12/29...Two CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDS were at Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan from around Thanksgiving through 12/19. After that, only one of the two birds has continued regularly at this location. One of the birds was last reported on 12/27, while the last time both were reported was 12/25.

This represents a new species record for New York State for this western species. The following is from the NYC birding RBA dated 12/2/01:

"Two hummingbirds that have been frequenting the garden at Fort Tryon in northern Manhattan for almost two weeks were initially thought to be Ruby-throated, but close scrutiny yesterday indicated otherwise. The bird seen better on Saturday was thought to probably be an adult female-like Rufous Hummingbird, but the second bird had a very troubling long deep red gorget feather that had come in and this gave rise to much closer scrutiny today. After detailed analysis, especially of the tail patterns, by several birders, including some very familiar with this species, both hummingbirds were determined to be immature male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRDS, a new record for New York State."

"The two birds put on quite a show, feeding very closely to the parallel path that has the garden between them. Excellent views can be had. Many photographs and video have been taken. Hopefully these hummers will stay as long as the warmer weather holds and the Salvia stays healthy."

12/7...Other Photos: Check out Calliope photos taken by Seth Ausubel and Sean Sime.

Thanks also to Doug Futuyma, who provided this guidance on NYSBIRDS: "Those who observe the bird will want to note the throat feathers described above, and the features of the tail that are described in the Sibley guide. On the bird at rest, note that the wingtips extend to or beyond the tail tip, that the central (uppermost) rectrices are shortest, and that they are shaped like the tip of a fence picket (sides parallel, then abruptly angled toward the midline of the feather, forming a triangular tip). The birds often sit close and low enough for the dorsal surface of the tail to be seen quite well enough for these features to be discerned. Note also the call given during the flight display."

Directions: Take the Saw Mill River Parkway to the Henry Hudson Parkway (Route 9A). Cross the Henry Hudson Bridge to get onto Manhattan Island. "The Cloisters/Fort Tryon has an exit from the Henry Hudson Parkway northbound only." One way to get there from the north is to drive down the Henry Hudson Parkway past the Dyckman Street exit and then take the left exit just after you drive under the George Washington Bridge. After you exit, bear left, and then get back onto the northbound side of the parkway (Route 9A). On NYSBIRDS, Mike Bochnik provided the following directions to follow once you take the exit off the HH Parkway: "Drive around the Cloisters, then bear right with the sign to Fort Washington Ave. Park at the stone building on the right. Walk up the stairs on the right and head uphill to the garden."

12/6...Alternatively, you can follow these directions, again from the RBA (clarification in italics is courtesy of Bob Lewis): "Coming from the north, you could exit at Dyckman Street, go south on Broadway to 181st Street, then go right to Fort Washington Ave, you would then proceed north on Fort Washington Ave to the Fort Tryon entrance just beyond 190th Street (go around to the right on the traffic circle and exit onto the first road you can drive on.) A few hundred yards north on the road inside Fort Tryon is an old stone building which is now the Turning Leaf Restaurant, with a limited amount of parking on either side of the road (park here). From here you need to proceed uphill past the restaurant, keeping the hilltop with the large flagpole to your right. On the Hudson River side of the ridge there are 2 parallel paths that lead north to the flagpole arcade. Going slightly south on either of these paths, the wide paved walking path or the narrower one just below it, you will come to the garden area that contains the blooming purplish Salvia that the hummingbirds have been frequenting. Standing quietly near the Salvia should produce excellent views of the hummers as they feed, interact and sometimes sit in these plants."

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