A. APHIS/Wildlife Services Broadway Stages Michael Ahern Production Services Port Authority of NY and NJ Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy Bronx River Alliance Inc Prendergast Laurel Architects Wagner College Brooklyn Bird Club Moynihan Station Development Prospect Park Audubon Center The Waterbird Society Brooklyn Generation School Corporation Protectors of Pine Oak Woods Waterfront Alliance Bryant Park Corporation National Audubon Society Queens Botanical Garden Wave Hill Canadian Wildlife Service National Park Service Queens County Bird Club Wild Bird Fund Central Park Conservancy Gateway National Recreation Area Randall’s Island Park Alliance Wildlife Conservation Society City University of New York Governors Island National The Raptor Trust Woodlawn Conservancy hunter College Monument Rockaway Waterfront Alliance YMCA of Greater New York Macaulay Honors College National September 11 Memorial & Queens College Museum Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve Natural Areas Conservancy Columbia University The Nature Conservancy NEW YORK CITY AUDUBON THANKS THE Columbia University Environmental New Jersey Audubon Society FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, Biology Society New Jersey Meadowlands AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES Con Edison Commission FOR THEIR SUPPORT: Conserve Wildlife New Jersey Sports and Exposition Constitution Marsh - Audubon Center Authority The Achelis Foundation McKenna Long & Aldridge and Sanctuary The New School American Bird Conservancy Morton Williams Supermarkets Cornell Cooperative Extension The New York Botanical Garden ARNOLD GLAS National Audubon Society Cornell University New York City Department of Aviator Sports & Events National Fish and Wildlife Earth Matter NY Correction Borah, Goldstein, Altschuler, Foundation Ennead Architects New York City Department of Nahins & Goidel, PC National Grid USA The Event Office Environmental Protection Broadway Stages The Nature Conservancy Film Presence New York City Department of Parks & Central Park Conservancy Neotropical Migratory Bird Fordham University Recreation Con Edison Conservation Act Friends University Arts & Antiquities The Dobson Foundation NRG Freshkills Park Alliance Central Park Arsenal Fiduciary Trust Company Office of the Queens Borough FXFOWLE natural Resources Group International President Governors Island Alliance Urban Parks Rangers First Cornerstone Foundation Patagonia Great South Bay Audubon Society New York City Economic FXFowle The Port Authority of NY & NJ Greenbelt Conservancy Development Corporation Greenpoint Community Princeton Public Affairs Greenbelt Native Plant Center New York City Soil & Water Environmental Fund Real Estate Board of New York Green-Wood Cemetery Conservation District Hudson River Foundation Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland Grounded Truth New York Harbor School Investors Bank Foundation Perretti, LLP Harbor Estuary Program New York State Department of Jacob K. Javits Convention Center SUNY College of Environmental Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Environmental Conservation Kimball Foundation Science and Forestry The Horticultural Society of New York New York State Office of General The Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Tiger Baron Foundation Huntington-Oyster Bay Audubon Services Real Property Management Charitable Foundation Wildlife Conservation Society Society Group Leon Levy Foundation The Williams Companies Jacob K. Javits Convention Center New York State Office of Parks, Lily Auchincloss Foundation Winning Strategies-Washington, Jamaica Bay Birders’ Coalition Recreation and Historic Manomet Center for Conservation LLC Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers Preservation Sciences U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Jamaica Bay Institute New York State Ornithological Marta Heflin Foundation Vital Projects Fund Kingsborough Community College Association

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67500_NYC Audubon_Summer16.indd 18 5/2/16 8:55 AM News & Notes Support NYC Audubon’s Mission

TESTIMONY ON PESTICIDES AND There Are Many Ways to Protect RODENTICIDES New York City’s Wild BIRDS This past February, NYC Audubon n addition to becoming a member or donate online at www.nycaudubon.org/donate. testified before the New York City making a one-time donation, there Contact us to learn more. Council at the invitation of Council are several ways to play a larger role Member Helen Rosenthal against I the use of herbicides, pesticides, in supporting NYC Audubon’s mission to Give a Matching Gift and rodenticides in City Parks. protect wild birds and their habitat in the five Supporters can double or triple the value of Rodenticide continues to be a boroughs of New York City: donations through their employers’ matching frequent cause of death of our urban gift programs. Contact your company’s raptors. Please learn what you can Give Monthly personnel office to learn how. Be sure to specify do to help at www.nycaudubon.org/ Provide ongoing monthly support to ensure New York City Audubon as the designee. issues-of-concern/protecting-raptors. our birds are protected throughout the year. You can make a huge difference for as little Leave a Legacy ADVOCATING FOR BIRD-FRIENDLY USE OF CITY GREEN SPACE as $10 per month. See the membership form When you designate New York City Audubon In January, NYC Audubon Executive below or donate online at www.nycaudubon. as a beneficiary in your will, IRA, life insurance Director Kathryn Heintz joined an org/donate. policy, or investment/bank account, your gift advisory committee for the East Park, will support the conservation of the birds you a portion of Staten Island’s Freshkills Become a Member of the American love for many years to come. Park that is not yet open to the Kestrel Circle public. (Learn about the new park at Soar above the rest by making a donation of To learn more about any of the above, contact http://freshkillspark.org/mission— $2,500 or more. American Kestrel Circle Director of Development Kellye Rosenheim and see pages 9 and 17 of this issue for several ways to visit the park this Patrons enjoy special access and exclusive at [email protected] or 646-502- summer.) In April, Heintz attended a tours. See the membership form below or 9611. community meeting regarding future recreational use and development of the Ridgewood Reservoir in MAKE A DIFFERENCE Highland Park, on the border of Contributing members are essential to our conservation and outreach work. As a member of NYC Brooklyn and Queens. Together Audubon, you will receive The Urban Audubon newsletter and The eGret enewsletter; enjoy discounts on with the Brooklyn and Queens field trips and classes; and make a difference in helping to protect the City’s wildlife and natural areas. County Bird Clubs, NYC Audubon [ ] I would like to become a member by making a recurring donation in the amount of $______will continue to advocate for bird- each month. friendly planning and preservation I would like to become a member by making a one-time donation: of wild-bird habitat in both of these [ ] American Kestrel Circle $2,500 [ ] Conservationist $250 [ ] Supporter $100 important new urban green spaces. [ ] Family $75 [ ] Dual $50 [ ] Friend $25 [ ] Student/Senior(65+) $15 [ ] New [ ] Renewal [ ] Dual Senior(65+) $30 NEW RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE BIRD COLLISIONS [ ] Additionally, I would like to make a donation to NYC Audubon in the amount of $______. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has [ ] I’m already a member but would like to make a gift in the amount of $______. published Reducing Bird Collisions with Buildings and Building Glass Best Name: ______Practices, available at www.fws.gov/ migratorybirds/pdf/management/ Address: ______Phone: reducingbirdcollisionswithbuildings. pdf. H: ______C: ______Email: ______[ ] Enclosed is my check payable to NYC Audubon STAFF [ ] Charge my credit card: [ ] Visa [ ] MC [ ] Amex [ ]DSC Many thanks to Joe O’Sullivan for his Card #______Exp. Date:______contributions to our organization as a Mail this form with your payment to: development assistant. We wish him NYC Audubon • 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 1523 • New York, NY 10010

well in his future endeavors. Membership in NYC Audubon does not include National Audubon membership or Audubon Magazine. Donations to NYC Audubon are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. NYC Audubon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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