Monday, November 30, 2009

November 30th Prospect brief view at the lake

Two HOODED MERGANSERS --a mixed pair--flew a circuit of the lake several times, likly very skittish, maybe tourists in for the holidays. Not much to report except a sizable assortment of gulls (looking for the unusual).

BBC Website inquiry : Lost parrot

The Brooklyn Bird Club received this inquiry yesterday.Though the bird scooted 10/24, and i presume the location is nyc ,if you see it here, call.

From: Lois Gram Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:22:53 -0500

To: info@brooklynbirdclub.org

Subject: Still Missing: African Grey Parrot

Please help me find my lost African Grey parrot, Zoë. She escaped from her pet carrier at the intersection of East 47th Street and Second Avenue on Saturday, October 24th at 3:30 PM. Zoë was last heard on Third Avenue between 57-60th Streets on November 25th. If you know of her whereabouts or have heard her please call Lois at (212) 750-5053.Reward offered for her safe return.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

November 29th Prospect reports ; BBC walk

On a day known more for some quality than quantity, I led the Brooklyn Bird Club walk with 14 people having a good time outside on this gorgeous day. With things quite slow in the early part of the walk that started at Bartel Pritchard Square, a few early good moments surfaced, all with south Lookout Hill involved.

On the middle or mid slope south path, a Red-tailed Hawk cooperated nicely, perched on a dead broken limb for all to see. At the bottom, along Lamppost 249, we delighted in watching an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW worked along the shrub edges , finally entering the chain link compound for the new picnic area. And ORANGED-CROWNED WARBLER did it again ! Although first seen in the phragmite edges by a multiflora shrub before hiding deeper in, it eventually sprung out and flew into the mulberry between the Magnolia trees and Ginkgo grove, the fourth straight day it appeared. Only several birders saw it since it was moving quite quickly and elusively.

Later noted sightings included Ring-necked Duck with a pair of Buffleheads in the Upper Pool; and another American Tree Sparrow on the horse path above the Boathouse;2 Wood ducks, each at Three Sister Islands and north Lullwater.

total # species 40

American Tree Sparrow profile: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Tree_Sparrow/id

Orange-crowned Warbler profile:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Orange-crowned_Warbler/id


trip leader: peter

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/29/09
Number of species: 40

Canada Goose X lake
Mute Swan X lake
Wood Duck 2-drake on Three Sisters; drake north Lullwater
American Black Duck 3-2 lullwater
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X lake
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Bufflehead 2 , mixed pair Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck 75 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 Upper Pool
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 f/o upper pool
Cooper's Hawk 1 f/o rink
Red-tailed Hawk 1 perched south lookout hill
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X lookout
Brown Creeper 1 lookout south
Carolina Wren 1 boathouse
American Robin X
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing X lookout
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 well drive /lamppost 249 (rare)
American Tree Sparrow 2-- LP 249; Boathouse (uncommon)
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 lamppost 249
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X lullwater
Northern Cardinal X
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X butterfly meadow; lullwater
House Sparrow X

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

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

From Stanley Greenberg:

WINTER WREN behind the Wellhouse .

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

From Rafael Campos:

Site: Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Date: 29 November 2009
Observer: Rafael Campos R.

After those gusty winds, adding more cool air to the Metro area, today was a great day to go birding. And PP is close to my house in Park Slope.
I arrived about 8 am, walked towards the Vale, and nothing but starlings, pigeons & house sparrows. At the Vale, 1 Song Sparrow was actively feeding, and out of nowhere came 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker. And that were all the birds at the Vale. Rick's Place, Midwood, and the Nethermead were empty. At the Lake, was the only place I saw some activity and numbers, mostly gulls & waterfowl (the usual suspects!!).

A quick visit to Lookout Hill, no birds, but the pools were a surprise because I saw 1 male Ring-necked Duck, and 1 pair of Buffleheads.
On my way back, the Vale was a little more active (11:15 am), and I recorded there Juncos, WT Sparrows, WB Nuthatch, YB Sapsucker.


Today list:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan (2, Lake)
Wood Duck (1 male, Lullwater near the Audubon Center)
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck (1 male, Upper Pool)
Bufflehead (1 pair, Upper Pool)
Ruddy Duck (Lake & Upper Pool)
Great Blue Heron (1, Lullwater)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
Merlin (1, flew over Nethermead,~10 am)
American Coot (Lullwater, Lake)
Ring-billed Gull
(American) Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Vale, Midwood)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (1, Vale)
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee (1, Vale)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1, Vale)
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow (1, Vale)
White-throated Sparrow (abundant)
Dark-eyed Junco (1 Wellhouse; 3 Vale)
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Saturday, November 28, 2009

November 28th Prospect

I must be on a "hot" streak. For the third consecutive day, I sighted the ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.I can't explain it, the luck I have had with this not so easy to get warbler. A couple years ago, I never had the luck of getting several reports I received of this then elusive warbler;this year, it must be about eight times ( at least), starting with a spring sighting way back then in Ohio's famous Magee Marsh region. Perhaps, as I lead the club walk tomorrow (Sunday) in Prospect, I might be lucky a fourth straight day. I'm thinking of carrying a horseshoe for luck ( if it works).

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/28/09
Number of species: 21

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 5 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake lullwater
Northern Shoveler 18 west island
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake near west island shelter
Bufflehead 1 drake near west island shelter
Ruddy Duck 75 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2 phragmites adj west island shelter
American Coot 4 lake
Ring-billed Gull 125 lake
Herring Gull (American) 45 lake
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 wellhouse
American Robin 2 peninsula
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 slope area behind wellhouse
White-throated Sparrow X
Red-winged Blackbird 2
House Sparrow X

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

Friday, November 27, 2009

November 27th Prospect, the day after the big feast

The Day after Thanksgiving required some exercise walking to shed those extra pounds . I met up with Mary and we took a long birding walk through Prospect, ending at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

It looks like I am becoming fast friends with the ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.For the second straight day,I spotted the little warbler ,this time up slope between the Well house and Lamppost #249 (behind the giant Ginkoe tree grove). It was with a bunch of birds in the weedy ,mostly multi flora shrubs; I saw it gleaning insects from a tree creeping English Ivy.After getting Mary's attention on the bird, we saw it fly away towards a Sycamore Maple, chasing a Blue Jay ! Weird...

That spot was the hottest spot this raw ,cold ,windy morning, at the middle path the base for much our birding activity.Here's what we both saw there: 4 Woodpecker species, HAIRY,DOWNY,RED-BELLIED,YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER;CAROLINA WREN;WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH;RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET ;TUFTED TITMOUSE and BLUE JAY besides the rare warbler.

This day after, it wasn't much the concern with what birds there were but simply getting out instead of sleeping on the couch all day long as a stuffed potato ; a couch "potato" isn't something I am... I need to go birding.

Observers; Peter Dorosh , Mary Eyster
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/27/09
Number of species: 34

Mute Swan 6 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake lullwater
American Black Duck 3 --1 binnen pool;2 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X lake
Ruddy Duck 75 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 5--2 lake;3 lullwater
Great Blue Heron 1 lake; flyaway
Red-tailed Hawk 2- over boathouse/lily pool
American Coot X lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Downy Woodpecker 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Hairy Woodpecker 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Blue Jay 3 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Black-capped Chickadee 1 boathouse
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Carolina Wren 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 terrace bridge
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
American Robin 2 boathouse
European Starling 100 boathouse
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Eastern Towhee 1 male boathouse slope path
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 20 --8 terrace bridge ;12 south middle Lookout Hill , path
Northern Cardinal X
House Sparrow X

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

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Nov 26th Happy Thanksgiving ! (+ a Turkey Trot Prospect List)






From the Kingsboider wishing you all a safe and wonderful holiday!




Trivia

How the Turkey Got Its Name
*
There are a number of explanations for the origin of the name of Thanksgiving's favorite dinner guest. Some believe Christopher Columbus thought that the land he discovered was connected to India, and believed the bird he discovered (the turkey) was a type of peacock. He therefore called it 'tuka,' which is 'peacock' in Tamil, an Indian language.
Though the turkey is actually a type of pheasant, one can't blame the explorer for trying.
The Native American name for turkey is 'firkee'; some say this is how turkeys got their name. Simple facts, however, sometimes produce the best answers—when a turkey is scared, it makes a "turk, turk, turk" noise.
*
Turkeys have great hearing, but no external ears. They can also see in color, and have excellent visual acuity and a wide field of vision (about 270 degrees), which makes sneaking up on them difficult. However, turkeys have a poor sense of smell (what's cooking?), but an excellent sense of taste.

*
Domesticated turkeys cannot fly. Wild turkeys, however, can fly for short distances at speeds up to 55 miles per hour. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground.
*
Turkeys sometimes spend the night in trees.
***********************
A short "turkey trot " into Prospect this morning (while a "Turkey Trot " race 5 miler was in progress) didn't produce any of those celebrity birds for which this day is known for , but rather an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER still lingering around. I first saw the bird quickly fly into a bush in front of the Wellhouse, before it took off for the phragmites along the lakeshore.About 20 minutes later, I again saw the Orange-crowned quite well for a long time, feeding on the mugwort and ground cover in the Peninsula Sumacs, on the left side if you stood on the lawn. Quite a "hungry " little fella.
^
Another keen observation was seen on Three Sister Islands: right where the Great Blue Heron was perched on a tree branch was a higher up adult Red-Tailed Hawk perched on a snag ,towering over the heron. I guess the Great Blue is "thankful" he is a bigger bird and not any potential delicious meal. Speaking of food, I'm off for my holiday at my sisters. Have a thankful meal and good holiday memories.
^o^
^o^
"Kingsboider"
^o^
^o^
List
Orange-crowned Warbler- Wellhouse to phragmites to Peninsula Sumacs
also there Song Sparrows,WT Sparrows, Tufted Titmouse, 3 Cardinals ( Wellhouse)
On lake
86 Ruddy Duck
about 8 Northern Shoveler
Mallards,Canada Geese
2 Greater Black-backed Gulls, Herring, Ringbilled
Three Sisters : Great Blue Heron, Red-Tailed Hawk,Pied-Billed Grebe
Duck Island : Great Blue, Black-crowned Night Heron, Pied-Billed Grebe
Peninsula: Sharp-shinned Hawk ( also obs Glenn Davis)

November 25th Prospect

Noted sightings: Orange-crowned Warbler ,White-crowned Sparrow

From Orrin:

From Park Circle around the lake to the left, then across Breeze Hill, out to Empire Blvd & Flatbush Ave, and through BBG.

Not much out

Mallard duck
American black duck
Ruddy duck
Northern shoveler
American coot
Great blue heron (2, BBG)
Ring-billed gull
Downy woodpecker
Tufted titmouse
Black-capped chickadee
White-breasted nuthatch
American goldfinch
White-throated sparrow
Song sparrow
Mourning dove
European starling
American robin
House sparrow
Lots of squirrels, some airborne


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

Peter's 11/24 report:

Slow days are here ,heading towards winter and holidays keep us preoccupied. I'll cherish whatever flies ,even a Turkey....:)>

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/24/09
Number of species: 19

Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X lake
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Lake on 11/23
Bufflehead 1 drake lake
Ruddy Duck X lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake
Great Blue Heron X lake
Black-crowned Night-Heron 2 duck island
Red-tailed Hawk X
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
European Starling X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 4 near wellhouse
House Sparrow X

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

PS. I received a secondhand report of 3 Baltimore Orioles still present in the BBG.See yesterday's posting of where, today though in surrounding trees next to Ilex Macrocarpa.

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

From Alex Wilson:

Begin forwarded message:

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/25/09
> Number of species: 46
>
> Canada Goose 50
> Mute Swan 9
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck 5
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 100
> Northern Shoveler 15
> Ring-necked Duck 1 (Male, Upper Pool.)
> Ruddy Duck 80
> Pied-billed Grebe 4
> Great Blue Heron 4
> Black-crowned Night-Heron 3
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 2 (Adult perched south of Lake; flyover at
> Lily Pond.)
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> Merlin 1
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull 100
> Herring Gull (American) 40
> Great Black-backed Gull 4
> Rock Pigeon 30
> Mourning Dove 15
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
> Downy Woodpecker 5
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 10
> American Crow 8
> Black-capped Chickadee 6
> Tufted Titmouse 8
> White-breasted Nuthatch 5
> Brown Creeper 2
> Carolina Wren 4
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 (Wellhouse Drive phragmites.)
> American Robin 2
> European Starling 100
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (In phragmites between
Wellhouse and 249, then back across drive, 11AM;
forty minutes later at Lookout butterfly meadow.)
> Eastern Towhee 2 (Heard on Lookout; female behind Boathouse.)
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 5 (Including some singing at lamppost 249.)
> Song Sparrow 6
> White-throated Sparrow 60
> White-crowned Sparrow 1 (Immature, Terrace Bridge
NE corner, coming to birdseed on the path under the bridge.)
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 20
> Northern Cardinal 20
> Red-winged Blackbird 2
> American Goldfinch 15
> House Sparrow 20

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

3 Baltimore Orioles still in

3 Baltimore Orioles still in ilex macrocarpa tree in holly section at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, opp conservatory per Orrin

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Christmas Bird Census

Birders:


One month from now is the the official Brooklyn Xmas Bird Census on Saturday December 19th.


Three teams lead the Prospect Park region : me in the southern region, Paul Keim in the northern region , and a third team in Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (there maybe a Audubon Boathouse group , yet undetermined)


There is also a team (or teams depending on # people) conducting the census in Greenwood Cemetery .


If you are interested in being part of the census, please let me know .I am forming my team with a limit of 6 , any additional folks willing to have fun can help out Paul or the garden group which the latter only takes part in the morning.The Prospect count is all day.


You can contact me at prosbird@aol.com


If you wish to bird Greenwood Cemetery ( a great place too), let me know and I will forward your name to Heidi Steiner, who is coordinating Brooklyn's teams.


I am also aware some locales like Floyd Bennett are in need of folks assisting the count there..Let me know if this is intriguing to you and I'll let Heidi or the counters of Floyd know.


For more on Xmas counts, see the attached links:





--"Kingsboider"

Friday, November 20, 2009

November 20th, Prospect

From Larry Zirlin:


7 species of ducks and other water birds. Not very many passerines to be found.

Bird on.

Larry Zirlin

Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 1:33 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/20/09

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/20/09

Number of species: 23



Canada Goose 50

Mute Swan 8

Wood Duck 3 Lullwater

Gadwall 1 Upper Pool

American Black Duck 2 Lullwater

Mallard 125

Northern Shoveler 10

Ring-necked Duck 1 Upper Pool

Ruddy Duck 130; 1 on upper pool, balance on lake

Pied-billed Grebe 4-- 3 in Lullwater, 1 in lake

Double-crested Cormorant 1 West side of lake

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Duck Island

Red-tailed Hawk 2 Flyover Boathouse

American Coot 12 Lullwater & lake

Ring-billed Gull 100

Herring Gull 10

Downy Woodpecker 1

Blue Jay 6

Black-capped Chickadee 1 Ravine

Northern Mockingbird 1 Boathouse

White-throated Sparrow 20

Northern Cardinal 1

House Sparrow 25

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

Thursday, November 19, 2009

November 19 Prospect: one of those slow days....

Stuck all day near the Duck Island during a fish rescue, I stole some casual glances at birds around. Most obvious were three GREAT BLUE HERONS flying together over the water from the island towards the Peninsula. Other than that, whatever I saw from our vehicle is listed below. It did appear on one of my passbys, the boathouse slope habitat looked pretty active.Hopefully, I will get to check on that.

Most sightings near Duck Island or the lake (unless noted otherwise)

--peter


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/19/09
Number of species: 22

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 3 west island
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 2--1 lake;1 west island cove
Double-crested Cormorant 1 west island, flyaway
Great Blue Heron 3 duck island
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 immature feeding on mudflat Duck Island
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull 17 west island
Herring Gull (American) X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Blue Jay 1 boathouse
Northern Mockingbird 1 boathouse
European Starling X
Swamp Sparrow 1 west island near cove apex
White-throated Sparrow 4 west island near cove apex
Northern Cardinal 1


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

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

November 18th Prospect

Hilights: ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (reported in two different locations), Hooded Merganser (small flock), Cooper's Hawk antics

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Rob Jett:

2:33 Text message received of ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER seen along the south descending path from the Terrace Bridge towards the Rink

Later note from Rob:

Saw the OCWA with Rob Bate at around 2:30pm. We were walking up the path from skating rink towards Breeze Hill. Warbler was feeding in wildflower/weedy area on either side of path near the top of the hill (below conifers). Watched it for, what seemed like, 15 minutes.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Larry Zirlin:

A few hours walking around the park didn't yield
very much, but I did get a fantastic , long look
@ Carolina Wren perched on branch in the scrub
near the Wellhouse.

Bird away

LZ

----- Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/18/09



Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/18/09
Number of species: 28

Canada Goose 150
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 2 On Lullwater
American Black Duck 4
Mallard 150
Northern Shoveler 30
Ruddy Duck 60
Pied-billed Grebe 2 1 on lake, 1 on Lullwater
Double-crested Cormorant 1 West side of lake
Great Blue Heron 2 1 on Duck Island, immature on Lullwater
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Flyover Lily Pond
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull 75
Herring Gull 10
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 2 Lookout Hill
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Terrace Bridge
Downy Woodpecker 1 Behind Boathouse
Blue Jay 9
Carolina Wren 1 Near Wellhouse
American Robin 10
European Starling 5
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 8 Lily Pond
American Goldfinch 2 Lily Pond
House Sparrow 20

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

**********************
From Rob Jett:

> Date: November 18, 2009 6:04:33 PM EST

> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/18/09

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/18/09
> Number of species: 36
>
> Mute Swan 8
> American Black Duck 6
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 3
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Ring-necked Duck 1
> Hooded Merganser 6
> Ruddy Duck 100
> Pied-billed Grebe 1
> Double-crested Cormorant 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> American Coot 12
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove X
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 6
> American Crow 15
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 3
> Brown Creeper 2
> Winter Wren 1
> American Robin X
> European Starling X
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1
> Song Sparrow 6
> White-throated Sparrow 12
> Dark-eyed Junco 35
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird 5
> American Goldfinch 4
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

**********************
From Peter

The immature Cooper's Hawk continues its comical antics near the rink. This morning , I happened to be checking the lawn for birds along the rink water side when i saw, low over the water (south Lullwater) an accipiter chasing a fleeing Canada Goose ! It was a flash until I saw the immature Coopers perch in the tree at the Peninsula point. It was a brief look until it took off for more antics I presumed in the direction of Duck Island. I am wondering what's so intriguing for a Cooper's to be chasing larger water birds than itself.

After receiving Rob Jetts' text message of Orange-crowned Warbler on Breeze Hill, I went looking for it. I didn't find it on Breeze Hill but in another ,but surprising location . I ran into Rob Bate just before 4:30 at the Szechuan Pepper Tree in front of the Wellhouse;8 Cardinals
and a Gray Catbird were in the tree with several White-throated Sparrows. Then I saw a small warbler feeding on the berries. It's the Orange-crowned ! That is really a "hot" tree to reckoned with. The Orange-crowned eventually flew into the brushy slope to the left of the Wellhouse.

And last, a delightful sighting very close to the Peninsula shore, a handsome duck species to see. Six HOODED MERGANSERS, 2 drake and between them 4 hen, beautified the lake middle quite well. Such a lovely sight seeing these birds.

Rain comes..lets hope for good birds......

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/18/09
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose 145 lake
Mute Swan 10 lake
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X lake
Hooded Merganser 6 --2 drake, 4 hen lake
Ruddy Duck 150 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Great Blue Heron 2 --1 three sisters, 1 duck island
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 immature duck island
Cooper's Hawk 1 south lullwater/rink, chased a CAGO
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o Breeze Hill
American Coot X lake
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 1 Breeze Hill
Blue Jay 2 Breeze Hill
Carolina Wren X wellhouse (heard by Rob Bate)
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1 wellhouse, in szechuan peepper tree
Northern Mockingbird 1 breeze hill
European Starling X
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 wellhouse, in szechuan pepper tree
Song Sparrow 3--2 peninsula, 1 breeze hill
White-throated Sparrow 7 breeze hill
Dark-eyed Junco 27 flock breeze hill
Northern Cardinal 7 wellhouse, in szechuan pepper tree
Red-winged Blackbird 1 f/o Duck island
House Sparrow X

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

November 17th Prospect + BBG

AM: ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (late) immature male continues in Szechuan Pepper tree at front of Well-house at entry path junction. Record late date extends. Observer Peter

*******************
Rose-breasted Grosbeak continues this afternoon , same spot according to Rob Bate.
Rob also reports 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on the south slope of Breeze Hill , facing the water or lake, along the descending path from the Terrace bridge towards the Rink. In an open area.
Yesterday , 2 FIELD SPARROWS were sighted by Rob in the habitat left of the Wellhouse.

Peter's 11/17 list

of note, 7 species duck in the park today.

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/17/09
Number of species: 35

Canada Goose 140 lake
Mute Swan 5 lake
Gadwall 1 hen; lake
American Black Duck 3--1 Binnen Pool; 2 West Island
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 29 lake north shore
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Hooded Merganser 1 hen lake
Ruddy Duck easily 150 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Great Blue Heron 2 fly by Three Sisters
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o Breeze Hill
Peregrine Falcon 1 sitting on BBG radio tower
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 Binnen falls ( Boathouse)
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 24 f/o Concert Grove
Black-capped Chickadee 2-- one Binnen Falls, 1 Upper Pool
Winter Wren 1 Peninsula sumacs ( also seen By Rob Bate)
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 habitat next to Peninsula sumacs
American Robin 3 sumacs
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 2 north Midwood
Song Sparrow 3-- 1 sumcs, 2 Peninsula
White-throated Sparrow 15--8 Wellhouse
Northern Cardinal 13 - 5 wellhouse; 8 peninsula
House Sparrow X

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


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

From Orrin:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Red-tailed hawks, one at Japanese pond and others circling over north end.
American Kestrel, circling over south end
Red-breasted nuthatch
Common flicker
Cardinal
Blue jay
Dark-eyed Junco
White-throated sparrow
Pine siskin (?)
American robin

Monday, November 16, 2009

Meteor shower tonight.Leonids

I know this report isnt birdy but these things "fly" too.

Tonight after midnight is the Leonids Meteor shower, sometimes pretty spectacular.Of course you would need to be in Prospect bewteen 1 am and 4 am for best seeing ( I don't think that's very prudent).
But ...anyway if you are brave ,here's the link info:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/

November 16th Prospect + Greenwood reports; ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK

ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK (late) in red berry herculaneum devils walking stick in front of Wellhouse at path junction

Kingsboider note: I found out the real name of the "Herculaneum " tree which is incorrect.Its' actual name is Szechuan Peppercorn Tree. More info on this later with an image. Thx to Rob Jett whom I asked.

P.P.S

image and details of Szechuan Peppercorn Tree or Szechuan Pepper or Chinese Prickly Ash or Chinese Pepper (Check City Birder's November
17th posting ,Photo taken by Rob Jett)

http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2005_11_01_archive.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ZASI2


( Note : whatever name it is, its a "hot" tree to watch )


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

Mary Eyster reports 3 MONK PARAKEETS at her feeder at her Windsor Terrace home

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

From Rob Jett :

Greenwood Cemetery report

Location: Greenwood Cemetery

Observation date: 11/15/09

Number of species: 31


Canada Goose X

Mallard X

Cooper's Hawk 2

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Merlin 1

Herring Gull (American) X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1

Downy Woodpecker 1

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Northern Flicker 2

American Crow X

Red-breasted Nuthatch 4

White-breasted Nuthatch 5

Golden-crowned Kinglet 3

Hermit Thrush 2

American Robin X

Northern Mockingbird 3

European Starling X

Chipping Sparrow 25

Fox Sparrow 6

Song Sparrow 3

White-throated Sparrow 12

Dark-eyed Junco 1000

Northern Cardinal X

Red-winged Blackbird 2

Brown-headed Cowbird 2

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X


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

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

From Peter

Two interesting observations in the field in Prospect , one regarding a location and the other a birding whimsical moment made an otherwise mundane day into something memorable.

The Upper Pool is not known as a large pond that holds a lot of ducks except the occasional large Ring-necked Duck flock in migration. It had more to do with the diversity.I counted five duck species on the Upper Pool :Ring- necked Duck (1), Ruddy Duck (1), Northern Shoveler ( 3), Wood Duck (2) and most commonly , Mallard. Something different to see under special circumstances. On the Lower Pool , I counted 4 Wood Ducks, hiding under the fallen snag in the water. Later ,Rob Jett I met near the nethermead said he saw 7 Wood Ducks fly into the Lower Pool.Very unusual to see the Lower Pool a spotlight given its very placid water.

The other thing I mentioned of interest took place at Duck Island in late afternoon. I happened to see 3 Black-Crowned Night herons fly into the southwest side of the island, one immature split off on his own to his own tree perch (such independence !). Immediately afterwards,an immature COOPER'S Hawk, attacked or I should chased the independent BCNH from its perch, something I would be quite amused to see --a Cooper's triumphantly chasing a much larger bird like a heron .Who would've thought? The little heron junior joined his two mates (one adult) to another tree perch, all three very close knit BCNH on the same limb in the brilliant sunset illuminating all the colorful leaves around them.

Never a dull day ( well , most times) in Prospect.

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/16/09
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 8 lake
American Black Duck 2 west island
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 6--3 upper pool; 3 lake
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake upper pool
Ruddy Duck X common on lake; 1 upper pool
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake
Double-crested Cormorant 2 lake
Great Blue Heron 2 Three sister islands
Black-crowned Night-Heron 3 duck island
Cooper's Hawk 1 duck island, chased a Black-crowned Night heron
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o west island
Merlin 1 Binnen pool (also obs R.Jett)
American Coot X lake
Ring-billed Gull X lake
Herring Gull (American) X lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 7 baseball fields
American Robin X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 3 south lakeshore
Swamp Sparrow 2--1 south lakeshore; 1 west island
White-throated Sparrow 2--1 south lakeshore;1 Upper pool
Dark-eyed Junco 30 south lakeshore
Northern Cardinal 4 wellhouse
Common Grackle 5 f/o baseball fields

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (late) 1 wellhouse, immature male feeding in Szechuan Pepper tree in front of Wellhouse

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

Rose- breasted Grosbeak PP records

Yesterday's sighting of the immature Rose-breasted Grosbeak is the latest ever of this species seen in Prospect, besting 11/8/2003's date of a female seen by Ron Ellard at the Terrace Bridge. Incidentally, its possible a 10/25/09 ( last month ) of two RBGR seen at the Wellhouse by Rafael Campos might be one of the birds sticking around.So, if it continues to hang out, the further the new record goes, perhaps even making it a possible outstanding sighting for the December 19th Christmas Bird Count .. ( but that would be stretching it).

--"The Kingsboider"

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Nov 15th Prospect including ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK 1st fall male behind wellhouse in herculaneum tree on slope. Bird shows hints of rose color on upper breast/wing joints and underwings

Observer : Peter

A short stint into the crowded park , to the wellhouse and out from 11:30 to 1.

List

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/15/09

all are lake sightings or wellhouse except noted

Number of species: 20

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 5
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Red-tailed Hawk 1 flyover Grand Army Plaza arch
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 wellhouse
American Robin X
Song Sparrow 1
Northern Cardinal 5 wellhouse
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1 imm male backslope wellhouse

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

Saturday, November 14, 2009

November 14th Prospect..on and off misty day....

Hilights: lingering ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER , Gadwall , late Rose-breasted Grosbeak ,Fox Sparrow

Despite heavy overcast and misty conditions, I was not deterred from trying my luck in Prospect. With the year winding down, it is my innate desire to try to get new species along with the local birders before December 31st. Why not ? It's a very special year for the Brooklyn Bird Club and try I must to give it my best shot for a high species year result.

I can't report any new species today but I can say that the rare ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER gave me terrific looks ! At Lamppost #249 , along the weld wire fence in front of the young reddish Red Maple tree, the ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER went in and out of the mugwort/nightshade/pokeweed section. With soft light upon it , the bird's plumage sort of magnified itself. It was at one point being chased all thru the habitat by a Ruby-crowned Kinglet ! I guess both were aiming for the crown ! When the chase was all done, the OC Warbler settled in and fed near a CAROLINA WREN near the base of the fence by the Red Maple. Hmmm..he might have found a "bodyguard" ?

Another observation noted today were ducks. In the Upper Pool, the residing drake RING-NECKED DUCK now has two new buddies, a species uncommon in that pool: GADWALL.Two drakes, the Gadwalls lingered in the backwater behind the island, normally where Wood Ducks hung out. Speaking of the latter, 4 WOOD DUCKS stayed within a Mallard flock in the Lullwater.They hugged the north shore when i went down the trail , and they moved away, my not knowing they were nearby. As for Shovelers, i am puzzled at the drastic drop for this species, at one point over 400 birds in early fall , now only a mere 36 counted today.I don't know what goes there, why the drop; in past christmas bird counts, we get at least 250 and a high of 532 one time. But Ruddy Duck ? 142 birds today;Prospect Lake and its connecting waters is their domain.

Sunnier days ahead and maybe then a good bird ?

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/14/09
Number of species: 35

Canada Goose 150 lake
Mute Swan 5 lake
Wood Duck 4 -2 drake, 2 hen Lullwater
American Black Duck 5--1 on Three sisters, 4 West Island
Mallard 130 parkwide
Northern Shoveler 36 -12 lake by peninsula; 24 south lullwater
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Gadwall- 2 drake Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck 142 --129 lake-13 south lullwater
Pied-billed Grebe 3--seen in lullwater ( there may be 5 ,saw 2 on lake )
Great Blue Heron 3--one each peninsula shore,Three Sisters;lullwater
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 peninsula shore
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 elms upper pool
Cooper's Hawk 1 juv peninsula shore, perched
American Coot 16--9 lullwater; 7 lake
Ring-billed Gull X lake
Herring Gull X lake
Great Black-backed Gull 5 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 6 wellhouse
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Binnen Pool
Blue Jay 1 Binnen Pool
Carolina Wren 1 lamppost 249, with Orange-crowned warbler
Winter Wren 1 Binnen Pool , feeding in cattail patch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 lamppost 249, chasing Orange-crowned warbler
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1 well house
European Starling X
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 lamppost 249 feeding along black fence base
Fox Sparrow- Binnen Pool back slope, behind cattails, later shore
Song Sparrow 4--1 Upper Pool ;3 lamppost 249
Swamp Sparrow 1 Upper Pool wildflower meadow
White-throated Sparrow 13-- 6 well house; 7 lamppost 249
Dark-eyed Junco 1 lamppost 249
Northern Cardinal 8--5 Binnen Pool; 3 wellhouse
House Sparrow X

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

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

Rob Bate reports the Orange-crowned Warbler to the left of the Wellhouse (after the Lamppost 249 sighting); He also reports a 1st year (juvenile) male Rose-breasted Grosbeak (a late bird) in the red berry Herculaneum Tree on the hexagonal cobblestone path to the Wellhouse

Friday, November 13, 2009

November 13th (its Friday) and blustery!





















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
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"
So , case solved !

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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)


















Wednesday, November 11, 2009

November 11th Prospect Park ; ORANGE-Crowned Warbler

Hilight: ORANGE-Crowned Warbler in Peninsula Sumacs mugwort behind fence nearest Persimmon tree ( enclosure circle fence) . Responded to "pishing"; also Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Fox Sparrow

Kingsboider Note: See on this dialogue the joys of "pishing".
;)>

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Peter

Gray skies and blustery winds makes one want to stay indoors. But I had the day off and not wanting to drive anywhere but simply relax made Prospect Park an easy choice.With the fall foliage, I could not beat the colors especially with an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER lurking around. ;)>

Hoping to find something good, the usually reliable locale --the Peninsula sumacs-- was one of my targets. This hasn't been a great fall at those sumacs, numbers usually very low to my liking but I'll take whatever the sumacs yield. By the Persimmon Tree enclosed by a wire fence, I approached the back fence and "pished" a few times. Cardinals flew around and one HERMIT THRUSH appeared in the Herculaneum "Devil's Walking Stick " type tree with its delicious red berries. But nothing else then. Another pish and suddenly a kinglet sized bird flew towards me , and landed in a young oak sapling. It allowed me a few seconds to see what it was and a well seen ORANGED-CROWNED WARBLER is what it was. A handsome bird , especially for this warbler lover.

It was few pickings out there on this chilly day ( and I had to go to the store and buy gloves) . A Ring-necked Duck there, and the rest ,usual suspects abound.Oh, i did see a mass of AMERICAN ROBINS moved thru the brush behind the Wellhouse. I thought that was a notable observation for the numbers so far this fall. The slope there is a terrific spot to bird if you can see anything. ( well, one Gray Catbird, fitting for the day's light). Tomorrow is another day, especially rainy weather predicted in the next day or so.I can't wait then to find a good bird or two usually surfacing in bad weather.

List:
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/11/09
Number of species: 30

Canada Goose 225 lake, in early am
Mute Swan 5 lake
American Black Duck 5 west island
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Mallard 125 --43 upper pool; rest lake
Northern Shoveler 37 --18 south lullwater; rest lake
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake upper pool
Ruddy Duck 98 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 4 --3 lake;1 south lullwater
Great Blue Heron 4--1 three sister islands;3 duck island
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 f/o west ballfields
Cooper's Hawk 1 f/o Lookout Hill
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o Lookout Hill
American Coot 9 lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 6 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 3
American Crow 11 f/o Terrace Bridge
Hermit Thrush 1 Peninsula sumacs, feeding in Herculaneum tree
American Robin 65 large flock moving thru behind Wellhouse
Gray Catbird 1 Peninsula sumacs
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 15 f/o terrace bridge
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Peninsula sumacs
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 1 peninsula lakeshore
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 17 ballfields west
Northern Cardinal 5 Peninsula sumacs

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


ooooooooooooooooo

Definition and hows of "pishing"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pishing

http://home.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/pishing/pishing.html

http://www.bsc-eoc.org/download/BWCfa05.pdf

want to get really serious about it and perfect the skill of "pishing"? Buy Peter Dunne's book

http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67_85&products_id=319


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Larry Zirlin:


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/11/09
Number of species: 36

Canada Goose 200
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 2 Lullwater
American Black Duck 8
Mallard 150
Northern Shoveler 25
Ring-necked Duck 1 Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck 100
Pied-billed Grebe 3 Lullwater
Great Blue Heron 3 Soaring over Upper Pool, then 1 roosting on Duck
Island, 2 by the peninsula.
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 Duck Island.
Red-tailed Hawk 2 1 mobbed by crows.
American Coot 9
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 50
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 35
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 25
Cedar Waxwing 10
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 25
Dark-eyed Junco 5
Northern Cardinal 5
House Sparrow 10

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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Rob Bate:

Could not locate the O-C Warbler, maybe caught a brief look at his back. However, I did get my FOS Fox Sparrow in that area as well as seeing Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Golden Crowned Kinglet and Hermit thrush along with Cardinals, White Throats and Doves. Very quiet elsewhere

Kingsboider note: the area is the Peninsula Sumacs

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

November 10th BBG and 3 Prospect reports

Hilight in BBG between noon and 1:30 pm was Three BALTIMORE ORIOLES seen in the Ilex Macrocarpa tree at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden , reported by Rob Jett ; I saw two at noon. The Ilex Macrocarpa with medium sized black fruit is located on the lawn between the path and the brook opposite the Conservatory building, in the ILEX section (a big Holly Tree with red fruit is obvious) .There's also a big Willow tree next to it. More later on these sightings.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


Hilights in Prospect : Turkey Vulture, Lesser Scaup (see Jett Photos and video) + duck variety


From Rob Bate:

Peter


I saw a Turkey Vulture being chased by 9 Crows, a pair of Red Breasted Nuthatches on Breeze Hill and a late Catbird behind the rink in a short walk in the park.

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/10/09
Number of species: 26

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ruddy Duck X
Turkey Vulture X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Northern Flicker X
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Red-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper X
Carolina Wren X
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
Gray Catbird X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
House Sparrow X

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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

From Alex Wilson :


Begin forwarded message:

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/10/09
> Number of species: 53
>
> Canada Goose 200
> Mute Swan 9
> Wood Duck 3
> American Black Duck 8
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 200
> Northern Shoveler 35
> Ring-necked Duck 1 (Upper Pool.)
> Lesser Scaup 5 (4 male, 1 female, Lake.)
> Hooded Merganser 1 (Drake, Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 100
> Pied-billed Grebe 3
> Great Blue Heron 2
> Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
> Turkey Vulture 1 (Passed low over Boathouse/Breeze Hill
> twice, about 15 minutes apart, mobbed. Presumably same bird.)
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Merlin 1
> Peregrine Falcon 1
> American Coot 10
> Ring-billed Gull 100
> Herring Gull (American) 30
> Great Black-backed Gull 4
> Rock Pigeon 50
> Mourning Dove 10
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
> Downy Woodpecker 6
> Hairy Woodpecker 5
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 30
> Black-capped Chickadee 10
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 7
> Brown Creeper 2
> Carolina Wren 3
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
> Hermit Thrush 1
> American Robin 50
> Gray Catbird 1
> European Starling 150
> Cedar Waxwing 25
> Eastern Towhee 1
> Song Sparrow 7
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 50
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 25
> Northern Cardinal 15
> Red-winged Blackbird 30
> Common Grackle 10
> House Finch 10
> American Goldfinch 20
> House Sparrow 30

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

From Rob Jett:

Here's a link to my Picasa album with some poor digi-binned photos and 1 video of that weird scaup. It is likely just a smallish juvenile male Lesser Scaup in the process of molting. In photos 3 & 4 he is the one all the way to the right.

Lesser Scaup photo link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/citybirder/LesserScaupProspectLake?feat=directlink


Rob Jett's lake list:


> Date: November 10, 2009 5:04:56 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/10/09

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/10/09
> Number of species: 10
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Lesser Scaup 5
> Hooded Merganser 2
> Ruddy Duck X
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 1
> American Coot X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Peter's lunch list at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden:

All sightings at the Ilex section.See first reading at the top of this dated posting for exact location. The Ilex section looks pretty popular with the birds, all the holly and relative planting attracting robins, waxwings and finches alike in good numbers. The macrocarpa fruit is quite a delicacy.Its worth checking out this area often for any possible unusual sightings.


Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Observation date: 11/10/09
Number of species: 7

American Robin 15
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 6
Baltimore Oriole 2
House Finch 4
House Sparrow X

Monday, November 9, 2009

November 9th Prospect

Ovenbird reported at the "Sparrowbowl" , the vale between the Tennis and Picnic Houses , seen yesterday foraging in the leaf clutter behind the fence ( Mike Yuan). This is a late warbler for this date.

On the parade grounds this morning ( 7 am) , a fog covered baseball field with the shapes of feeding Canada Geese within during a rising sun illuminating the fog. A terrific scene,like a postcard.

More stuff later,

--Kingsboider

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

More stuff:

Quite a very inactive day that was too warm for me in November. An Indian Summer day relished by many but those bird numbers go down, into "slowdown" . With a few casual glances , here are a few sightings:

--A flyover AMERICAN KESTREL over Upper Pool
-- On the Upper Pool, drake RING-NECKED DUCK


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/9/09
Number of species: 23

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck x
Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 duck island
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1 f/o Upper Pool
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 17
House Sparrow X

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

Precipitation is coming around Wednesday and colder temperatures behind it.Midweek should offer some birding possibilities...check those fields and the lake...

Peter

Sunday, November 8, 2009

11/8 Prospect rarity + BBG report

Hilight: Orange-crowned Warbler at Butterfly meadow on Lookout Hill. Look for black plastic per John Ascher

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

Hilight at Brooklyn Botanic Garden : Baltimore Oriole

From Eni Falci:

Hi Peter-
Quiet birding weekend. Many hermit thrushes yesterday in the park. Good "dogfight" between Red tailed Hawk and 28+ crows over Nethermead at noon yesterday, but after that few birds. Some activity at Binnen around 3pm bathing behind Music Pagoda.

Went to the BBG this morning looking for fruit eaters. Lots of Cedar Wax Wings and Robins on the Zumi Crabapples ( along Lawn at entry off Eastern Pkwy). But reward of the morning was a yellowish female Baltimore Oriole feeding on large black fruit Ilex macrocarpa (Tree in lawn between stairs from Conservatory past Black Bamboo before stream.) Native garden is open today.
Eni & Vinnie Falci

Robins X
Mourning Doves
Starlings
House Sparrows
White throated Sparrows
Cedar Waxwings X
Red bellied woodpecker
White breasted nuthatch
Baltimore Oriole

Saturday, November 7, 2009

11/7 Prospect inc late RED-EYED VIREO

Hilight this morning was a late RED-EYED VIREO eating red Herculanean ( A Devil's Walking Stick relative) berries in front of Wellhouse. It was spotted yesterday by Heydi Lopes.Yesterday also ,an Orange-crowned Warbler.

Other hilights are lingering ducks Ring-Necked, Bufflehead, Wood Duck,numbers increase of 176 Ruddy.

11/6 (Thursday ) Report from Rob Jett:

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/6/09

Number of species: 47


Canada Goose 200

Mute Swan 8

Wood Duck 1

American Black Duck 6

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 300

Ring-necked Duck 1

Bufflehead 1

Ruddy Duck 75

Pied-billed Grebe 4

Great Blue Heron 1

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1

Cooper's Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 4

Merlin 1

American Coot 8

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 3

Downy Woodpecker 2

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Northern Flicker 1

Red-eyed Vireo 1

American Crow 8

Black-capped Chickadee 3

Tufted Titmouse 5

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Carolina Wren 2

Winter Wren 2

Golden-crowned Kinglet 3

Hermit Thrush 12

American Robin X

Northern Mockingbird 1

European Starling X

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

Chipping Sparrow 4

Song Sparrow X

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal X

Red-winged Blackbird 24

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X


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

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

From Peter:

A gorgeous fall day though in my opinion means not much birding activity; you need "disruption" in weather patterns for nature to dump good stuff here . But its a good idea to watch the winds, particularly strong western winds that may bring in a western species to these parts. But today, it was a common species -RED-EYED VIREO-- that unexpectedly showed up by the Well house, pretty late for November date ( that even Ebirds asked me to verify) . I saw it fly from the cherry tree to the Herculaneum tree, raising my hopes for a rare vagrant; but upon further inspection, found some delight instead of a late date sighting..maybe its a good omen, a welcome mat for a rare vireo ?

Hopefully, someone will be out there on Sunday looking.

List:


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/7/09
Number of species: 36

Canada Goose 135 lake
Mute Swan 3 lake
Wood Duck 2 drake lake
American Black Duck 2 west island
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 45 west section lake
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake Upper Pool
Bufflehead 1 drake lake
Ruddy Duck 176 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 3--2 lake;1 lullwater
Double-crested Cormorant 1 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 north shore lake
Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 f/o Butterfly Meadow
Cooper's Hawk 1 f/o lake
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o Quaker Cemetery
Merlin 1 flying along west edge ballfields
American Coot 12 --8 Lullwater;4 lake
Laughing Gull 1 lake (also obs R.Jett)
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-eyed Vireo 1 wellhouse
Tufted Titmouse 1 Binnen run
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 peninsula sumacs
Hermit Thrush 2 peninsula sumacs
American Robin 4
Northern Mockingbird 1 lamppost 249
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow 12 in dying pine southwest of ballfields
Song Sparrow 9
White-throated Sparrow 27 --20 at Binnen horse trail
Dark-eyed Junco 7 mostly lamppost 249
Northern Cardinal 3
American Goldfinch 1 lily pool
House Sparrow X

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

Friday, November 6, 2009

11/6 Prospect Bluebirds

A text received from Rob Bate of 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS at Butterfly Meadow

Thursday, November 5, 2009

11/5 Prospect

From Rob Jett:



> Date: November 5, 2009 3:40:49 PM EST

> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/5/09
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/5/09
> Number of species: 40
>
> Canada Goose 250
> Mute Swan 8
> American Black Duck 5
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler 300
> Green-winged Teal (American) 1
> Ring-necked Duck 2
> Bufflehead 1
> Ruddy Duck 100
> Pied-billed Grebe 2
> Great Blue Heron 2
> Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 1
> Merlin 1
> Peregrine Falcon 1
> American Coot 10
> Ring-billed Gull 200
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 6
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Northern Flicker 2
> Blue Jay 6
> American Crow 5
> Tufted Titmouse 3
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Carolina Wren 2
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
> Hermit Thrush 4
> American Robin X
> European Starling X
> Song Sparrow X
> White-throated Sparrow 60
> Dark-eyed Junco 50
> Northern Cardinal X
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

11/4 - Two Prospect reports

Noted observations: 8 species duck, 7 species raptors including Red-Shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier,Merlin , Peregrine Falcon, 5 woodpecker species,hilights of Eastern Bluebird, Common Loon, late Baltimore Oriole

From Rob Jett:

> Date: November 4, 2009 3:26:08 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/4/09
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/4/09
> Number of species: 47
>
> Canada Goose 300
> Mute Swan 8
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck 7
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 3
> Mallard 40
> Northern Shoveler 300
> Ring-necked Duck 1
> Bufflehead 1
> Hooded Merganser 2
> Ruddy Duck 64
> Pied-billed Grebe 2
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Northern Harrier 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 2
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> Merlin 1
> American Coot 12
> Ring-billed Gull 125
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 8
> Belted Kingfisher 1
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 1
> Northern Flicker 4
> Blue-headed Vireo 1
> Blue Jay 3
> American Crow 5
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> Winter Wren 1
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 4
> Hermit Thrush 7
> American Robin X
> European Starling X
> Cedar Waxwing 17
> Song Sparrow 6
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 60
> Dark-eyed Junco 75
> Northern Cardinal 4
> American Goldfinch 3
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)

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

From Alex Wilson:

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/4/09
> Number of species: 55
>
> Canada Goose 100
> Mute Swan 5
> Wood Duck 2
> American Black Duck 8
> Mallard 125
> Northern Shoveler 80
> Ring-necked Duck 1 (Male, Upper Pool.)
> Hooded Merganser 2 (Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 100
> Common Loon 2 (Early flyover, from Long Meadow.)
> Pied-billed Grebe 3
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 4
> Merlin 1
> Peregrine Falcon 1 (Over Lookout/Lake shore.)
> American Coot 12
> Ring-billed Gull 80
> Herring Gull 25
> Rock Pigeon 50
> Mourning Dove 10
> Belted Kingfisher 2
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 15
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 60 (At least 50 around Lookout Hill.)
> Black-capped Chickadee 7
> Tufted Titmouse 3
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (Pines near Bartell-Pritchard
> entrance.)
> White-breasted Nuthatch 6
> Carolina Wren 2
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 5
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
> Eastern Bluebird 4 (Early flyover group, Long Meadow.)
> Hermit Thrush 10
> American Robin 100
> European Starling 100
> Cedar Waxwing 15
> Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
> Eastern Towhee 1
> Song Sparrow 10
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 40
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 15
> Northern Cardinal 8
> Red-winged Blackbird 100 (Several flyover flocks.)
> Common Grackle 8
> Baltimore Oriole 1 (Immature, path behind Boathouse.)
> American Goldfinch 15
> House Sparrow 20

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

11/3 Greenwood Cemetery + Prospect..the latter,a quiet day

Hilights: EASTERN BLUEBIRD, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER (Greenwood Cemetery @ Oak Ave & Hillside Avenues ), Prospect's Monk Parakeets

From Rob Jett:

Greenwood Cemetery

Begin forwarded message:

> Date: November 3, 2009 4:45:05 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Greenwood Cemetery , 11/3/09

>
> Location: Greenwood Cemetery
> Observation date: 11/3/09
> Number of species: 34
>
> Canada Goose 45
> Wood Duck 2
> American Black Duck 2
> Mallard 18
> Osprey 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 3
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 6
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 3
> Northern Flicker 15
> Blue Jay 6
> American Crow 5
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 3
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> Brown Creeper 1
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
> Eastern Bluebird 1
> Hermit Thrush 7
> American Robin X
> Northern Mockingbird 4
> European Starling X
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1
> Chipping Sparrow 18
> Song Sparrow 3
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 40
> Dark-eyed Junco 35
> Northern Cardinal X
> American Goldfinch X
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)


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

From Peter

Prospect Park

Quiet days forces one to relish the scarce moments. Typical of today's beautiful fall day with peaking colors, two cherished moments stood out for me.

The East Wood Arch building area is a good spot for fall activity. There, I watched closely from the narrow path early this morning with delight 8 CEDAR WAXWINGs gulping down reddish Hawthorne berries.Most were immatures so I guess the young guys and gals have really large appetites.

Speaking of eating, this time me, I was sitting on the bench facing the Duck Island shelter,enjoying my Jamaican dish. From my left, I spotted a flyover of 4 MONK PARAKEETS .Those birds being so low,I had to make sure I covered my food.. :)>

List

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/3/09
Number of species: 25

Canada Goose X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck 2 lake
Ruddy Duck 80 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o well drive
American Coot X lake
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull 2 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Monk Parakeet 4 f/o Duck Island shelter
Blue Jay 1
American Crow 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 20 boathouse
Gray Catbird 1 peninsula sumacs
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 8 boathouse
Song Sparrow 6 peninsula sumacs
White-throated Sparrow X
Red-winged Blackbird 18 lake north shore, then f/o
House Sparrow X

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

For the record.....Prospect's unusual sightings

With an eye on some rare or later than usual species in Prospect lately, I delved into the records for some of these species.

Solitary Sandpiper on Sunday was the second latest. The latest is a 12/24/2005 sighting observed by Alex Wilson. 10/17/2004 was the previous second late date.

With the rare sparrows of 10/24, here's the low down :

Vesper Sparrow: (multiple records)

Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 11/25/95 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 11/26/95 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 9/29/98 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/31/98 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 11/3/98 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 5/8/99 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/8/99 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/9/99 1
Vesper Sparrow Nellies Lawn 5/1/01 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 4/7/59 1
Vesper Sparrow Nethermead 10/18/01 1
Vesper Sparrow Nethermead 4/10/02 1
Vesper Sparrow Peninsula 5/5/02 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/21/67 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/30/63 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/30/63 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 11/25/95 1
Vesper Sparrow Nethermead 4/14/04 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 5/6/59 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 10/21/67 1
Vesper Sparrow Payne Hill 4/23/05 1+
Vesper Sparrow Tennis House Kettle 5/5/05 1+
Vesper Sparrow Peninsula 5/9/05 1
Vesper Sparrow Peninsula 10/16/05 1
Vesper Sparrow Long Meadow 10/23/05 3
Vesper Sparrow Long Meadow 10/26/05 4
Vesper Sparrow Baseball field 10/27/05 2
Vesper Sparrow Butterfly Meadow 10/28/05 1
Vesper Sparrow Tennis House Kettle 10/30/05 1
Vesper Sparrow Nethermead 4/13/06 1
Vesper Sparrow Nethermead 4/14/06 1
Vesper Sparrow Peninsula 5/24/06 1
Vesper Sparrow Prospect Park 9/11/06 1
Vesper Sparrow Tennis House Kettle 10/21/06 1
Vesper Sparrow Long Meadow 10/29/07 1

Nelsons ( 2nd ever) and Saltmarsh Sparrows (1st ever):

sharp-tailed sparrow sp. Prospect Park 5/1/1958 1
(Geoffrey Carleton supplement)
sharp-tailed sparrow sp. Prospect Park 5/10/1952 1
(Geoffrey Carleton supplement)

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow West Island 3/18/2003 1 (P.Dorosh obs)


Clay-Colored Sparrow:

Clay-colored Sparrow Picnic/Tennis House 10/18/07 1
Clay-colored Sparrow 9th Street Bandshell 10/24/06 1+
Clay-colored Sparrow Picnic/Tennis House 9/24/06 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Picnic/Tennis House 9/23/06 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Picnic/Tennis House 9/23/06 2 ( 2 obs submissions this day)
Clay-colored Sparrow Boathouse 9/10/06 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Duck Island 10/17/05 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Peninsula 10/16/05 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Peninsula 10/2/05 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Peninsula 9/25/05 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Peninsula 9/20/05 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Tennis House Kettle 10/13/02 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Prospect Park 10/3/99 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Propsite 10/8/94 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Prospect Park 11/10/1963 1
Clay-colored Sparrow Prospect Park 10/19/1962 1


"Kingsboider"