Between the gardens and the preserve, FTGP supports a wealth of varied habitats that, in turn, support many different species of birds. We are graced with the presence of neotropical migrants using meadows, marshes and forests for resting and refueling. Some of these songbirds remain during the entire breeding season. Year-round residents winter over with us. Our populations of native trees, shrubs and flowers produce an abundance of caterpillars for nourishing clutches of baby birds during the breeding season. These photos highlight the variety of recent visitors as well as year-round residents (all photos taken by Carolyn onsite at FTGP).
This Yellow warbler is finding plenty of insects to eat among the fresh native plum blossoms.
This Chestnut-sided warbler may only be resting on the way to northern breeding grounds.
Trumpet honeysuckle is the best hummingbird feeder ever.
These Cedar waxwings are plotting to steal my strawberries.
A Song sparrow surveys the meadow, possibly looking for a mate.
This Connecticut warbler seems quite content in New York’s Catskill mountains.
This young cedar waxwing was curious and allowed me a close-up portrait.
Our hay fields attract nesting Bobolinks, so our friendly farmer waits until August to harvest.
This masked aerial bandit deserves a more imaginative name than Common yellowthroat.
I was afraid this Yellow-breasted sapsucker was going to kill this eastern red-cedar, but it seems to be surviving.
Savannah sparrows, like bobolinks, need hayfields and meadow habitat left unmown as long as possible.
This Yellow-rumped warbler is fueling up on aster seeds before heading south on a long journey.
Rufous-sided towhees stayed and brought their fledglings to visit the garden.
This female Common merganser appears to be gliding downstream on her own raft.
My favorite bird (except when they steal my strawberries): Cedar waxwings look to me as if they belong in an art deco poster.
Another neotropical migrant, Wilson’s warbler sports a very attractive black cap.
This hungry baby bird wants his parent to know it’s snack time.
We often hear the famous “who cooks for you?” call from this and other barred owls that live in the woods.