Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The year ends with a whimper.......but Three cheers to the BBC!

We reached the end of a grand year in Prospect Park ( and her Friends, the BBG and GWC), proving once again her dynamism and productive yield of spectacular sightings, expectations, and great moments. I hope to have a final species year count by next week, which i have to format on the office records. But more importantly, it's the community of birders that makes the year, generating all the reports we see in the field,giving way to sharing and helping thier fellow birder.

This good fellowship spirit will be reminded throughout the New Year as the Brooklyn Bird Club
awaits on the eve of an incredible milestone for her in 2009: 100 years old!

Starting tomorrow on New Years Day, we begin the celebration with the "Centathon",a hike thru Prospect Park, ending at the southern coast of Brooklyn. WE hope to do well despite very cold temperatures. But determined we are to do the club proud.If you miss that, i will be leading the first of many Prospect Park walks led by a talented pool of birders;Prospect park is the birthplace of the club in 1909.

Keep tuned to the Brooklyn Bird Club website as festivities roll along for members, guests and patrons as we all reflect, wonder and celebrate the grand old club's centennial!

Happy New Year everyone ! P.

Today's sightings

site = Prospect Park
date = 12/31/08
observers = Peter Dorosh

Pied-billed Grebe (2 Three Sisters; 1 lake)
Canada Goose
Mute Swan (2 lake)
Mallard
Northern Shoveler (common Lake)
Bufflehead (2 drake @Three sisters)
Ruddy Duck
Red-tailed Hawk (Tunnel Arch stairs)
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Tufted Titmouse (west island)
American Robin (Sullivan Hill ~12)European Starling
Song Sparrow (3 south lakeside)
Swamp Sparrow (west island benches)
White-throated Sparrow (15 West Island)
Northern Cardinal (8 west island)
House Sparrow

Monday, December 29, 2008

December 29th brief sightings

From Mike Corzine:

Hey Peter

The Ring-Necked Duck was still in the Upper Pool when I was heading out at about 9:30ish. Also, a Bufflehead too. No luck with the Siskins- but a couple of small groups of Goldfinches in the Sweetgums.
Best,
Michael

For the record: Pine Siskins of 12/26

Kingboider's note: The 75+ Pine Siskins reported last Thursday at Rick's Place ( Boulder Bridge) did not set a new record. A search of the historical records revealed that on December 11th, 1963, 200 Pine Siskins were recorded by Olney Raymond, a much reknown birder of the 50's and 60's.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Pine Siskins 12/26/08

I was fortunate to be in the park when Rob Jett text messaged me about abundant Pine Siskins in the Vale and then even more at Ricks Place . When I got there, I immediately spotted them just on the north side of the Boulder Bridge , numbers devouring the Sweetgum seeds.In all, Rob estimated between 75 to 100 Pine Siskins.They kept moving around, eventually taking off into the northern Midwood where more Sweetgum trees reside. So...you should focus on this area and try your luck....they were in the park yesterday and should hang around as long as sweetgum yield their productive fruit.

PINE SISKINS: 75-100 Ricks Place central hub.north side of the Boulder Bridge.

Christmas Day Pine Siskins

12/25/09 around noon
Observers: Janet Zinn, Alan Baratz, Valerie Heldt

Flock of 10-12 Pine Siskins feeding in the two sweetgums at the southwest side of the lake (between the gazebo and the benches which view West Island.)

Janet ZinnBrooklyn, NY
www.janetzinnphotography.com

******************************
From Janet Schumacher:

Mid-southern end of Midwood was pretty active yesterday with the usual winter birds. Then a flock of at least a dozen siskins flew into the sweetgums . About 15 minutes later they flew west.

site = Prospect Park
date = 12/25/08
observers = Janet Schumacher

Red-bellied Woodpecker (2)
Downy Woodpecker (2)
Blue Jay (2+)
Black-capped Chickadee (2+)
Tufted Titmouse (2+)
Carolina Wren (1)
European Starling (6)
Northern Cardinal (4)
Pine Siskin 12+ Midwood
American Goldfinch (2+)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve 12/24

To my readers:

I wish everyone Merry Christmas,Happy Chanukah, and Happy Holidays. May we cherish all the gifts we receive from nature and her birds. Of course, this being the season for sharing and contemplation, we here at the Brooklyn Bird Club are grateful for the community of birders and nature lovers who make the natural experience a fun one throughout the year.

As I trudged home from work this rainy day ( though wishing it was a white Christmas), I reflected upon the magic Christmas Eve represents for me. The year is coming to a close and I look back much pleased with the many birding sightings i saw--some"lifers" like Black-throated Gray Warbler,Hoary Redpoll,Red-necked Stint, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose or second timers like White-winged crossbills devouring pine cones in great eagerness upstate and all the other quality birds as gifts I received and cherished.Christmas isn't just one day...but many over the months and years. Of course, its great to share them too with others...after all, its the people we bird with , old acquaintances and new that makes the experience that much more rewarding..

Of course,birds look for gifts too..namely my feeders; and there and around, by us giving focus to them, they give back joy to others. As i approached the feeders , en route I met Rob and Tracy and we threesome got a nice Xmas eve gift : a perched low bright male Purple finch.Seems like the color from this bird was fitting, symbolizing the season, like a sitting poinsettia...almost. The feeders themselves offered the joy of bird numbers, each species giving way to others, with a few chasing other bird moments, but nevertheless much toleration for the most delicious seeds. Two Rusty Blackbirds gifted us with their presence under the feeders while overhead, woodpeckers Downy, Red-Bellied, and Hairy made some quiet noise. The Squirrels...well...i forgive them for one day only in the merry mood i am in for the moment. ;)>

The Well house beckoned next and there red-capped Northern Cardinals adorned the slope in strong numbers with a male Eastern Towhee maneuvering among them...It seems appropriate to have lots of "holiday" cardinals this day .

And finally, the Lake seem like a big happy family out there on the frozen surface. Over 1500 Ringbilled Gulls look like a massive blob with some Greater Black-backed gulls sticking out like lumps of coal. Staying away from that crowd, in their own corner, Northern Shovelers,Mallards, and Coots are minding their own business while a nearby Cooper's Hawk spied from West Island treetops. Seems like a lot of sense to me....the crowd on the ice looks like a Macy's last minute shopping frenzy.

Everyone...... enjoy your holiday season safe and in peace.

Cheers,

Peter

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/24/08
Number of species: 35
Observers : Peter D, Rob Bate, Tracy ?

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 2 lake
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 110 lake
Northern Shoveler 230 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake
Cooper's Hawk 1
American Coot 38 lake
Ring-billed Gull 1500 lake
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 9 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 feeders
Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders
Hairy Woodpecker 1 feeders
Blue Jay 1 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
Hermit Thrush 1 wellhouse
European Starling 1
Eastern Towhee 1 wellhouse
Fox Sparrow 1 feeders ( much gray on lower feathers, intermediate?)
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 feeders
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 12 feeders
Dark-eyed Junco 3 feeders
Northern Cardinal 14 wellhouse
Red-winged Blackbird 3 feeders
Rusty Blackbird 2 feeders
Purple Finch 1 male; Terrace Bridge downward path to rink
House Finch 9 feeders
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Monday, December 22, 2008

Official Prospect Park 12/20 Xmas count results and list

Here is the list submitted to me by the compiler for Prospect Park which has been upped to
60 species ( from the previously reported 59)



Pied-billed Grebe 5
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Mute Swan 4
Canada Goose 386
Wood Duck 3
American Black Duck 3
Mallard 108
Northern Shoveler 263
Gadwall 7
Bufflehead 2
Ruddy Duck 48
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 5
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 2
American Coot 33
Ring-billed Gull 340
Herring Gull 22
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Dove 49
Mourning Dove 19
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 11
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 14
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 11
American Crow 5
Black-capped Chickadee 23
Tufted Titmouse 8
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 9
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Hermit Thrush 10
American Robin 129
Northern Mockingbird 6
European Starling 14
Northern Cardinal 70
Eastern Towhee 1
Fox Sparrow 6
Song Sparrow 10
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 98
Dark-eyed Junco 9
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 2
House Finch 16
American Goldfinch 36
House Sparrow 51
Ring-necked Duck 1
Winter Wren 2
Purple Finch 1
Rusty Blackbird 2
Pine Siskin 1

Final tally Overall Brooklyn Bird Count 12/20

Since Prospect Park, BBGarden and Greenwood is part of the count..its eligible here to report that the final number of species seen in the NYBR circle was 124 species

the total # birds was 46,631

List


Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Northern Gannet
Great Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Mute Swan
Snow Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Green-winged Teal
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
Eurasian Wigeon
American Wigeon
Canvasback
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Long-tailed Duck
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Scoter (sp.)
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
Ring-necked Pheasant
American Coot
Black-bellied Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Sanderling
Purple Sandpiper
Dunlin
American Woodcock
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove
Monk Parakeet
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Horned Lark
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
American Pipit
Cedar Waxwing
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Palm Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Eastern Towhee
American Tree Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrows
Great Egret
Ring-necked Duck
Black Scoter
Common Merganser
Rough-legged Hawk
Clapper Rail
Killdeer
Ruddy Turnstone
Snowy Owl
Winter Wren
Orange-crowned Warbler
White-crowned Sparrow
Purple Finch
Little Blue Heron
Common Eider
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Black-legged Kittiwake
Yellow Warbler
Sharp-tailed Sparrow (sp.)
Seaside Sparrow
Rusty Blackbird
Pine Siskin
Blackpoll Warbler

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Xmas count day in Brooklyn

Today' count was a cold ,frigid one , so I am glad I do it in Prospect and not some some forbidden stretch on the windy coast, though I could be termed hardy for that task. Prospect has always been my count location for at least the last quarter century and today was a rewarding one.With my droopy eyelids, i wont have the time to make up a rough list (hopefully tomorrow) .But I can say that Prospect recorded a wonderful 59 species; the overall Brooklyn Count tallied 123 species, which according to the count compiler, was the average ( I asked for the file ,so will wait for it) . Here's to the brave and hardy counters, doing a fun cherished event regardless of the weather. Hats off!


Prospect Park

59 species: best mentions- Ring-necked Duck,2 Rusty Blackbirds (feeders), Pine Siskin, male Purple Finch(wellhouse back),Wood Duck , 7 Gadwall

List (NOT OFFICIAL, missing 5 species ,awaiting compiler's file)

site = Prospect Park
date = 12/20/08
observers = Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect Xmas counters

Pied-billed Grebe (5 )
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck (3 zoo)
Gadwall (7)
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ring-necked Duck (1 drake lake; 1 BBG)
Bufflehead (2 Upper pool and west island)
Ruddy Duck
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Merlin
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird (2 at feeders)
Common Grackle
Purple Finch (bright male behind Wellhouse)
House Finch
Pine Siskin (inside Quaker cemetry (off limits))
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Friday, December 19, 2008

the day before the CBC....thank goodness its messy today

I look forward to the Brooklyn Xmas Bird count with anticipation..Its always a fun event and sort of magical to see whats out there. Some birds I hope we get tomorrow that I saw today and an exciting find is always on folks minds (among my faves--Northern Shrike, Saw-whet Owl,Northern Goshawk, Black-headed Gull, Glaucous Gull, the latter the best rare sighting,at that time, the only such sighing on a Xmas count in the northeast ) . Nevertheless, its the joy of being outdoors, hanging out with great friends and good people.. here's to the good birds and the camaraderie. With today's weather turned for the worse, the feeders become a critical haven for the hungry birds......do me a favor if you are there .....shoo away the squirrels. Have fun out there if you are participating in the Xmas count..

My December 19th sightings

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/19/08
Number of species: 36


Canada Goose 190 mostly around Duck Island
Mute Swan 2 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 220 lake mostly near peninsula thumb
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake upper pool
Bufflehead 2 one drake upper pool, other drake west island
Ruddy Duck 73 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 4 lake
Double-crested Cormorant 1 lake
Red-tailed Hawk 1 feeders
American Coot 9 lullwater bridge
Ring-billed Gull 800 lake
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 feeders
Downy Woodpecker 2 feeders
Blue Jay 1 feeders
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 2 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders
Hermit Thrush 1 feeders
American Robin 9 f/o terrace br
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 1 west isl
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 3 feeders
Northern Cardinal 11 wellhouse
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 consistently on ground below feeders
House Finch 1 male feeders
American Goldfinch 6 feeders
House Sparrow 15

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

December 18th sightings

From Alex Wilson:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/18/08
Number of species: 51

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck 1 (Drake, Upper Pool.)
Bufflehead X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 (Juvenile, Nethermead.)
Cooper's Hawk 1 (Adult, Peninsula.)
Red-tailed Hawk X
Merlin 1 (Midwood.)
Peregrine Falcon 1 (On signal tower at east corner of park.)
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1 (Male, Lullwater.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (Breeze Hill feeders.)
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 2
Hermit Thrush 3
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee 2 (Male & female, Lookout Hill.)
Fox Sparrow (Red) 6
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X (Few.)
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Rusty Blackbird 1 (With Red-wings on ground under Breeze > Hill feeders.)
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Dec 17th sightings

Upper Pool: Ring-necked Duck drake with Bufflehead

Feeders: Rusty Blackbird with usual company: RB Nuthatch, WB Nuthatch, Chickadees, Titmouse,Cardinals,etc
Nearby to feeders: Red-tailed Hawk perched on the crossbeam of a Breeze Hill lamppost, no doubt with a watchful eye for squirrels ;)>

More later,
P.

PS. The Brooklyn Xmas Count is this Saturday.Late interested folks,please contact me.

List


125 Canada Goose lake
2 Mute Swan lake
3Wood Duck lake off peninsula thumb
225Northern Shoveler lake
1Ring-necked Duck drake upper pool
2Bufflehead 1upper pool;1 west island
12Ruddy Duck 6 upper pool
2Pied-billed Grebe lake
2Red-tailed Hawk one Breeze Hill; 1 tennis house
xAmerican Coot
xRing-billed Gull
xHerring Gull
xRock Pigeon
25Mourning Dove feeders
1Red-bellied Woodpecker feeders
2Downy Woodpecker feeders
1Blue Jay
3American Crow Ballfields
3Black-capped Chickadee feeders
2Tufted Titmouse feeders
1Red-breasted Nuthatch feeders
4 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders; 2 Nethermead
1Golden-crowned Kinglet Falkill falls pines
1Hermit Thrush terrace br
xAmerican Robin
xEuropean Starling
2Song Sparrow west island
1Swamp Sparrow west island shelter
xWhite-throated Sparrow feeders; and 12 west isl
2Northern Cardinal wellhouse
1Red-winged Blackbird feeders
1Rusty Blackbird feeders
xAmerican Goldfinch
xHouse Sparrow

Friday, December 12, 2008

December 12 sightings

From Rob Jett:

Report - Prospect Park , 12/12/08

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/12/08
Number of species: 39

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 317
Bufflehead X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Merlin 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay X
American Crow 4
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee 1
Fox Sparrow X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X>
American Goldfinch X>
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)\

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Peter

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/12/08
Number of species: 32

Canada Goose 180 lake
Mute Swan 4 ( 2 lake; 2 lulwater)
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 325 Lake
Ruddy Duck 15 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 3 ( one rink cove; 2 lake)
Great Blue Heron 1 Lily Pool
Red-tailed Hawk 2 Lookout Hill
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 feeder
American Crow 1 f/o lullwater
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeder
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeder
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeder
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeder
Carolina Wren 1 slope behind Wellhouse
Hermit Thrush 1 feeder
American Robin 12 wellhouse, perched in ginkoes
Northern Mockingbird 1 LP 249
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow 2 ( one feeder; one LP 249 Lookout hill base)
Song Sparrow 1 Peninisula
Swamp Sparrow 1 peninsula sumacs
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal 9 , wellhouse slope
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
American Goldfinch 7 feeders

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

12/10 sightings inc Rusty BB, & "Hoodies"

From Alex Wilson:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/10/08
Number of species: 47

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 2 (Pair, upper Lullwater.)
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Bufflehead 3
Hooded Merganser 7 (3 drake, 4 hen, Lake.)
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Great Blue Heron 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 (Adult, made a kill at the Vale.)
Red-tailed Hawk X
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1 (Male, upper Lullwater.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1 (Aralia Grove.)
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 (Path above lamppost 249.)
Hermit Thrush 8
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) X
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow 1 (Lily Pond.)
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Rusty Blackbird 1 (With Robin flock upslope from Maryland Monument.)
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

12/9 Sightings

Peter's report:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/9/08
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose 75
Mute Swan 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 325 lake,but about 200 at Three sisters islands
Ruddy Duck 45 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 f/o feeders
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o terrace br
Merlin 1 perched at Nethermead
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 feeders
Blue Jay 2 Peninsula sumacs
American Crow 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
Hermit Thrush 1 feeders
American Robin 12
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

*****************************

From Orrin:

Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher (Lullwater)
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker (BBG rose garden)
Blue Jay
American Crow (Flyover, BBG)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Feeders)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper (1)
American Robin (Large flock, BBG north end)
Northern Mockingbird (Several, BBG)
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing (1, BBG north end)
Song Sparrow (BBG)
Swamp Sparrow (Phragmites near West Island)
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Sunday, December 7, 2008

12/7 : Orange-crowned Warbler in town

photo credit: Steve Nanz

(Kingsboider says: Click on photo for larger image, it should work)


I happened to bumped into Rob Jett and Keir Randall in the early afternoon and as we bantered near the feeders, I get a text message from Steve Nanz. He's got an Orange-crowned Warbler at Rick's Place's Environmental bond sign.We get over there and fortunately run into Steve where he detailed the location.We didn't see it there. But it didn't take long to relocate the pretty warbler, known for its late fall presence. The bird is downslope, towards the north Midwood horse trail that comes out from the Tunnel Arch.It took some careful searching after Rob's initial spotting but we lost it among the many ground scratching White-throated Sparrows. As I stood near the base of the slope, I found the warbler our third time, feeding rapidly among the snakeroot wildflowers and down branches on that slope. Eventually the bird move towards the Midwood where I left it in the company of Steve , Rob and Keir since I had to run for a 3pm classical Baroque Concert in a neighborhood Church. It was last seen in a yellow still attached leaf tree , our Orange- Crowned feeding quite fast among like colored leaves ,the diminutive bird picking out buggy remains under wilted leaves, offering us terrific views of this nice find,thanks to Steve. I count my blessings for such great birds in wintertime......

Peter

Observers: Steve Nanz, Rob Jett, Keir Randall, Peter Dorosh

ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER- north midwood horse trail, upslope towards Ricks Place.

Other stuff

Feeders: Titmouse, Red-breasted Nuthatch,White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy WP,Mourning Dove, American Goldfinch ,Hermit thrush

Lullwater: adult Coopers Hawk

Breeze Hill- 2 Red-tailed Hawk,juveniles, one swooped low over us.

Lake: 6 Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Shoveler (many), Mallard, Coots, herring, ring billed gulls, 2 Greater Black-backed Gull,Ruddy Duck

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

from Orrin:

In addition to Peter's report, one swamp sparrow among the house sparrows behind the rink and 2 song sparrows on the paved path up from behind the rink to Terrace Bridge. Also, two great blue herons on the lake and a belted kingfisher on the lullwater

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Rob Jett:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/7/08
Number of species: 38

Canada Goose X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Bufflehead X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Red-tailed Hawk 3
Merlin X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Carolina Wren X
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
European Starling X
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Fox Sparrow X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X>>

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Saturday, December 6, 2008

12/6 : still continuing saga of the Black-throated Blue Warbler + listings

From Mike Corzine:

The Black throated Blue is still in the park. I saw him behind the Wellhouse after waiting for a bit. He was far up on the right of the hill, almost to the path that runs above it. I lost him and decided to head over to the Maryland Monument to see if anything else was about. Funny, he showed up again and practically hit me in the head as he buzzed by. He came down in the yellow leaves & sticks just bellow the monument (to the right when facing the monument) This all happened from about 10- 10:20 AM. I took a few photos with my camera phone- he got that close.

Black-throated Blue Warbler - Maryland Monument

Also of note-
At about 8:20 two Merlins were knocking each other off their perches & chasing each other near Nellie's Lawn & over East Drive. Good show.
Hermit Thrush- Vale
Brown Creeper- near Dongan Oak Monu.
Carolina Wren- seen from the site of the Rustic Shelter looking down towards horse path
A second Bufflehead is now on the Upper Pool
Goldfinches- a couple of small groups
lots of Juncos too
White throated Sparrow
Great Blue Heron- flying into reeds near lake
Ruby-crowned Kinglet behind Wellhouse
White & Red breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, Blue Jays, Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker all at the feeders

Best,Michael Cozine

**********************************

Peter's posting:

A late midafternoon start , some feeder checkup and curiosity as to what is out there these early days of winter enabled me to get some fresh air and views of the wonderful Black-throated Blue Warbler.Being a diehard warbler aficionado, I relished the sight of this bird making remarkable strides surviving his winter residence and cold when he really should be suntanning and eating insects somewhere down south in the Caribbean. Realistically, I wish he would scat before the snows come. well....we 'll see. Mike's posting last revealed the bird at the Maryland Monument. But the bird moved. After checking up on the feeders, i was walking back along the Peninsula sumacs,along Well Drive when the little guy flew out of the sumacs, across the road into a Cherry Tree, where the warbler momentarily perched. Really, I wish he would go before the snows come...........

More on the bird:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Black-throated_Blue_Warbler_dtl.html

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/6/08
Number of species: 33

Canada Goose 92 lake
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 1 three sisters islands;drake
Mallard 65 west island and west shore
Northern Shoveler 350 lake
Ruddy Duck X lake
Pied-billed Grebe 5 3@ three sisters; 2 northwest sector lake
Great Blue Heron 1 three sisters
Red-tailed Hawk 2 1 @ Maryland monument;other Lookout hill
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 feeders
Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 2 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders
Hermit Thrush 1 feeders
European Starling X
Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 male peninsula sumacs, then wellhouse region
Fox Sparrow (Red) 4 feeders
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1 west island mainland
White-throated Sparrow 35 mostly west island mainland; some feeders
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal 5 Lookout Hill
Red-winged Blackbird 15 west island mainland sweetgums
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Eddie Davis:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/6/08
Number of species: 33

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Towhee
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Thursday, December 4, 2008

12/4: Black-throated Blue Warbler is a tough little survivor

I received word from Rob Bate that our Prospect long overstayed guest still lingers.Today Rob saw the gorgeous fella 2 pm at the Wellhouse. When Eddie Davis saw the bird here last time, the warbler was seen feeding on sapsucker holes above the wellhouse , tree sap another unknown but highly nutritious staple some warblers feed upon. So, go see the tough little survivor: there are very few NYState December records for this species-- i think it was 6 --5 recorded as feeder birds.....this one is a wilderness type......

the following link offers insights to warbler (the Dendroica genus which is our most dominant warbler genus) diet preferences.Interestedly, the BtBwarbler does incline towards sugary fluids, but nothing noted on tree sap....

http://www.aba.org/yb/yby/2004winners/rolnick_em.pdf

**************************************

I forgot my binoculars today; nevertheless, here is my "naked eye" list for the day, a very brief list due to my working most of the day at a single location .

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/4/08
Notes: Number of species: 20

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 2 west island
Mallard X
Great Blue Heron 1 west island
American Coot 18 all at lullwater
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 west island
Downy Woodpecker 1 west island
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
Hermit Thrush 1 lullwater
American Robin X
European Starling X
Swamp Sparrow 1 west island
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Bird feeders info + 12/3 bird list /hilights

Dear birders,

I am delighted to continue my tradition of the bird feeders I hang up all winter for the birding community to enjoy. This year, there is a tremendous upgrade as you will see when you visit the location. It was a bit of work setting up but worth the effort when I finished today. As I completed the job, a Rusty Blackbird came right in and fed beneath the feeders!

For security sake, I assume most if not all of you know the location. If you need to know where exactly, please let me know and i will reply individually. My email address is prosbird@aol.com . In any list serve posting you make or I make in order to protect the feeders ( except the darn squirrels know !) , they should say "feeders" or "BH Feeders".

Many thanks and I hope you will help protect those feeders. If you see anything askew or need of repair , please inform me asap since the feeders are high up and I use a tall work ladder to reach . Also, I see a new feeder from someone which I hung on a different wire line to lessen the weight on the pipe frame I set up. It seems the thinner wire deters the squirrels a bit ( they hang on the feeders and tilt their weight to pour out the seeds.)

For all you birders of all ages, enjoy the winter birds!

Peter

**************************************

Hilights: Late BLUE-HEADED VIREO and BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER, RUSTY BLACKBIRD , Monday's AMERICAN BITTERN

Kingsboider Blogster note: I am just speculating here about the Blue-headed Vireo .Today it was reported in Midwood late morning, and the second sighting near the well house mid afternoon. I spoke with Eddie Davis and his description was that his vireo was very bright , with bright yellow flanks ( the one seen originally by Rob Bate weeks ago and me and Scott the next day). This morning, I saw the BH vireo that was much more drab, with more muted pale yellowish flanks.I do believe there are two Blue -headed Vireos in Prospect Park.



From Peter:

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 12/3/08
Number of species: 22

Blue-headed Vireo 1 southwestern Midwood along nature trail nearest horse trail

Canada Goose 95 peninsula meadow
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X lake
Ruddy Duck X lake
Great Blue Heron 1 south lullwater or rink
Red-tailed Hawk 2 ( 1 perched in Elizabeth's Tulip Tree at Nellies Lawn ; 2nd f/o Terrace Br)
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Blue Jay 2 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 feeders
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow X flock at Ricks Place ; also feeders
Dark-eyed Junco X small flock at Ricks place
Fox Sparrow Ricks Place
Northern Cardinal 4
Rusty Blackbird 1 feeders
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

************************************

From Orrin:


Great Blue Heron (2 over LP 249, 1 BBG Japanese Pond)
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher (1, lullwater)
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird (BBG)
European Starling
Fox Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
House Finch (sweet gum near west island cove)
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

****************************
From Eddie:

A good afternoon in the park: I saw the famous Blue-Headed Vireo AND the famous Black Throated Blue Warbler within a matter of minutes. Also, the new feeders look great!
Good birding,
Eddie

site = Prospect Park
date = 12/3/08
observers = Eddie Davis

Pied-billed Grebe (1, lake)
Double-crested Cormorant (1, lake)
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull (1, lake)
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher (1, lullwater bridge)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (2, breeze hill, lookout)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1, lookout)
Downy Woodpecker
Blue-headed Vireo (1, lower lookout path (between LP249 and wellhouse) at 3:45pm)
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren (1, lower lookout path)
Winter Wren (1, lower lookout path)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1, wellhouse)
Hermit Thrush (3, peninsula grove, feeders)
American Robin (lullwater)
Gray Catbird (1, feeders)
European Starling
Black-throated Blue Warbler (1, lower lookout path above wellhouse, feeding from sapsucker holes)
Fox Sparrow (3, feeders, lookout path above wellhouse)
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco (2, lullwater)
Northern Cardinal

********************************

From Stanley Greenberg:

AMERICAN BITTERN reported at the phragmite marsh in the northwest section of the lake (opposite lamppost #249). The bittern was seen Monday walking into the phragmites.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Bird seed request

I went tonight to get bird seed for the Breeze Hill feeders. I noted that the price rose for the 20 lb bag of black sunflower seed ( $8.50) . If any of you know a place i can find cheaper (but good and fresh) seed , even if in bulk , let me know.My email address is Prosbird@aol.com

Thanks

P.

12/2 sightings inc cont.BTB warbler

From Rob Bate:

Black-throated Blue Warbler continues. I spotted him in the wooded path south of the Maryland monument. Also Winter Wren, Carolina Wren, Towhee and the usual suspects for a total of 41 species today.

**********************************

From Peter ( day long casual sightings)

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 12/2/08
Number of species: 25

Canada Goose X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 275
Bufflehead 1 upper pool
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Double-crested Cormorant 1 lake
Great Blue Heron 3 ( 2 f/o quaker ridge;1 Lake shore)
Cooper's Hawk 1 adult perched above Tennis House; dove for squirrel near upper pool
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Carousel
Merlin 1 Perched above Tennis right after Coopers hawk prey hunt
American Coot 15 south lullwater 8; rest on lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Black-capped Chickadee 1 breeze hill feeder
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 breeze hill feeder
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 breeze hill feeder
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 2 terrace br east
White-throated Sparrow X terrace br east, small flock
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal 5
Purple Finch 2 females terrace bridge west

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

continuing Blue-headed vireo in prospect

From Eni Falci:

Hi Peter-Vin & I led the beginners walk Saturday and we would like to add to the sighting report for Saturday 11/29 that the late Blue Headed Vireo is still in the park. We had a great view of it at the Maryland Monument wooded edge.
Eni

Kingsboider's blog note: according to NYSTATE Bull's atlas, the latest date for this species is December 6th.we are getting pretty close to that date so.........keep your eyes open for this species and let me know if you see it..

Saturday, November 29, 2008

11/29 sightings

From BBGarden, during my leisured visit

18 Cedar Waxwings at Conservatory mall, with robins
at Japanese Garden near shinto shrine model: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, White-breasted Nuthatch, White-throated Sparrows, Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jays,Red-Tailed Hawk

P.

************************************

From Alex Wilson:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/29/08
Number of species: 51
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Bufflehead X
Ruddy Duck X
Great Blue Heron 2
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 (Lookout Hill.)
Red-tailed Hawk X
Merlin 1 (Perched, Nethermead.)
American Coot X
Laughing Gull 1 (Adult, Lake.)
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1 (Upper Lullwater.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Eastern Phoebe 2 (Maryland Monument; Peninsula woods.)
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper 2
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 (Binnen Water.)
Hermit Thrush 10
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 5
Fox Sparrow (Red) X
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow 2 (Upper Lullwater.)
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X (Modest numbers, mostly flyovers.)
Rusty Blackbird 1 (Vale, in drained pool, PM.)
Common Grackle X
Purple Finch 2 (Lookout Hill.)
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X (Fair numbers.)
House Sparrow X

Raptor mystery




I received some pictures from a birder i know casually -David Chorlian,who , along with wife Helen, saw a raptor bathing in the Upper Pool on Thanksgiving Day. Right now, i am in a friendly debate over the hawk's identity which isn't unanimous...yet. My slight leaning is Northern Goshawk but a few friends think Coopers and or Northern Harrier. I am still waiting for more details and opinions. The photograph's quality isn't the greatest since it was taken from a long distance and photoshopped. But in the meantime or anytime, if you happen to be in the heavily wooded Ravine area or the pools (or Midwood, Lullwater) , keep your eyes open; that or not in Prospect,Goshawks love to stay reclusive in heavily wooded habitats. Drop me a line if you are successful seeing any Red-tailed sized bird with a quite L-o-o-o-n-n-g-g -g wide tail. (Peter Dunne of "Hawks in Flight" calls the big raptor " a flying stovepipe" cause of its wide big body and almost equivalent tail width). Goshawks are a tad larger than Red-tailed Hawks; Cooper's Hawk is slightly larger Crow size. (last year there was an immature goshawk frequenting the Lullwater /Breeze Hill area ,around the feeders)




Friday, November 28, 2008

11/28 sightings

Hilights include: late lingering Black-throated Blue warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Pine Warbler,Monk Parakeets


A Black-throated Blue warbler male is still present seen this morning to the left of the Wellhouse, on the slope. Later I saw it near the water fountain in the brush below or Peninsula Sumacs where a female Common Yellowthroat Warbler is also seen. A complete list later.

Peter

*************************************

Peter's list:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/28/08
Number of species: 36

Canada Goose 65
Mute Swan 2 (lake)
Gadwall 1 (lake)
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 325 (lake)
Ruddy Duck 55 (lake)
Pied-billed Grebe 5 (3 lake;2 rink)
Great Blue Heron 1 (low f/o Nethermead)
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 (LP249 Lookout hill)
Red-tailed Hawk 2 (1 terrace br; elsewhere)
American Coot 15( 8 south lullwater; rest lake)
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 18
Monk Parakeet 2 (f/o LP249 Lookout hill)
Downy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 2 (wellhouse)
Blue Jay 3
Tufted Titmouse 1 (wellhouse)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 (peninsula sumacs)
American Robin 11
Northern Mockingbird 2 (both clashing ;Terrace br)
European Starling X
Black-throated Blue Warbler ( Wellhouse left slope; later water fountain @ peninsula sumacs)
Common Yellowthroat 1 (peninsula sumacs)
Chipping Sparrow 10 (nethermead)
Fox Sparrow 1 (LP 249)
Song Sparrow 3 (West island)
Swamp Sparrow 3 (2 west is; 1 peninsula sumacs)
White-throated Sparrow 22 (most at West is shore)
Dark-eyed Junco 65 (Nethermead)
Northern Cardinal 4 (wellhouse)
Red-winged Blackbird 13 (west is sweetgums)
House Finch 9 (6 west is sweetgums;3LP 249)
American Goldfinch 16
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

********************************
from Ed Crowne:

site = Brooklyn Botanic Garden
date = 11/28/08
observers = Ed Crowne
Pine Warbler (bright male, BBG Children's Garden, pine tree)

Note: The childrens garden is just inside the Empire Blvd /Flatbush ave entrance

Thursday, November 27, 2008

11/27 Thanksgiving Day

To blog readers and Brooklyn Bird Club members:

Happy Thanksgiving and many good wishes on this special day . May we all be thankful and blessed for the many great gifts of the past year and coming,particularly friendship and good birds........ And no, I didn't see a wild turkey in Prospect Park today. ;)>

*******************************************


Hilights include COMMON REDPOLL, BONAPARTE'S GULL, Pine Siskin

From Glenn Davis:

5 finch species reported early this morning at Lamppost #249, at Lookout Hill southwest base.

COMMON REDPOLL (4)
Purple Finch
American Goldfinch
House Finch
Pine Siskin

*************************************

From Keir Randall

hi Peter

Great morning in PP today. In addition to the previous posts, I also came up with:

1 Bonaparte's Gull (11am, Lake, SW of Peninsular "thumb", on the water with RBGs. Seen well)

1 Laughing Gull (as above)

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Breeze Hill)

Carolina Wren (Lookout Hill)

cheers,Keir

Keir Randall Brooklyn

******************************

Observers: Peter, Mary Eyster,Paul Keim, Glenn Davis


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/27/08
Number of species: 40

Canada Goose X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 320 lake
Bufflehead 2 upper pool mix pair
Ruddy Duck 5 Upper pool
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2 f/o center drive;lp 249;
Red-tailed Hawk 1 lp 249
Merlin 1 chase sharp-shinned hawk at Center dr
American Coot 6 lake west shore
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 lookout hill
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 southwest berm
Eastern Phoebe 1 Quaker cemetery sw corner
Blue Jay 5
Black-capped Chickadee 4 lookout
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1 lookout hill
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 lookout hill
Hermit Thrush 2 lookout hill
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird 1 peninsula sumacs;1 lp 249
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow 1 peninsula sumacs
Fox Sparrow (Red) 6 Lookout hill south slope ( likely more couldn't see in thick brush)
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1 LP 249
White-throated Sparrow 35 LH southern slope , many more unseen
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal 3
House Finch
American Goldfinch 6 peninsula sumacs
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)

******************************************
From Rafael:

A text message early this morning sent the alert about Pine Siskins & Common Redpolls at PP (I missed both of them).But at the end, with almost 40 sps recorded in about 3 & half hours, was not that bad.

The following is the bird list recorded today 27 November 2008.
Site: Prospect Park
Observer: Rafael Campos

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Bufflehead (1 male, Upper Pool)
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
(American) Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Purple Finch (2 females)
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
*******************************************************
Brooklyn is good birding: Rafa Campos

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

11/26 sightings

Highlights include: Common Merganser , MARSH WREN, and continuing LATE Blue-headed Vireo ,possibly two different birds, latter species ( West Island and Vale Cashmere)

From Rob Bate:

I didn't see the loon today, I gave a good scope scan from the rink and again from the north shore by the Wellhouse. I hope someone saw it.There was a Common Merganser off the peninsula and a Marsh Wren on the north shore. Rob

****************************************

From Orrin:


Quite birdy, particularly around West Island cove and near lily pond. And I didn't even look for the loon.+

Pied-billed Grebe
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Cooper's Hawk (BBG)
Red-tailed Hawk (BBG & park)
American Kestrel 51%
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue-headed Vireo (rustic shelter near West Island cove)
Blue Jay
American Crow (chasing probable kestrel)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper (reported by another birder in BBG)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (BBG, slope across from rose carden)
Hermit Thrush (multiple)
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird (BBG & LP249)
European Starling
Eastern Towhee (east side of luillwater)
Fox Sparrow (many)
Swamp Sparrow (2, phragmites near West Island cove)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird (phragmites near West Island cove)
American Goldfinch (sweet gum near West Island cove)
House Sparrow

*********************************

From Alex Wilson:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/26/08
Number of species: 52
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Bufflehead X
Common Merganser 1 (1 or 2, female type, lower Lullwater & off Peninsula tip.)
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk X
Merlin 1 (1 or 2, Pools/Long Mdw flyby; perched, Nethermead.)
Peregrine Falcon 2 (On signal tower at east corner of park.)
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1 (Upper Lullwater.)
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Eastern Phoebe 1 (Wellhouse Drive.)
Blue-headed Vireo 1 (Vale.)
Blue Jay X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 4
Golden-crowned Kinglet X (Heard.)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Hermit Thrush 9
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow (Red) 25
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Purple Finch 3 (Bathing, Lullwater just above Terrace Bridge.)
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X (Modest numbers.)
House Sparrow X

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Red-throated loon on the lake

There wasn't much to report today on this very wet day. Too busy working didn't afford me much time nor desire to bird in wet clothes. But seeing a Red-throated Loon very close to the shore is a nice moment to savor. En route homeward from work, i took my normal path along the south shoreline, searching valiantly for the loon to get the record in, i found instead the relaxed Loon right behind Three Sister Islands western island, in the back channel mouth, just about 20 feet from the mainland. I watched the special bird for this park from the path, knowing and hoping it'll stick around for the Christmas Bird Count.It's a long way off, but it looks like our loony guest is quite comfy in Prospect Lake confines. Right at home for sure.

Other stuff besides Red-throated Loon (lake)

Northern Shovelers
Ruddy Duck
Canada Geese
Coots
Tufted Titmouse
White throated sparrows (numerous on Lookout Hill slope)
Juncos
Carolina Wren ( lookout hill earlier)
Red-tailed hawk ( imm low over center dr)
Mute swans-2
RB,Herring,GBB Gulls
Pied-billed grebe

Monday, November 24, 2008

11/24 post work walk

Peter Prospect brief report :

Red-throated Loon looks settled in on lake, seen 200 feet west of Peninsula thumb this afternoon

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/24/08
Number of species: 29

Canada Goose 325 (~75 Peninsula meadow; rest on Parade ground)
Mute Swan 3 lake
American Black Duck 1 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 375 lake
Ruddy Duck X lake
Red-throated Loon 1 Lake
Pied-billed Grebe 3 lake
Red-tailed Hawk 3 ( one garage; 2 soar Lookout Hill)
American Coot X lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 15
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 south lakeside
Blue Jay 5 south lake
American Crow 11
Black-capped Chickadee 1 south lake
Tufted Titmouse 1 south lake
Hermit Thrush 2
European Starling X
Swamp Sparrow 2 south lakeside
White-throated Sparrow 4 south lake
Dark-eyed Junco 75
Northern Cardinal 9 west island
Red-winged Blackbird 17 west is sweetgums
Common Grackle 4 west island
House Sparrow X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

11/24 sightings

From Mary:

site = Prospect Park
date = 11/24/08
observers = Mary Eyster

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Merlin
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
American Robin
European Starling
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch (many large flocks feeding)
House Sparrow

Sunday, November 23, 2008

November 23 sightings

The highlight today was Rusty Blackbird on the peninsula feeding near the rustic shelter in the leaf litter, 3 Pine Siskins feeding with a large goldfinch flock in a Sweet Gum on the lower Lullwater, and a bonanza at the wellhouse around 11am, including Eastern Bluebird, Blue-Headed Vireo, Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Phoebe, and Black-Throated Blue Warbler, all at the same time. Red Throated Loon is still present at 3 Sisters.

site = Prospect Park
date = 11/23/08
observers = Scott Whittle
Pied-billed Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe (wellhouse)
Blue-headed Vireo (wellhouse)
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird (1 at wellhouse)
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Black-throated Blue Warbler (wellhouse)
American Tree Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird (1 penninsula near rustic shelter)
Baltimore Oriole (1 female wellhouse)House Finch
Pine Siskin (3 in goldfinch flock lullwater)
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Red Throated Loon (3 sisters )
********************************
Orrin's addendum:
To Scott's list should be added 2 female wood ducks, 
one near the rustic shelter on the southwest side 
of the lake and the other off Terrace Bridge. 
 Also, around dusk, the phragmites across from LP 249 were swarming 
with hundreds of birds.
 
************************************
 
 From Rob Jett:
 
I spent several hours yesterday in Prospect Park and had a few  interesting highlights to report.It could have been a "Blue" theme in celebration of Sunday's  incredibly blue sky. While standing near the Wellhouse in Prospect  Park, Gerry Layton, Rob Bates and myself watch a Blue-headed Vireo,  Eastern Bluebird and Black-throated Blue Warbler feeding near the  ground. At one point, we had all three species in a single field of  view! If that wasn't enough, a phoebe sallying from a perch in an  adjacent Szechuan Peppercorn tree completed the warm weather illusion.  The bluebird was seen later in the afternoon feeding along the edge of  the Peninsula Meadow (just across the road from the Wellhouse).Another interesting note is the continuation of a Red-throated Loon on  Prospect Lake. That bird was first reported on 11/16.
 Date: November 23, 2008 
 subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/23/08
 Location:Prospect Park Observation date:     11/23/08
 Notes: Also birded with Rob Bates and Gerry Layton
 for a short time.
> Number of species:     50
 Canada Goose    
 Mute Swan    
 American Black Duck    
 Mallard    
 Northern Shoveler     300
 Bufflehead     
 Ruddy Duck     
 Red-throated Loon     1
 Pied-billed Grebe     4
 Double-crested Cormorant     
 Great Blue Heron     2
 Red-tailed Hawk     3
 Merlin     1
 American Coot    
 Ring-billed Gull     
 Herring Gull     
 Great Black-backed Gull     
 Rock Pigeon     
 Mourning Dove     
 Red-bellied Woodpecker     
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker     
 Downy Woodpecker     
 Eastern Phoebe     1
 Blue-headed Vireo     1     Feeding near Wellhouse.
 Blue Jay     
 American Crow     
 Black-capped Chickadee     
 Tufted Titmouse    
 White-breasted Nuthatch    
 Brown Creeper     1
 Winter Wren     2
 Golden-crowned Kinglet     2
 Eastern Bluebird     1     Feeding near Wellhouse and edge of  
 Peninsula Meadow.
 Hermit Thrush     
 American Robin     
 Gray Catbird     1
 Northern Mockingbird     
 European Starling    
 Black-throated Blue Warbler     1     Feeding near Wellhouse.
 Eastern Towhee     1
 Chipping Sparrow     1
 Song Sparrow     8
 White-throated Sparrow     
 Dark-eyed Junco    
 Northern Cardinal     
 Red-winged Blackbird     
 Purple Finch     5
 Pine Siskin     1
 American Goldfinch     
 House Sparrow