Fall Warblers
Fall Warblers photographed in Central Park over the last week.
Chipping and Clay-colored Sparrows
Some bird identifications can be difficult. Sparrows, Flycatchers and Gulls are the tough birds in Central Park. On a foggy Saturday afternoon, three sparrows were seen together. (Credit for the first sighting goes to Jacob Drucker with follow ups by Tony Lance.) Two of the birds were clearly Chipping Sparrows, with the third appearing to be a Clay-colored Sparrow, a species not normally found in Central Park.
In the Spring, these two species are easier to tell apart. In the fall, it’s harder. Rump color, lores, crown patterns come into play.
New Birds and Old
This weekend, I got to see some new species and some old favorites.
Orange-cheeked Waxbill
An Orange-cheeked Waxbill, an African finch has been seen on the western edge of the maintenance field for a few days. Most likely an escapee from a zoo, it has been hanging out with house sparrows. It won’t be able to tolerate the cold weather, so it will most likely perish later this month.
Pale Male Goes To Bed
Pale Male roosted in what seem to be one of his favorite trees east of the Great Lawn and west of the Met. He spent lots of time here last fall. Just north of this tree is a small group of apple trees. I suspect the fallen fruit attracts mice early in the morning. Apple filled rodents must make for a tasty breakfast snack!
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow in the Maintenance Field of Central Park.
