Date: 10/21/26 12:23 am From: Tom Fiore <tomfi2...> Subject: [nysbirds-l] Manhattan, NYC - Tues., 10/20 - Royal Terns, E. Bluebirds, Pine Siskins, Merganser-correction, etc.
Manhattan, N.Y. City - Tuesday, October 20th -
Royal Terns showed in double-digit numbers off Manhattan, some observers finding 10 or more per location moving up the lower Hudson River, out of N.Y. Harbor, on Tuesday. Some Forsters Terns also were around, and other tern species would be a possibility - although it is late now for a number of annually-occurring tern species.
Eastern Bluebirds arrived at least by Monday in Manhattan, and we’re again seen on Tuesday including sightings from Central Park. The influx of Pine Siskins continues with many, many dozens around, in multiple locations, including in lower Manhattan, and ongoing double-digit numbers at Central Park. Purple Finches also continued to show, including at Central Park, in the multiple on Tuesday.
Vesper Sparrow continued its good showings in the county and in Manhattan with one found at the Hudson River park north of 23rd St., which has had other migrant birds as well. Another two Vesper Sparrows were seen in 2 widely separate areas at Central Park, one very near the Ramble area, and another north of there, on Tuesday.
A newly-arrived female-plumaged merganser at Central Park on Mon., 10-19 had its identity adjusted from Red-breasted to Common Merganser by the photographer. This remains as the 2nd of two merganser species having arrived at that park, with Hooded Mergansers continuing. Also continuing to Tuesday at Central Park were now-two American Wigeons, at least 5 Green-winged Teals, multiple Wood and Ruddy Ducks, many N. Shovelers, and other typical waterfowl of the season, along with American Coots.
Many sparrows were increased in numbers still further by Tuesday, with very marked increases of Dark-eyed Juncos. Rusty Blackbirds have been ongoing at Central Park, with some showing elsewhere at times in Manhattan. American Pipits were moving again on Tuesday in Manhattan, also elsewhere in New York County. Not noted by all that many so far, Common Loons have been increasing a bit in arrivals or passages.
A late Veery was reported in mid-lower Manhattan on Tuesday, while Gray-cheeked-type and Swainsons and Wood Thrushes also were found in Manhattan but by now, the default-expected brown backed thrush is Hermit Thrush which are still very numerous, a species which often tries to overwinter in Manhattan and all around the local area.
. . . .
With some of the strong northerly winds and good migration movements currently ongoing in this region, its worth thinking of species that could potentially show, even in Manhattan, as just one of many examples, brush up on shrike ID, and be aware of many other possibilities with all of the rest of this season.
Thanks to many observers and photographers for sightings, alerts, and reports.
