Sapsuckers Galore!

Every area of Garret Mountain Reservation on Monday April 4 had Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Some were even calling. Palm Warblers joined the Pine Warblers around Barbour's Pond. Pete Both reported an early Orchard Oriole. Other arrivals include Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Great Egret and Hermit Thrush. A Hawk flight had 12 Ospreys, 2 Cooper's Hawks, 2 Sharp-shinned Hawks, 4 Kestrels and 3 Red-shouldered Hawks.

More migrants arrive

More migrant birds have arrived at Garret Mt. Reservation in the last few days. April 3 saw the arrival of Louisiana Waterthrush on Slippery Rock Brook, yep that's the name, same location as usual in the spring. Also arriving in the last few days, more Pine Warblers, Chipping Sparrow, Hermit Thrush, multiple Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Northern Rough-winged Swallows as well as more flyovers from Great Blue Herons, Doulble-crested Cormorants, Osprey, and loads of Robins.

Spring migrants begin to arrive

Over the last 2 weeks a good number of migrants have arrived at Garret.
Pine Warblers, Eastern Phoebes, Tree Swallows, Brown Creepers, Woodcock, Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows as well as some migrating raptors. 13 Black Vultures (seen 3/19) were migrating north on the ridge as well as Red-tailed Hawks, 1 Osprey (seen 3/23), and numerous Turkey Vultures.

Deer threaten parks

Click here for Jennifer Cunningham's article on deer threatening Garret Mt. Reservation and Riflecamp Park in the Bergen Record Deer threaten parks

May Migration

The May migration has been up and down. A few days this month 20+ species of warbler were seen in the park. On the colder, windier days the south end Barbour's Pond was the place to see Warblers. The "Warbler Tree" near the basketball courts held 10 species of Warbler on May 8. It's still one of the better spots to view Warblers through the 14th. May 14th was highlighted by a Mourning Warbler and 30+ Blackburian Warblers. During the second week of May some rare birds for the park were seen. Mississippi Kite, Blue Grosbeak and Grasshopper Sparrow were seen by a few birders. It's been common to see upwards of 80 species of birds in a day, if you spend the time. Complete list of May sightings can be viewed May Bird list