I led an NYC Audubon walk through Green-Wood Cemetery on a hot, sunny day over the weekend, and we saw somewhat more species than I expected. At this late date I suspect all of them were breeders. The main draw of course were the Monk Parakeets nesting over the gate, and they were loudly present, bringing in sticks for their constant nest renovation work. A couple of surprises: there was a pigeon that was going in and out of one of the parrot nest holes, and was sharing the space with a parrot. I would expect them to be a bit more territorial around their nest! There was also a little blue-and-white Budgie, which has presumably escaped captivity and managed to find its parakeet cousins, and will enjoy an exhilarating summer of freedom before possibly expiring this winter. Deeper into the cemetery, I was surprised to hear an Eastern Wood-Pewee calling, and spotted a pair perched in a large maple. Since there were two, I suspect they were nesting.Also spotted were several Eastern Kingbirds (two chasing a Red-tailed Hawk and two catching dragonflies over a pond), a flock of about eight Cedar Waxwings, Northern Cardinals, numerous singing Chipping Sparrows, a singing Song Sparrow, House Finches, and a Great Egret hunting bullfrog tadpoles in the pond. No rarities, but nice to have any activity on a hot summer day! Cheers, Gabriel WillowNYC Audubon --
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