A recent visit to Jamaica Bay didn’t offer up the hoped-for and previously-reported White-faced Ibis, a bird that I have still not seen in New York State, but there was a host of other birds to enjoy, to say nothing of the simple pleasure of sunlight in a gorgeous environment.  What follows are some of the birds and scenery that make Jamaica Bay the best birding location in New York City.

blossoming cherry tree

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater

West Pond of Jamaica Bay

digiscoped flyover Osprey Pandion haliaetus (uncropped image)

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor disheveled by the wind

Big John’s Pond

Barn Owl Tyto alba in the box at Big John’s Pond