Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

Cormorants have a prehistoric appearance to them and, in fact, have some qualities that are very "bird 1.0" about them. For instance, unlike most birds that feed on fish in inland waters, cormorants don't have waterproof feathers. As a result they have to spend a lot of time in the sun, drying their feathers, between hunting runs. That's why I was lucky enough to see this specimen perched on a rock in Central Park a few weeks ago.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

Look at that yellow lores! That, plus the distinctive white bib, is how you know you know you're looking at a white-throated sparrow. This guy was migrating through Central Park on a rainy April morning.

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

"Take in the topsail! Tend to th' Master's whistle!"

Verily, when you glimpse at the American oystercatcher you can hear and smell the sounds of seafaring! This striking coastal bird has a penchant for shellfish - clams, oysters, whatever, just make it a bivalve mollusk. Oystercatchers use their long, bright orange beak to crack open shells. This is not easy and it is not innate. In fact, it requires so much skill to crack open shellfish that oystercatchers will linger longer than most birds with their young in order to teach them the family trade.

Spotted this oystercatcher on Friday at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, Cape May, New Jersey.

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

This was the biggest bird of my weekend. The state bird of New York, posing on a branch for admirers Saturday morning in Central Park.

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)

There are two things you need to know about the American Goldfinch: #1 it is a an avid granivore (seed eater), and #2 it is extremely social. I saw these two gregarious guys chow down together at a feeder in Central Park. I'm not anthropomorphizing them, they're ave-pomorphizing us humans!

Show us that ventral side!

Watch out! Who's that punk on the left?

Now on the right!

Give 'em the Goldfinch stinkeye!

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

I can't help thinking of a birder version of Weird Al Yankovic, covering Weezer: "You've got your big G's, I've my HOUSE FINCH!"

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

This guy is by far the most colorful North American waterfowl. One look and you know you're looking at a special duck. Central Park reservoir on a rainy early spring day.

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)

Not 100% sure about this one. This was a tough ID. I think it's a female. Central Park, NY, 3/29/2014 AD.