The bird to the left was spotted at the Gateway National Wildlife Refuge,
which is a fun summertime day-trip (a couple miles from exit 17 of the
Belt Parkway).

Do you happen to know what kind of bird it is?

The bird in the bottom photo is an osprey.

Gateway is also known as Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge.  The website advises you to bring shoes that you don't mind
getting wet (which I did) and insect repellent (which I didn't but WISH
I HAD).

Photo by Tom Martinez