hawk up close!
Let’s get straight to it: Last weekend I saw a hawk up close. How close, you might ask? Very close, I would answer! I was walking around The Ramble in Central Park with my mom, who was in town last weekend. We were enjoying the sights of the turning leaves and many a sparrow fleeing into the leaf litter. To me, these sparrows seemed big, all plumped up for the coming winter. But then, above us, flew a really big bird.
I’ve watched as hawks fly above me and always admired their heft, power, and their casually murderous vibes. Even from a distance, a soaring hawk is a thing to behold. You watch and wait to see if it will swoop down and snag some poor rodent or pitiful pigeon in its claws. But this hawk flew very, very close above our heads, and this proximity to the raptor made my hairs stand on edge. And then it perched directly above us on a branch. I stopped walking and craned my neck upward, squinting against the cloudy sky to better admire the bird. What a beauty!
When I walked to the other side of the branch to better admire the hawk’s face, the bird turned around. And when I walked back to where I had originally stood, the bird turned once again. I understood then that this hawk did not want to be perceived, and yet I could not stop staring. The bird was so big, and so close!
My mom was less impressed, and suggested we keep on walking. But how many times will we be this close to a hawk? I asked her. She told me she did not particularly care to be so close to a hawk. The matter resolved itself in less than a minute, when the hawk launched itself off the branch and soared over the winding path of the ramble, above the heads of oblivious bench-sitters. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, baby!!!
I texted my horrible blurry photo to my friend, the naturalist Gabriel Willow, who handily identified the bird as a younger red-tailed hawk, meaning that the bird’s tail isn’t red yet. That’s okay! Growing up takes time, and I have only the highest hopes for this particular hawk and its tail. My mom and I walked along the path, and I marveled at how just minutes ago we had been inside the Met, snaking around the crowds of the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibit. And later that night, we would try and fail to buy face wash from the maximum-security vault that is the beauty section of a CVS. New York City, there’s nothing you can’t do here!
Fall migration is winding down, but there are still many bird walks for you to get your fix of birds big and small. Don’t miss the Queer Birders’ pigeon watching walk, the owls at Fort Greene Park, the wild turkeys of Pelham Bay Park, and Field Meridians’ second installment of the Birding for Survival walk, which is inspired by Octavia Butler. There are also oysters to behold in the Little Hell Gate salt marsh, mushrooms in Prospect Park, and squirrels in Herbert Von King. What more could we want! Stay warm and plump, and I’ll see you nearer December.
If you’d like to help me offset the costs of hosting this newsletter, you can choose to pay a monthly subscription at a level of your choosing.
November
🐦 Birding in Pelham Bay Park with Jack Rothman: Nov 1 @ 9am. This Fall, join NYC Bird Alliance to explore New York City's largest park. Pelham Bay Park's forested areas, salt marshes, and grassy meadows offer rich habitat for a variety of migrating birds. Registration not required but encouraged.
🐦 Bilingual Birding at Sunset Park: Mandarin-English: Nov 1 @ 9am. Join bird guide Xinyi Zhang for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing in the small but beautiful Sunset Park. This green space is known to provide breathtaking views of Manhattan, especially at sunset. Registration not required but encouraged.
🐦 Pigeon Watching (and other birds!!): Nov 1 @ 10am. Join NYC Queer Birders for a guided walk through the Central Park Ramble to watch, listen to, and learn about Pigeons and other birds! This event is a partnership with THIRTEEN, your local PBS station and the PBS Nature series. Registration required.
🐦 Intro to Birding in Marine Park: Nov 2 @ 9am. Explore the beauty of Brooklyn’s largest green space, Marine Park! Consisting of grassland and salt marshes, this park is habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds and waterbirds. This series is hosted in partnership with the Marine Park Alliance.
🐦 Fall Birding at Alley Pond Park with Oliver Lopez: Nov 2 @ 9:30am. Alley Pond Park is an ecological treasure. Containing both fresh and saltwater wetlands, forests, tidal flats, meadows, and glacier-formed landscape, this park supports a vast array of birds. Join NYC Bird Alliance to discover this green space for yourself!
🍁 Fall Foliage Hike in Forest Park: Nov 2 @ 10am. Discover the beauty of Forest Park on a colorful autumn hike with the Urban Park Rangers. We will take in the scenic views of the season while learning the scientific processes of fall foliage. Maples, oaks and hickory are some of the most colorful species we will see.
🌾 Volunteer Landscaping and Cleanup at Ridgewood Reservoir: Nov 2 @ 10am. Join NYC H2O and the NYC Parks Department as we remove invasive plants and plant native plants at Ridgewood Reservoir!
🦪 Oysters and Other Bivalves: Nov 2 @ 1pm. Oysters and other bivalves act as natural filters for our shores. Learn more about these phenomenal creatures and their significant role in the history of New York Harbor. We will also discuss other marine life.
🦋 Park Pals Pop-Up: Native Plants and Pollinators of Rockaway: Nov 4 @ 10am. This event intends to introduce next generation of young scientists to parks and urban wildlife through a range of hands-on activities and guided exploration. We will highlight late-blooming native plants and the pollinators they support as they prepare for winter. Activities include a themed read-aloud, a short nature walk through the preserve, crafts, and more! Best for kids.
🦪 Wild Oyster Survey: Nov 5 @ 2pm. Wild oysters are a key indicator of ecosystem health in the New York Harbor. Randall’s Island Park Alliance is partnering with the Billion Oyster Project to conduct a wild oyster survey in the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh! Volunteers will have the opportunity to identify oysters and take multiple parameters to determine the abundance, size, and health of the wild oyster population. Registration required.
🌃 Stargazing with Amateur Astronomers Association - Supermoon Wednesday: Nov 5 @ 5:30pm. Join the Amateur Astronomers Association at historic Floyd Bennett Field for free monthly observing sessions, open to the public! Note: all events are 30 minutes after sunset.
🐦 Birding at Soundview Park with The Bronx is Blooming: Nov 8 @ 8am. This fall, The Bronx is Blooming has been collecting bird sighting data as part of a community science initiative in Soundview Park. The Bronx is Blooming encourage participants to download the Merlin Bird ID App ahead of time, if possible, to help identify and document bird species in real-time.
🌆 Sunset Cove Cleanup: Nov 8 @ 9am. Volunteer with the Stewardship team to protect coastal areas in Sunset Cove Park! Volunteers will help us remove debris from the park, creating a healthier ecosystem. Space is limited and registration is required.
🌳 Marine Park Tree Planting: Nov 8 @ 9am. Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to plant trees in the forest of Marine Park! Volunteers will be trained in proper planting techniques. Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty.
🐦 Plants and Habitat for Migrating Birds at Wave Hill: Nov 8 @ 9:30am. Plants play an important role in the journey of migrating birds. Join an autumn birding walk with NYC Birding Guide Tod Winston to look for fall migrants as they pass by Wave Hill, observing the plants that help sustain and guide them on their journey. Wave Hill ticket required.
🐦 Birding for Survival 2 - Winter Birding: Nov 8 @ 10am. In Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, Lauren Olamina tries to cultivate community amongst other people migrating in search of resources and safety much like birds do. Lauren and her community must also select a new home, even if it’s short term. We will read a passage from this novel and discuss themes of safety and danger, family and community and the necessities for survival. $15 suggested donation, ticket required.
🍄 Autumn Mushroom ID Hike in Van Cortlandt Park: Nov 8 @ 11am. Autumn brings big changes to the forest floor and many fungi are active in our parks! Join the Urban Park Rangers on a hike on the Kieran Trail to explore seasonal mushrooms.
🍄 Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike in Prospect Park: Nov 8 @ 11am. This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi. Participants will learn about the crucial role that mushrooms play in an ecosystem and how natural decomposition takes place. Take inspiration from our observations and get hands-on with a fungi fun-guy craft.
🐦 Accessible Birding at Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Nov 8 @ 11am. Begin at the iconic Unisphere and explore the diverse bird species that call this vibrant Queens park home. Accessibility is enhanced by birding guide and educator Alexandra Wang (Avian Alex), M.S. Ed., who offers augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) pamphlets.
💡 Discovery Hike-Nature’s Lightbulbs: Nov 8 @ 12pm. Learn about the many ways the natural world produces light of its own using bioluminescence and the person who gave us the carbon filament light bulb, Lewis Latimer.
🐿️ Discovery Hike - Urban Wildlife: Nov 8 @ 1pm. Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the autumnal scenery for diverse wildlife. Learn about your animal neighbors and develop a new appreciation for what calls our park home.
🌾 Farming in the Margins - Diasporic Preservation and Ecological Resilience: Nov 8 @ 2pm. Farming in the Margins: Diasporic Preservation and Ecological Resilience brings together diasporic farmers, seedkeepers, land stewards, and food justice activists to explore how farming can preserve cultural knowledge and memory. $15 suggested donation.
🦅 2nd Sunday Birding at Wave Hill: Nov 9 @ 9:30am. Fall is peak migration time along the Hudson River, and we have a front row seat! Join naturalist and bird guide Gabriel Willow as you explore Wave Hill’s gardens, woodlands and the skies overhead to look for resident and migrating birds.$17. Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
🐦 Birding in Peace at Green-Wood Cemetery: Nov 9 @ 6:30am. Before our gates open to the public, this early morning walking tour provides special access to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home, at least temporarily. $20, $16 for members.
🐦 Birding in the Midtown Greenway with EsplanadeFriends: Nov 9 @ 11am. Join NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) and EsplanadeFriends to discover the birds that can be found on the esplanade and flying over the East River! This green corridor spans from 53rd to 61st Street. Registration is required. Limit 25.
🐍 Discovery Hike - Camouflaged Critters in Staten Island: Nov 9 @ 11am. Learn about the urban wildlife which can hide easily in our parks to stay safe. Rangers will bring you on a hike to explore and identify wildlife.
🚲 Jamaica Bay Bike Tour: Nov 9 @ 11am. Join Urban Park Rangers for a biking tour along the Jamaica Bay Greenway. We’ll discuss how these places reflect New Yorker’s changing relationship with wetlands, from a legacy of exploitation to a rising focus on conservation and climate resilience. We’ll end at Rockaway Beach Boardwalk at Beach 109 Street, Queens, with an optional return ride to Marine Park for experienced riders. Bring your own bike and helmet!
🌱 (VIRTUAL) Natural Medicines of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tribe: Nov 13 @ 6pm. Join Misty Cook —herbalist, cultural consultant, and author—for a virtual talk on the traditional knowledge behind these natural plant medicines, including their history, methods of gathering, drying, preservation, and use.
🌳 Pelham Bay Park Tree Planting: Nov 15 @ 9am. Volunteer with the Stewardship Team to plant trees in the forest of Pelham Bay Park! Come dressed in sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, long pants, and clothing that can get dirty.
🐦 Queens Botanical Garden Birding: Nov 15 @ 9:30am. Explore Queens Botanical Garden in search of fall migrants and learn about the resources the Garden offers to birds and other wildlife. These outings are held in partnership with the Queens Botanical Garden. Registration required. Limited to 25. This event is $4 for QBG Members and $10 for non-members.
🐦 Birding in Peace at Green-Wood Cemetery: Nov 16 @ 6:30am. Before our gates open to the public, this early morning walking tour provides special access to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home, at least temporarily. $20, $16 for members.
🐦 Bilingual Birding at Kissena Park - Mandarin-English: Nov 16 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance's Xinyi Zhang, for a Mandarin-English bilingual bird outing! We will explore the beautiful Kissena Park in Queens. This green space contains a wide variety of trees as well as a lake that make great habitat for migrating and resident birds alike.
🐦 Fall Migration in Staten Island: Nov 16 @ 9am. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see fall migratory birds. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a birding adventure around Eib's Pond Park to look for birds that include warblers, raptors and more!
🦆 Waterfowl at Baisley Pond Park: Nov 16 @ 1pm. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see waterfowl. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Discover which waterfowl have returned for the winter season.
🪱 Family Art Project - Tiny Terrariums: Nov 22 and 23 @ 10am. Create your very own mini terrarium. We'll learn all about soil and decomposers as we craft our tiny worlds. Embellish your creation with natural decorations. Jars are provided and families are welcome to bring a jar from home. best for kids.
🐦 Bilingual Birding in Flushing Meadows Corona Park -Spanish-English: Nov 22 @ 10am. Join NYC Bird Alliance for an outing led by naturalist Oliver Lopez along Flushing Meadows Corona Park's Willow Lake. See sparrows, finches, ducks, wading birds, and more. Registration not required but encouraged. No Limit. Free.
🦉 Owls in Fort Greene Park: Nov 22 @ 11am. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best bird viewing spots in New York City. Learn more about the various species of owls found in our parks and hopefully be lucky enough to spot them. Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the behavior and diet of New York City’s most mysterious raptors: owls!
🐦 Accessible Birding in Fort Tryon Park with Alex Wang: Nov 22 @ 11am. Fort Tryon Park offers stunning views of the Palisades and Hudson River from its soaring cliffs of bedrock. Spanning 67 acres, the park features many well-paved walkways designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility needs for birders with stroller, wheelchair, walker, cane, and other mobility aids.
🌳 The Pelham Bay Super Hike: Nov 22 @ 11am. Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. Urban Park Rangers will lead hikers through some of the hidden gems of Pelham Bay Park on a lengthy journey through the park’s diverse forests and ecosystems. Registration begins on Monday November 10.
🐦 Fall Birding in Van Cortlandt Park with Andrew Reiter: Nov 23 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance on a bird tour in one of the Bronx's largest green spaces. Participants will look for various species of resident and migrant birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. This event is held in partnership with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance. Registration required. Limited to 20.
🐦 Canarsie Park Birding with Russel Jacobs: Nov 23 @ 9am. Join NYC Bird Alliance and visit the coastal woodlands, tidal channel, and one of the only freshwater ponds in Brooklyn. Expect to see herons, shorebirds, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and sparrows. Registration not required but encouraged.
🦃 Wild Turkeys in Pelham Bay Park: Nov 23 @ 11am. Join the Urban Park Rangers and learn about the wild turkeys that are seen in The Bronx. Learn about their habits, history, significance to the ecosystem, and ways we can coexist with our feathered friends.
🥾 Post-Thanksgiving Day Hike: On Friday, work out your feast with a 10am hike in Alley Pond Park, a 10am hike in Deere Park, a 12pm hike in Marine Park, a 1pm hike in Van Cortlandt Park, or a 1pm hike in Fort Tryon Park.
🐦 Riverside Park Birding Club: Nov 29 @ 9am. Monthly walks through birding hotspots in Riverside Park, led by Riverside Park Conservancy Field Staff. Learn and build a birding community!
🐿️ City Squirrels in Herbert Von King Park: Nov 29 @ 11am. New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Learn all about squirrels in New York City and how they play an important role in our parks.
🦉 Owls in Van Cortlandt Park: Nov 29 @ 3:30pm. Whoo goes there? Explore the northwest woods with the Urban Park Rangers and hunt for clues for our mysterious neighbors, the Great Horned Owl. Discover how owls have adapted to thriving in the nocturnal environment. This program is sure to be a hoot!
🐺 Canines Of New York City: Nov 30 @ 11am. Wolves, foxes, and coyotes, oh my! If you’re curious about canines or just like dogs in general, come learn more about our furry friends that historically and currently live in the natural areas of New York City.
Ongoing:
🍁⛵ Classic Harbor Line Fall Foliage Ecocruise: Join urban naturalist Gabriel Willow on a gorgeous tour of the Palisades of the Hudson River. Watch the leaves change through the skylights of the ship’s heated and enclosed observatory, or while catching the breeze on her bow. This is a spectacular season for cruising the Hudson River, north of NYC, will be a true delight for you and your guests. This cruise often sells out. (This is an affiliate link, so if you buy a ticket I will receive a commission.)
🪼 Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center at Brooklyn Bridge Park: Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park with monthly educational themes, a 250 gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and much more. Open weekly on Thursdays 3-5 PM, Fridays 3-5 PM, and Saturdays 1-5 PM.
🦪 Shoreline Cleanup with the Billion Oyster Project: On Thursdays at 2pm, loin us in collecting debris from New York City's shorelines to prevent it from re-entering the waterways when the tide returns. This is important in achieving our goal of protecting the biodiversity that lives near our reef sites.
🌹 New York Restoration Project: Everyone deserves access to high-quality public green space. If you’re interested in forest stewardship, volunteer with the NYRP in the parks of northern Manhattan clearing invasive plants, mulching, and clearing litter. Volunteer dates listed in the link above. Registration required.