Birds Chirping for Generations in Forest Hills
Views: 0
Residents Aiding Birds & Encouraging Diversity An Inside Look with Birder Rose Chin-Wolner

Forest Hills harbors a rich history of birds. Restore the “forest” factor while engaging in activities, and bird species are bound to be on the rise. Residents are supportive of reintroducing features such as traditional fountains, birdbaths, birdhouses, as well as planting additional trees of diverse species to benefit birds and the public. Community organizations can also be launched to promote the study, appreciation, and vitality of birds.
In front of Ivy Day School III at 104-70 Queens Boulevard stands a Ginkgo tree, where residents were surprised to encounter a very creative and colorful birdhouse, suspended on a limb. It was designed by students in a second home that describes itself as “a place of books and blocks, music and dance, art and creativity, smiles and hugs, and an abundance of good conversation.” A curriculum that encompasses a hands-on approach for nature, will encourage toddlers to pre-Kindergarteners to become environmental stewards.
Residents were also delighted to find a family of uniquely designed birdhouses suspended on a tree adjacent to The Greenbriar at 68-61 Yellowstone Boulevard. It inspired Stacey Lynn, a P.S. 54 Hillside School teacher, to share her encounter on social media. As a lover of art and education, she said, “I was stopped in my tracks once I noticed the beauty of an abundance of birdhouses hanging from my neighborhood tree. Being an elementary school teacher, I am always thinking of our younger generation. It was obvious the houses were homemade with love. I can only imagine the creative minds behind their beauty, and all that they symbolize.”

Birdhouses convey a more in-depth message. “I see new beginnings, as in a calling for peace and harmony, and a love note to mother nature, reminding me that there is still hope and beauty in the world, and we will support her,” continued Lynn. She advises fellow residents that if they can be anything, be analogous to a birdcage, and questions society, “Are we protecting our wildlife and welcoming it, or have we become numb from what the world around us has become?”
The historic Georgian Colonial garden-style apartments, The Grover Cleveland at 67-38 108th Street and The George Washington at 67-66 108th Street, feature birdbaths topped off by cherubs in their front courtyard. The award-winning partnership of architect Philip Birnbaum and builder Alfred Kaskel was not only known for unique architectural achievements, but gardens with sculptures, birdbaths, fountains, and a careful selection of trees, where birds, recreation, and an overall elevated sense of living were a priority. Numerous garden-style buildings line 108thStreet and Yellowstone Boulevard, including their presidential series, and several feature lobbies with picture windows overlooking inner gardens with sunken ponds.
The modern eye is unacquainted with some sites. In Forest Hills Gardens, alongside the Tea Garden’s ornate gateway on Greenway Terrace, is a decommissioned mosaic birdbath, built into the base of a stone gazebo. However, one would need to peek behind shrubbery to notice it. Stepping into the Tea Garden, a decommissioned brick tiered fountain can be spotted, but it also awaits restoration.
Upon viewing a postcard and photo of the Fountain of Piping Pan, which vanished decades ago at the one-acre Olivia Park alongside Markwood Road in Forest Hills Gardens, some enthusiasts are scratching their heads. “Those rocks with that stream and a sculpture looked outstanding,” said Kew Gardens Hills resident Rhoda Dubin, whose major in psychology enables her to view her surroundings in a renewed light. “Such beautiful things are not only tranquil as we are looking at it and feeding birds, but it is proven to lower blood pressure. It also releases endorphins in our brain, which are known as feel-good hormones, similar to exercising.”
She is hoping the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation and residents will collaborate to replicate it. “There is nothing like taking a walk and looking at beautiful creations that have existed in our area for decades, and also due to their calming effect, it is important to bring them back. Maybe when homeowners learn about its existence, they will realize how important restoring nature is.”
In 1915, The Sun published, “The presiding genius of the fountain is a small boy in plaster playing a pipe, and the water tumbles over the stones at his feet down into a miniature lake, where the birds may disport themselves as in one of nature’s own sylvan retreats.” In response to The Bird Club of Long Island, which formed that summer to safeguard bird life, the publication stated, “From Brooklyn to Montauk Point, branch clubs are being formed, bird refuges and sanctuaries are being created, and other steps are being taken to make the bird population multiply, and the insect horde decrease.” The membership numbered 300 and spanned 40 communities.

On July 4, 1915, with the local chapter of the Audubon Society on site, the bird fountain designed by Underwood Road resident Beatrix Forbes-Robinson Hale and presented by the Russell Sage Homes Company, was dedicated to Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, who was praised for her passion for birds. As a case in point, she purchased Marsh Island to transform it into a bird sanctuary. Additionally, part of her acclaim was her establishment of the Russell Sage Foundation, which sought to improve the social and living conditions in the U.S. The park was originally named in her honor, and her vision was realized as it served as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping topography and acoustics.
In 1914, the Audubon Society of Forest Hills Gardens was founded, with a mission of safeguarding birds, attracting them to homeowners, encouraging close companionship, and filling lawns and gardens with song and beauty. A June 30, 1917 edition of Forest Hills Gardens Bulletin read, “It has been emphasized that trees and shrubbery near the house form recesses for the birds, in which they feel safe and to which they gladly come; that opportunities to bathe and drink are irresistible to birds and largely increase in their number in any given neighborhood, and that during the winter or early spring while snow covers the ground, regular feeding places will save many lives. With this in view, shelter, water and food have been provided.”
Historically, as a result of the society and community’s dedication for three years, birds that searched for seeds and insects on the ground included thrushes, wrens, warblers, and sparrows which were native to the land. Birds in search of food in trees dug out insects or dislodged them from cracks, and included woodpeckers, nuthatches, and creepers. The warbler family, which represented America’s most distinctive, twenty species could be found. The publication read, “Only of birds seeking insects on the wing, such as swallows, martins, swifts, nighthawks, there is still a dearth, and we must look for the future to establish them permanently in Forest Hills. Otherwise almost every family of birds is now represented, and this achievement, compared with conditions existing at the beginning of our work, cannot be underestimated.”
The publication advised every community member to play a role by raising plants whose seeds are attractive to birds, to not only assist them, but vegetable gardens. It read, “Sunflowers planted in lines among rows of vegetables, wild sarsaparilla, and pokeberry along boundary walls, buckwheat and Japanese millet in some corner of your field, will prove a great attraction.”
Come into the world of Rose Chin-Wolner, an over 30-year Forest Hills Gardens resident, who began birding in 2021 and sharing her inspiring bird photography in the Facebook group, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our Communities.” She reminisced, “I was quarantined at home, and noticed cardinals and blue jays on trees outside my window. My daughter suggested that I coat a pinecone with peanut butter and bird food, and place it on the ledge. Then I spotted titmice and nuthatches partaking in the treat.” After using a smartphone, she decided to invest in a quality Canon camera, as per local nature photographer Michael Fusco’s suggestion.

In Forest Hills Gardens, she discovered cardinals, blue jays, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, house finches, red-winged blackbirds, titmice, nuthatches, common grackles, Baltimore orioles, European starlings, and kinglets, in addition to the usual mourning doves, pigeons, American Robins and common house sparrows. “It is difficult to gauge how many species there are, as certain species may skip a season. It is also not uncommon to sight a hawk or two,” said Chin-Wolner. She envisions the strategic placement of birdhouses in the Gardens, and said, “If they are maintained, then perhaps it will attract new bird species.”
In Forest Park, she spots yellow-bellied sapsuckers, northern flickers, great horned owls, various warblers and hawks. “Long Island birding exposed me to rare sightings, such as the calliope hummingbird and a roseate spoonbill that is uncommon in the northeast,” she said. Her favorite species is any bird that is atypically seen daily or weekly.

Chin-Wolner seeks to photograph birds in flight, birds with food in their beaks, or two species interacting. She is especially passionate about any bird that is colorful, such as male cardinals, male finches, blue jays, and the male red-bellied woodpecker with its red head. She explained, “It is of great interest if there is a house that has a bird feeder visible from the sidewalk, but I am discreet to not invade a resident’s privacy.”
“Did you know that the blue jays can exhibit about seven different calls?” asked Chin-Wolner, who has made many discoveries since her birding adventures began. “I have learned about the songs or calls of certain birds, and identify them by sound. The blue jay is not as aggressive as rumored, and certain birds are selective about what they eat. Cardinals love sunflower seeds, whereas blue jays enjoy whole peanuts (shell and all), and woodpeckers are big fans of suet.”
One may wonder about techniques to photograph birds in great focus and context. She explained, “It is simply to be patient and click when the moment is right. Not all birds will sit for a photo-shoot. It’s best to feature a bird in its natural habitat; on a branch, creeping up a tree, or squawking with its beak. I know photographers who shoot 1,000+ photos of the same bird, only to post six or eight online.”
Chin-Wolner is a Queens County Bird Club member, and in cooperation with the Parks Department, proudly volunteers to fill the feeders at the Forest Park bird trail, which is maintained by a volunteer team daily. “We are astute as to what to fill the feeders with, and discourage people from bringing any outside food that may be detrimental to birds, such as bread, rice, or pretzels,” she said. Bird enthusiasts can also look into joining the Manhattan, Long Island and North Shore birding groups. Several groups conduct meetings and issue rare species alerts.
Chin-Wolner is grateful for her small exhibition with the Arts and Crafts Chapter of the Women’s Club of Forest Hills, which featured four of her bird photos among other contributors’ paintings and sculptures. “Birding introduced me to a wonderful network of birders and photographers, and many became close friends,” she said.
Enthusiasts can also cultivate their green thumb with native plants, so the birds can chirp for generations. The long list includes dogwood, white oak, American beech, redbud, rhododendron, willows, red maple, rosa, prunus, juniper, and elderberry.

Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!
Great remarkable issues here. I?¦m very glad to look your post. Thanks so much and i am having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a mail?
olympe casino avis: olympe casino avis – olympe casino en ligne
Hello.This article was really fascinating, especially because I was searching for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
Kamagra pharmacie en ligne: kamagra gel – kamagra 100mg prix
https://tadalmed.com/# cialis generique
kamagra en ligne: acheter kamagra site fiable – Kamagra Commander maintenant
Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance: Tadalafil 20 mg prix en pharmacie – cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.shop
kamagra pas cher: Acheter Kamagra site fiable – achat kamagra
http://kamagraprix.com/# achat kamagra
pharmacie en ligne france fiable: pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance – Pharmacie Internationale en ligne pharmafst.com
kamagra 100mg prix: Achetez vos kamagra medicaments – Acheter Kamagra site fiable
pharmacie en ligne fiable: Livraison rapide – pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale pharmafst.com
https://tadalmed.shop/# Acheter Cialis
vente de mГ©dicament en ligne: pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance – pharmacie en ligne pharmafst.com
Cialis generique prix: Tadalafil 20 mg prix en pharmacie – Acheter Cialis 20 mg pas cher tadalmed.shop
trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie: acheter mГ©dicament en ligne sans ordonnance – vente de mГ©dicament en ligne pharmafst.com
https://tadalmed.shop/# Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher
cialis prix: Tadalafil sans ordonnance en ligne – cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.shop
Acheter Kamagra site fiable: Achetez vos kamagra medicaments – kamagra gel
kamagra pas cher: acheter kamagra site fiable – kamagra gel
https://kamagraprix.shop/# acheter kamagra site fiable
cialis prix: Cialis sans ordonnance 24h – Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher tadalmed.shop
Achetez vos kamagra medicaments: Acheter Kamagra site fiable – acheter kamagra site fiable
pharmacie en ligne avec ordonnance: Pharmacies en ligne certifiees – trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie pharmafst.com
http://tadalmed.com/# Tadalafil sans ordonnance en ligne
pharmacie en ligne france livraison internationale: Pharmacie en ligne France – pharmacie en ligne pas cher pharmafst.com
achat kamagra: Kamagra Oral Jelly pas cher – kamagra oral jelly
http://kamagraprix.com/# Kamagra pharmacie en ligne
Tadalafil 20 mg prix en pharmacie: Tadalafil 20 mg prix en pharmacie – Acheter Cialis tadalmed.shop
Tadalafil sans ordonnance en ligne: Cialis generique prix – Cialis generique prix tadalmed.shop
kamagra gel: kamagra en ligne – Kamagra pharmacie en ligne
http://pharmafst.com/# п»їpharmacie en ligne france
Cialis sans ordonnance 24h: Cialis generique prix – cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.shop
Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe: pharmacie en ligne pas cher – Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe pharmafst.com
pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es: Meilleure pharmacie en ligne – pharmacies en ligne certifiГ©es pharmafst.com
http://pharmafst.com/# pharmacie en ligne pas cher
Pharmacie Internationale en ligne: Pharmacies en ligne certifiees – pharmacie en ligne france fiable pharmafst.com
Kamagra pharmacie en ligne: achat kamagra – kamagra en ligne
Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher: Acheter Cialis – Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher tadalmed.shop
Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe: pharmacie en ligne sans ordonnance – pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique pharmafst.com
Pharmacie en ligne Cialis sans ordonnance: Acheter Cialis – Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher tadalmed.shop
Go88 – Sân chơi đổi thưởng đỉnh cao với đa dạng game bài, slot và thể thao. GO88 giao diện mượt, nạp rút siêu tốc, bảo mật an toàn – nơi đam mê thăng hoa và chiến thắng bùng nổ mỗi ngày!
kamagra 100mg prix: kamagra oral jelly – Achetez vos kamagra medicaments
https://tadalmed.com/# Acheter Cialis
Kamagra Commander maintenant: kamagra oral jelly – acheter kamagra site fiable
http://tadalmed.com/# Cialis generique prix
Pharmacie en ligne livraison Europe: Medicaments en ligne livres en 24h – vente de mГ©dicament en ligne pharmafst.com
achat kamagra: Kamagra Oral Jelly pas cher – acheter kamagra site fiable
http://kamagraprix.com/# kamagra pas cher
Tadalafil 20 mg prix sans ordonnance: Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance – Cialis sans ordonnance 24h tadalmed.shop
cialis prix: Cialis generique prix – Acheter Cialis 20 mg pas cher tadalmed.shop
Cialis sans ordonnance pas cher: Tadalafil 20 mg prix sans ordonnance – Acheter Cialis tadalmed.shop
kamagra pas cher: kamagra en ligne – kamagra gel
https://kamagraprix.com/# kamagra pas cher
kamagra 100mg prix: Kamagra Commander maintenant – kamagra en ligne
http://medicinefromindia.com/# indian pharmacy online
Medicine From India: indian pharmacy online – indian pharmacy online shopping
Medicine From India: Online medicine home delivery – indian pharmacy online
Medicine From India: п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india – Medicine From India
http://expressrxcanada.com/# adderall canadian pharmacy
Medicine From India: indian pharmacy – Medicine From India
Rx Express Mexico: best online pharmacies in mexico – mexico drug stores pharmacies
canadian pharmacy no rx needed: ExpressRxCanada – global pharmacy canada
http://expressrxcanada.com/# online canadian drugstore
indian pharmacy: Medicine From India – medicine courier from India to USA
indian pharmacy online: top 10 online pharmacy in india – indian pharmacy online shopping
escrow pharmacy canada: ExpressRxCanada – canadian pharmacy ratings
Rx Express Mexico: Rx Express Mexico – Rx Express Mexico
https://medicinefromindia.shop/# MedicineFromIndia
Rx Express Mexico: mexican pharmaceuticals online – mexican rx online
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: mexican rx online – best online pharmacies in mexico
reliable canadian online pharmacy: Canadian pharmacy shipping to USA – canadian pharmacy in canada
https://expressrxcanada.com/# canadian pharmacy world
indian pharmacy: medicine courier from India to USA – Medicine From India
canada rx pharmacy: Express Rx Canada – canadian pharmacy king
Medicine From India: indian pharmacy online – indian pharmacy online
https://expressrxcanada.shop/# onlinecanadianpharmacy
safe canadian pharmacies: canada pharmacy online – canadian drug stores
medicine courier from India to USA: Medicine From India – Medicine From India
mexican online pharmacy: mexico drug stores pharmacies – mexican online pharmacy
https://medicinefromindia.shop/# Medicine From India
MedicineFromIndia: indian pharmacy – MedicineFromIndia
indian pharmacy online shopping: indian pharmacy – indian pharmacy online shopping
RxExpressMexico: mexico pharmacy order online – RxExpressMexico
reputable indian online pharmacy: indian pharmacy online shopping – Medicine From India
online pharmacy canada: Generic drugs from Canada – canada drugstore pharmacy rx
pin up вход: пин ап казино – пин ап казино
https://pinupaz.top/# pin up casino
вавада зеркало: вавада казино – вавада
вавада казино: вавада официальный сайт – вавада зеркало
pin up casino: pin-up – pin up casino
pin up: pin up azerbaycan – pin-up casino giris
http://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada
pinup az: pin up – pin-up
pin-up: pin up az – pin up azerbaycan
https://pinupaz.top/# pin up casino
pin-up: pinup az – pin up az
vavada вход: вавада официальный сайт – вавада официальный сайт
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада
vavada: вавада зеркало – вавада официальный сайт
vavada вход: вавада – vavada
pin-up casino giris: pin up casino – pin-up
пинап казино: пин ап казино официальный сайт – pin up вход
vavada вход: vavada – вавада казино
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада
vavada вход: vavada вход – вавада казино
пинап казино: pin up вход – пин ап казино
http://pinuprus.pro/# пин ап казино
pin up azerbaycan: pin up – pin up az
pin up: pin-up casino giris – pin up az
pinup az: pinup az – pin up
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада официальный сайт
пин ап казино официальный сайт: pin up вход – пин ап зеркало
пинап казино: pin up вход – пин ап казино официальный сайт
http://pinupaz.top/# pin up
пин ап зеркало: пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап казино
вавада зеркало: vavada вход – вавада зеркало
pin up azerbaycan: pin up az – pin up az
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада зеркало
пин ап зеркало: пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап казино
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада официальный сайт
pin up: pin up az – pin up azerbaycan
pin-up: pinup az – pin up casino
http://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada casino
вавада зеркало: vavada вход – vavada casino
pin up вход: пин ап казино официальный сайт – pin up вход
pin-up casino giris: pin up azerbaycan – pin up casino
http://pinupaz.top/# pin up azerbaycan
вавада зеркало: вавада официальный сайт – вавада казино
vavada: vavada вход – vavada casino
http://pinuprus.pro/# пинап казино
vavada casino: vavada – vavada вход
вавада официальный сайт: вавада официальный сайт – vavada
вавада официальный сайт: вавада зеркало – vavada
pin up casino: pin up – pin-up casino giris
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада официальный сайт
пин ап зеркало: пин ап казино – пин ап зеркало
https://pinupaz.top/# pin-up casino giris
vavada вход [url=http://vavadavhod.tech/#]вавада зеркало[/url] вавада официальный сайт
vavada: вавада официальный сайт – vavada вход
пин ап казино: пинап казино – пин ап казино
https://pinupaz.top/# pin-up casino giris
pinup az: pin up azerbaycan – pin up az
https://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada вход
пин ап вход: пин ап зеркало – пин ап вход
pin-up casino giris: pin up casino – pin up casino
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада казино
вавада казино: vavada casino – vavada вход
пинап казино: пин ап казино – pin up вход
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада
pinup az: pin up az – pin up casino
vavada вход: вавада зеркало – вавада
pinup az: pin up casino – pin up azerbaycan
pin-up: pin up az – pin-up casino giris
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада казино
вавада: vavada – вавада казино
vavada: вавада зеркало – vavada casino
пин ап вход: пин ап зеркало – пин ап зеркало
https://pinuprus.pro/# пин ап казино официальный сайт
pin up azerbaycan: pin-up casino giris – pin-up casino giris
http://pinupaz.top/# pin-up casino giris
пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=http://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт
пин ап зеркало: пинап казино – пинап казино
https://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада зеркало
pin up вход: пинап казино – пин ап казино
пин ап казино официальный сайт: пинап казино – пин ап казино официальный сайт
https://pinupaz.top/# pin up az
пин ап вход: пин ап вход – пин ап зеркало
пин ап казино официальный сайт: пин ап вход – пин ап вход
https://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada casino
pin-up casino giris: pin up – pin up azerbaycan
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада официальный сайт
vavada вход: vavada вход – vavada
pin up azerbaycan: pin up az – pin up
https://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada casino
пин ап зеркало: пин ап зеркало – пин ап казино
пинап казино: пин ап казино – пин ап казино официальный сайт
https://pinupaz.top/# pin up
pinup az: pin up casino – pinup az
http://pinupaz.top/# pin up azerbaycan
pin-up casino giris: pin up casino – pin up azerbaycan
http://vavadavhod.tech/# вавада
пин ап казино: пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап зеркало
pin up az: pin-up casino giris – pin up
https://pinupaz.top/# pin-up
vavada вход: вавада официальный сайт – вавада официальный сайт
пинап казино: пин ап казино – пин ап вход
http://vavadavhod.tech/# vavada вход
pin-up casino giris: pin up az – pin-up
пин ап казино: пин ап вход – pin up вход
https://pinupaz.top/# pin-up casino giris
pin up azerbaycan: pin up az – pinup az
http://pinuprus.pro/# pin up вход
vavada casino: вавада казино – vavada casino
pin up вход [url=https://pinuprus.pro/#]пин ап казино официальный сайт[/url] пинап казино
http://pinuprus.pro/# пинап казино
pin up: pin-up – pin up az
вавада казино: вавада официальный сайт – vavada вход