Monday, February 21, 2011

Prospect February 21st : Common Redpoll continues

 Yesterday's COMMON REDPOLL stayed overnight, seen this early afternoon by Peter, Monica Berger and Mike, the winter finch feeding on the ground below the feeders, seeking out black oil sunflower seeds; nearby's thistle feeders meanwhile hosted 4 PINE SISKIN, making the feeders the hottest spot in the snow kingdom of Prospect Park.

This has been a dynamic day for the feeders, finally awarded with a terrific bird species not seen often in Prospect . ( but the Siskins made it a terrific winter long delight). Winter finches are among my very favorite, the Redpoll a real highlight.

As one approaches the feeders, it is best not to go in too fast. Look from afar , straight line, preferably 25 feet away, then go in very slowly to avoid spooking the skittish birds.The Redpoll is seen going along the ground almost directly under the middle sunflower feeder.

here's a pic what it looks like http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_redpoll/id

Also of note , though not seen later, 3 Hooded Mergansers at the open west shore lake area, very close to the shore.

Today's Great Backyard Count on this last counting day  is below

Record ID: S7688210


Locality: 11218, Brooklyn, Kings County, NY


Observation Date: FEB 21, 2011


Start Time: 10:30 AM


Snow Depth: Less than 2 in (5.1 cm)


Total Birding Time: 3 hours 45 minutes


Location Type: City or County Park



Party Size: 1


Skill: excellent


Weather: excellent


Habitat(s):


deciduous woods


scrub


urban


freshwater



Number of species: 31


All Reported: yes



Species Count


Canada Goose 178


Mute Swan 6


American Black Duck 9


Mallard 234


Northern Shoveler 65


Hooded Merganser 3 lake


Ruddy Duck 1


Red-tailed Hawk 1


American Coot 10


Ring-billed Gull 138


Herring Gull 16


Rock Pigeon 4


Mourning Dove 5


Downy Woodpecker 1


Hairy Woodpecker 2


Blue Jay 1


Black-capped Chickadee 9


White-breasted Nuthatch 2


American Tree Sparrow 1 south lullwater path below Breeze hill


Fox Sparrow 5


Song Sparrow 8


White-throated Sparrow 54


Dark-eyed Junco 7


Northern Cardinal 11


Red-winged Blackbird 38


Brown-headed Cowbird 1


House Finch 6


Common Redpoll 1 Confirmed


Pine Siskin 4


American Goldfinch 11


House Sparrow 10



Comments:


Redpoll and siskins were seen at feeders




Location: Prospect Park--Feeders


Observation date: 2/21/11

Number of species: 16



Mourning Dove 3

Downy Woodpecker 1

Hairy Woodpecker 2

Black-capped Chickadee 8

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Fox Sparrow (Red) 5

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow 17

Dark-eyed Junco 4

Northern Cardinal 3

Red-winged Blackbird 1

House Finch 5

Common Redpoll 1

Pine Siskin 4

American Goldfinch 11

House Sparrow 2



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