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Dear friends of PSF, As many of you know, migration has pretty much come to an end. For this reason, I am announcing the end of the monitoring for this migration season. Our total numbers are 122 birds for the whole season, which is very low. The total number of species is 40. All major known Bird-kill Zones were monitored more intensively than ever, and potential BKZ were also monitored. In accordance with the low numbers, some known BKZ witnessed less than 10 collisions (WFC area). Our overall numbers suggest that less birds collided with buildings this season compared with other years. The reason for this low number is not completely clear and needs to be analyzed in depth. Elements such as weather patterns, migration routes, and general population trends will probably help us explain this phenomenon.
If we look at the migration intensity graph I sent out two weeks ago, we see that different locations experienced different peaks. It is interesting to note that each peak involved a unique set of bird species. Furthermore, these species seem to correspond to the specific habitat type (vegetation) found at each BKZ. Below is a list of each set of species: Jacob Javits Center is the first to peak and is represented by the following species: Grey Catbird (2), Northern Parula (1), Kinglet (1), White throated Sparrow (1). Note that only the sparrow is a ground feeder. The scarcity of such species makes sense given the lack of ground habitat. Then comes Morgan Mail. Its peak includes the following species: Baltimore Oriole (2), Ovenbird (2), Black and white Warbler (2), Blackpoll
Warbler (1), Indigo Bunting (1), Hummingbird (1), And finally the MET Museum with: Common Yellowthroat (3), Flicker (2), Grey Checked Thrush (1), Mourning warbler (1). Note the bias towards ground feeding species, given ample grassy areas in this location. The top 3 species found this season are: Grey Catbird (9)
American Woodcock (8)
Ovenbird (8)
Please remember to send in your hours so I can keep track of the overall volunteer effort at each site. You have done an amazing job this season and have helped to contribute to a long-term conservation effort. Thank you again and see you in the fall season. Regards, Nicole __________________________________ PSF Program Manager NYC Audubon |
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