Hilights: Red-Shouldered Hawk ,Peregrine Falcon, American Kestrel ,Monk Parakeets , 2nd Red-breasted Nuthatch (spring migrant?)
On this last day before the "lion" roars in, a quiet morning for some birding. The lake froze over ,half the open water from the previous day, so less numbers of ducks were seen. The best species are the 3 Hooded Mergansers, first seen perched on Three Sisters.
With March ready to make its debut, I am on the lookout for returning migrants. Perhaps the second Red-Breasted Nuthatch is evidence of that, with two several of us saw on the suet feeder. March soon roars in, spring begins its warm overtures.I think after all the snow, many of us are looking forward to Spring Equinox.
List
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/28/10
Number of species: 27
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 3 lake
Hooded Merganser 3 --2 drake,1 hen lake
Ruddy Duck 47 lake
Peregrine Falcon 1 perched on BBG tower
American Coot 7 lake
Ring-billed Gull 300 lake
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 2 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 2 feeders
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 6 lake
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 2 well dr
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders
Northern Mockingbird 1 terrace bridge
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow 35--6 LP 249;10 terrace br;
Northern Cardinal 9 --4 feeders;5 terrace bridge
Common Grackle 1 f/o lake
House Finch 5 feeders
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Larry:
Hi Peter,
Well, the most interesting birding of the day was while
waiting for the bus @ the corner of Union & Clinton
Streets: 4 Monk Parakeets flew over and an American Kestrel
was perched on a brownstone's antenna.
Here's what we tallied in PP today:
Observation date: 2/28/10
Number of species: 27
Canada Goose 50
Mute Swan 6
Wood Duck 1
Mallard 220
Northern Shoveler 2
Hooded Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 20
Ring-billed Gull 280
Herring Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 11
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 6
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 6
European Starling 20
White-throated Sparrow 15
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 16
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 8
LZ
http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Jett:
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/28/10
> Number of species: 4
>
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 1
> Peregrine Falcon 2
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Note from Rob on Red-shouldered Hawk :
Robin and I walked over to the BBG, but it was closed (sign said "dangerous conditions"), so we decided to walk to the boathouse for hot chocolate. When we were walking down the path from East Lake Drive to the boathouse, I spotted a juvenile Cooper's Hawk flying into the park from the direction of the BBG. Looking up, I spotted another "accipiter" flying higher above it, going from north to south. It was a nice adult bird. Funny, if not for the coops, I probably never would have looked up.
Rob
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Prospect February 26th Winter Birds
In the wintry world of snow that blanketed Prospect Park today, there were arresting moments, connective to winter's aura, of birds this snowy day. The park was a winter wonderland, several times the sun peeked thru the overcast sky, illuminating the scenery with gleaming atmopherics of bright snow and grayer hues.
One of those symbolic winter birds I was referring to is the Northern Cardinal. Bright red against white snow backgrounds provides striking contrast.Evident at the feeders,eleven Cardinals raided the feeders, battling out or even in peaceful times sharing the energy nutritous black oil sunflower seed with other birds. Since I snowshoed in from work, I really felt at home within winter elements,watching those many handsome cardinals along with the frenzy of bird activity.Earlier, when I ran into Mary Eyster, we were watching even more cardinals--at least 14-- feeding upon seed someone threw on the plowed path near the boathouse; and lo and behold, a Rusty Blackbird was among them.
Waterfowl is the other winter treat. On my way in to work after 7 am, thru the deep snow on my trusty snowshoes, I stopped at Three Sister Islands. Canada Geese resting from winter's fury in the back and the strait, had at least an inch of snow on their backs; it must be a heavy back burden. And right after observing the geese, a drake Bufflehead appeared in the strait,after a long absence; two Hooded Mergansers were present on my first viewing; later in the afternoon, I saw three, a hen joining in. In the morning, one Common Merganser I barely saw thru heavy snowflakes, near the west shore, increased to two in the afternoon. They flew off right after I spotted them. When I took my eyes off to look for other birds, I saw two Common Mergansers at the north shore of Three Sisters. I assume they snuck back in , maybe Three Sisters has a secret back passageway? Whatever, the iconic islands is safe harbor for waterfowl, particularly when winter is roaring. Oh, I didn't forget the Wood Duck; he was on the ice at the Boathouse pond, looking weary already of winter. :)>
Peter
One of those symbolic winter birds I was referring to is the Northern Cardinal. Bright red against white snow backgrounds provides striking contrast.Evident at the feeders,eleven Cardinals raided the feeders, battling out or even in peaceful times sharing the energy nutritous black oil sunflower seed with other birds. Since I snowshoed in from work, I really felt at home within winter elements,watching those many handsome cardinals along with the frenzy of bird activity.Earlier, when I ran into Mary Eyster, we were watching even more cardinals--at least 14-- feeding upon seed someone threw on the plowed path near the boathouse; and lo and behold, a Rusty Blackbird was among them.
Waterfowl is the other winter treat. On my way in to work after 7 am, thru the deep snow on my trusty snowshoes, I stopped at Three Sister Islands. Canada Geese resting from winter's fury in the back and the strait, had at least an inch of snow on their backs; it must be a heavy back burden. And right after observing the geese, a drake Bufflehead appeared in the strait,after a long absence; two Hooded Mergansers were present on my first viewing; later in the afternoon, I saw three, a hen joining in. In the morning, one Common Merganser I barely saw thru heavy snowflakes, near the west shore, increased to two in the afternoon. They flew off right after I spotted them. When I took my eyes off to look for other birds, I saw two Common Mergansers at the north shore of Three Sisters. I assume they snuck back in , maybe Three Sisters has a secret back passageway? Whatever, the iconic islands is safe harbor for waterfowl, particularly when winter is roaring. Oh, I didn't forget the Wood Duck; he was on the ice at the Boathouse pond, looking weary already of winter. :)>
Peter
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/id
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/26/10
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose 225 lake
Mute Swan 6 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake boathouse
American Black Duck 4 lake
Mallard 165 lake
Bufflehead 1 drake Three Sister Islands
Hooded Merganser 3 2drake ,1 hen Three Sister Islands
Common Merganser 2 drakes Three Sister Islands
Ruddy Duck X lake
Ring-billed Gull X lake
Herring Gull X lake
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
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
American Robin X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 feeders
Song Sparrow 1 feeders
Swamp Sparrow 1 Lake western shore, phragmites
White-throated Sparrow 34 feeders
Dark-eyed Junco 12 feeders
Northern Cardinal 25--11 feeders;14 boathouse path
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 boathouse path
House Finch 6 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/26/10
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose 225 lake
Mute Swan 6 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake boathouse
American Black Duck 4 lake
Mallard 165 lake
Bufflehead 1 drake Three Sister Islands
Hooded Merganser 3 2drake ,1 hen Three Sister Islands
Common Merganser 2 drakes Three Sister Islands
Ruddy Duck X lake
Ring-billed Gull X lake
Herring Gull X lake
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
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
American Robin X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 feeders
Song Sparrow 1 feeders
Swamp Sparrow 1 Lake western shore, phragmites
White-throated Sparrow 34 feeders
Dark-eyed Junco 12 feeders
Northern Cardinal 25--11 feeders;14 boathouse path
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 boathouse path
House Finch 6 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Prospect Blizzardly morning February 26th
Common Merganser,Bufflehead,Hooded Mergansers drakes in vincinity of Three Sisters Islands (lake) under heavy snowfall
Rusty Blackbird on path next to Boathouse , near Camperdown Elm, with flock of cardinals, feeding on thrown seed
Rusty Blackbird on path next to Boathouse , near Camperdown Elm, with flock of cardinals, feeding on thrown seed
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Snowy Prospect February 25th
Snow accentuated the scene , as I watched the Common Merganser sailed in front of Three Sisters Islands,snowflakes kind of obscured the duck's profile. A pretty sight. P.
date = 2010/02/25
site = Prospect Park
observers = Peter Dorosh
Northern Shoveler ~8 lake
American Black Duck inc 2 at Upper Pool; more on lake
Canada Goose
Common Merganser drake , in front of and near Three Sister Islands,
Ruddy Duck ~45 Lake
Mute Swan
Mallard
Sharp-shinned Hawk f/o Propsite
American Coot lake
Ring-billed Gull ~120 lake
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 2 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch feeders
American Robin Cleft Ridge span
European Starling
White-throated Sparrow 12 feeders
Fox Sparrow feeders
Dark-eyed Junco 9 feeders
Northern Cardinal 6 feeders
House Finch 4 feeders
American Goldfinch 5 feeders
House Sparrow 2 feeders
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From John Ascher:
In addition to your list from today Chaoyan and I saw 2m and 1f Hooded Mergansers on the Lake in the corner below the hill. John
date = 2010/02/25
site = Prospect Park
observers = Peter Dorosh
Northern Shoveler ~8 lake
American Black Duck inc 2 at Upper Pool; more on lake
Canada Goose
Common Merganser drake , in front of and near Three Sister Islands,
Ruddy Duck ~45 Lake
Mute Swan
Mallard
Sharp-shinned Hawk f/o Propsite
American Coot lake
Ring-billed Gull ~120 lake
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 2 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch feeders
American Robin Cleft Ridge span
European Starling
White-throated Sparrow 12 feeders
Fox Sparrow feeders
Dark-eyed Junco 9 feeders
Northern Cardinal 6 feeders
House Finch 4 feeders
American Goldfinch 5 feeders
House Sparrow 2 feeders
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From John Ascher:
In addition to your list from today Chaoyan and I saw 2m and 1f Hooded Mergansers on the Lake in the corner below the hill. John
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Prospect February 24th
Hilights: American Pipit @ ballfields inside fence closest to Upper Pool;Common Merganser still present on Lake;two Eastern Towhees (pair) along path /bridle trail behind East Wood building ( boathouse)
(Picture of American Pipit today taken by Peter on his cell phone magnified 2x; Pipit is on the metal stake/pole with orange tip;10:52 am. Click on photo for zoom in)
*****************************
From Larry:
Peter:
Common Merganser still on the lake.
LZ
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/24/10
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/24/10
Number of species: 37
Canada Goose 50
Mute Swan 7 Two on Boathouse Pond
Wood Duck 1 Boathouse Pond
American Black Duck 6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 230
Northern Shoveler 36
Hooded Merganser 1 Drake, Three Sisters
Common Merganser 1 Drake, mid-lake
Ruddy Duck 53
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 8
Ring-billed Gull 250 Around 50 on the ball fields.
Herring Gull 15
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 25
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 13
American Crow 10
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1 In lake phragmites
American Robin 75
European Starling 150
Fox Sparrow 1 Lullwater Trail
Song Sparrow 1 On lake ice
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 19
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 1 Lullwater Trail
House Finch 5 On Lullwater trail & at feeders
American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 12
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
**********************************
Whimsical moment today while I was looking for the Pipit afar inside the ballfields fence; instead, the bird was on the stake very near me (see photo above). Because of its "camouflage", I didn't see it until I moved along the fence , without realizing I was approaching the pipit and it flicked its tail..8 weeks here and counting.Amazing.
date = 2010/02/24
site = Prospect Park
observers = Peter Dorosh
Wood Duck drake @boathouse
Mallard 63 Upper Pool; 72 @boathouse
Sharp-shinned Hawk Sullivan hill woods
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove 5 feeders
Monk Parakeet reported by Mary E. at her north Windsor Terrace backyard feeders
Downy Woodpecker 3 feeders; 1 rink cove, 2 elsewhere
Blue Jay nethermead
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 3 lily pool meadow; 2 feeders, 2 rink cove
Brown Creeper 1 rink cove path
American Robin 23 nethermead; ~16 cleft ridge span; common
Northern Mockingbird 1 rink cove path
European Starling
American Pipit ballfields fence enclosure,far corner nearest Upper pool
White-throated Sparrow common ~ 65
Song Sparrow 1 rink cove
Fox Sparrow 2 rink cove
Dark-eyed Junco ~20 Breeze Hill
Eastern Towhee 2 -pair at East Wood Arch building
Northern Cardinal 5 boathouse; 6 rink cove
Red-winged Blackbird 5 breeze hill; with grackles
Common Grackle 14 Breeze Hill top
House Finch 7 feeders
American Goldfinch 4 feeders
House Sparrow 2 feeders;
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Prospect February 23rd
Hilights: Common Merganser drake Prospect Lake west , last seen near Three Sisters, open water closest approach ; Rusty Blackbird left of fork on path from Rink up south Breeze Hill ( along water, 50 feet from fork)
*****************************
*****************************
From Rob Jett:
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/23/10
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 54
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
House Finch X
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
***************************************
From Peter
With this inclement cold weather, the hilight of a very bright Common Merganser tempered the day's dreariness; adding close views of a trio of Hooded Mergansers (and just hoping for the third "merg" species to appear) for more delight. The spot by the rink cove was pretty active with multiple cardinals with a bonus Rusty Blackbird flipping up leaves next to the pedestrian path. Pretty productive birding while fighting off those raindrops.
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/23/10
Number of species: 29
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 4 Lake
American Black Duck 11 Lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 22 Lake
Hooded Merganser 3-2 drake, 1 hen Lake peninsula shore
Common Merganser 1 drake Lake
Ruddy Duck 47 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 back Duck Island
American Coot 14 --10 Lake peninsula shore
Ring-billed Gull 200 lake
Herring Gull 40 lake
Great Black-backed Gull 7 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Peninsula near Terrace Br
Downy Woodpecker 2 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 4--2 terrace Br; 2 feeders
American Robin X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 rink cove
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 9 feeders
Northern Cardinal 14--6 Terrace Br; 8 Rink Cove
Red-winged Blackbird 1 path near Rink Cove
Rusty Blackbird 1 path near Rink Cove
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Observation date: 2/23/10
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 54
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
House Finch X
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
***************************************
From Peter
With this inclement cold weather, the hilight of a very bright Common Merganser tempered the day's dreariness; adding close views of a trio of Hooded Mergansers (and just hoping for the third "merg" species to appear) for more delight. The spot by the rink cove was pretty active with multiple cardinals with a bonus Rusty Blackbird flipping up leaves next to the pedestrian path. Pretty productive birding while fighting off those raindrops.
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/23/10
Number of species: 29
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 4 Lake
American Black Duck 11 Lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 22 Lake
Hooded Merganser 3-2 drake, 1 hen Lake peninsula shore
Common Merganser 1 drake Lake
Ruddy Duck 47 lake
Great Blue Heron 1 back Duck Island
American Coot 14 --10 Lake peninsula shore
Ring-billed Gull 200 lake
Herring Gull 40 lake
Great Black-backed Gull 7 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Peninsula near Terrace Br
Downy Woodpecker 2 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 4--2 terrace Br; 2 feeders
American Robin X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 rink cove
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 9 feeders
Northern Cardinal 14--6 Terrace Br; 8 Rink Cove
Red-winged Blackbird 1 path near Rink Cove
Rusty Blackbird 1 path near Rink Cove
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Monday, February 22, 2010
New revised checklist
Rusty Harold has forwarded me a new revised version of the checklist form that was used for the now obsolete NYC Bird report website . Rusty's current checklist tool is very useful for a general listing supplementing Ebirds if multiple locations were visited thru the day. But if you are not on Ebirds which requires a subscriptive registration, you can use this checklist to report birds and send to me for records documentation, making it easier for tallying. See the link below which will be on this blog's menu ( right side) as a permanent link. My grateful thanks to Rusty for the time and effort he put in recreating and refining this very useful checklist tool.
http://nycbirdreport.appspot.com/
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http://nycbirdreport.appspot.com/
****************************************************************************************************************************
Prospect February 22nd
Hilights: Orange-crowned Warbler reported on north Lullwater slope ; American Pipit on ballfields ( fence enclosure); 5 Wood Duck
From Peter:
(brief after work views of the lake)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/22/10
Number of species: 17
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 4--3 drake, 1 hen Lake
Hooded Merganser-pair at Three Sisters Island
American Black Duck 13 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 5 lake
Ruddy Duck 27 lake
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
American Crow X
Northern Mockingbird 1 west island
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow 9 west island
Northern Cardinal 1 west island
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Paul Cook:
Hi Peter, how are you? Good I hope!
I managed a few hours in the park this afternoon (1330 til dusk) and was lucky enough, amongst other things, to come across an Orange-crowned Warbler. It was on the wooded slope of the Lullwater, North of Terrace bridge, where the path runs between Lookout Hill and the Lullwater. I had excellent views for about 5 minutes as it fed amongst some fallen pine branches.
Also of note were 11 Cedar Waxwings by Binnen Water, 5 Wood Duck (4 Lake, 1 Boathouse Pond), and the American Pipit was again on the ball fields (at 2.15pm).
Hope this is of interest,
all the best, Paul.
From Peter:
(brief after work views of the lake)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/22/10
Number of species: 17
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Wood Duck 4--3 drake, 1 hen Lake
Hooded Merganser-pair at Three Sisters Island
American Black Duck 13 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 5 lake
Ruddy Duck 27 lake
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
American Crow X
Northern Mockingbird 1 west island
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow 9 west island
Northern Cardinal 1 west island
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Paul Cook:
Hi Peter, how are you? Good I hope!
I managed a few hours in the park this afternoon (1330 til dusk) and was lucky enough, amongst other things, to come across an Orange-crowned Warbler. It was on the wooded slope of the Lullwater, North of Terrace bridge, where the path runs between Lookout Hill and the Lullwater. I had excellent views for about 5 minutes as it fed amongst some fallen pine branches.
Also of note were 11 Cedar Waxwings by Binnen Water, 5 Wood Duck (4 Lake, 1 Boathouse Pond), and the American Pipit was again on the ball fields (at 2.15pm).
Hope this is of interest,
all the best, Paul.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 21st, Prospect + BBG
Hilights : AMERICAN PIPIT inside extreme east corner snow covered ballfields within fence enclosure, look for exposed ground ; "return of the Grackle"
Today's observation during a Brooklyn Bird Club walk is an early omen of spring, Common Grackles, a noted early migrant,seen as a small flock adjacent to the Terrace Bridge. Also noted for spring signs was two Red-tailed Hawks seen copulating adjacent to the Battle Pass, before the male flew off to a tree holding last year's nest. Merlin perched calmly and beautifully at Quaker Ridge Center Drive, Cedar Waxwings at Terrace Bridge, joining with the starlings and robins for a frenzied ground forage. A very nice day to counter "cabin fever" and enjoy what was out there,regardless whatever.
List ( club walk sightings the next list after this one)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/21/10
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose X lake
Mute Swan 7 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake Boathouse pond
American Black Duck 4 lake
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 lake
Mallard 175 lake
Northern Shoveler 16 lake
Ruddy Duck 56 Lake
Great Blue Heron 1 Peninsula shore
Cooper's Hawk 1 reported by Tom Stephenson, Adam Welz Breeze Hill
Red-tailed Hawk 3- 2 Battle pass ( copulating); 1 f/o Lookout Hill
Merlin 1 Center drive
American Coot 8 lake
Ring-billed Gull 325 lake
Herring Gull X lake
Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Rink area
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2--1 Vale rose garden; 1 LP249
Downy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 22 lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 3--2 Binnen Pool;1 LP 249
White-breasted Nuthatch 4--2 feeders; 1 MIdwood, 1 Breeze Hill
Winter Wren 1 Binnen Pool , back shore behind cattail stalks
Hermit Thrush 1 Vale Cashmere rose garden north end
American Robin 55 lullwater to cove
European Starling 130 Terrace Br , flock
American Pipit 1 ballfields east corner exposed ground
Cedar Waxwing 4 below Terrace Bridge, north path
Eastern Towhee 1 female Boathouse
Fox Sparrow (Red) 3 --2 LP 249;1 lullwater
Song Sparrow 1 Peninsula Sumacs
White-throated Sparrow 45 parkwide
Dark-eyed Junco 15 feeders
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Common Grackle 9-7 Terrace Bridge,1 LP 249; 1 Breeze Hill
House Finch 12 feeders region
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
site = Prospect Park
observers = Brooklyn Bird Club
date = 2010/2/21
Song Sparrow 100%
American Coot 100%
Red-winged Blackbird 100%
Fox Sparrow 100%
American Goldfinch 100%
Downy Woodpecker 100%
Wood Duck 100%
Common Grackle 100%
Dark-eyed Junco 100%
Northern Shoveler 100%
Great Black-backed Gull 100%
Northern Cardinal 100%
European Starling 100%
Red-tailed Hawk 100%
White-breasted Nuthatch 100%
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 100%
American Black Duck 100%
White-throated Sparrow 100%
Hermit Thrush 100%
House Sparrow 100%
Herring Gull 100%
House Finch 100%
Black-capped Chickadee 100%
Rock Pigeon 100%
American Robin 100%
Canada Goose 100%
Mourning Dove 100%
Ruddy Duck 100%
American Crow 100%
Red-bellied Woodpecker 100%
Eastern Towhee 100%
Blue Jay 100%
Merlin 100%
Mute Swan 100%
Mallard 100%
Ring-billed Gull 100%
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Jett:
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/21/10
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/21/10
> Number of species: 40
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Hooded Merganser 2
> Ruddy Duck 54
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> American Coot X
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 15
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> American Robin X
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> Cedar Waxwing 3
> Fox Sparrow 2
> Song Sparrow 3
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird X
> Common Grackle 4
> House Finch 6
> American Goldfinch 4
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Larry Zirlin:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Observation date: 2/21/10
Number of species: 12
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
American Robin 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 9
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 3
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Tom Preston:
Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/21/10
> Number of species: 34
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan X
> American Black Duck 1
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Hooded Merganser 1
> Ruddy Duck 52
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull X
> Great Black-backed Gull X
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove X
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 5
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow X
> Black-capped Chickadee 6
> Tufted Titmouse 2
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 3
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin 16
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird 6
> House Finch X
> American Goldfinch 2
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>
Today's observation during a Brooklyn Bird Club walk is an early omen of spring, Common Grackles, a noted early migrant,seen as a small flock adjacent to the Terrace Bridge. Also noted for spring signs was two Red-tailed Hawks seen copulating adjacent to the Battle Pass, before the male flew off to a tree holding last year's nest. Merlin perched calmly and beautifully at Quaker Ridge Center Drive, Cedar Waxwings at Terrace Bridge, joining with the starlings and robins for a frenzied ground forage. A very nice day to counter "cabin fever" and enjoy what was out there,regardless whatever.
List ( club walk sightings the next list after this one)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/21/10
Number of species: 42
Canada Goose X lake
Mute Swan 7 lake
Wood Duck 1 drake Boathouse pond
American Black Duck 4 lake
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 lake
Mallard 175 lake
Northern Shoveler 16 lake
Ruddy Duck 56 Lake
Great Blue Heron 1 Peninsula shore
Cooper's Hawk 1 reported by Tom Stephenson, Adam Welz Breeze Hill
Red-tailed Hawk 3- 2 Battle pass ( copulating); 1 f/o Lookout Hill
Merlin 1 Center drive
American Coot 8 lake
Ring-billed Gull 325 lake
Herring Gull X lake
Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Rink area
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2--1 Vale rose garden; 1 LP249
Downy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 22 lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 3 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 3--2 Binnen Pool;1 LP 249
White-breasted Nuthatch 4--2 feeders; 1 MIdwood, 1 Breeze Hill
Winter Wren 1 Binnen Pool , back shore behind cattail stalks
Hermit Thrush 1 Vale Cashmere rose garden north end
American Robin 55 lullwater to cove
European Starling 130 Terrace Br , flock
American Pipit 1 ballfields east corner exposed ground
Cedar Waxwing 4 below Terrace Bridge, north path
Eastern Towhee 1 female Boathouse
Fox Sparrow (Red) 3 --2 LP 249;1 lullwater
Song Sparrow 1 Peninsula Sumacs
White-throated Sparrow 45 parkwide
Dark-eyed Junco 15 feeders
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
Common Grackle 9-7 Terrace Bridge,1 LP 249; 1 Breeze Hill
House Finch 12 feeders region
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
site = Prospect Park
observers = Brooklyn Bird Club
date = 2010/2/21
Song Sparrow 100%
American Coot 100%
Red-winged Blackbird 100%
Fox Sparrow 100%
American Goldfinch 100%
Downy Woodpecker 100%
Wood Duck 100%
Common Grackle 100%
Dark-eyed Junco 100%
Northern Shoveler 100%
Great Black-backed Gull 100%
Northern Cardinal 100%
European Starling 100%
Red-tailed Hawk 100%
White-breasted Nuthatch 100%
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 100%
American Black Duck 100%
White-throated Sparrow 100%
Hermit Thrush 100%
House Sparrow 100%
Herring Gull 100%
House Finch 100%
Black-capped Chickadee 100%
Rock Pigeon 100%
American Robin 100%
Canada Goose 100%
Mourning Dove 100%
Ruddy Duck 100%
American Crow 100%
Red-bellied Woodpecker 100%
Eastern Towhee 100%
Blue Jay 100%
Merlin 100%
Mute Swan 100%
Mallard 100%
Ring-billed Gull 100%
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Jett:
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/21/10
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/21/10
> Number of species: 40
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Hooded Merganser 2
> Ruddy Duck 54
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> American Coot X
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 15
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> American Robin X
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> Cedar Waxwing 3
> Fox Sparrow 2
> Song Sparrow 3
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird X
> Common Grackle 4
> House Finch 6
> American Goldfinch 4
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Larry Zirlin:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Observation date: 2/21/10
Number of species: 12
Ring-billed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Blue Jay 2
American Crow 1
American Robin 8
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 9
White-throated Sparrow 5
Northern Cardinal 3
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Tom Preston:
Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/21/10
> Number of species: 34
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan X
> American Black Duck 1
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Hooded Merganser 1
> Ruddy Duck 52
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull X
> Great Black-backed Gull X
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove X
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 5
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow X
> Black-capped Chickadee 6
> Tufted Titmouse 2
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 3
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin 16
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird 6
> House Finch X
> American Goldfinch 2
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
>
Saturday, February 20, 2010
February 20th Prospect
From Rafael
As the temperatures were a little warmer than a week ago, I went to Prospect Park (PP), for my weekly walk to look for birds.
Most of the snow is almost melt, and the lake is still frozen, and so the pools. No much activity, except for the feeders at Breezy Hill. But the lake has large numbers of gulls, specially Ring-billeds. A Hooded Merganser male, was seen among the Mallards.
A lonely Common Grackle was spotted near the Zoo grounds, and a male Hairy Woodpecker, were nice surprises.
Here is the birds recorded this morning, 20 February 2010, at PP:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck (1 male, near the Boat House)
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser (1 male, Lake)
Red-tailed Hawk (1 flyover the Lake)
American Coot (1, Lake)
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker (near Lampost 49)
Blue Jay
American Crow (2, Grand Army Plaza)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European (Common) Starling
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird (5, feeders: Breezy Hill)
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Brooklyn is good birding, even when the grounds are covered with snow!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Anne-Katrin:
Wood Duck at southern end of the lake on Thursday, swimming in and around the swans.
Wood Duck was back at the Audubon Center pond ,preening on the ice this morning.
Anne-Katrin
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Observers:Peter D, Mary E
Brooklyn Botanic garden
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Observation date: 2/20/10
Number of species: 15
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
American Robin 15
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 9 Crape Mytle stair way
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal 1
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rusty Harold:
date = 2/20/10
site = Prospect Park
observers = Elliotte Rusty Harold
American Goldfinch 100%
Downy Woodpecker 100%
Tufted Titmouse 100%
Wood Duck 100%
Common Grackle 100%
Dark-eyed Junco 100%
Northern Shoveler 100%
Northern Cardinal 100%
European Starling 100%
Red-tailed Hawk 100%
White-breasted Nuthatch 100%
White-throated Sparrow 100%
House Sparrow 100%
House Finch 100%
Black-capped Chickadee 100%
Rock Pigeon 100%
Canada Goose 100%
American Pipit 100%
Mourning Dove 100%
Ruddy Duck 100%
Blue Jay 100%
Mute Swan 100%
Mallard 100%
Ring-billed Gull 100%
--
Elliotte Rusty Harold
As the temperatures were a little warmer than a week ago, I went to Prospect Park (PP), for my weekly walk to look for birds.
Most of the snow is almost melt, and the lake is still frozen, and so the pools. No much activity, except for the feeders at Breezy Hill. But the lake has large numbers of gulls, specially Ring-billeds. A Hooded Merganser male, was seen among the Mallards.
A lonely Common Grackle was spotted near the Zoo grounds, and a male Hairy Woodpecker, were nice surprises.
Here is the birds recorded this morning, 20 February 2010, at PP:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck (1 male, near the Boat House)
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser (1 male, Lake)
Red-tailed Hawk (1 flyover the Lake)
American Coot (1, Lake)
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker (near Lampost 49)
Blue Jay
American Crow (2, Grand Army Plaza)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European (Common) Starling
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird (5, feeders: Breezy Hill)
Common Grackle
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Brooklyn is good birding, even when the grounds are covered with snow!!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Anne-Katrin:
Wood Duck at southern end of the lake on Thursday, swimming in and around the swans.
Wood Duck was back at the Audubon Center pond ,preening on the ice this morning.
Anne-Katrin
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Observers:Peter D, Mary E
Brooklyn Botanic garden
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Observation date: 2/20/10
Number of species: 15
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
American Robin 15
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 9 Crape Mytle stair way
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal 1
House Sparrow X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rusty Harold:
date = 2/20/10
site = Prospect Park
observers = Elliotte Rusty Harold
American Goldfinch 100%
Downy Woodpecker 100%
Tufted Titmouse 100%
Wood Duck 100%
Common Grackle 100%
Dark-eyed Junco 100%
Northern Shoveler 100%
Northern Cardinal 100%
European Starling 100%
Red-tailed Hawk 100%
White-breasted Nuthatch 100%
White-throated Sparrow 100%
House Sparrow 100%
House Finch 100%
Black-capped Chickadee 100%
Rock Pigeon 100%
Canada Goose 100%
American Pipit 100%
Mourning Dove 100%
Ruddy Duck 100%
Blue Jay 100%
Mute Swan 100%
Mallard 100%
Ring-billed Gull 100%
--
Elliotte Rusty Harold
Friday, February 19, 2010
Prospect Park February 19th
Kingsboider note:
Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect Park walk
Sunday, February 21st , Prospect Park
Meet 9:00 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Leader: Peter Dorosh (substitute)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hilight : 82 BRANT (originally reported afar as 77) on west shore Prospect Lake
Brant flew in midmorning , landed on the water, then proceeded to go on the shore.
( observer -Peter)
*********************************
From Larry:
Peter:
I counted 82 Brant so your count from so far away was
pretty accurate. 10 seconds after I finished counting they
all took off from the lake, heading toward the Parade Grounds.
Larry
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/19/10
Number of species: 36
Brant 82 On Lake
Canada Goose 61
Mute Swan 6
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
Mallard 200
Northern Shoveler 26
Ruddy Duck 33
Merlin 1 Off Terrace Bridge
American Coot 8
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 13
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 60
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 110
Fox Sparrow 1 Feeders
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 2 Phragmites on lake shore
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco 15
Northern Cardinal 26
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 1
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 9
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect Park walk
Sunday, February 21st , Prospect Park
Meet 9:00 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Leader: Peter Dorosh (substitute)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hilight : 82 BRANT (originally reported afar as 77) on west shore Prospect Lake
Brant flew in midmorning , landed on the water, then proceeded to go on the shore.
( observer -Peter)
*********************************
From Larry:
Peter:
I counted 82 Brant so your count from so far away was
pretty accurate. 10 seconds after I finished counting they
all took off from the lake, heading toward the Parade Grounds.
Larry
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/19/10
Number of species: 36
Brant 82 On Lake
Canada Goose 61
Mute Swan 6
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
Mallard 200
Northern Shoveler 26
Ruddy Duck 33
Merlin 1 Off Terrace Bridge
American Coot 8
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 13
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 7
American Crow 9
Black-capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 60
Northern Mockingbird 2
European Starling 110
Fox Sparrow 1 Feeders
Song Sparrow 4
Swamp Sparrow 2 Phragmites on lake shore
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco 15
Northern Cardinal 26
Red-winged Blackbird 6
Common Grackle 1
House Finch 4
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 9
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect Park walk
Sunday, February 21st , Prospect Park
Meet 9:00 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Meet 9:00 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Leader: Gabriel Willow
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Prospect February 17th
I received a text message from Rob J that John Walsh spotted the American Pipit this morning I presume within the ballfields fence enclosure.
It's certainly a very hardy bird in these winter elements..
****************************
From Larry Zirlin :
Here are the results of today's walk in the snow.
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/17/10
Notes: First time this year I didn't see the Wood Duck on the Boathouse Pond.
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose 110
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 260
Northern Shoveler 32
Ruddy Duck 18
American Coot 8
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 11
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Feeders, Boathouse, Rocky Pass
Downy Woodpecker 4 Feeders, Rocky Pass
Hairy Woodpecker 1 Feeders
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 8 Lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 60
European Starling 55
Fox Sparrow 2 One @ feeders, one on Lullwater trail
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 50
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 21
Red-winged Blackbird 3 Feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 Lullwater trail, close to rustic shelter
House Finch 1 Feeders
American Goldfinch 1 Feeders
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
It's certainly a very hardy bird in these winter elements..
****************************
From Larry Zirlin :
Here are the results of today's walk in the snow.
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/17/10
Notes: First time this year I didn't see the Wood Duck on the Boathouse Pond.
Number of species: 33
Canada Goose 110
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 260
Northern Shoveler 32
Ruddy Duck 18
American Coot 8
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 11
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 Feeders, Boathouse, Rocky Pass
Downy Woodpecker 4 Feeders, Rocky Pass
Hairy Woodpecker 1 Feeders
Blue Jay 6
American Crow 8 Lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
American Robin 60
European Starling 55
Fox Sparrow 2 One @ feeders, one on Lullwater trail
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 50
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 21
Red-winged Blackbird 3 Feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 Lullwater trail, close to rustic shelter
House Finch 1 Feeders
American Goldfinch 1 Feeders
House Sparrow 6
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Monday, February 15, 2010
Reports received while i was away....
I'am back from my trip to the East End of Long Island ( 23 species ducks ! Iceland Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Horned Owl,hen King Eider, massive flock Common Eiders at Shinnecock Inlet, terrific looking mile long stretch ice floes , some snow shoeing)
Here are the following reports sent me while I was gone (Most recent to older reports):
From Rob Jett:
> Date: February 15, 2010 5:55:20 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/14/10
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/14/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler 12
> Ruddy Duck 17
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Merlin 1
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove X
> Red-bellied Woodpecker X
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow X
> Black-capped Chickadee X
> Tufted Titmouse X
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Carolina Wren 1
> Hermit Thrush 1
> American Robin X
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> Fox Sparrow 3
> Song Sparrow 2
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird X
> Rusty Blackbird 1
> House Finch 8
> American Goldfinch 5
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
*********************************
From Kathy Toomey:
site = Prospect Park
date = 2/15/10
observers = Kathy Toomey
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
******************************************
From Doug Gochfeld
Sent: Mon, Feb 15, 2010 3:09 pm
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/15/10
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/15/10
Notes: w/ Bob Gochfeld. Also birded for a while w/ Rob Jett, John Ascher,
and Chaoyan Dong.
Number of species: 38
Canada Goose 200
Mute Swan 7
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 15
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 350
Northern Shoveler 13
Ruddy Duck 22
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Maryland Monument
American Coot 10
Ring-billed Gull 1900-- 3 with wing tags # A306, A318, A288
Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 75
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 15
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 60
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee 2 Lullwater, together
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 25
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Rusty Blackbird 1 Terrace Bridge area then flew to Peninsula
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 40
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
********************************
From Rusty Harold:
From:
Date: Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Subject: Your GBBC observation for FEB 14, 2010 in 11215, Brooklyn,
Kings County, NY
To: gbbc@macfaq.com
Thank you for entering your observation in this year's Great Backyard
Bird Count. Below is a report summarizing the bird checklist you
submitted.
Locality: 11215, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY
Observation Date: FEB 14, 2010
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Total Birding Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Party Size: 1
Skill: excellent
Weather: excellent
Snow Depth: 8 - 10 in (20.3 - 25.4 cm)
Habitat(s):
deciduous woods
freshwater
Number of Species: 35
All Reported: yes
Checklist:
Canada Goose - 120
Mute Swan - 5
Wood Duck - 1
American Black Duck - 1
Mallard - 145
Northern Shoveler - 16
Ruddy Duck - 10
Cooper's Hawk - 1
American Coot - 3
Ring-billed Gull - 1,300
Herring Gull - 6
Great Black-backed Gull - 1
Rock Pigeon - 26
Mourning Dove - 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Blue Jay - 2
American Crow - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 4
Tufted Titmouse - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 1
American Robin - 11
European Starling - 62
Fox Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 2
White-throated Sparrow - 28
Dark-eyed Junco - 9
Northern Cardinal - 5
Red-winged Blackbird - 10
House Finch - 2
American Goldfinch - 4
House Sparrow - 1
************************************
From Alex Wilson:
Begin forwarded message:
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/12/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose 200
> Mute Swan 6
> Wood Duck 1 (Drake, Boathouse pool.)
> American Black Duck 8
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 200
> Northern Shoveler 25
> Hooded Merganser 2 (Pair, Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 40
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3 (Including Ravine pair exhibiting mating
> behavior.)
> Merlin 2 (Interacting and perching along Center Drive.)
> American Coot 6
> Ring-billed Gull 500
> Herring Gull (American) 25
> Great Black-backed Gull 2
> Rock Pigeon 40
> Mourning Dove 25
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
> Downy Woodpecker 8
> Blue Jay 10
> American Crow 5
> Black-capped Chickadee 12
> Tufted Titmouse 4
> White-breasted Nuthatch 8
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 3
> Winter Wren 1 (Midwood.)
> Hermit Thrush 1 (Seen on both sides of Terrace Bride west
> side.)
> American Robin 75
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> European Starling 150
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 6
> Song Sparrow 5
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 100
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 25
> Northern Cardinal 30
> Red-winged Blackbird 15
> Rusty Blackbird 1 (Female, along lower Lullwater, Breeze
> Hill side.)
> House Finch 15
> American Goldfinch 8
> House Sparrow 30
***********************************
From Rafael Campos:
Date: 13 February 2010
Site: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY
Observer: Rafael Campos
After the big storm of this week, and almost 4 weeks without visiting PP; today was a very cold experience. Most of the water at the lake was frozen, except for a little section, and the pools, frozen, too. Most of the activity I observed was around the feeders in Breezy Hill, and behind the Well House.
Here is the list of birds recorded:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
(American) Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
American Crown
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1, feeders)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren (1, behind the Well House)
American Robin
European Starling
Fox Sparrow (2)
Song Sparrow (2, Well House)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
****************************************
Brooklyn is good birding, despite the snow in the ground!!!
Here are the following reports sent me while I was gone (Most recent to older reports):
From Rob Jett:
> Date: February 15, 2010 5:55:20 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/14/10
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/14/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler 12
> Ruddy Duck 17
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Cooper's Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Merlin 1
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull X
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove X
> Red-bellied Woodpecker X
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow X
> Black-capped Chickadee X
> Tufted Titmouse X
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Carolina Wren 1
> Hermit Thrush 1
> American Robin X
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> Fox Sparrow 3
> Song Sparrow 2
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird X
> Rusty Blackbird 1
> House Finch 8
> American Goldfinch 5
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
*********************************
From Kathy Toomey:
site = Prospect Park
date = 2/15/10
observers = Kathy Toomey
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Mourning Dove
******************************************
From Doug Gochfeld
Sent: Mon, Feb 15, 2010 3:09 pm
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/15/10
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/15/10
Notes: w/ Bob Gochfeld. Also birded for a while w/ Rob Jett, John Ascher,
and Chaoyan Dong.
Number of species: 38
Canada Goose 200
Mute Swan 7
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 15
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 350
Northern Shoveler 13
Ruddy Duck 22
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Maryland Monument
American Coot 10
Ring-billed Gull 1900-- 3 with wing tags # A306, A318, A288
Herring Gull 30
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 75
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 6
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 15
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 5
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 60
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee 2 Lullwater, together
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 25
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Rusty Blackbird 1 Terrace Bridge area then flew to Peninsula
House Finch 5
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 40
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
********************************
From Rusty Harold:
From:
Date: Sun, Feb 14, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Subject: Your GBBC observation for FEB 14, 2010 in 11215, Brooklyn,
Kings County, NY
To: gbbc@macfaq.com
Thank you for entering your observation in this year's Great Backyard
Bird Count. Below is a report summarizing the bird checklist you
submitted.
Locality: 11215, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY
Observation Date: FEB 14, 2010
Start Time: 12:00 PM
Total Birding Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Party Size: 1
Skill: excellent
Weather: excellent
Snow Depth: 8 - 10 in (20.3 - 25.4 cm)
Habitat(s):
deciduous woods
freshwater
Number of Species: 35
All Reported: yes
Checklist:
Canada Goose - 120
Mute Swan - 5
Wood Duck - 1
American Black Duck - 1
Mallard - 145
Northern Shoveler - 16
Ruddy Duck - 10
Cooper's Hawk - 1
American Coot - 3
Ring-billed Gull - 1,300
Herring Gull - 6
Great Black-backed Gull - 1
Rock Pigeon - 26
Mourning Dove - 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 2
Downy Woodpecker - 1
Blue Jay - 2
American Crow - 1
Black-capped Chickadee - 4
Tufted Titmouse - 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch - 1
White-breasted Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 1
American Robin - 11
European Starling - 62
Fox Sparrow - 1
Song Sparrow - 1
Swamp Sparrow - 2
White-throated Sparrow - 28
Dark-eyed Junco - 9
Northern Cardinal - 5
Red-winged Blackbird - 10
House Finch - 2
American Goldfinch - 4
House Sparrow - 1
************************************
From Alex Wilson:
Begin forwarded message:
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/12/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose 200
> Mute Swan 6
> Wood Duck 1 (Drake, Boathouse pool.)
> American Black Duck 8
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 200
> Northern Shoveler 25
> Hooded Merganser 2 (Pair, Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 40
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3 (Including Ravine pair exhibiting mating
> behavior.)
> Merlin 2 (Interacting and perching along Center Drive.)
> American Coot 6
> Ring-billed Gull 500
> Herring Gull (American) 25
> Great Black-backed Gull 2
> Rock Pigeon 40
> Mourning Dove 25
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 7
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
> Downy Woodpecker 8
> Blue Jay 10
> American Crow 5
> Black-capped Chickadee 12
> Tufted Titmouse 4
> White-breasted Nuthatch 8
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 3
> Winter Wren 1 (Midwood.)
> Hermit Thrush 1 (Seen on both sides of Terrace Bride west
> side.)
> American Robin 75
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> European Starling 150
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 6
> Song Sparrow 5
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 100
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 25
> Northern Cardinal 30
> Red-winged Blackbird 15
> Rusty Blackbird 1 (Female, along lower Lullwater, Breeze
> Hill side.)
> House Finch 15
> American Goldfinch 8
> House Sparrow 30
***********************************
From Rafael Campos:
Date: 13 February 2010
Site: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY
Observer: Rafael Campos
After the big storm of this week, and almost 4 weeks without visiting PP; today was a very cold experience. Most of the water at the lake was frozen, except for a little section, and the pools, frozen, too. Most of the activity I observed was around the feeders in Breezy Hill, and behind the Well House.
Here is the list of birds recorded:
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
(American) Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
American Crown
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch (1, feeders)
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren (1, behind the Well House)
American Robin
European Starling
Fox Sparrow (2)
Song Sparrow (2, Well House)
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
****************************************
Brooklyn is good birding, despite the snow in the ground!!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Mid-Winter break
Hi readers and birders:Starting Friday (tomorrow) , I will be away for several days for the long holiday cold weekend. So, the Prospect Sightings blog will be taking a short vacation.
Any rare bird report I received on my cellphone, I pass along a short note on my blogger. Or my Twitter account if you have one:
http://twitter.com/list/prosbird/bbcbirds#list/prosbird/bbcbirds
And don't forget to enter birds you see each day for the
Great Backyard Bird Count (starts Friday , ends Monday)
on http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
*******************
*******************
Enjoy the winter scenery,
--Kingsboider
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10th Prospect : Winter Wonderland
The park was spectacular today, snow dressing up the woods and trees with its crystalline form. Everywhere I went,there was beauty to behold. Two delightful scenes are profiled in the two cell phone photos I took, one of my heavy snow laden feeders with the picture postcard backdrop ; and the second of a perfectly covered Beech tree along East Drive, opposite Nellies Lawn. Just a great scene to admire, nature's gift to us who love winter. ( I for one)
While working to move snow from walkways, I was fortunate to see a RUSTY BLACKBIRD,adjacent to the south side of the Boathouse, in the shrubs. Seed was on the low wall (next to three steps) where Cardinals and White-throated Sparrows eagerly grabbed at scattered seed. And on occasions, the Rusty would chase some of the birds away for its own seed take. A cute scene. I was delighted to see the Rusty while shoveling the snow.
And on the way home after work, I stopped by the feeders. At first, only a Downy Woodpecker pecked at the suet. But in minutes, more birds shot in and hungrily devour seed from the feeders and the ground below. Juncos outnumbered everything else, overwhlemingly against two FOX Sparrows.But winter is about survival and food is scarce and the feeders at the moment is a lifeline, especially in the days ahead.
Trudging thru the winter wonderland,dodging sledders on the way to the lake, it was for me a very enjoyable walk despite an achy back. And surprises await if you just let go to nature. And that's where the lake yielded a surprise for me, while I was being pelted by hard driving sharp snow flakes and hampered as well by wet "bins" . Along the ice edge, diving quite abit, a drake COMMON MERGANSER was my winter moment today; a white large duck seem a real color match for what falls at the moment. Its the first Prospect Common Merganser of the year and who would have expected it in this blizzard ? With winter wonderland magic, anything is possible.
---Kingsboider
list
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/10/10
Number of species: 26
Canada Goose 265 lake
Mute Swan 7 lake
American Black Duck 6 lake
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Mallard 160 lake
Northern Shoveler X lake
Common Merganser 1 drake , west shore open water Lake;diving along outer ice edge
Ruddy Duck 3 lake
American Coot 3 lake
Ring-billed Gull 200 lake
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Black-capped Chickadee 2 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 2 feeders
American Robin X
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 2 feeders
Song Sparrow 1 feeders
White-throated Sparrow 18--8 feeders; 10 boathouse
Dark-eyed Junco 15 feeders
Northern Cardinal 8--6 boathouse with Rusty BB; 2 feeders
Rusty Blackbird 1 Boathouse south portico , near events sign, shrubs and ground
House Finch X feeders
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
House Sparrow 1 feeders
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Feb 8th
Peter's list
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/8/10
Number of species: 21
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 7 lake
Wood Duck 1 lake
American Black Duck 7 lake
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 115 lake
Northern Shoveler 28
Ruddy Duck 1 lake
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 3 lake
Ring-billed Gull 1000 lake
Herring Gull X lake
Great Black-backed Gull 4 lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Black-capped Chickadee X feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 1 west shore lake
Swamp Sparrow 1 west island benches
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird 5 f/o peninsula
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
RUSTY BLACKBIRD south portico boathouse
RUSTY BLACKBIRD south portico boathouse , in shrubs along steps,also on the low wall,chasing away the cardinals for seed on the wall..
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend
I thought I drop a reminder that this Friday thru Monday
(4 days) is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Its a fun event,
very casual experience . With a snow backdrop, more the
lovelier for winter birding.
For a little summary and what to do , see this link to Ebird
and from there the GBBC link ( for more details and entering
sightings) . You can count anywhere, even your backyard.
http://ebird.org/content/ebird
( Unfortunately, I wont be around this weekend
so will need a little help in my stead for Prospect Park)
--Kingsboider
(4 days) is the Great Backyard Bird Count. Its a fun event,
very casual experience . With a snow backdrop, more the
lovelier for winter birding.
For a little summary and what to do , see this link to Ebird
and from there the GBBC link ( for more details and entering
sightings) . You can count anywhere, even your backyard.
http://ebird.org/content/ebird
( Unfortunately, I wont be around this weekend
so will need a little help in my stead for Prospect Park)
--Kingsboider
Black Vulture Records for Prospect
Kingsboider note: Sunday's Black Vulture sighting (D.Gochfeld)was the 7th record for Prospect Park for this highly rare species here. In 2009 , there were three separate flyover sightings : 5/7, 4/25,4/23
before that: 4/13/08,9/15/01, 5/22/1938 ( and 5/23/1938).
There has been a trend of Black Vultures in recent years in NYC, more common observations along the high ridge ground regions of NYC ( but unusual for terminal moraine Brooklyn and Queens where there is lack of updrafts producing ridges) . I read a report that there was a recent breeding record in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. So...keep looking up !
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/id
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Note on the feeders:
New fence replaced the old deformed fence in front of the feeders, which was breached by photographers last Sunday. I prefer no one go beyond the new fence ; if you see someone inside the fence, let them know they are not allowed there... at the disservice of birders who want to enjoy birds undisturbed. (wished the squirrrels would listen too ;)> ) Thanks
--Kingsboider
before that: 4/13/08,9/15/01, 5/22/1938 ( and 5/23/1938).
There has been a trend of Black Vultures in recent years in NYC, more common observations along the high ridge ground regions of NYC ( but unusual for terminal moraine Brooklyn and Queens where there is lack of updrafts producing ridges) . I read a report that there was a recent breeding record in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island. So...keep looking up !
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/id
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Note on the feeders:
New fence replaced the old deformed fence in front of the feeders, which was breached by photographers last Sunday. I prefer no one go beyond the new fence ; if you see someone inside the fence, let them know they are not allowed there... at the disservice of birders who want to enjoy birds undisturbed. (wished the squirrrels would listen too ;)> ) Thanks
--Kingsboider
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7th Prospect;Black Vulture; 1st Sunday walk results
Hilights : BLACK VULTURE high flyover Prospect Lake per Doug Gochfeld;very rare record for Prospect Park but increasing observations in recent years for the NYC area.
Also continuing American Pipit on the ballfields.
*******************************************************
Reported by the First Sunday Group ( incl M.Dreger, H.Steiner-Nanz, M.Eyster)
American Pipit (inside Ballfields snow fence enclosure)
2 Merlin
Red-tail Hawks
*******************************************************
From Rob Jett:
> Date: February 7, 2010 3:27:27 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/7/10
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/7/10
> Number of species: 36
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Ruddy Duck 2
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Peregrine Falcon 1
> American Coot X
> Ring-billed Gull 1000
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 3
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 12
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow 5
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin X
> European Starling X
> Fox Sparrow 1
> Song Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird 2
> House Finch X
> American Goldfinch X
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posting to NYS Birds listserve
Yesterday (Sunday, 2/7) just after 1:00 PM a Black Vulture coasted northwest over Prospect Park lake flying extremely high, and almost exclusively soaring. I know Turkey Vultures start migrating in February, but it is still pretty early in the month, and Black Vultures aren't yet common in the area (they're still downright rare in Brooklyn, even in peak migration) so it came as quite a surprise to me. It certainly looked like it was exhibiting migratory behavior.
There were also ~1600 Ring-billed Gulls (counted and examined closely), including wing-tags A318 (a repeat) and A288 (a new one for me).
Good Birding
-Doug Gochfeld. Brooklyn, NY.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
First Sunday walk , led and reported by Michele Dreger
It was really cold yesterday.... But 20 of us made it to the First Sunday in February walk. I know that the walk should have been focused on the lake but it was pretty frozen this week. There had been posts that the American Pipit that was spotted in January was still around. So the walk was going to try to include the search for the Pipit. Just as we were about to begin, I received a call from Valerie. She was at the ball fields by the dog beach and had the Pipit. Edith had a scope and it was set up. So Heidi and Mary explained about the Pipit as we walked to the other side of the park. On the way we saw a Great Blue Heron and a few Tufted Titmouse as well as American Robins.
Once on the other side of the park, the group had swelled to include people passing by. We had some great looks at the American Pipit. On the way to the lake, we passed the pair of Merlins that have been hanging out on Center Drive in the Linden Trees.
We stopped by the lampost 249 and watched a really great show. At one point there were a carolina wren - downy - nuthatch and blue jay in my field of vision.... other people saw a red-bellied - fox sparrow - sapsucker.... It was like they were displaying for us.
We scanned the only part of the lake that had water looking for the Lesser Black-backed Gull but no luck. There was an interesting moment when some falcon flew over and spooked the gulls. We collectively decided it was a peregrine... why?... Giss!
We ended at the feeders and found some photographers behind the fence. I asked them what group they were with and they told me to "mind your own business". So I said " I am the leader of this tour, we have spent alot of money and time preparing these bird feeders and you are not authorized to be beyond the fence. It is just courtesy". They eventually left... As soon as they did, the birds returned. Like Eny said, they were so busy taking pictures of the sparrows they didn't notice the red nuthatch over their head. They didn't even know what they were looking at. Their loss....
Thanks to Ann from Manhattan Linnean group for joining us for the day. She came for the Pipit and stayed because we had a good group. See you all next month... remember it starts at 8am again.
American Pipit
Mockingbird
Blue Jay
Cardinal
Robin
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
mourning dove
rock pidgeon
Merlin - pair
Red-tailed Hawk - pair
Peregrine Falcon
Canada Geese
Mallard
Wood Duck
American Coot
Mute Swan
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red bellied woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Goldfinch
Carolina Wren
Great Blue Heron
Also continuing American Pipit on the ballfields.
*******************************************************
Reported by the First Sunday Group ( incl M.Dreger, H.Steiner-Nanz, M.Eyster)
American Pipit (inside Ballfields snow fence enclosure)
2 Merlin
Red-tail Hawks
*******************************************************
From Rob Jett:
> Date: February 7, 2010 3:27:27 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/7/10
>
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/7/10
> Number of species: 36
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Ruddy Duck 2
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Peregrine Falcon 1
> American Coot X
> Ring-billed Gull 1000
> Herring Gull (American) X
> Great Black-backed Gull 3
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 12
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow 5
> Black-capped Chickadee 2
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin X
> European Starling X
> Fox Sparrow 1
> Song Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow X
> Dark-eyed Junco X
> Northern Cardinal X
> Red-winged Blackbird 2
> House Finch X
> American Goldfinch X
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Posting to NYS Birds listserve
Yesterday (Sunday, 2/7) just after 1:00 PM a Black Vulture coasted northwest over Prospect Park lake flying extremely high, and almost exclusively soaring. I know Turkey Vultures start migrating in February, but it is still pretty early in the month, and Black Vultures aren't yet common in the area (they're still downright rare in Brooklyn, even in peak migration) so it came as quite a surprise to me. It certainly looked like it was exhibiting migratory behavior.
There were also ~1600 Ring-billed Gulls (counted and examined closely), including wing-tags A318 (a repeat) and A288 (a new one for me).
Good Birding
-Doug Gochfeld. Brooklyn, NY.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
First Sunday walk , led and reported by Michele Dreger
It was really cold yesterday.... But 20 of us made it to the First Sunday in February walk. I know that the walk should have been focused on the lake but it was pretty frozen this week. There had been posts that the American Pipit that was spotted in January was still around. So the walk was going to try to include the search for the Pipit. Just as we were about to begin, I received a call from Valerie. She was at the ball fields by the dog beach and had the Pipit. Edith had a scope and it was set up. So Heidi and Mary explained about the Pipit as we walked to the other side of the park. On the way we saw a Great Blue Heron and a few Tufted Titmouse as well as American Robins.
Once on the other side of the park, the group had swelled to include people passing by. We had some great looks at the American Pipit. On the way to the lake, we passed the pair of Merlins that have been hanging out on Center Drive in the Linden Trees.
We stopped by the lampost 249 and watched a really great show. At one point there were a carolina wren - downy - nuthatch and blue jay in my field of vision.... other people saw a red-bellied - fox sparrow - sapsucker.... It was like they were displaying for us.
We scanned the only part of the lake that had water looking for the Lesser Black-backed Gull but no luck. There was an interesting moment when some falcon flew over and spooked the gulls. We collectively decided it was a peregrine... why?... Giss!
We ended at the feeders and found some photographers behind the fence. I asked them what group they were with and they told me to "mind your own business". So I said " I am the leader of this tour, we have spent alot of money and time preparing these bird feeders and you are not authorized to be beyond the fence. It is just courtesy". They eventually left... As soon as they did, the birds returned. Like Eny said, they were so busy taking pictures of the sparrows they didn't notice the red nuthatch over their head. They didn't even know what they were looking at. Their loss....
Thanks to Ann from Manhattan Linnean group for joining us for the day. She came for the Pipit and stayed because we had a good group. See you all next month... remember it starts at 8am again.
American Pipit
Mockingbird
Blue Jay
Cardinal
Robin
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
mourning dove
rock pidgeon
Merlin - pair
Red-tailed Hawk - pair
Peregrine Falcon
Canada Geese
Mallard
Wood Duck
American Coot
Mute Swan
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Red bellied woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Goldfinch
Carolina Wren
Great Blue Heron
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6th Prospect; LBBGull video
American Pipit inside snow fence enclosure southeast corner ballfields Prospect ;nearest Upper pool
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Update on Lesser Black-backed Gull from Rob Jett (to NYSBirds Listserve):
Myself, as well as, others spent a long time looking
for the Lesser Black-backed Gull on Prospect Lake today.
To my knowledge, it was never relocated. Here's a link to
some photos and a brief video from yesterday:
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2010/02/rare-gull-in-prospect-park.html
Good birding,
Rob
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Peter's list
note: two seperate walks
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/6/10 mid AM
Notes: snowy gusty conditions
Number of species: 10
Canada Goose 285
Mute Swan 7
American Black Duck 9
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 4
Ruddy Duck 2
Ring-billed Gull 400
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/6/10
Number of species: 16
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o lookout hill
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 pine north Lookout Hill;disguised well with tree trunk, couldnt see back profile with naked eyes
Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders
Blue Jay 5 pines north Lookout Hill
American Crow 12 on Lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
Carolina Wren 1 slope between Terrace bridge and feeders
European Starling X
American Pipit 1 ballfields snow fence enclosure
White-throated Sparrow 22 feeders
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 17 feeders
Northern Cardinal 2 feeders
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
House Finch 4 feeders
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Update on Lesser Black-backed Gull from Rob Jett (to NYSBirds Listserve):
Myself, as well as, others spent a long time looking
for the Lesser Black-backed Gull on Prospect Lake today.
To my knowledge, it was never relocated. Here's a link to
some photos and a brief video from yesterday:
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2010/02/rare-gull-in-prospect-park.html
Good birding,
Rob
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Peter's list
note: two seperate walks
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/6/10 mid AM
Notes: snowy gusty conditions
Number of species: 10
Canada Goose 285
Mute Swan 7
American Black Duck 9
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 4
Ruddy Duck 2
Ring-billed Gull 400
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/6/10
Number of species: 16
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o lookout hill
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 pine north Lookout Hill;disguised well with tree trunk, couldnt see back profile with naked eyes
Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders
Blue Jay 5 pines north Lookout Hill
American Crow 12 on Lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
Carolina Wren 1 slope between Terrace bridge and feeders
European Starling X
American Pipit 1 ballfields snow fence enclosure
White-throated Sparrow 22 feeders
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 17 feeders
Northern Cardinal 2 feeders
Red-winged Blackbird 2 feeders
House Finch 4 feeders
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 5th Prospect Gull rarity;2 reports
Highlight : LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on Prospect Lake open water edge near the western shore where people feed the ducks per Rob Jett
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Jett ( posting to NYS Birds listserve)
At 2:15pm today I spotted a Lesser Black-backed Gull on Prospect Lake in Prospect Park. Nearly the entire lake is frozen with only a small opening along the western edge of the lake by West Lake Drive and Wellhouse Drive. When I first observed the bird it was on the ice at the edge of the water only about 30 feet from the shore. At one point it flew into the water and bathed within a group of mostly Ring-billed Gulls and several Herring Gulls. It was still present when I left at around 3:15pm and being viewed by Doug Gochfeld, Rob Bate and Shane Blodgett. I'll post some photos and a video on my blog later this evening.
The frozen lake is a favored roosting spot for gulls with numbers sometimes approaching a few thousand individuals. On rare occasions it pays off to scan the mostly ring-billed population for something different. If you go by car, the closest entrance to the lake is Prospect Park Southwest and Vanderbilt Street.
Good birding,
Rob
The City Birder Weblog
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/
> Date: February 5, 2010 11:01:03 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/5/10
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/5/10
> Number of species: 40
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Bufflehead 1
> Ruddy Duck 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull 600
> Herring Gull (American) 20
> Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
> Great Black-backed Gull 4
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 14
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow 35
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Tufted Titmouse 5
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 4
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin 75
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> American Pipit 1
> Song Sparrow 2
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 50
> Dark-eyed Junco 12
> Northern Cardinal 8
> Red-winged Blackbird 5
> House Finch 12
> American Goldfinch 5
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Peter:
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/5/10
Number of species: 30
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 7 lake near west shore
American Black Duck 11 lake near west shore
Mallard X lake near west shore
Northern Shoveler X lake near west shore
Bufflehead 1 drake lake near west shore
Ruddy Duck 1 lake near west shore
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 lake near west shore
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker X feeders
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 breeze hill
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 1 west shore lake
Swamp Sparrow 1 west shore lake, in first phragmite patch right of waterfowl feeders spot
White-throated Sparrow X feeders
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X feeders
Northern Cardinal 2 feeders
Red-winged Blackbird 5 feeders
House Finch 6 feeders
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow 1 feeders
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Jett ( posting to NYS Birds listserve)
At 2:15pm today I spotted a Lesser Black-backed Gull on Prospect Lake in Prospect Park. Nearly the entire lake is frozen with only a small opening along the western edge of the lake by West Lake Drive and Wellhouse Drive. When I first observed the bird it was on the ice at the edge of the water only about 30 feet from the shore. At one point it flew into the water and bathed within a group of mostly Ring-billed Gulls and several Herring Gulls. It was still present when I left at around 3:15pm and being viewed by Doug Gochfeld, Rob Bate and Shane Blodgett. I'll post some photos and a video on my blog later this evening.
The frozen lake is a favored roosting spot for gulls with numbers sometimes approaching a few thousand individuals. On rare occasions it pays off to scan the mostly ring-billed population for something different. If you go by car, the closest entrance to the lake is Prospect Park Southwest and Vanderbilt Street.
Good birding,
Rob
The City Birder Weblog
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/
> Date: February 5, 2010 11:01:03 PM EST
> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 2/5/10
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/5/10
> Number of species: 40
>
> Canada Goose X
> Mute Swan 4
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck X
> Mallard X
> Northern Shoveler X
> Bufflehead 1
> Ruddy Duck 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull 600
> Herring Gull (American) 20
> Lesser Black-backed Gull 1
> Great Black-backed Gull 4
> Rock Pigeon X
> Mourning Dove 14
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Hairy Woodpecker 2
> Blue Jay X
> American Crow 35
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Tufted Titmouse 5
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
> White-breasted Nuthatch 4
> Brown Creeper 1
> Carolina Wren 1
> American Robin 75
> Northern Mockingbird 1
> European Starling X
> American Pipit 1
> Song Sparrow 2
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 50
> Dark-eyed Junco 12
> Northern Cardinal 8
> Red-winged Blackbird 5
> House Finch 12
> American Goldfinch 5
> House Sparrow X
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org/)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Peter:
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/5/10
Number of species: 30
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 7 lake near west shore
American Black Duck 11 lake near west shore
Mallard X lake near west shore
Northern Shoveler X lake near west shore
Bufflehead 1 drake lake near west shore
Ruddy Duck 1 lake near west shore
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 lake near west shore
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker X feeders
American Crow X
Black-capped Chickadee X feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 breeze hill
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 1 west shore lake
Swamp Sparrow 1 west shore lake, in first phragmite patch right of waterfowl feeders spot
White-throated Sparrow X feeders
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X feeders
Northern Cardinal 2 feeders
Red-winged Blackbird 5 feeders
House Finch 6 feeders
American Goldfinch 1 feeders
House Sparrow 1 feeders
Thursday, February 4, 2010
American Pipit Prospect records; CBS Monk Parakeet story; Bishop Ford raptor clearup
For a rare visitor ,American Pipit is often seen or heard as flyovers in Prospect Park. When one is found on the ground, it's mostly a day or so sighting.One particular fall record was two straight days, a month later another but this record does not qualify as an extended period due to the large time gap between sightings in November 2007 to early December (different birds).
Since January 1st (R.Jett report) of this year, there has been a remarkable duration involving one American Pipit seen each week, mostly seen inside and around the perimeter of the Ball fields snow fence enclosure. The last report was yesterday. It has been a month long record of this particular Pipit ( one date saw 3) and so qualifies as a "new" duration record for this species in Prospect. Remarkable also that this bird has the courage to stick around in spite of the high activity on the meadows in the early mornings. So, an interesting winter observation makes Prospect early 2010 more enjoyable.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Pipit/id
Observations today
Wood Duck on boathouse pond
83 American Crows in late afternoon flight upon the lake
Unidentified raptor on Bishop Ford radio tower.( despite closer looks, afternoon setting sun backlit still makes difficult seeing)
Rob Bate reported Hermit Thrush,Red-breasted Nuthatch
--Kingsboider
***************************
I was watching CBS News tonight (6 o'clock news) and there was a piece on the Monk Parakeets of Greenwood Cemetery (reporter Tony Tantillo) . From the CBS website, the account is posted here
http://wcbstv.com/food/secrets.of.brooklyn.2.1471247.html
--Kingsboider
***************************
I received a note from Janet Schumacher that the raptor perched on the Bishop Ford high school radio tower is a resident Red-tailed Hawk from Greenwood Cemetery. It must be quite a nice view up there ( but I wouldn't try finding out; I am no fan of heights. :)> )
--Kingsboider
Since January 1st (R.Jett report) of this year, there has been a remarkable duration involving one American Pipit seen each week, mostly seen inside and around the perimeter of the Ball fields snow fence enclosure. The last report was yesterday. It has been a month long record of this particular Pipit ( one date saw 3) and so qualifies as a "new" duration record for this species in Prospect. Remarkable also that this bird has the courage to stick around in spite of the high activity on the meadows in the early mornings. So, an interesting winter observation makes Prospect early 2010 more enjoyable.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Pipit/id
Observations today
Wood Duck on boathouse pond
83 American Crows in late afternoon flight upon the lake
Unidentified raptor on Bishop Ford radio tower.( despite closer looks, afternoon setting sun backlit still makes difficult seeing)
Rob Bate reported Hermit Thrush,Red-breasted Nuthatch
--Kingsboider
***************************
I was watching CBS News tonight (6 o'clock news) and there was a piece on the Monk Parakeets of Greenwood Cemetery (reporter Tony Tantillo) . From the CBS website, the account is posted here
http://wcbstv.com/food/secrets.of.brooklyn.2.1471247.html
--Kingsboider
***************************
I received a note from Janet Schumacher that the raptor perched on the Bishop Ford high school radio tower is a resident Red-tailed Hawk from Greenwood Cemetery. It must be quite a nice view up there ( but I wouldn't try finding out; I am no fan of heights. :)> )
--Kingsboider
"First Sunday" bird walk 2/7
Sunday, February 7 at 10 am
leading: Michele Dreger
Morning Bird Walk: Backyard Birds
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 10 a.m.See the birds that call
the Park home all winter. Start your Sunday morning
surrounded by nature!
Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count and
search for your favorite "backyard bird." Find
woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches eating from
feeders along Prospect Park's Nature trails. Rain or shine.
Led by a Brooklyn Bird Club leader.
Audubon Center. Click here to view the Audubon Center on our Interactive Map.
Kingsboider note: This is a two hour casual walk.
leading: Michele Dreger
Morning Bird Walk: Backyard Birds
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 10 a.m.See the birds that call
the Park home all winter. Start your Sunday morning
surrounded by nature!
Learn about the Great Backyard Bird Count and
search for your favorite "backyard bird." Find
woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches eating from
feeders along Prospect Park's Nature trails. Rain or shine.
Led by a Brooklyn Bird Club leader.
Audubon Center. Click here to view the Audubon Center on our Interactive Map.
Kingsboider note: This is a two hour casual walk.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3rd Prospect
Highlights : AMERICAN PIPIT inside ballfield fence enclosure northeast corner ; GREEN-WINGED TEAL (first of year )on lake west shore ;Wood Duck, Hooded Mergansers , a couple of wrens, Brown Creeper complement usual winter array of birds.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Peter:
American Pipit
Brown Creeper -tree trunk near feeders
Wood Duck - drake Boathouse pond
unidentified hawk perched on Bishop Ford HS radio tower ( seen west of ballfields).Backlit and too distant for ID.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Bate:
The American Pipit stood out nicely against the snow today in the enclosed area of Long Meadow. Also of note, a Red-winged Blackbird was singing.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Larry:
Hen & drake Hooded Mergansers on lake. Saw the pipit on the way home. Thanks!
Larry Zirlin
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/3/10
Number of species: 36
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 260
Northern Shoveler 15
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o peninsula
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull 200
Herring Gull 9
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 15
Downy Woodpecker 10
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2 On lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1 Near lamppost 249
American Robin 100 Peninsula and behind Boathouse
Northern Mockingbird 1 Breeze Hill
European Starling 1
American Pipit 1 enclosure by ball fields
Song Sparrow 2 Feeder & lamppost 249
White-throated Sparrow 35
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Northern Cardinal 15
Red-winged Blackbird 4 Feeders
Common Grackle 1 Peninsula
House Finch 2 Feeders
American Goldfinch 2 Feeders
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Alex Wilson:
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/3/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose 150
> Mute Swan 8
> Wood Duck 1 (Drake, boathouse pool.)
> American Black Duck 8
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 200
> Northern Shoveler 30
> Green-winged Teal 1 (Drake, on shore by small open water
> area at west shore of Lake.)
> Hooded Merganser 2 (Pair, on the open patch of the Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 2
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> American Coot 12
> Ring-billed Gull 400
> Herring Gull (American) 30
> Great Black-backed Gull 3
> Rock Pigeon 60
> Mourning Dove 30
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 8
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 3
> Black-capped Chickadee 10
> Tufted Titmouse 4
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (Feeders.)
> White-breasted Nuthatch 6
> Carolina Wren 2
> Winter Wren 2 (Lullwater; Lookout.)
> Hermit Thrush 2 (Peninsula; Vale.)
> American Robin 80
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> European Starling 150
> American Pipit 1 (Long Meadow, fenced area near ball fields.)
> Cedar Waxwing 1
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 7
> Song Sparrow 3
> White-throated Sparrow 100
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 20
> Northern Cardinal 40
> Red-winged Blackbird 15
> House Finch 8
> American Goldfinch 6
> House Sparrow 30
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Peter:
American Pipit
Brown Creeper -tree trunk near feeders
Wood Duck - drake Boathouse pond
unidentified hawk perched on Bishop Ford HS radio tower ( seen west of ballfields).Backlit and too distant for ID.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Rob Bate:
The American Pipit stood out nicely against the snow today in the enclosed area of Long Meadow. Also of note, a Red-winged Blackbird was singing.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Larry:
Hen & drake Hooded Mergansers on lake. Saw the pipit on the way home. Thanks!
Larry Zirlin
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/3/10
Number of species: 36
Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 8
Wood Duck 1
American Black Duck 6
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard 260
Northern Shoveler 15
Hooded Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 2
Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o peninsula
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull 200
Herring Gull 9
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon 25
Mourning Dove 15
Downy Woodpecker 10
Blue Jay 5
American Crow 2 On lake ice
Black-capped Chickadee 4
Tufted Titmouse 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 Feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1 Near lamppost 249
American Robin 100 Peninsula and behind Boathouse
Northern Mockingbird 1 Breeze Hill
European Starling 1
American Pipit 1 enclosure by ball fields
Song Sparrow 2 Feeder & lamppost 249
White-throated Sparrow 35
Dark-eyed Junco 12
Northern Cardinal 15
Red-winged Blackbird 4 Feeders
Common Grackle 1 Peninsula
House Finch 2 Feeders
American Goldfinch 2 Feeders
House Sparrow 1
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Alex Wilson:
> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 2/3/10
> Number of species: 44
>
> Canada Goose 150
> Mute Swan 8
> Wood Duck 1 (Drake, boathouse pool.)
> American Black Duck 8
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 200
> Northern Shoveler 30
> Green-winged Teal 1 (Drake, on shore by small open water
> area at west shore of Lake.)
> Hooded Merganser 2 (Pair, on the open patch of the Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 2
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> American Coot 12
> Ring-billed Gull 400
> Herring Gull (American) 30
> Great Black-backed Gull 3
> Rock Pigeon 60
> Mourning Dove 30
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 8
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 3
> Black-capped Chickadee 10
> Tufted Titmouse 4
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (Feeders.)
> White-breasted Nuthatch 6
> Carolina Wren 2
> Winter Wren 2 (Lullwater; Lookout.)
> Hermit Thrush 2 (Peninsula; Vale.)
> American Robin 80
> Northern Mockingbird 3
> European Starling 150
> American Pipit 1 (Long Meadow, fenced area near ball fields.)
> Cedar Waxwing 1
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 7
> Song Sparrow 3
> White-throated Sparrow 100
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 20
> Northern Cardinal 40
> Red-winged Blackbird 15
> House Finch 8
> American Goldfinch 6
> House Sparrow 30
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2nd greetings
Dear readers and friends,
Here's hoping for a sunny day ...;)>
--Kingsboider
**********************
Kingsboider note: Latest news;Puxatawney Phil ( PA) didn't see his shadow, therefore winter is here for 6 more weeks. But groundhog Chuck of Staten Island (NY) saw his shadow, and so spring is coming early. Which one is correct for today's contradictory prediction? Well Phil is only correct 39 % of the time ( it must be all those camera flashes during the photo op) whereas Chuck is correct 76 % of the time. So, depending on which you believe and where you are from, take your best guess. ( Winter and birding is pretty slow around here ;>)
**********************
and what few birds there are....
From Orrin
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Red-bellied woodpecker
White-breasted nuthatch (2)
Fox sparrow
Song sparrow
White-throated sparrow
Northern cardinal
European starling
Bluejay
****************************
From Peter
Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 2/2/10
Notes: Lake 99% frozen
Number of species: 23
Canada Goose 280
Mute Swan 5 lake
American Black Duck 7 lake
Mallard 130 lake
Northern Shoveler 4 lake
American Coot 2 lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull (American) X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders
American Crow 27 lake (74 yesterday on lake late afternoon, recent phenomena)
Black-capped Chickadee 2 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders
American Robin 95 flock Lullwater cove
European Starling X
White-throated Sparrow X feeders
Northern Cardinal 7--3 rink isand,4 feeders
House Finch 9 feeders
American Goldfinch 2 feeders
This report was generated automatically by eBird v2(http://ebird.org)
Monday, February 1, 2010
donating an old scope?
One of our regular Prospect field trip leaders , Tom Stephenson is heading for the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan next month with the hope of bringing donated old scopes (including me + another) in good condition for the bird guides there. Bhutan's government is committed to preserving its country wide forest , an envirnomental spectacular haven. Its main industrial export is selling electricity to neighboring India.But with global warming melting the snow peaks, there is less hydroelectric production.
This situation leads the government to hoping in an incease in ecotourism --birding being one discipline. Tour guides there need equipement to create the need to produce more birding tourism.The birds there as evident by a past Brooklyn Bird Club program are spectacular as well as the country's landscape.
If you wish to donate a scope , speak to Tom. Email is 12TomS@Gmail.com
by the way, go to www.brooklynbirdclub.org and click on our latest newsletter.There is a photo of Tom with his Bhutan guides.Photo is on page 10..
--Kingsboider
This situation leads the government to hoping in an incease in ecotourism --birding being one discipline. Tour guides there need equipement to create the need to produce more birding tourism.The birds there as evident by a past Brooklyn Bird Club program are spectacular as well as the country's landscape.
If you wish to donate a scope , speak to Tom. Email is 12TomS@Gmail.com
by the way, go to www.brooklynbirdclub.org and click on our latest newsletter.There is a photo of Tom with his Bhutan guides.Photo is on page 10..
--Kingsboider
January 31st Prospect
From Mathhew Wills:
Peter,
Female Merlin 1pm @ Nethermead. Next to the tree the I saw the pair in earlier this week. The two trees are along side Center Drive, to the immediate left of the foot path that rises steeply up Quaker Hill toward the Pools.
Large flock of robins in the Nethermead at the time.
Peter,
Female Merlin 1pm @ Nethermead. Next to the tree the I saw the pair in earlier this week. The two trees are along side Center Drive, to the immediate left of the foot path that rises steeply up Quaker Hill toward the Pools.
Large flock of robins in the Nethermead at the time.
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