Randall’s Island is something of an enigma to most New Yorkers. Located at the confluence of the Harlem and East Rivers, where three of the City’s five boroughs brush up against one another, this remarkable park has developed a reputation as being difficult to get to and confusing to navigate. Despite the multitude of public facilities and recreational infrastructure present on the Island, it also hosts an impressive array of diverse habitat types that provide seasonal homes and migratory stopover sites for a variety of birds. Although the potential of this site has been well-documented over the years, birder coverage has historically been spotty at best until fairly recently. Now, an ongoing Randall’s Renaissance has put this hotspot back on the map, with regular sightings of regionally uncommon specialties and a hearty haul of surprising rarities documented by an ever-expanding network of dedicated observers. Today, I am proud to call this long-neglected diamond in the rough my patch. After a collaborative discussion with some of my fellow Rand fans, we have decided to publish this handy guide for anyone who is curious about visiting our corner of the City.
The Northeast
A typical morning at Randall’s often begins at the Sunken Meadow Picnic Area on the banks of the East River. The shoreline here provides an exceptional vantage point to watch for migrants at daybreak, including birds flying overhead as well as those moving along the river. Scanning to the northeast, you will see North and South Brother Island, a pair of wooded isles that are home to a rookery of egrets and herons during the breeding season, and Lawrence Point Ledge, a rocky channel marker favored by cormorants and Ospreys. Red-throated and Common Loons often forage near shore during the colder months, accompanied by Red-breasted Mergansers and occasionally rarer ducks. At this time of year, rafts of Common Goldeneye can often be spotted floating around in Queens waters far to the east. During recent winters, a Black-headed Gull has been reliably seen commuting downriver at daybreak, a fine prize if you arrive early and manage to pick it out among the flocks of more common gulls. Peregrine Falcons and Common Ravens are often seen soaring around the smokestacks at the Astoria Generating Station across the water. Be sure to check the trees and shrubs that line the coast before moving on, since migrant songbirds often drop into the vegetation here shortly after first light. The rocks along the water’s edge can also be fruitful for sparrows and shorebirds in particular, so take care to inspect the shoreline for signs of activity, especially during lower tide cycles.
Randall’s Island is separated from the Bronx by a narrow tidal strait called the Bronx Kill, which runs along the northern edge of the Island. The eastern outlet of the Kill features mudflats at low tide, which sometimes attract shorebirds during migration. In the warmer months, Snowy Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons from the Brother Islands roost often congregate here to forage. Across the water, immediately to the east of the New York Post building, the Action Carting waste management facility contains a great number of dumpsters, which often attract the attention of massive gull flocks. Taking the time to sift through the birds feasting on trash and resting on the adjacent rooftops can prove rewarding, for there is always a possibility of a rare visitor among their ranks. The rocky shorelines on both sides of the Kill offer plenty of nooks and crannies for smaller birds to hide in, as well as prominent perches atop the larger boulders.
The Bronx Kill Saltmarsh is one of the most famously productive microhabitats on Randall’s Island. In spring and fall, especially so during the latter season, this unassuming scrap of wetland comes alive with migrant songbirds, many of which are quite rare in other parts of New York County. Marsh Wren, Dickcissel, and a spectacular spread of sparrows have been documented here over the years. The marsh is located just north of the backstops for Fields 41 and 42, beyond the fence on the fringes of the Bronx Kill itself, and it can be viewed from the elevated shoreline boulders at its eastern and western ends.
The landscape in the northeast quadrant of the Island is dominated by the Sunken Meadow Ballfields. Due to their prime position along the East River’s high traffic flyway, the baseball diamonds and soccer pitches here stand out as a beautiful green oasis in a desert of gray concrete for open country birds flying overhead. Eastern Meadowlarks, American Pipits, and a variety of shorebirds are all regular visitors to these expansive grassy plots, but take note that the fields are consistently used for practice and sporting events in season, which means that the birding is best early in the morning. There’s a lot of ground to cover in this area and birds could touch down just about anywhere, so take care to scan thoroughly as you meander around the fields. Many of Randall’s most noteworthy recent rarities, including county firsts Short-billed Gull and Buff-breasted Sandpiper, favored these fields, so keep your eyes peeled for unexpected surprises!
The Sportime Tennis Center at the southern end of the ballfields is flanked by a pair of little hills that punch well above their weight in terms of birding potential. The first lies to the east, along the edge of the river, a small knoll wreathed in tall grasses and dense weedy patches which have previously produced Blue Grosbeak, American Tree Sparrow, and other grassland birds. This already tiny parcel of habitat was recently further diminished by construction projects, but its status as a bird magnet still holds strong. To the southwest of the Tennis Center parking lot, within the grounds of the FDNY Academy, a stand of pines lining a low ridge proves equally attractive for a very different suite of birds. Conifer-lovers like Pine Warbler and Red-breasted Nuthatch have frequently been spotted here, and there’s no telling what else might turn up at this fenced-in site.
Seasonal Highlights
– Autumn: Mixed flocks of sparrows visiting the Bronx Kill Saltmarsh may include Savannah, Saltmarsh, and Nelson’s Sparrows. Favorable winds can produce impressive visible migration events over the ballfields and along the East River, ranging from songbird morning flight to kettles of soaring raptors.
– Winter: Brant and Canada Goose flocks graze on the Sunken Meadow Fields, sometimes accompanied by stray vagrants. In snowier seasons, Horned Lark and Snow Bunting are possible. Watch for rare visitors like Iceland and Glaucous Gulls among the hungry hordes at the dumpsters across the Bronx Kill.
– Spring: Wilson’s Snipes often visit the ballfields and the East River shoreline early in the season. American Oystercatchers are sometimes seen flying along the river or working the shoreline of the Brother Islands. Warblers and other neotropical migrants can be found moving through the trees fringing the ballfields.
– Summer: A growing colony of Cliff Swallows now nests along the Hell Gate rail line near Field 12 and over the Bronx Kill. Watch for Ospreys, which may nest on Lawrence Point Ledge or the Brother Islands. By late summer, southbound shorebirds like Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers begin to appear.
Special Tip – Rainy days can make for fantastic birding at Randall’s! When the ballfields are soggy and flooded, shorebirds, gulls, and waterfowl congregate to forage and bathe, forming impressive flocks that sometimes contain shocking rarities.
The Northwest
The footpath that runs along the shore of the Bronx Kill is bordered to the south by an overgrown patch of dense grass immediately west of where the RFK Bridge crosses to the Bronx. Due to its small size and somewhat enclosed location, this heavily vegetated plot is often fairly quiet, but it has pulled some birds of note in the past, including Blue Grosbeak and Clay-colored Sparrow. The thick brush lining the water’s edge on the other side of the path has similar potential, and during finch irruption years flocks of Pine Siskins have been known to feed here in some numbers. The taller trees across the strait provide prominent perches for Belted Kingfishers, which can be heard rattling noisily as they rocket up and down the stream in search of prey.
The Bronx Shore Ballfields are not as extensive as their counterparts in the northeastern sector of the Island, but they offer many of the same appealing features that prove irresistible to migrating birds. Most of the specialty species that can be found on the Sunken Meadow Ballfields should be looked for here as well, and there are some birds that even seem to prefer this corner of Randall’s. Flocks of geese often favor this spot, resting at the Bronx Kill in between grazing sessions. The presence of tidal mudflats immediately adjacent to these open grassy lawns seems to have some strong curb appeal for shorebirds, as evidenced by the county’s first record of American Golden-Plover, which spent a full week in this area a few years back. These fields are also responsible for producing a first record for all of New York City, that being the one-day wonder Smith’s Longspur that visited in April 2023!
The western terminus of the Bronx Kill is marked by a dilapidated dock on the northern shore. The rotting pilings here offer roosting sites for a variety of birds, and there are nearly always herons hanging around the ruins or perched in the trees close by. Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons are regulars in most seasons, Green Herons are commonly encountered during migration, and this has historically proven to be one of the best places in New York County to spot an American Bittern. Ducks frequently congregate in this area, with uncommon visitors like Wood Ducks and Green-winged Teal sometimes settling amidst the Mallard and Gadwall flocks. At low tide, large groups of Killdeer congregate on the exposed mudflats, relocating to the nearby ballfields when the water levels rise. Though most common during migration, some Killdeer stick around for the breeding season and they are occasionally seen during winter as well.
To the south of the RFK Bridge’s Manhattan segment lies a sizable plot of native grasses called the Living Shoreline. This area is presently fenced-off and inaccessible due to an ongoing ecological restoration project, but it is hoped that it will be open to the public again in the near future. This site is popular with migrant birds like Indigo Buntings, Eastern Phoebes, and Swamp Sparrows, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been seen visiting the wildflowers here. The nearby Rock Garden, just to the west of the currently shuttered Golf Center, features a number of tall trees that often host warblers, vireos, and other migratory songbirds. Flocks of Palm Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Chipping Sparrows congregate on the lawns in this area, and the elms and ornamental trees have attracted the attention of Purple Finches during irruption years.
Although the Randall’s Island Golf Center has been closed for several years, construction efforts have recently resumed in earnest at this site. It is unclear how dramatically or quickly the formerly defunct driving range will be remodeled, but for the time being it is still a site worth checking during most seasons. The extensive expanse of overgrown grass provides stopover habitat for a number of field-dwelling species, including Eastern Meadowlark, Wilson’s Snipe, and Savannah Sparrow. The tangled vines and trees along the outer fence line are particularly productive when the direct morning sunlight warms the upper branches, attracting good numbers of foraging passerines like flycatchers and warblers. Immediately to the east of the driving range lies a vaguely post-apocalyptic mini golf course, highlighted by some especially large trees and a vegetation-choked water feature. The course is not accessible, but it is worth taking a peek through the fence before continuing on. Mixed flocks of migrants are frequently encountered in this area, and local rarities like Red-headed Woodpecker have been spotted here in the past.
Seasonal Highlights
– Autumn: Mixed sparrow flocks along the shores of the Bronx Kill may include Savannah, White-crowned, and Vesper Sparrows. Eastern Meadowlarks regularly visit the defunct driving range and the Bronx Shore Ballfields.
– Winter: Bufflehead are regular along the Kill throughout the season, and Hooded Mergansers sometimes fish these waters during higher tides. Snow Buntings and American Pipits are occasionally found at the driving range, especially when snowy conditions to our north push them south.
– Spring: With luck, American Woodcocks can be found lurking amidst the leaf litter along the edges of the defunct driving range. Later in the season, listen for visiting Willow Flycatchers singing along the Bronx Kill.
– Summer: Eastern Kingbirds often breed in the trees around the Bronx Shore Fields. Northern Rough-winged Swallows reliably nest along the Bronx Kill. Shorebirds are possible on the mudflats later in the season, especially Spotted Sandpiper.
Special Tip – This is one of the best parts of the park for spotting mammals! Multiple Groundhogs inhabit the area around the Golf Center and north of Icahn Stadium, and Muskrats favor the shoreline of the Bronx Kill. Virginia Opossum and Striped Skunk have also been seen on occasion.
Central Region
Freshwater Wetland is one of the most unique habitats on Randall’s Island, a swampy, wooded area with several flooded spots and dense tangles of undergrowth. A dirt access trail runs through this site, connected to the bike path at the north end via a plank walkway and passing through the Wildflower Meadow by the bus station to the south. A number of species that are uncommon breeders in New York County can be found here throughout the warmer months, and it is invariably among the most productive sites on the Island during spring and fall migration. This little woodlot always feels as though there could be a surprise rarity lurking in the thickets or hidden among the branches overhead. The northern end of the wetland also features a grove of conifers, frequently favored by kinglets and nuthatches. Wrens, thrushes, and sparrows keep to the brushy areas, and American Woodcocks are sometimes encountered here when they pass through the City. Warblers of all kinds visit Freshwater Wetland during migration, with Ovenbirds strolling along the path, Northern and Louisiana Waterthrushes working the muddy pools, and diverse mixed flocks roving through the treetops. Common Grackles, which nest under the RFK Bridge each year, congregate here in early spring to gather mud and detritus for construction materials.
To the immediate south of Freshwater Wetland lies the Wildflower Meadow, a carefully maintained natural garden stuffed to the brim with native plants. Seed-eating birds like finches and sparrows flock to this area in fall, and the abundance of insects drawn to the flowering plants in turn attracts good numbers of insectivores like flycatchers and cuckoos. Common Yellowthroats are particularly fond of the dense vegetative cover in this plot. On the non-bird front, keep an eye out for the diverse array of butterflies and dragonflies which visit the meadow to feast on nectar and insect prey, respectively.
On the west side of the Randall’s central region, along the Harlem River shoreline, a very different sort of wetland provides striking contrast with the habitat found at Freshwater. Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh is considerably more expansive than the other wetlands on the Island, and its open tidal channels and dense vegetation look strikingly out of place given its surroundings. Despite its size, Little Hell Gate seems surprisingly quiet at times, but make no mistake: this site has pulled a number of exciting birds over the years. Large flocks of House Finches and House Sparrows feed among the marsh grasses on a regular basis, and it is always worth checking to see if there are any unusual guests among their number. Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned Night-Herons are regular visitors here, and Belted Kingfishers heavily favor this site when they are present on the Island. Migrants of note recorded at Little Hell Gate have included Dickcissel, Nelson’s Sparrow, and Black-billed Cuckoo.
To the immediate north of Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh lies the Harlem River Event Area, a large parking lot with an adjacent grassy lawn that hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and other affairs over the course of the year. The consistent hustle and bustle of this area often discourages avian activity, but Killdeer have been documented to nest at this site in years past. Other shorebirds occasionally visit during migration, especially when puddles form on rainy days. The other notable landmark in this vicinity is Icahn Stadium, where a number of track and field events take place. The grassy fence line surrounding the arena is a popular hangout for flocks of ground-feeding birds like Dark-eyed Juncos, Palm Warblers, and Brown-headed Cowbirds, which often flush up into the nearby trees as pedestrians and maintenance vehicles pass by.
Much of the eastern portion of Randall’s Island is dedicated to the DEP Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility. Access to the treatment plant is understandably restricted, but in the area south of the Wildflower Meadow along the edge of the Central Fields it is possible to peer through the fence. Flocks of gulls often congregate at the pools and rooftops in winter, and in the warmer months Chimney Swifts and a variety of swallows can be seen wheeling overhead. There are several brushy areas and grassy hillocks at the edge of the property, attracting Indigo Buntings and mixed flocks of sparrows to the area along the fence line. The ornamental trees bordering the Central Fields are also worth a check, as migrant warblers frequently drop in here to forage on strong arrival days during fall and spring.
Seasonal Highlights
– Autumn: Freshwater Wetland is a great spot to search for uncommon undergrowth skulkers like Connecticut Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat. During irruption years, Pine Siskins and other finches may visit the Wildflower Meadow.
– Winter: Orange-crowned Warblers occasionally overwinter at Freshwater Wetland and Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh. The waters of the Harlem River adjacent to Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh are known to attract Common and Red-throated Loons, plus the occasional rare duck species among the more common Mallards and Gadwalls.
– Spring: Spring migrants funnel into Freshwater Wetland in good numbers, sometimes including rare visitors like Mourning and Prothonotary Warblers or Alder Flycatcher. Even when the rest of the Island is quiet, this wooded wetland is a good spot to search for activity.
– Summer: A number of songbird species nest at Freshwater Wetland, including Yellow Warbler and Warbling Vireo. Be sure to check Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh for migrant shorebirds or rare visitors like Little Blue Heron.
Special Tip – Freshwater Wetland can be quite birdy, but it is often exceptionally buggy. Starting in spring and extending well into the fall, this shady, swampy habitat hosts hungry hordes of mosquitoes. Be sure to prepare accordingly if visiting during the warmer months!
The Southeast
The centerpiece of the southeastern quadrant is the Randall’s Island Park Alliance Urban Farm, a sustainable community garden that serves as a backdrop for a number of their public events. Helpful and friendly RIPA staff have invited birders to enter the garden before, but it is often better to watch the activity from outside the fence to avoid disturbing foraging birds. During peak migration, this is one of the liveliest sites on the entire Island. Warblers congregate here in diverse mixed flocks, providing eye-level or lower views as they flit about between the vegetable gardens and the surrounding trees. Sparrows and other terrestrial species favor the dirt plots and fence line edges, while aerial insectivores like flycatchers sally for prey from the many prominent perches scattered throughout the area. Palm, Blackpoll, and Yellow-rumped Warblers are especially abundant here in autumn, but there’s no telling what might show up on a good arrival day. The mix of deciduous and coniferous trees in the immediate vicinity of Urban Farm, combined with the low plantings within the plot itself, means that an impressive variety of species are possible here. Another nearby site of note is the Cottage Garden, a plot of native wildflowers outside the restroom facilities just south of Urban Farm. The vibrant blooms here hold the lofty honor of producing the only New York State first record in the history of Randall’s Island birding, a cooperative Black-chinned Hummingbird discovered in November 2023!
The Hell Gate Fields are located to the east of Urban Farm. These ballfields are fringed to the north by a brushy ridge that runs parallel to the Hell Gate rail line, and skulky birds like sparrows and wrens can often be found in the dense vegetation here. The eastern border, along the shoreline of the East River, is marked by the Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow and associated picnic area. Lincoln’s Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, and Common Yellowthroats are commonly found in these gardens, and the foraging flocks of sparrows on the adjacent lawns have been known to attract rarities.
South of Urban Farm and downslope from the various picnic areas, White Garden features a stand of tall trees as well as a thick understory of shrubs and bushes intersected by winding paths. The hilltop immediately north of the garden provides an eye-level vantage point to survey the upper branches, which are often thick with warblers and other migrants during migration. Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and other canopy species can be easily seen in this grove at the right time of year. The lower elevations of the garden attract shy ground-foraging birds like Brown Thrashers and thrushes, which have been known to perch up in the high trees and sing in the spring. Like the northeast shoreline, this is another good spot for morning flight watches on strong arrival days in spring and autumn. Many migrants will drop out of the sky at daybreak and spend some time working the trees here before either settling in or continuing on.
A rocky channel marker just west of the RFK Bridge, known as Hog Back Light, is a popular roost for cormorants and gulls. The fishing is evidently pretty good in the vicinity of the islet, as Ospreys and loons frequent the area during warmer and colder months, respectively. Keep a weather eye out during the winter, as even Harbor Seals have been sighted feasting on fish in this stretch of the East River.
As in other areas of the park, the Wards Meadow Ballfields feature some nice habitat around the edges. The Wards Meadow Picnic Areas have some nice ornamental trees and open lawns, and their proximity to White Garden and Urban Farm means that they often catch the eyes of visiting migratory birds. The area between Wards Meadow Loop and Hell Gate Circle, just south of Odyssey House, can be particularly productive.
Seasonal Highlights
– Autumn: Incredibly diverse aggregations of migrant warblers and sparrows can be found around Urban Farm and White Garden. The Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow, Cottage Garden, and nearby field edges bustle with activity.
– Winter: Great Cormorants frequently hang out with their Double-crested cousins on Hog Back Light. Large flocks of Brant float along the southeastern shoreline, sometimes joined by other waterfowl and loons.
– Spring: Peregrine Falcons noisily defend their traditional nesting site under the Hell Gate Bridge, frequently clashing with Common Ravens that sometimes nest in the upper arches. Peak migration in May brings impressive concentrations of neotropical migrants to Urban Farm and White Garden.
– Summer: Laughing Gulls flock and forage along the East River from spring through fall. Eastern Kingbirds frequently nest in the area around Urban Farm and White Garden.
Special Tip – There’s a good chance you could cross paths with members of the Randall’s Island Park Alliance around Urban Farm. Be sure to ask them about any recent noteworthy sightings in the area, and if they have any information about upcoming educational programs!
The Southwest
Immediately west of the RFK Bridge and south of the Sunken Garden Fields, a thick tangle of brush runs along the fence line surrounding the Schwartz Center. This weedy patch often proves to be especially productive, with a good mix of sparrows and warblers visiting during migration. This may not be the prettiest habitat on the Island, but migrant birds love the dense cover and ample food these fringes of vegetation provide. The trees that tower overhead are a consistently reliable spot to find Rose-breasted Grosbeaks as well.
Off the southwest coast of the Island lies Mill Rock, a bustling nesting colony for Double-crested Cormorants, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls, and Black-crowned Night-Herons during the breeding season. Keep an eye out for Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, too, as they are believed to have nested here in recent years. At such a lively rookery, there’s always a possibility of rarer wading birds dropping in to visit or prospect for nest sites. Even after the end of summer, Mill Rock remains a favored hangout for loafing flocks of gulls, so it’s worth an intentional scan at any time of year. Red-breasted Mergansers, Bufflehead, and other diving ducks are regularly seen near shore here in the winter.
Along the shores of the Harlem River just north of the Wards Island Footbridge, the Footbridge Picnic Area features several tall trees, including a few mighty Tulip Trees which attract impressive numbers of migrants during the spring. When the flowers of these trees are in full bloom, the canopy thrums with activity, including Scarlet Tanagers, Cedar Waxwings, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and a variety of warblers. The brushy fence edges here are good for Gray Catbirds, thrushes, and other skulky birds.
A bit further north along the Harlem River Pathway, a small horse paddock is another unusual location worth inspecting for birdlife. This open, grassy pasture often hosts species that prefer to forage on the ground, including sparrows and Mourning Doves. The horses themselves are frequently accompanied by Brown-headed Cowbirds. Given how uncommon this type of habitat is in this corner of NYC, it’s an area that feels ripe for an unexpected vagrant to turn up someday.
The Water’s Edge Garden extends along the coast of the Harlem River north to Little Hell Gate Saltmarsh. The various plantings of wildflowers and native shrubs here often attract migratory passerines, especially finches, sparrows, and other seed-eaters. The ornamental trees along the shoreline also draw some action, frequently hosting mixed flocks of warblers. Another noteworthy site in the immediate vicinity is the Woodland Garden and Trail, which meanders through a wooded area on the eastern side of the path. This is a great spot to look for woodpeckers, wrens, and other forest species. Baltimore Orioles are often heard singing from the canopy in the spring, and it’s not uncommon to spy Brown Creepers working the trunks of the trees.
Seasonal Highlights
– Autumn: Watch for mixed flocks of sparrows around the horse paddock area, which may contain scarce visitors. The weedy edges of the ballfields could also produce surprises.
– Winter: Rafts of Ruddy Ducks can be seen floating near the docks across the Harlem River. Rarer winter visitors like Horned Grebe are also possible.
– Spring: The Woodland Trail near the Water’s Edge Garden can be productive for forest-dwelling migrants like thrushes and warblers. The Footbridge Picnic Area is often similarly lively.
– Summer: American Goldfinches flock to flowering plants at the Water’s Edge Garden late in the season, often nesting nearby. Warbling Vireos are regular nesters in this area as well. Cormorants, herons, and gulls may be seen visiting the nesting colony on Mill Rock.
Special Tip – Although much of Randall’s is subject to disturbance from human activity, the southwestern quadrant is often the busiest portion of the Island due to its proximity to the footbridge that connects directly to Manhattan. Be respectful of picnickers, sports teams, and other park visitors while birding, but remember that sometimes the most exciting birds turn up in the most unexpected places!
Logistics
By foot or by bicycle, Randall’s can be accessed via the Wards Island Bridge at 103rd Street from Manhattan, the RFK Bridge pedestrian footpath from Queens, or the Randall’s Island Connector with access at 132nd Street in the Bronx. There are CitiBike docks at several sites on the Island, most notably near Icahn Stadium and by the bathrooms at the Sunken Meadow Ballfields.
By public transportation, the M35 bus route, which runs a regular circuit to and from the Island, picks up at Lexington Avenue and 125th Street across the Harlem River. Connection is readily available via the 125th Street stop on the 4/5/6 subway line.
By car, Randall’s can be reached via the RFK Bridge from Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Note that this is a toll bridge, but free parking is available at several lots around the Island. Parking spots are quick to fill and fees may be charged during sporting events and festivals, so be sure to check events schedules prior to arrival.
We hope that you have an opportunity to visit our fair Island in the near future, and we further hope that the details outlined in this guide will help you to make the most of your trip. There is almost always something exciting to see here, if only you know where to look! Just be aware that you may find yourself falling in love with this marvelous little patch the more time you spend here. After all, the original Lenape name for Randall’s Island is often stated to have been Minnahanonck, which can be translated as “it’s nice to be on the island.” We couldn’t agree more!
Your Randall’s Guides,
Tim Healy
Dmitriy Aronov
Adam Cunningham
Photo Credits
– Adam Cunningham: Nelson’s Sparrow, American Oystercatcher, Short-billed Gull, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Meadowlark, Greater White-fronted Goose, Smith’s Longspur, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Yellow Warbler, Great Cormorant, American Goldfinch
– Dmitriy Aronov: Cliff Swallow, Red-throated Loon, Killdeer, Hooded Merganser, Common Yellowthroat, Black-headed Gull, Bicknell’s Thrush, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Horned Grebe, Swamp Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing
– Tim Healy: Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Connecticut Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Common Raven, Eastern Kingbird, Osprey