October ‘Third Saturday Bird Walk’ Glynwood Farm, Cold Spring

Our group of 14 participants set out along the Fahnestock State Park trail system and onto the grounds of Glynwood Farm, representing one of the larger grassland habitats in Putnam County.

Although the wind kept some birds down, we still had a great showing with a total of 39 species seen. Sparrows were abundant as expected. We tallied nine species of sparrows, with a single cooperative vesper sparrow being the best of the lot. The raptors also cooperated throughout the walk.

Three American Kestrels alternated between showing off their hovering abilities and perching for extended periods of time, giving fantastic scope views to the group members. In addition to the kestrels, we had a single Northern Harrier hunting the fields, and both expected Accipiters.

At one point the group even got to watch a Cooper’s Hawk chase a Sharp-shinned Hawk for an excellent side-by-side comparison! Some of the other birds seen on the walk included both kinglets, Palm and Yellow-Rumped Warblers, and American Pipits. You can view our entire list on eBird at bird.org/checklist

Anthony Macchiarola - PHAS Board Member