Date: 3/30/26 1:22 am From: Tom Fiore <tomfi2...> Subject: [nysbirds-l] N.Y. County, NYC - 3/29 - B.-t. Grackle, Am. Oystercatcher - and Manhattan sightings
Sunday, March 29th -
At Governors Island, off the south end of Manhattan and within N.Y. County, 2 observers independently found a fly-by American Oystercatcher, still a very uncommon sight in this county, Yet more-uncommon for the county, especially as a photo-documemted and confirmed sighting, a single Boat-tailed Grackle came by, also apparently heading off north. Anyone suspecting they are seeing Boat-tailed Grackle in this county ought to attempt photos for confirmations. Thanks to M.B. Kooper, and A. Cunningham, respectively, for these 2 good finds. Of course, a variety of other migrant or semi-resident species were also seen from or on Governors Island on the day.
In Manhattan, the 2 swallow species that have been present for 7 days were seen by multiple observers at the Harlem meer in Central Park - N. Rough-winged Swallow and Tree Swallow. Some patience may be needed as the swallows are both active and-or resting at various times each day since last Monday March 23. We expect more rough-wings to come along fairly soon, as well as more of other swallows. At Inwood Hill Park, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen again, one of multiple migrants and resident birds being seen there. The county overall reached or surpassed a total of 120 species this month, and we still have 2 days with potential for arrivals before April.
Good birding, and thanks to 100s of independent observers and photographers, as well as those leading or affiliated with not-for-profit guided bird walks in Manhattan and around the county, for reports and alerts all via the Discod birding app and via eBird, with the Macaulay Library for media, as well as good old word-of-mouth.
