March 2022 Bird Walk Croton Point

by Kyle Bardwell

We had another successful bird walk at Croton Point.

There were some real signs of spring starting with a Golden-Crowned Kinglet feeding in a spruce tree by the meeting area. This small compact songbird gave views to all of the participants. From there the group took a walk to the river where multiple Bald Eagles were seen flying including adult and immature plumages. While standing by the river we noted other signs of spring including Double-Crested Cormorants and gulls moving up the river.

With the help of two power local Croton Point birders, Larry Trachtenberg and Charlie Roberto, a Great Cormorant was spotted feeding in the river off the south point. While cormorants are not always considered beautiful, the breeding plumage of a great cormorant is a treat to see and a good bird to get at Croton Point. Just as we were about to walk away from the river, a Peregrine Falcon made a brief visit and just as quickly was out of sight.

As the group started to walk back towards the parking lot, we came upon a pair of chipping sparrows. This migratory sparrow returns to the area every early spring and were a couple of the first to arrive. Towards the end of the walk we were graced with a small raptor showing, likely active migrants north. In a short period of time we saw Sharp-Shinned Hawk,Coopers Hawk , Osprey and Red-Tailed Hawk. The Coopers Hawk was a real oddity as it was a juvenile bird performing a display/breeding flight. Its odd flight style along with its flared outer white tail feathering made it a harder ID than usual. All in all a great walk.

A total list of the species seen can be found here: https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S105611521

Photo Coopers Hawk from the walk by Kyle Bardwell