The idea behind this blog is simple – it is about birds, mostly local Westchester County NY birds. For the beginning or casual bird watcher I hope to provide interesting info about birds in an entertaining way. For more advanced birders, I hope to further stoke your interest by presenting tidbits about birds and bird ID in short, easy to digest postings. Serious, hardcore birders may want to look elsewhere.
I will also keep you aware of recent bird sightings, what birds to expect in your backyard, current programs and field trips from local nature centers and Audubon Societies, and anything that strikes my fancy.
Hank Weber is a retired business executive with a passion for birds. In 1999 he opened the Wild Bird Center, a retail store 400 Central Park Avenue in Scarsdale, selling bird feeders, bird seed, baths, books, and other bird related items. The store also serves as a clearing house for the latest reports about local birds. Hank leads BirdWalks (his regular walk is on the first Saturday of every month), teaches birding, and is active with local chapters of the National Audubon Societies. He has published over 50 articles on birds in national birding publications and is currently Contributing Editor for Birding Business magazine.
This blog will change and evolve over time. I welcome your comments and suggestions. Questions, as well. Let me know what you like (or don’t like). Keeping reading and learning more about birds
Dear Hank,
Please invite Birdsoup followers to your slide lecture at the Irvington Public Library on November 17 at 2pm.
Good Idea. I will do that.
Dear Hank,
Thank you for your interesting and lively blog. Do you know where I could see snow geese in Westchester these days? the latest sightings I saw on ebird were Croton point three weeks ago. thanks for your help. Best,
Gabriel
Gabriel,
I haven’t heard of any Snow Geese recently. Normally the best place to see them is at Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Queens, where you can usually several hundred to thousand.
However, the annual Christmas Bird Count for lower Westchester is taking place tomorrow (Sunday). I will find out if any Snow Geese were seen and then let you know if there are any birds locally
Hank
Gabriel
Over 50 of the area’s best birders took part in the annual Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, Dec 23rd. They covered Westchester County South of I-287 and the Bronx from Long Island Sound to the Hudson River. Only one Snow Goose was seen that day. It was seen flying in a large flock of Canada Geese in the East Bronx.
So it doesn’t look very promising for finding Snow Geese any time soon. Maybe when the weather gets colder.
Hank Weber
Ok, thanks a lot Hank. I was lucky to see one very far away off Rye beach with a group of Canada geese on December 23rd, with a group of local birders with telescopes (maybe the same one you mention). Best,
Gabriel
Dear Hank,
Thanks for your great blog. I’ve been trying to see (and take a picture of) ruby-throated hummingbirds for quite a while and even installed a feeder in my backyard, but to no avail. Do you have any idea where I could see such birds in the area ? Perhaps a feeder that is actively frequented and visible ? Thanks in advance for your help. Best,
Gabriel
Gabriel, I just posted a piece on hummingbirds in Westchester that you may find interesting. And to answer your questions about where to photograph hummingbirds here are two suggestions:
1. The Marshlands Conservancy on the Post Road (Rt 1) in Rye. They have two hummingbird feeders hanging in front of the refuge headquarter building and they told me that they have been having hummingbirds. Note: On Saturday, September 10th, I am leading my monthly birdwalk to the Marshland to look for hummingbirds and other birds. Join us.
2. Lenoir Preserve on the very northern border of Yonker. Actually the parking lot is in Hastings. The local Audubon Society has created a huge Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden loaded with native plants and nectar producing plants. In addition, several hummingbird feeders are scatter throught the garden.
Note: Both of these locations are Westchester County Parks and are staffed with full time naturalists who can direct you to the best location.
Good luck. And be sure to show me any photos you get.
Hank Weber, owner WILD BIRD CENTER (914) 713-0630
How can I get in touch with you for a possible lecture. P,ease email me, thank you.