Its no fun to bird in high winds. Standing on the edge of Prospect Lake, I felt the hard-hitting impact of those winds that most of the time I stood intimidated behind a tree.I was hoping that the lake would offer up something rare seeking refuge from this wind storm's brunt. No sign though except at least 300 plus Canada Geese filling most of the corners of the lake.
I'll post what I saw at the end of this message later but first an opportunity to tell you regarding the annual winter birdfeeders and something new in Prospect that didn't involve a bird .
First, about the feeders. I intend to set them up sometime after Thanksgiving. I am hoping for small contribution s for seed from anyone willing to participate in the feeding of Prospect 's winter birds. Outside city vendors offer the cheapest seed and if you wish to contribute besides my own donation, email me at prosbird@aol.com
Secondly, during a fish rescue last week along the south lakeshore where the water drains , a Map Turtle was discovered and released into the lake outside the cofferdam. You can see the pictures above. The turtle was identified by our Aquatic Ecologist Adam Doan. Its either a False Map Turtle or a Common Map Turtle. We don't know which species and unsure of its origins. But whatever , its a first for the park.
for more ,click on these links to understand the species and its ecology
--Kingsboider
9:00
9:00
Kingsboider note: Curious over the true identity of the map turtle, I sent a note to the graptemys.com website expert "Chris". This was his reply:
"Sure,
It is a Texas map turtle (Graptemys versa). It is obviously someone’s escaped or released pet.
Chris"
It is a Texas map turtle (Graptemys versa). It is obviously someone’s escaped or released pet.
Chris"
So , case solved !
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all lake sightings unless noted
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/13/09
Number of species: 18
Canada Goose 300
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 4 west is
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 4
Bufflehead 1 hen
Ruddy Duck 90
Pied-billed Grebe 2
Great Blue Heron 1 -three sisters islands
Cooper's Hawk 1 -adult perched at Terrace Bridge
Red-tailed Hawk 1-- adult struggled to land on snag Three Sisters
American Coot 6
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1 Terrace Bridge
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
