Raptors and Dickcissel near the landfill in Pelham Bay Park

Osprey

I birded the southern zone of Pelham Bay Park in Bronx County, New York, today (October 1, 2017). Near the southwestern edge of the landfill, there is a brushy area between the landfill and Eastchester Bay. A Dickcissel popped up briefly and then landed on the fence that blocks off access to the bay. I was not able find this bird again despite being in the general vicinity for the next 4 hours. I got some poor photos that are on the eBird list linked below.

Dickcissel, out of normal range! Sure, on the Osage Plains of
the Midwest this is a common species, but not in NYC!

Raptors were in nice display including Osprey, Northern Harrier (three on the landfill), Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and American Kestrel.

On the landfill, with a 1PM tour with the Friends of Pelham Bay Park and the Urban Park Rangers, we had many nice views of Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Eastern Phoebes, Palm Warblers, and Savannah Sparrows. As is my experience in the other times I have been on this landfill, there are lots of little birds out there deep in the grasses, but they can be very difficult to view!

Northern Harrier in flight above the landfill

eBird lists:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39496103 (Dickcissel)
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39498260http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39498260 (landfill tour)
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39499836