November 29th Prospect..settling into the cold season

By now, with migration long over, water and feeder become essential interests in Prospect.

The lake bears most of the seasonal interest as long as water remains open. Nothing really interesting on the lake today, but the Upper Pool revealed minor "ripples". Along side the resident ( well for at least two weeks now) RING-NECKED DUCK hen, a drake GADWALL stayed  alongside the back shore of the island, where an almost concealed Great Blue Heron almost escaped my gaze.

But it was the feeders, starting to get some action. An array of winter custom birds--the Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Juncos, and American Goldfinches were joined by a probably "I am gonna stick around" RED- BREASTED NUTHATCH ,Downy Woodpecker and a juvenile Red-winged Blackbird . The Nuthatch energetically shot back and forth from one tree to the various feeders, and also chasing away some of the Chickadees ( I guess they were his size to pick on) . It's gonna be a fun winter, for sure.

List

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/29/10

Number of species: 31


Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

Gadwall 1 drake  Upper Pool

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X lake

Ring-necked Duck 1 hen Upper Pool

Ruddy Duck X lake

Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake

Great Blue Heron 1 Upper Pool island

American Coot X lake

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Downy Woodpecker 1 feeders

Black-capped Chickadee 6 feeders

Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders

Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 feeders

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Terrace path lower path

Hermit Thrush 1 Wellhouse

European Starling X

American Tree Sparrow 1 reported by Rob Bate rising path south Breeze Hill

Song Sparrow 1

Swamp Sparrow 1 Rob Bate reported one by LP 249

Dark-eyed Junco 4 feeders

Northern Cardinal 1

Red-winged Blackbird 1 feeders

House Finch 3 feeders

American Goldfinch 12--5 feeders; 7 Propsite sweetgums

House Sparrow X

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

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

Adam Welz reports Hermit Thrush, Golden -crowned Kinglet and a juvenile Cooper's Hawk

November 28th GWC report

From Orrin:

here's my list today from Green Wood:



Mallard

Canada Goose

Cooper's Hawk (2)

Red-tailed hawk

Blue jay

Red-bellied woodpecker

Yellow-bellied sapsucker

Northern flicker

Black-capped chickadee

White-breasted nuthatch

Red-breasted nuthatch

Red-winged blackbird

American crow

Dark-eyed junco

Northern cardinal

American goldfinch

Monk parakeet

Prospect November 26th GHO

Just back today from the Philadelphia area after spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my sister's family.

While away, I received a message from a birding friend, and confirmed, that a GREAT HORNED OWL was seen flying during the evening inside Prospect. I can't divulge more details. This is a new species for the Prospect year.

 O O
    >      Kingsboider

November 26th Prospect

From Orrin :

Around 3 P.M. today, lots of activity around a berry bush in front of the wellhouse.  Birds seen:

Ring-billed gull
Canada goose
Mute swan
Northern shoveler
Mallard
Pied-billed grebe
Ruddy duck
Black-crowned night heron
American coot
Brown creeper
Hermit thrush
Northern cardinal
Downy woodpecker
Black-capped chickadee
American goldfinch
White-breasted nuthatch
Fox sparrow
White-throated sparrow
Song sparrow

Thanksgiving greetings , Feeders tradition, PP 11/24 report + 11/25 PP rarities(new update)

From my work route corner this morning on Greenwood Ave and Prospect Park Southwest, a row of pigeons on the streetlamp, 6:45 am. Cellphone photo. They gathering for a feast or what?

The Kingsboider wishes all Happy Thanksgiving! 

All the best of birds and blessings this day offers to family , friends and birders everywhere.

As is my continuing tradition for a number of years now, in celebration of "feast", the feeders have gone up today. Black oil sunflower and thistle are the main ingredients, suet later when it is obtained. Kingsboider hopes the feeders will provide months of joy throughout the winter for birders and visitors, and much cheer when it's winter gloom. ( and do pray that the squirrels won't know the feeders are there.....). Thanks to Rob and Tracy Bate for donating two large bags of sunflower seed and thistle to start off the feasting.

If you don't know where the feeders are, ask one of the local birders or me at prosbird@aol.com.

(new 11/25)

3:30 --A Latest update from Alex Wilson on birds hilights seen on Thanksgiving Day.

For starters, late American Redstart, usual this time around American Woodcock but also good quality sightings of Red-shouldered Hawk, Rusty Blackbird and yes..Pine Siskins.


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

American Redstart was reported by visiting British birder William Earp, at the Wellhouse this morning. After several tries, William was able to see the late Redstart, my pleasure in his finally seeing the warbler.

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

From Larry:

Peter: A short walk in the park this afternoon.


Larry

http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/24/10

Number of species: 17

Canada Goose 9

Mallard 25

Northern Shoveler 2

Ruddy Duck 50

Pied-billed Grebe 1 Upper Pool

Cooper's Hawk 1 F/O Wellhouse

American Coot 6

Mourning Dove 1

Downy Woodpecker 1 Behind Wellhouse

Blue Jay 1

American Crow 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Hermit Thrush 1

European Starling 2

White-throated Sparrow 3

Northern Cardinal 1

Red-winged Blackbird 5 Lily Pond


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

*********************************
From Alex Wilson:

Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/25/10
> Number of species: 51
>
> Canada Goose 40
> Mute Swan 6
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 60
> Northern Shoveler 150
> Ring-necked Duck 2 (Hen, Lower Pool; drake, Lake.)
> Ruddy Duck 200
> Pied-billed Grebe 2
> Double-crested Cormorant 10 (8 flyover.)
> Great Blue Heron 2
> Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
> Cooper's Hawk 1 (Adult, took a pigeon on the south edge of > the Lake.)
> Red-shouldered Hawk 1 (Juvenile, flying from Lookout to > Breeze Hill.)
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Merlin 1
> Peregrine Falcon 1 (On signal tower.)
> American Coot 25
> American Woodcock 1 (Flying across Boathouse pool, over > Binnen Bridge towards Lily Pond area.)
> Ring-billed Gull 200
> Herring Gull (American) 35
> Great Black-backed Gull 2
> Rock Pigeon 50
> Mourning Dove 40
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 6
> Hairy Woodpecker 1
> Blue Jay 7
> American Crow 2
> Black-capped Chickadee 10
> White-breasted Nuthatch 4
> Carolina Wren 3
> Winter Wren 1
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
> Hermit Thrush 3
> American Robin 25
> European Starling 75
> American Redstart 1 (Continuing on Lookout slope above > Wellhouse. Late date.)
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 7
> Song Sparrow 3
> Swamp Sparrow 2
> White-throated Sparrow 40
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 15
> Northern Cardinal 10
> Red-winged Blackbird 20
> Rusty Blackbird 1 (Perched among Starlings at top of Long > Meadow Elm knoll by Upper Pool, then flew south alone,)
> Purple Finch 2 (Lookout Hill.)
> House Finch 3
> Pine Siskin 7 (Lookout Hill.)
> American Goldfinch 50
> House Sparrow 5

AMERICAN REDSTART at Wellhouse per

AMERICAN REDSTART at Wellhouse per William

A couple of things regarding conservation

In the extreme northeast corner of Brooklyn ( on the Queens border as well) lies Ridgewood Reservoir, which I have mentioned a few times on this blog in the past that is under current review by the NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation for wetlands protection ( we hope!) from city plans to alter this critical habitat and destroying it for proposed ball fields .

Here is a link featuring Rob Jett , one of our Prospect area birders  who is also involved in  Ridgewood's conservation efforts with the Highland Park Ridgewood Reservoir Alliance , a not for profit conservancy .

Check out this video link for more

http://www.thirteen.org/thecityconcealed/


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


http://www.birdconservationalliance.org/

or the direct appeal (click on link)-->  http://www.birdconservationalliance.org/campaigns/actforsongbirds/index.htm

IN other news, there is a major very significant bill that is in need of your support, the Neotropical Migratory Birds Conservation Act is currently not funded ( actually it expired).  Check out this text from the American Birds Conservancy and write your support ( you can use the automated response reply using the above link)

---Kingsboider

To: Bird Conservation Alliance


From: Steve Holmer
Date: November 23, 2010

Alert: Help Save Migratory Songbirds – Letters to Senate Urgently Needed to Pass NMBCA

A major source of bird conservation funding has expired, and without reauthorization, the well-being of our beautiful migrant songbirds could fall victim to federal spending cuts.

Senators need to hear from bird conservationists like you today that the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act must continue to be funded. Will you give 2 minutes of your time to help?

NMBCA is the only federal U.S. grants program specifically dedicated to the conservation of our migrant birds that is available throughout the Americas. It has a proven track-record of success, advancing conservation for many declining species, such as the Cerulean Warbler.

Please use our automated system to tell your Senators how important the NMBCA is, and encourage them to take up S.690, a bi-partisan bill introduced by Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) to reauthorize the Act before this session of Congress ends.

And please forward this alert to your members so that they can take action as well.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that the NMBCA reauthorization is passed.

Steve Holmer
Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance &
Senior Policy Advisor
American Bird Conservancy

202/234-7181 ext. 216

sholmer@abcbirds.org

www.birdconservationalliance.org

www.abcbirds.org

The Bird Conservation Alliance (BCA) is a network of organizations working together to conserve wild birds.

BCA is facilitated by American Bird Conservancy which conserves native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas.


PS>the Brooklyn Bird Club is a member of the ABC Birds Alliance

Prospect November 22nd

A lingering  AMERICAN REDSTART is trying to bump aside Pine Siskins (reported at the Nethermead Bridge) as a newsworthy item. The late out of season warbler in its third day at the Wellhouse would be considered common in migration but in November a very worthy sighting if you like these particular date records.

Rob Bate reported the Redstart with a text message to me at 1:53. Though not overly cooperative most part of the day, it was tame enough then when it showed. Patience and constant vigilance to the spot if you pursue this warbler.

On other matters, a few raptors came through, some adult birds. While I was coming along the East Drive ( by the zoo), an adult COOPERS HAWK flew up to a east Midwood Oak tree. Later, an adult SHARP-SHINNED HAWK perched after cross meadow flight unto the Black Locust in the west Nethermead. The MERLIN coontinues its same throne it chose , the London Plane Tree at the southwest ballfields. But I know as with all Merlins, they all think on a different plane from other raptor species with its haughty attitude. ( But I got to love that Merlin!  Fearless!)


--Kingsboider
********************************

From Rob Bate:

Short walk to see the Redstart by the Wellhouse. It was very cooperative.
Otherwise it was slow.


Observation date: 11/22/10

Number of species: 27



Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X

Ruddy Duck X

Pied-billed Grebe X

Great Blue Heron X

Sharp-shinned Hawk X

Red-tailed Hawk X

American Coot X

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X

Downy Woodpecker X

Black-capped Chickadee X

Carolina Wren X

Hermit Thrush X

European Starling X

American Redstart X

Song Sparrow X

Northern Cardinal X

Common Grackle X

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X

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

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

Peter's List:

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/22/10

Number of species: 19


Canada Goose X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X lake

Ruddy Duck X lake

Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake

Great Blue Heron 1 upper pool

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 nethermead

Cooper's Hawk 1 midwood

Merlin 1 ballfields southwest

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull 2

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Black-capped Chickadee X

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Propsite


European Starling X

American Goldfinch X  Propsite

House Sparrow X


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

Prospect November 21st Pine Siskins showing off

The news continue to be about Pine Siskins, their ongoing presence in Prospect Sweetgums ( wherever they are) a reliable sighting. Rob Jett reports 20 up at Butterfly Meadow. Looks like a little irruption here and that bodes well for an interesting winter. Lets hope they stick around to keep it exciting in Prospect and anywhere nearby . Oh, forgot about that late AMERICAN REDSTART that was seen again today  (Wellhouse)

--Kingsboider

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

From Rob Jett:

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/21/10

Number of species: 40


Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

American Black Duck X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 225

Ruddy Duck 135

Pied-billed Grebe 2

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Great Blue Heron 2

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Peregrine Falcon 1

American Coot 25

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull 2

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker X

Downy Woodpecker X

Northern Flicker X

Blue Jay X

Black-capped Chickadee 12

Tufted Titmouse 3

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Brown Creeper 1

Carolina Wren 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

Hermit Thrush 1

American Robin X

Gray Catbird 1 Feeding in Zanthoxylum shrub next to Wellhouse.

European Starling X

American Redstart 1 In barberry shrub in front of Wellhouse.

Fox Sparrow 4

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow 75

Dark-eyed Junco 10

Northern Cardinal X

Pine Siskin 20 Feeding in Sweetgums next to Butterfly Meadow on Lookout Hill.

House Sparrow X


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

Prospect November 20th

Several quality sightings, some recurring , one on and off, and a relatively infrequent species seen today.

Recurring PINE SISKIN at the Nethermead Arches and also behind the Well house , recurring MONK PARAKEET seen by Rafael Campos. a species at least a few times the past 2 weeks .
Rafael has been quite lucky seeing AMERICAN WOODCOCK lately, another one he saw early this AM behind the Wellhouse . A later look in mid afternoon --though with slim chance of seeing AMWO  and hours later --did not yield the upland shorebird.

But AMERICAN REDSTART takes the cake today for its lateness...a good bird for the date

On the Lake, a cool looking GADWALL mixed pair among the numerous Shovelers and Ruddies nearby. Gadwall is infrequently seen.

--Kingsboider

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

We took a walk in the Botanic Garden hoping for Siskins and Crossbills to no avail but


the Peregrine was back on his perch on the radio tower. I haven't seen him there in quite a while.

Rob Bate
****************************

From Rafael:

DATE: 20 November 2010


PLACE: Prospect Park

OBSERVER: Rafael Campos R.
TIME: 0815-1100 hrs

The big surprise today was seen one American Redstart, behind the Well House. Other surprise was 2 Monk Parakeets that flew over the Peninsula Meadow.

Pine Siskins were observed in small numbers, in 2 places: gum trees above the Nethermead Arches Bridge, and behind the Well House.

Otherwise, today PP, was slow, few points of activity (lake was the exception with 3 sps of gulls), mostly little pockets of White-throated Sparrows. Less than 30 sps in total.

The list:

Canada Goose (lake)

Mute Swan

Mallard

Northern Shoveler

Ruddy Duck

Pied-billed Grebe (1, Upper pool)

Great Blue Heron (1, lower Lullwater)

Red-tailed Hawk (2)

American Coot

Ring-billed Gull

(American) Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Monk Parakeet (2, fly over Peninsula meadow)

Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)

Downy Woodpecker (1)

Black-capped Chickadee (3)

Carolina Wren (3)

Hermit Thrush (1, Vale)

American Robin (3)

European (Common) Starling

American Redstart (1, behind Well House)

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Pine Siskin (2-3 above Nethermead Arches Bridge; 2 behind Well House)

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow

Brooklyn is good birding!!!!

GADWALL pair southwest Lake

GADWALL pair southwest Lake

November 18th and 19th reports Prospect + CAGO band info

Pine Siskins continue their welcomed presence in Prospect. On the ramp from the Propsite to the lower yard at the 9th street garage , 11 Pine Siskins on the ground fed upon sweetgum seeds raining down upon them. It may be hard to see those from outside the high chain link fence but patience may be rewarded as those birds move around. Other sparrows are mixed in there. But Pine Siskins are seen well at the Nethermead Arches bridge, on the north side in the Sweetgums there with an observed uptick of American Goldfinches as well.

Monk Parakeets came back to visit and the usual winter species one would expect  such as Brown Creeper.

Meanwhile, all these birds got to worry about this Merlin hanging out in the park..It must be loving it here. ( of course, plenty of avian dishes to choose from)

*************************
From Larry:

Here's today list.


Larry Zirlin

http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/

Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 1:01:31 PM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/19/10


Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/19/10

Number of species: 32


Canada Goose 3 !

Mute Swan 5

American Black Duck 2 West Island

Mallard 75

Northern Shoveler 125

Ruddy Duck 220

Pied-billed Grebe 1 Upper Pool

Double-crested Cormorant 3

Red-tailed Hawk 1 Long Meadow

Merlin 1 Breeze Hill

American Coot 19

Ring-billed Gull 75

Herring Gull 10

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon 30

Mourning Dove 12

Monk Parakeet 3 F/O Boathouse

Downy Woodpecker 1 Terrace Bridge

Blue Jay 7

Black-capped Chickadee 20

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Terrace Bridge

Brown Creeper 1 Ravine

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Sparrow Bowl

American Robin 1 Rocky Pass

Fox Sparrow 1 Rocky Pass

Song Sparrow 1 Rocky Pass

White-throated Sparrow 25

Dark-eyed Junco 6

Northern Cardinal 3

Pine Siskin 2 Sweet Gums near Three Arches Bridge

American Goldfinch 15

House Sparrow 35

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

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

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/18/10

Number of species: 38

Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

American Black Duck X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 185

Ruddy Duck 125

Pied-billed Grebe 3

Double-crested Cormorant 3

Great Blue Heron 2

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Merlin 1

American Coot 20

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1

Downy Woodpecker 4

Blue Jay 4

American Crow 34

Black-capped Chickadee 30

Tufted Titmouse 3

White-breasted Nuthatch 2

Carolina Wren 2

Golden-crowned Kinglet 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3

Hermit Thrush 5

American Robin 1

Northern Mockingbird 1

European Starling X

Common Yellowthroat 1

Fox Sparrow 6

White-throated Sparrow X

Northern Cardinal X

Pine Siskin 2

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X

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

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

From Adam Welz:

Hi Peter
Herewith my rather unexciting report for today.

Cheers

Adam

Date: Fri, Nov 19, 2010 at 3:36 PM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/19/10

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/19/10

Notes: Generally low bird numbers and activity today.

Number of species: 33



Canada Goose - Branta canadensis X A banded bird, 1028-71792, was seen and reported. Also an odd Canada hybrid with an unidentified species seen.

Mute Swan - Cygnus olor X

Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos X

Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata 100

Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola 3 On Prospect Lake

Ruddy Duck - Oxyura jamaicensis 150

Pied-billed Grebe - Podilymbus podiceps 6

Double-crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus 1

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias 2

Red-tailed Hawk - Buteo jamaicensis 2

American Kestrel - Falco sparverius 1

American Coot - Fulica americana 15

Ring-billed Gull - Larus delawarensis X

Herring Gull - Larus argentatus X

Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus X

Rock Pigeon - Columba livia 1

Mourning Dove - Zenaida macroura 4

Red-bellied Woodpecker - Melanerpes carolinus 2

Downy Woodpecker - Picoides pubescens 4

Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata 5

Black-capped Chickadee - Poecile atricapillus 20

White-breasted Nuthatch - Sitta carolinensis 1

Carolina Wren - Thryothorus ludovicianus 2

Golden-crowned Kinglet - Regulus satrapa X

American Robin - Turdus migratorius 1

Fox Sparrow - Passerella iliaca 1 On edge of Prospect Lake

Song Sparrow - Melospiza melodia 3

White-throated Sparrow - Zonotrichia albicollis 30

Dark-eyed Junco - Junco hyemalis X

Northern Cardinal - Cardinalis cardinalis 8

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 4

American Goldfinch - Spinus tristis X

House Sparrow - Passer domesticus X

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


Also a note from Adam on a banded CAGO.

Hi Peter


On the way home today I stopped by the lake and saw a banded Canada Goose feeding on the shore.


I was able to read its band number via my binoculars and submitted an online report to the Bird Banding Lab who immediately sent me back the following info:


INFORMATION FROM OUR FILES:


Band Number: 1028-71792


Where bird was banded: New York


Date banded: 06/17/2008


Species: Canada Goose


Also saw and photographed a weird hybrid Canada/Someothergoose. Prob the same one reported earlier.


Cheers!


Adam

Kingsboider note: for more about Bird Banding Lab, go to this website 

http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/

*****************************
Peter's list:




Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/19/10

Number of species: 8


Mallard X

Red-tailed Hawk 1 adult f/o back and forth soar , edge Ballfields south

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Red-winged Blackbird 1 Propsite

Pine Siskin 11 Propsite, on the ground, excellent looks

American Goldfinch 40--25 Propsite; 15 Nethermead arches ( conservatively)

House Sparrow X



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

New Field walk leaders are welcome

The Brooklyn Bird Club is always on the lookout for capable above average skilled bird trip leaders.
If you like to lead a Prospect Park walk in the upcoming months, from this coming late January into April,
drop me a note Prosbird@aol.com

Some proposed walk dates are January 29th , March 6th, March 20th ( first day of spring), and April 16th. Most walks usually are till noon. Starting times will be discussed with  me. If you like to expand to other areas, hopefully that can be inviting.

--Kingsboider

A Binoculars focused website

I found this website geared to the consumer. If it helps when buying  new bins and everything affiliated to birding.

Its called "The Binoculars Site".  I have it on my side menu -->

but here's the link anyway --->  http://www.thebinocularsite.com/

( yes a quiet day in the park, but I have been too busy to look.)

I did see 5 Wood Ducks flyover Center Drive..well...winter's coming.The feeders will go up mid week next.I had to cleaned and disinfect them this week and dry.

--Kingsboider

November 17th Prospect

Quick notes on the following sightings:

Pine Siskins continue to appear, 3 seen early AM in the Sweetgums along the "propsite" the upper Nursery at the 9th street entrance,to the left along the high chain link fence.A Fox Sparrow was inside on the ground with numerous other sparrows.

Merlin continues to perch on a London Plane tree at the southwest end of the Ballfields ( next to field #7)


ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was reported by Alex Wilson at LP 249 ( West Well Drive picnic tables) who also saw Monk Parakeets.

************************************
Peter's list:

Location:     Prospect Park
Observation date:     11/17/10
Number of species:     14

Double-crested Cormorant     2
Great Blue Heron     1
Merlin     1
American Coot     X
Rock Pigeon     X
Mourning Dove     X
Fox Sparrow (Red)     1
Song Sparrow     X
Swamp Sparrow     2
White-throated Sparrow     X
Dark-eyed Junco     X
Pine Siskin     3
American Goldfinch     5
House Sparrow     X

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

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

From Alex Wilson:

Begin forwarded message:

> Location: Prospect Park
> Observation date: 11/17/10
> Number of species: 42
>
> Canada Goose 30
> Mute Swan 6
> American Black Duck 2
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
> Mallard 80
> Northern Shoveler 100
> Ring-necked Duck 1 (Hen, Lower Pool.)
> Ruddy Duck 75
> Pied-billed Grebe 3
> Double-crested Cormorant 3
> Great Blue Heron 3
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Merlin 1
> American Coot 15
> Ring-billed Gull 100
> Herring Gull (American) 25
> Great Black-backed Gull 2
> Rock Pigeon 45
> Mourning Dove 15
> Monk Parakeet 8 (Nethermead flyby.)
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
> Downy Woodpecker 3
> Blue Jay 5
> American Crow 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 15
> White-breasted Nuthatch 4
> Carolina Wren 2
> Winter Wren 1
> Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
> Hermit Thrush 1
> American Robin 2
> European Starling 45
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (Slope above lamppost 249, from > corner of stairs and east path.)
> Fox Sparrow (Red) 5
> Song Sparrow 3
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 35
> Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 10
> Northern Cardinal 5
> Red-winged Blackbird 2
> American Goldfinch 15
> House Sparrow 10

Prospect Park Geese Management Plan meeting tonight

The Prospect Park Alliance came forth with a Geese Mgt Plan that will be tonight's topic with the Community Committee Meeting.You are welcome to attend. See the details below.

Prospect Park Community Committee Meeting- November 17, 2010 - Prospect Park Picnic House

Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: PROSPECT PARK PICNIC HOUSE

The Picnic House is accessible straight in thru the park from the Litchfield Villa at 5th Street and Prospect Park West Ave.Its across the park drive.

Holiday season shopping : Brooklyn Bird Club gifts

Tis the season when its almost upon us to think of gift ideas for family, friends or birders ..So if Brooklyn Birds appeal to you , why not give them a Brooklyn Bird Club logo gift ? There are some terrific items to give.

Make Brooklyn Birds a prestigious thing to have or wear throughout the year !

Here's the link below or go to my side bar on the right "Shopping Online" for convenient click on.

http://www.cafepress.com/brooklynbird




And Thanks for your support towards the Brooklyn Bird Club all year.

--Kingsboider

November 15th Prospect : Raven reported, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Pine Warbler

Photo by Heidi Cleven  2:45 pm at Baseball field #7

A Raven flyover was reported by Rob Bate over the intersection of Parkside and Ocean Avenues this morning. Though extremely rare here, some reports are verified in Queens and Rockaway areas. So , listen for the call and watch for the overall large shape of the body with long wings, accipiter, soaring like flight and the wedge like tail. Keep looking up.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/id

( Bird records not available now due to my office moving to the Tennis House, some disconnection with the database at the mainframe)

Yesterday , Janet Zinn and Alan Baratz reported 8 PINE SISKINS in the Sweetgum Trees at the Nethermead Bridge ( 3 Arches) north side.

If you think of baseball, the third base is known as the "Hot Corner". This afternoon, baseball field # 7 , at the southeast end of the Fence enclosure was sort of ..well..hot !  

Following up on a heads up email from Heidi Cleven's sighting of PINE WARBLER at field # 7, I refound the Pine along the third base dugout fence around 4 pm. It eventually flew up to the nearby tree and waited there along with Dark -eyed Juncos. Then a small "Spizella" sparrow up in the tree crown caught my eye but the back light was interfering with my ID;the sparrow wasn't a typical Chippie. Meanwhile a MERLIN was perched in the London Plane tree right there, looking very hungry.

It took me 15 minutes patience for the "spizella " to finally fly down to the west ballfields fence enclosure southeast corner, with the Pine Warbler in pursuit. I worked my way steadily to that corner and found the Spizella sparrow on the ground (and the Pine Warbler too). After noticing a white central median crown strip on streaky head, gray neck patch, absent eye lore , I concluded it to be a winter plumage CLAY-COLORED SPARROW. Not a bad way to end a work day  ( from my new office at the Tennis House the very first day).

Before I left , I looked up to the Merlin. The falcon was eating a Dark-eyed Junco.. ( Oh ..THANK GOODNESS for its banal taste !).

One last note. We say goodbye to Heidi Cleven, who made her mark sighting us here in early fall with her Philadelphia Vireo report, if you remember the photos I posted. Heidi is leaving for Norway today. I bet she is going to see some Aurora Borealis shows ( we just get smog down here).So, I wish Heidi well and hope she comes back to Brooklyn for good birds..

--Kingsboider

Northern Saw-whet Owl in a Park Slope backyard

I received an email tonight from a birding friend who sent me this photo sent to him . The Northern Saw-whet Owl was in an eastern Park Slope backyard today.

Which begs the question: start looking in Prospect Park for any more ?  If you do find one, its best to keep it a secret if you find one somewhere. Owls are highly sensitive to disturbance after traveling great distances, and oftentimes are exhausted and susceptible to sleep deprivation...

Good stuff coming through nowadays.....

--Kingsboider

Mystery Warbler or Vireo at Binnen Pool..and more Siskins! + Perry & more stuff

Mary posted a note on 20 PINE SISKINS at Binnen Pool , which is the small pool with Cattails behind a locked gate at the northeast end of the Nethermead. Most intriguing there is a warbler or vireo that didn't give a long enough look.So, a heads up for anyone on a search for this "possible" rarity, whether a late bird or something "lost". -- Kingsboider

Mary's note: At the Binnen Pool, right before the flock of 20 siskins flew in, I saw a warbler or vireo, but then it disappeared. My first thought was that it looked like an American Redstart female, but the look was too quick. Still, I didn't notice any typical Redstart displaying, so I cannot be sure it wasn't the vireo people have been looking for. I sat on the bench for at least 15 minutes hoping for another sighting, but no luck.



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

A early afternoon casual walk with family for Prospect fall foliage colors sightseeing nevertheless allowed my seeing two PEREGRINE FALCONS soaring circles over the Boathouse Pond, staying up there quite awhile till both birds drifted over towards the Nethermead. From the bench  in front of the East Wood Arch building, the aerial observation of both "Perries" accentuated the quality time spent in colorful Prospect.

--Peter
********************************

From Eni Falci:

Hi Peter-


Did not report birds from yesterday but the Saturday noon [Audubon] walk saw a Blue-headed Vireo near the path to the Ravine with the pine siskin group. May be mystery bird in near by pool area. Did not see it today.

Today's highlights were small group of golden crowned kinglets in nelly's lawn at foot of hawk nest pine tree (now dead). Also in the new planting area at nelly's lawn a lost green budgie. Tried to coax it in but it was staying with the song sparrows.

Also 3 sapsuckers , 1 in vale and 2 at lull water behind rustic arbor. Otherwise the usuals. Got a good look at a male wood duck "riding the rapids under the bridge".

Eni

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

From Keir:

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/14/10
Number of species: 34

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 3 (1 Upper Pool, 2+ Lake)
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
Merlin 1 (perched, Long Meadow)
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 1
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse 2
Carolina Wren 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 3
Hermit Thrush 3
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling X
Fox Sparrow (Red) 3 (Rick's Place)
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1 (S. Lakeside)
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Pine Siskin 6+ (w AMGOs, NE Midwood opp Dongan Oak)
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

Vale of Cashmere Pine Warbler

Yesterday's Pine Warbler seen eating bird seed on top of the stone pillar along the pool's north edge.

Photo taken by Adam Welz.

Prospect November 13th : Siskins stick around...

PINE SISKINS continue their presence , in several locations, most prominently in the sweetgum trees on the north side of the Nethermead "3 Arches" Bridge. They can be seen well with patience on the birders part , small streaky  birds with deep notched tails, as they forage upon the sweetgum fruit balls. A flock of at least 25 birds , a mix of siskins and goldfinches was seen flying out of those trees when a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in and perched, but most came back after the hawk departed. So that spot is the best possibility for siskins, between the Nethermead Bridge and Rocky Pass. Just look from atop the bridge, over the chain link fence.

Pine Warbler was reported at the Vale Cashmere "seed pillartop".

And something about a Red Tailed Hawk consuming a squirrel which cause an instant celebre...Good..One less squirrel to raid the future winter feeders....

Other side notes: A RUSTY BLACKBIRD along the stream  I presumed inside the Native Garden OR the Japanese Garden outflow, reported by Rusty Harold.

Wood Ducks (6 on the Lake), Ring-necked Duck are still around in this continuous gorgeous Indian Summer days....

********************************
From Larry:

Hi Peter,


Siskins were again with a flock of goldfinches near the 3 Arches Bridge this morning around 9:30. I was walking on the horse trail and they were on both sides.

A quick look at Fox Sparrow in back of the Lower Pool and a very long look at a Red-tail digesting a squirrel behind the Upper Pool. It became an instant celebrity--actually too many gawkers for comfort. At least my comfort; I left and found the Wood Ducks, Ring-necked Duck and the Fox Sparrow.

Larry

http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/
 
***************************
 
From Adam Welz:
 
Hi

Just had a Pine Warbler at the seed 'tables' in the Vale. The bird hung around for over 30 minutes and was feeding on seed, so it may well hang about. A nice bright bird, too.

I got some photos.

Cheers
Adam

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


13 November 2010


Observer: Rafael Campos R.

Time: 0830-1100 hrs

After read several reports of these past days about sightings of PISIs in PP, I went this morning, with good luck.

A small group, 4-6 of PISIs was seen interacting with AMGOs on a gum tree around the Nethermead Bridge and the ravine. Other gum trees I checked around PP, only AMGOs.

But the big surprise, at least for me today, no AMROs or CAGOs. Quite rare, because these 2 sps are reported in a daily base. Maybe was the moment. Otherwise, the park was very quite, only little pockets of activity, mainly WTSPs, but among them, Fox Sparrows.


PISI =Pine Siskins, AMGO = American Goldfinch

The birds of today:

Mute Swan (lake)
Wood Duck (7, upper pool)
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe (lake & Upper pool)
Double-crested Cormorant (2, lake)
Great Blue Heron (1 flew over Well House; 1 upper pool)
Red-tailed Hawk (1)
American Coot (lake & Lullwater)
Ring-billed Gull
(American) Herring Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Rock (Common) Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)
Downy Woodpecker (1)
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse (2)
White-breasted Nuthatch (1)
Carolina Wren (1)
Hermit Thrush (4)
European (Common) Starling
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird (1, Vale)
Pine Siskin (4-6)
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Booklyn is good birding!!!!

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

From Keir:

Hi Peter
Brief visit this afternoon from Vale to Boathouse only. Birdseed placed around pond in Vale (not by me!) brought in many birds including a bright Pine Warbler (also seen by and perhaps photographed by Adam W.) and a female type Purple Finch.

Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/13/10
Number of species: 24

Mallard X
Ring-necked Duck 1 (Hen, Lower Pool)
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Kestrel 1
American Coot X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 2
American Robin 1
European Starling X
Pine Warbler 1 (Vale)
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Purple Finch 1 (Vale)
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow X

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


***********************************
Peters list  ( also Ed Crowne)

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/13/10

Number of species: 34



Canada Goose X

Mute Swan 6 lake

Wood Duck 6 --3 Sisters Island, prev f/o Breeze Hill

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X Lake

Ruddy Duck 220 Lake

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1--3 Arches Br


Red-tailed Hawk 1

American Coot X

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull 3

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1--3 Arches Br


Blue-headed Vireo 1-- 3 Arches Br


Blue Jay 1

American Crow 3

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Tufted Titmouse 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Breeze Hill

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4 Breeze Hill

Hermit Thrush X

European Starling X

Fox Sparrow (Red) 2 -3 Arches Br


Song Sparrow X

Swamp Sparrow 1

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal X

Pine Siskin 6  Sweetgum 3 Arches Br;but more undetermined  in back of tree

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X



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

Rusty Blackbird in Brooklyn Botanic

Rusty Blackbird in Brooklyn Botanic Gardens along stream. (RHarold)

PINE SISKINS seen also at

PINE SISKINS seen also at sweetgums in lily pool or from Binnen Bridge per Rusty Harold

PINE SISKINS seen well in

PINE SISKINS seen well in 2 sweetgum north and from atop Nethermead 3 Arches Bridge

November 12th Prospect reports

I've been out all day exploring Far Rockaway hence late post tonight.

But hilights are Orange-Crowned Warbler seen at the edge of Lower Pool, Long Meadow side by Rob Jett);Continuing PINE SISKIN, at the Rocky Pass ( Ravine ) by Larry Zirlin; some duck variety
(7 species ) typical species for Prospect


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

From Larry:

Hi Peter,


Pine Siskins along Battle Pass with a flock of goldfinch. Probably more than 4 but they were flying back & forth across the pass pretty fast.

Larry Zirlin

http://birdsandwords-larryz.blogspot.com/


Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 2:06:35 PM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park , 11/12/10

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/12/10

Number of species: 35



Canada Goose 25

Mute Swan 5

Wood Duck 1 Drake on Lower Pool

Mallard 50

Northern Shoveler 65

Ring-necked Duck 1 Hen on Upper Pool

Ruddy Duck 225

Pied-billed Grebe 4 One Upper Pool, one Lullwater, two Lake

Great Blue Heron 2 Upper Pool & S. Lullwater

Red-tailed Hawk 2

American Coot 23

Ring-billed Gull 125

Herring Gull 25

Great Black-backed Gull 2 Sitting on canopy of boat in Lake

Rock Pigeon 8

Mourning Dove 16

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Lookout Hill

Downy Woodpecker 2 Wellhouse

Blue Jay 2

American Crow 1 Sitting with gulls on canopy of boat.

Black-capped Chickadee 4

White-breasted Nuthatch 2

Carolina Wren 1

Winter Wren 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Wellhouse

Hermit Thrush 1 Peninsula

American Robin 4 Lily Pond

Gray Catbird 1 Lullwater

Chipping Sparrow 1 Wildflower Meadow

Song Sparrow 3

White-throated Sparrow 15

Dark-eyed Junco 5

Northern Cardinal 2

Pine Siskin 4 Rocky Pass right before Three Arches Bridge

American Goldfinch 10



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

*******************************
 
From Rob Jett:
 
Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/12/10

Number of species: 48



Canada Goose X

Mute Swan 5

American Black Duck X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 165

Ring-necked Duck 1

Bufflehead 1

Ruddy Duck 96

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Great Blue Heron 1

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 2

Merlin 1

American Coot 12

Laughing Gull 1

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Belted Kingfisher 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker 4

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2

Downy Woodpecker 1

Northern Flicker X

Eastern Phoebe 1

Blue Jay X

Black-capped Chickadee 8

White-breasted Nuthatch 3

Brown Creeper 1

Carolina Wren 1

Winter Wren 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4

Hermit Thrush 4

American Robin X

Gray Catbird 1

European Starling X

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Fox Sparrow 2

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal X

Red-winged Blackbird X

Pine Siskin 12

American Goldfinch 20

House Sparrow X



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

***************************
 
From Peter:
 
3 HOODED MERGANSER in the lake north sector with Pied billed Grebe. ( 8:15 am)

Veterans Day November 11th Prospect, quick note from GWC;possible Philadelphia Vireo sighting

A notable morning in Prospect Park regarding PINE SISKIN , 11 birds seen in two separate locales. A small flock of 7 feeding in the sweetgum trees , along with American Goldfinches, overshadowing the Carousel. Later, 4 more Pine Siskin seen drinking water at the back shore of the Binnen Pool.

Regarding sparrows, a lone AMERICAN TREE SPARROW with Songs, 2 Swamps and Whitethroateds along the dirt trail at the south edge of the Peninsula meadow. FOX SPARROW numbering four together at the back of the wildflower meadow ( next to Upper Pool), drinking from a small puddle on black plastic covering mugwort. And right behind me as I watched the Fox Sparrows, a wary MERLIN perched in the tall elm in that well known grove.

Other notes: Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, 2 Pied-billed Grebe,Cooper's Hawk over Prospect Lake, where 170 Ruddy and 200+ Northern Shoveler makes one Bufflehead drake feel vastly outnumbered.

A text just received  [2:34] from Rob Jett alerts this blogster that 13 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS are residing at Greenwood Cemetery (GWC) , at the moment.... A good place for this species that prefers open woods and lawns. Must be blue heaven there now....

A note from Kathy Toomey ,who was birding with Emily Goldstein.On Breeze Hill, in shrubs opposite the dirt mounds, they reported Philadelphia Vireo. This would be a extreme late record if its the same bird seen several weeks ago. Verification would be necessary so the report on this blog would serve notice for others to seek it out and verify.

--Kingsboider

Location: Prospect Park

Observation date: 11/11/10

Number of species: 40


Canada Goose X

Mute Swan 6 lake

American Black Duck 2 lake

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 200 lake

Bufflehead 1 drake Lake

Ruddy Duck 170 lake

Pied-billed Grebe 3--1 Upper Pool; 2 Lake

Double-crested Cormorant 3 lake
Great Blue Heron 2--one wading in Binnen Pool ( UNUSUAL!), one at 3 Sisters

Cooper's Hawk 1 f/o Lake north shore

Red-tailed Hawk 2- juv f/o southwest woods, adult f/o lullwater

Merlin 1 perched in elm overlooking Upper Pool

American Coot X

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull (American) X

Great Black-backed Gull 5  lake

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

American Crow 4 f/o's

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Carousel sweetgum

Brown Creeper 1 Binnen Pool shore

Winter Wren 1 Vale BBC plant bird site

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Peninsula meadow scrubby area

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3

Hermit Thrush 5--2 Picnic house

American Robin 4

European Starling X

American Tree Sparrow 1 Peninsula meadow south edge

Fox Sparrow (Red) 4 Upper Pool wildlflower meadow

Song Sparrow 14-9 Peninsula meadow south edge, 5 elsewhere

Swamp Sparrow 2 Peninsula meadow south edge

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal 3

Red-winged Blackbird 12--2 flocks f/o ballfields

Common Grackle 1 f/o southwest woods

Pine Siskin 11--7 Carousel Sweetgums, 4 Binnen Pool

American Goldfinch 15-- Carousel Sweetgums,11; 4 Lily Pool sweetgum

House Sparrow X



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

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

From Kathey Toomey

date = 2010/11/11


site = Prospect Park

observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Blue Heron

Northern Shoveler

Bufflehead

Canada Goose

Ring-necked Duck

Wood Duck

Ruddy Duck

Mute Swan

Mallard

Cooper's Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

American Coot

Great Black-backed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Mourning Dove

Downy Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Philadelphia Vireo We're pretty sure we saw it in bushes opposite the

dirt mounds on Breeze Hill

American Crow

Blue Jay

Tufted Titmouse

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Hermit Thrush

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Eastern Towhee

House Sparrow

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

Peter's List

Greenwood Cemetery:

Location: Green-Wood Cemetery  3 pm -5 pm


Observation date: 11/11/10

Number of species: 20


Mallard X

Hooded Merganser 2

Cooper's Hawk 1

American Kestrel 2

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Great Horned Owl 1

Winter Wren 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

Eastern Bluebird 1

Hermit Thrush X

Northern Mockingbird X

European Starling X

Song Sparrow X

Swamp Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco 30

Pine Siskin 12

American Goldfinch X



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

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW along dirt

AMERICAN TREE SPARROW along dirt trail south edge Peninsula meadow

~ 6 PINE SISKINS in

~ 6 PINE SISKINS in Sweetgums above Carousel

Prospect November 10th

Hilight today was Eastern Bluebird in the fenced area in the Long Meadow (R.Bate). My presumption is the east side of the Long Meadow near the woods opposite the Picnic House. Pine Siskins still about, reported by Rob at the ballfields and yesterday's sightings by Keir for this species makes it a "streak" ( of course , bird is streaky).
____________________________________

From Rob Bate:

Peter,


Lots and lots of juncos. Bluebird at fenced area, Pine Siskins with
Goldfinches by ballfields,female or juvenile male Ring-billed Duck
on upper pool. Phoebe still present.


Rob


Number of species: 47

Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

Wood Duck X

American Black Duck X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X

Ring-necked Duck X

Hooded Merganser X

Ruddy Duck X

Pied-billed Grebe X

Great Blue Heron X

Red-tailed Hawk X

American Coot X

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker X

Northern Flicker X

Eastern Phoebe X

Blue Jay X

American Crow X

Black-capped Chickadee X

White-breasted Nuthatch X

Brown Creeper X

Carolina Wren X

Winter Wren X

Golden-crowned Kinglet X

Eastern Bluebird X

Hermit Thrush X

American Robin X

Northern Mockingbird X

European Starling X

Yellow-rumped Warbler X

Fox Sparrow X

Song Sparrow X

Swamp Sparrow X

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal X

Red-winged Blackbird X

Common Grackle X

House Finch X

Pine Siskin X

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X

November 9th Prospect--2 reports inc continuing Pine Siskins

The coolest thing today was a flying mammal. On the way home from work--about 4:30-- I stopped at the Wellhouse and was startled to see two RED BATS above the building , doing crazy maneuvers in their chase for insects . Later , I found a third over lamppost #249. So, anything that flies gets my attention. By the way,Red Bats are migratory.

Here's a profile -->  http://tinyurl.com/2vsjxdg

As things slow down into "winter downtime", the quality becomes more appreciated with whatever is left or in.  For example,  a PINE SISKIN still persists at the Vale of Cashmere , on the same stone pillar where bird seed is, as reported by Heidi Cleven.Later , so did Keir reporting 4 Pine Siskins, on the Long Meadow area.

But there is no downtime concerning Dark-eyed Juncos today. This species was pretty omnipresent in various locales, most evident at the southwest Nethermead, my guess about 150 birds. Also , at the Peninsula meadow, maybe 45 more. Some Chipping Sparrows and one FIELD Sparrow caught my eye  at this locale.

The lake is among the best winter spots ( as long its not frozen, but too early for that) but nothing unusual.However its looks like Northern Shoveler might be around 200 birds my best guess.

Its chilly, cold for some, but great for anything weird (like bats)

--Kingsboider

list:

X Canada Goose lake


7 Mute Swan lake

X Mallard lake

200 Northern Shoveler lake

80 Ruddy Duck lake

2 Double-crested Cormorant lake

1 Sharp-shinned Hawk f/o
1 Red-tailed Hawk f/o nethermead

X American Coot lake

X Ring-billed Gull 

X Herring Gull 

X Rock Pigeon 

X Mourning Dove 

4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 

7 Hermit Thrush -

X European Starling 

4 Chipping Sparrow --3 Peninsula ,1 nethermead

1 Field Sparrow Peninsula

1 Fox Sparrow (Red) Nethermead arches

12 Song Sparrow  9 Peninsula

1 Swamp Sparrow Peninsula

X White-throated Sparrow 

195 Dark-eyed Junco  150 Nethermead, 45 Peninsula meadow

2 Northern Cardinal 

65 Common Grackle f/o Peninsula meadow

1 American Goldfinch Quaker Cemetery

X House Sparrow

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

From Keir Randall:

[Good to be back! See you out there]


Location: Prospect Park
Observation date: 11/9/10
Number of species: 28

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ruddy Duck X
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin 1
European Starling X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Fox Sparrow (Red) 3
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
White-crowned Sparrow 1 (imm. Wildflower Meadow, Long Meadow)
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) X
Northern Cardinal X
Pine Siskin 4+ (Long Meadow ballfield #4, W. Lakeside)
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X


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

Hybrid Goose running about in Prospect.....

Rob Jett sent me this photo the other day of a hybrid Canada Goose and something else ...have fun figuring it out what it's made of.....

By the way, the Pine Siskins of yesterday were not the first of the year in Prospect 2010.There was one seen Jan 5th ,2010 by Peter Dorosh and Mary Eyster at the Nethermead (3 Arches) Bridge, natch in a Sweetgum Tree , where the seedballs highly attract this species.  ( wherever there are Goldfinches, look for siskins this time around..)

Nov 7th BBG ( a day off after yesterday's grind); PP Pine Siskins in Vale

After a grinding long day in Jones Beach to Captree yesterday, a day of rest today. Just a nice lazy visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ( and avoid the Marathon traffic headache !) led to a few observances, especially at the Cherry Blossom lawn area. Most notable, a flock of Juncos with one Chipping and Song, but a Brown Creeper got my attention, the bird feeding upon different Cherry Blossom trees. And one Red-tailed Hawk  flying over..I guess it was pretty quiet for the Brooklyn Community today ( maybe all went east to Long Island?)

Also , a late eve note from Monica that she saw PINE SISKINS in the Vale of Cashmere today on the stone pillars at the pool's north end. See her note to me below.It might be a new species for the Prospect year, and i will check tomorrow at work.

--Kingsboider


BBG report:

Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden


Observation date: 11/7/10

Number of species: 16



Cooper's Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Eastern Phoebe 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Brown Creeper 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 2

Hermit Thrush 3

American Robin 5

European Starling X

Chipping Sparrow 1

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco 40

House Sparrow X

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

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From Monica Berger:

Hi Peter: I observed two pine siskins in the Vale today in the late

afternoon. They were feeding on the cement pillars where food is often

put out. Also one blue-headed vireo in the area between the Rose

Garden and Vale. Presumably other birds I saw reported by other

observers (e.g. Am. Wigeon in pools). Monica

November 6th Prospect

From Rafael:

DATE: 06 November 2010


OBSERVER: Rafael Campos R.

TIME: 0800-1130 Hrs

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My big surprise was a lonely American Woodcock that I flushed on
Lookout Hill, actually twice. Few minutes later, a group of volunteers
 & park personel, flushed again, and it took off flying towards the
 lake shore.

At the upper pool, I saw the Ring-necked hen, and 2 good surprises
, 1 Pied-billed Grebe (seldom seen here), and 1 American Wigeon.

Numbers, very low individuals/sps, but sparrows (3 sps) were the
most abundant, and surprise, I tallied no more than 6 Hermit Thrushes.

The birds:

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

American Wigeon (1, upper pool)

Mallard

Northern Shoveler

Ring-necked Duck (1 female, upper pool)

Ruddy Duck

Pied-billed Grebe (1, upper pool)

Great Blue Heron (1, lower Lullwater)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (1)

Red-tailed Hawk (2)

American Coot

American Woodcock (1, Lookout Hill)

Ring-billed Gull

(American) Herring Gull

Rock (Common) Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)

Downy Woodpecker (2)

Eastern Phoebe (1, Peninsula meadow)

Blue Jay

American Crow (1)

Black-capped Chickadee (4)

White-breasted Nuthatch (1)

Carolina Wren (1)

Winter Wren (2)

Golden-crowned Kinglet (2, Quaker hill)

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1, Quaker Hill)

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Gray Catbird (1)

European (Common) Starling

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Rusty Blackbird (1, lower pool)

Common Grackle

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow

Brooklyn is good birding!!!

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From Elyse:

Hi Peter,


After a quick morning walk in the park I saw a beautiful Eastern Bluebird.
It was so blue that as it landed on the ground I saw a brilliant blue color,
making me see it, up close! It was in the nethermead.

other birds that I was happy to see.



belted kingfisher ,flying around upper pool

2 great blue herons

goldfinches

snow goose

yellow rump warbler

golden crowned kinglet

2 red tail hawks flying and landing in trees right near me

many many sparrows at the beginning of the peninsula

good birding for such a short time,

Elyse

Prospect 11/5 Sparrows at Peninsula sumacs

A decent number of sparrows, about 80 roughly, nervously hung around and fed upon the Peninsula meadow near the sumacs. Mostly it were White-throated and Chipping but  harboring a lone WHITE-CROWNED.

However it was the CLAY-COLORED SPARROW seen quite well perched on the "point" Sumac, seen only 10 feet away by Mary. Below along grassy edges, later when I arrived, an impressive number of close-knit SWAMP SPARROWS hanging close to the Sumacs. Throughout the time, the sparrows were quite skittish and wary.

A really cool moment though as we saw the sparrow flock take off for nearby trees, we watched an almost ground hugging immature RED-TAILED HAWK fly through, carrying a dead rat in its talons. Now..how cool is that ?

Hilights

--CLAY-COLORED, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS reported at the Peninsula Sumacs grove,lawn side by Mary Eyster ( 3 pm)
 
--hen RING-NECKED DUCK on the Upper Pool

--MERLIN perched on American Sycamore  at southwest corner of the Ballfields

List  Observers Pdorosh,MEyster,PMalek

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/5/10

Number of species: 27

all Peninsula meadow (or Lake) unless otherwise noted

Mute Swan X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X

Ruddy Duck X

Double-crested Cormorant X

Cooper's Hawk 1 --MEyster

Red-tailed Hawk 1

American Coot X

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Lily Pool

Hairy Woodpecker 1 Lily Pool

Eastern Phoebe 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Lily Pool

Hermit Thrush 5

European Starling X

Chipping Sparrow 20

Clay-colored Sparrow 1 MEyster , bird seen perched on sumac

Song Sparrow 3

Swamp Sparrow 8

White-throated Sparrow 45

White-crowned Sparrow 1 juvenile

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal 1

American Goldfinch 7 above Binnen Falls

House Sparrow X



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Not a fun day for birding Prospect Nov 4th

In between tasks and busy-"ness" plus staying in the car  for shelter on short spells , there were a few birds I noted, but mostly White-throated sparrows that didnt have a care about raindrops while they flip up wet leaves. It was more after work when I noticed a few small hilights.

Most notable was this scene: 8 GREAT BLUE HERONS perched on Three Sister Islands, facing the Lake.Obviously forced down by the storm, the flock settled in , pelted by raindrops, perched on the limbs over the water's edge. There was a ninth GBH, at Duck Island, feeding along the phragmite shielded shore. I presume this GBH preferred to hit some action over its more sedentary friends at Three Sisters.

Of interest to anyone, I got the RUSTY BLACKBIRD again, at the West Island Phragmite cove on the way home. I pished, and it responded ! It perched low on a Hawthorne Tree on the south edge of the cove, studied me for a moment before taking off towards Parkside Ave. I needed to move on anyway, cause "Raindrops keep falling on my head" .

Oh, a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW still lingers , at the new rink shore area along the contruction fence that juts out, along with 7 Swamps and 5 "Chippies"  ( and speaking of the latter, it was really chippy out there today!)

List. glances during the day, post work sightings 3:30 on

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/4/10

Number of species: 31



Canada Goose X Lake

Mute Swan 7 lake

American Wigeon 1 drake Upper Pool

American Black Duck 1 West isl

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X lake

Ruddy Duck X lake

Pied-billed Grebe 1 south lullwater

Great Blue Heron 9--8 perched on 3 Sisters Islands, 1 at Duck Island

American Coot X lake

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Downy Woodpecker 1 south lakeside

Eastern Phoebe 1 inside new rink shore area

Blue Jay 1 Lily Pool

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 south lakeside

Hermit Thrush 5

European Starling X

Chipping Sparrow 5 new rink area by Duck isl

Song Sparrow 3

Swamp Sparrow 7 new rink area by Duck isl


White-throated Sparrow X

White-crowned Sparrow 1 imm, see Swamp and chippies

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal 1 south lakeside

Rusty Blackbird 1 West Island phragmite cove, south shore, in Hawthorne

American Goldfinch 1 Lily Pool

House Sparrow X

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Monthly First Sunday Group info 11/7; latest on that bus shelter

The First Sunday Group birding walk this Sunday from the Prospect Park Audubon Center ( Boathouse) starts at 8 am .( and not the erroneous 10 am info listed by the Audubon Center in their media ) according to Michele Dreger.

Also note Daylight Savings Time ends this early Sunday morning ( Fall back one hour)....oh and there is some Marathon that day too...

On the second note, I have found out that bus shelters are under the NYC Department of Transportation control; hence a memo was sent to the DOT by the Prospect Park Alliance's Director of Government Affairs (whom I contacted) to tell them what is happening and hopefully a positive reply that the glass will be replaced or altered with anti window strike before the next migration period by the DOT. I saw a picture of that particular shelter and its quite shiny and reflective clear glass.To make matters worse, it's between the ends of the shrubbery / green ridge perimeter berms , with Vanderbilt Ave spitting the gap; so when birds fly across the street, smack ! ( if in the bad spot)...will keep you posted.

--Kingsboider

Brooklyn Bridge right where it's at; late brief Prospect report

Larry Zirlin informed me that Brooklyn Bridge Park --under a strange quirky location listing in New York County's side--has been corrected by the Cornell Ebird folks into Kings County per his correspondence to them. So , anytime you visit and see birds at Brooklyn Bridge Park, if you input into Ebirds , the sightings are now under "Kings County", right where they should be....

Brooklyn Bridge Park, despite its very young creation and small native plantings, nevertheless has been getting nice birds..Just shows you: when new habitat and green space is created, birds will come ....

for more info go to ---->  https://ebird.org/content/ebird

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A late usual walk along south Lakeside after work revealed RUSTY BLACKBIRD and PURPLE FINCH female in the same ash tree behind the West Island phragmite cove. Also farther east , nearer Duck Island, Brown Creeper and offshore late Laughing Gull

All south lake unless noted

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/3/10

Number of species: 26 within 45 minutes 3:40-4:25



Canada Goose X

Mute Swan 6

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X

Ruddy Duck X

Pied-billed Grebe 1 Lake

Double-crested Cormorant 1 Lake

Great Blue Heron 1 at Three Sisters

American Coot X

Laughing Gull 1 Lake

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1

Downy Woodpecker 1

Eastern Phoebe 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Brown Creeper 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

Fox Sparrow (Red) 1

Swamp Sparrow 1

White-throated Sparrow 12

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal 1

Rusty Blackbird 1 by West Island , phragmite cove, into ash tree

Purple Finch 1 see Rusty BB



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November 2nd Prospect

As the days  get colder, these early November days start to see winter species passage, such as ducks and typical 11th month birds. One particular species is RUSTY BLACKBIRD (R.Campos) seen well along the water edges of the Vale of Cashmere pool. I saw the Rusty near the end of my workday, as the bird worked along , flipping over leaves on the pool bottom. It's in a rusty brown  ( or more like copperish ?) plumage so its a pretty bird to see ( especially with its golden yellow eye).

On the way home, a new species fall duck, hen BUFFLEHEADs , mingling with the Ruddies. Off to the side,a HOODED MERGANSER hen as well. Its something to see....

--Kingsboider

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02 November 2010


Observer: Rafael Campos R.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings Co., NY


Time: 0830-1100 hrs

Cold, cold. But some bird activity was observed around PP this morning. Very conspicuous & abundant were White-throated Sparrows & Hermit Thrushes. Also some flocks of Common Grackles & American Robins.

It was surprising for me to observe at least 3 Cooper's Hawks, flying over Lookout Hill.

Birds recorded:

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Mallard

Northern Shoveler

Ruddy Duck

Pied-billed Grebe (1, lower Lullwater)

Double-crested Cormorant (1, Lullwater)

Great Blue Heron (1, Lower Lullwater)

Cooper's Hawk (3)

Red-tailed Hawk (1, Nellie's Lawn)

American Coot (Lullwater & Lake)

Ring-billed Gull

(American) Herring Gull

Rock (Common) Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)

Eastern Phoebe (±4. various locations)

Blue Jay (2)

Black-capped Chickadee

Winter Wren (3)

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (2)

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Gray Catbird (1, behind Well House)

European (Common) Starling

Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler (1, Peninsula meadow)

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow (2)

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Rusty Blackbird (1, Vale)

Common Grackle

American Goldfinch (1, flyover Long Meadow)

House Sparrow

Brooklyn is good birding!!!!


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Peter's List:

Location: Prospect Park


Observation date: 11/2/10

Number of species: 34



Canada Goose X lake

Mute Swan X lake

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler X lake

Bufflehead 2 hen Lake, with Ruddies

Hooded Merganser 1 hen Lake

Ruddy Duck X Lake

Pied-billed Grebe 1 west isl

Double-crested Cormorant 3 lake

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1 immature phragmite shore Peninsula thumb

Red-tailed Hawk 1 f/o south lakeside

American Coot X lake

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Eastern Phoebe 1 Nellie's lawn

Black-capped Chickadee 1 Maryland monument

Tufted Titmouse 1 south lakeside

Winter Wren 1 Nellie's lawn

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 three sisters islands

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

Hermit Thrush 4

American Robin X

European Starling X

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 south lake

Fox Sparrow (Red) 1 garage

Song Sparrow 2

Swamp Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Rusty Blackbird 1 vale cashmere pool north end at water edge

American Goldfinch 1 nellies lawn

House Sparrow X



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