Friday, August 31, 2012

This Blog has moved

This blog has moved due to Google phasing out the product in the near future.

 For reports on Prospect sightings, go to

http://prospectsightings.blogspot.com/

--KB

Thursday, August 30, 2012

BLOG CHANGE- NEW VERSION

Dear Prospect Sightings readers

Due to my difficulty entering new posts on the old blogger where the menu sort of disappeared today, I CREATED  a NEW BLOG under the upgraded google version. Google said the old blogger will be discarded in coming months. Don't know if it will be easier for me but in the future, I will be posting to this new blog design.The new version looks raw right now until i have more time to customize and add new features over time this will do for now. Right now, I have to finish the BBC newsletter by the weekend.

Keep both the old and new bloggers as bookmarks for now.

The new Blog is called PROSPECT PARK & NORTH BROOKLYN

the  new html address is http://prospectsightings.blogspot.com/

Hoping its smooth sailing from here on...(fingers crossed)

Peter

PS.. There is an email address gmail account listed on the new version.Thats for the google account,please do not email at that address, I dont read emails on Gmail.

Thanks

Prospect August 30th; records, reports

What a difference a day makes!

Yesterday, I counted 9 tweets to twitter followers and my network for rare birds reported or seen  in Prospect. Today none of the sightings warrant a tweet ( exceptt the birds ).

First a note about the Yellow-throated Warbler. Yesterday's sighting was only the third fall sighting-Kathy , Bob O and Fr Steven F joining the history books with the likes of two legendary Prospect birders, Marty Sohmer and Olney Raymond. Marty --considered among the greatest field birders of Brooklyn and NYC and Olney a long time birder of the 1950s and 60s saw Yellow-Throated whose records were valuable,  on fall dates respectively Sept 21 2003 and Oct 5 1963 where the latter , 3 birds were reported.  Good company !

Today was a much reduced activity day. There were birds and warblers reported around by a few birders . I received a second hand report of Hooded Warbler by the southeast corner of the cemetery which is where the bridle trail enters the woods.

A note about locations that you should know about or been off grid for awhile that should get more attention.
Along the southeast bridle trail right off the Center Drive, there is a few trees encased by native Virginia Creeper that is in fruit, now attracting birds. This is where the 1st Philadelphia Vireo was seen. Secondly, just east of the Dongan Oak eagle monument, a devils walking stick called Hercules Club, or aralia is also fruiting, the whitish crowned  tall sumac like plant  with dark ringed berries. We saw Cape May Warbler here . More aralia is below the giant Willow Oak just below the Rose Garden ( east of ValeCashmere). Its advised to go with friend(s) here in this remote spot.

The last spot that hasn't seen much reporting in a while is SparrowBowl , the kettle between the Tennis House and Picnic House. This afternoon after work, I swung by this very convenient location and saw BLUE-WINGED WARBLER in very good views as the bird pursued the dead leaves. Then moment later, a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH popped up for good views , clear throat, whitish overall complexion, and hefty body anatomy , and more field marks that satisfied my identification.

UNfortunately , "Sparrowbowl " isn't a good morning spot of recent months due to now regular dog runs here by a few habitual owners. Its best to bird this spot after off leash hours , maybe mid morning. This is an excellent birding fall spot , in the past saw Connecticut and Mourning Warblers and mini fall outs.

And a last note. i ran into a new birder Ania Griszek who was sitting at the Nethermead Osage Orange tree.Apparently , a number of warblers were in the surrounding lawn trees. Among those , best one was a CAPE MAY WARBLER, a good plumage specimen. Ania also described a dark large bird up high in the sky with whitish mottling in mid afternoon. This may a a Bald Eagle, which is the right time for this species.

And the final word. I was experiencing technical problems with the blogger today so it may mean that eventually the old blogger  ( u are reading now ) will phase out into a new one which I can upgrade now, but which the new software is not compatible with the original blogger setup Prospect Sightings. I'm not a computer geek so I have to see what happens as I experiment..It may mean a new blogger reset..Dunno yet will tell you  then.

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

from Adam

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 30, 2012 6:50 AM - 10:20 AM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Warm, still, birded alone and with others inc. Keir Randall
52 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X     hybrid with Dutch Quacker-type
white domestic duck. No option to list in eBird.
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  1
gull sp. (Larinae sp.)  2
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  20
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  4
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  3
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  X
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  1
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)  1
Empidonax sp. (Empidonax sp.)  3
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  1
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  8
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  10
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  X
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)  1
Veery (Catharus fuscescens)  5
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  X
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  3
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)  5      Everywhere!
Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera)  2     One at Midwood
stairs, other on Lookout
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  10
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina)  2     2 in same bush on
Lookout switchback trail
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  5
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  25     approx count
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  3
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  3
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)  1      near 3 Arches Bridge
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  2
Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor)  1     Breeze Hill
Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)  1      Midwood stairs
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  2
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  X
European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)  2     pair seen with Keir
Randall on Lookout Hill. Have been seen here regularly & recently by
others
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Prospect August 29, It's Northwest & a most fantastic day....

A northwest wind that highly fulfilled expectations creating a fantastic day for warbler variety and good  birds in Prospect.

Today's full day for most Prospect birders combined a collective 26 species warbler among them a big surprise in YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER, hoped for MOURNING WARBLER, and continuing GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERs with TENNEESSEE, NASHVILLE ,WILSON's and BLUE-WINGED for good measure.

Details on the rare warblers:

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER  was seen late afternoon in close proximity and eye level along the creek on the south side of 3 Arches /Nethermead Bridge, by 3 longtime experience birders. (KToomey, B Oneill, Fr SFerrari)

MOURNING WARBLER, a male adult seen by multiple observers, first spotted by Paige Linden after a fleeting glimpse possibility hours earlier by Keir Randall & Rob Bate, along the Ambergill Creek; the bird was seen well and photographed in the small peninsula with the bald cypress tree, about 150 feet south of the Esdale Bridge, path going into the Ravine.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS, 2 seen in Ricks Place bridle trail mud puddle, after an initial earlier sighting of the female along the south edge of Ricks Place ( RafaelCampos). Both male and female were at that bridle trail spot later ( Tom Stephenson).

Speaking of that mud trail puddle, multiple observers were treated to 7 species warbler all seen at the same time, inc Golden-winged , Blue -winged , Chestnut Sided, Redstart, B&W,Parula & Magnolia

Of the non warbler sightings, some really good stuff. These are YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER  & 4 species empidonaxes, YELLOW-BELLIED, ACADIAN, Least, Traill's. IN the late afternoon, Matthew R reported 10 COMMON NIGHTHAWK flyovers over western Long Meadow towards Bartel Sq. 2 PHILADELPHIA VIREOs were seen i being lucky to spot both , both seen quite well, a drab adult on Center drive edge and the other much brighter, the latter at the Esdale Br's Ambergill creek, the bird bathing  there.

A long day for me, 615 am till 12 hours later when I got home, glad I saw the winds forecast last night , posted it on my blog and asked for a vacation day off at my "office" Prospect Park.

good birding

Peter
BBC

Master list --all observers, collectively

date = 2012/08/29
site = Prospect Park
observers = Multiple observers

 
European Goldfinch (Exotic)
Wood Duck 8
Mallard
Cooper's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo -Butterfly Meadow ( PColen)
Common Nighthawk 10 late afternoon Nethermead f/o ( MRymkiewicz)
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Traill's species Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Olive-sided Flycatcher - south side Nethermead Bridge mObs
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Acadian Flycatcher - south Midwood bridle tr  mObs
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - bottom Tunnel Arch stairs
White-eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo 2-- one bridle tr Ctr Dr  woods; 1 Esdale Br Ambergill crk
Blue Jay
Barn Swallow
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
American Robin
Veery
Gray Catbird
European Starling
Cedar Waxwing
Prairie Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Tennessee Warbler 4
American Redstart
Black-and-white Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Ovenbird
Canada Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Cape May Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Northern Parula
Magnolia Warbler
Nashville Warbler 5
Golden-winged Warbler 2
Northern Waterthrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
Pine Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Song Sparrow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Pied-Billed Grebe
Green Heron
******************************************


Multiple reports below


From Rafael

Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Kings Co., NY
29 August 2012
Observer: Rafael G Campos (+ Peter, Keir, Rob, & several others)

With the advise from P.D. (BBC) that the winds from N-NW would bring some migrants to PP, I went there around 10 am.  Since I started walking around Grand Army Plaza to the Vale, the number of individuals & species of warblers were amazing.  I tallied almost 8 sps in this part of my walk.

In the Vale, I got excelent views of 1 Bay-breasted, Wilson's.  These 2 were the most unusual.  Add to these, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Magnolia, Canada, Chestnut-sided, Black-and-white.

From the Vale to Rick's Place.  Here, surprise I saw 1 female Golden-winged Warbler was seen, plus others. the time was ~9:45 am.  Few minutes later, I saw Peter and other birders.  We went back to Rick's Place, and all together we saw ±8 sps of warblers, including the female Golden-winged.  Another sps of interest was 1 Blue-winged.

From Rick's place back to the Vale via Midwood (in part), and along this walk we saw Cape May, Tennessee.

Other sps worth mentioning were: Red-eyed Vireo, Swainson's Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Common Yellowthroat, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Eastern Wood Pewee.

In total, I tallied 16 sps of warblers, and as a group, by the time I left, at leas 24 sps of Warblers.

Brooklyn is great birding!!!

Peter: some of the birds sps, specially warblers, were seen together with the group

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Aug 29, 2012 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Observer: Rafael G. Campos R
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
32 species

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  3
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  1
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)  1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  1
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  3
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  1
Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera)  1
Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)  1
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  4
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  X
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina)  1
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  5
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  3
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  5
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  4
Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)  2
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)  1
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  1
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!

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

From Rob Bate:

20 Warbler species for me and a Philadelphia Vireo!
49 species

Canada Goose  X
Wood Duck  X
Mallard  X
Double-crested Cormorant  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  5  
Downy Woodpecker  1  
Hairy Woodpecker  2  
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2  
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher  1  
Great Crested Flycatcher  1  
Warbling Vireo  3  
Philadelphia Vireo  1  
Red-eyed Vireo  5  
Blue Jay  2  
House Wren  X
Carolina Wren  X
Veery  2
American Robin  5
Gray Catbird  3     )
Northern Mockingbird  1  
European Starling  5  
Cedar Waxwing  2  
Ovenbird  1  
Northern Waterthrush  1  
Blue-winged Warbler  1  
Golden-winged Warbler  1  
Black-and-white Warbler  5  
Tennessee Warbler  2  
Nashville Warbler  1  
Mourning Warbler  1  
Common Yellowthroat  2  
American Redstart  10  
Cape May Warbler  1  
Northern Parula  2  
Magnolia Warbler  2  
Blackburnian Warbler  1  
Yellow Warbler  1  
Chestnut-sided Warbler  1  
Blackpoll Warbler  1  
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1  
Black-throated Green Warbler  1  
Canada Warbler  1  
Northern Cardinal  2  
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
American Goldfinch  X
House Sparrow  20    



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

From Adam:

Wow -- shaping up to be a great migration day! I was focusing on the
warblers so have a few gaping holes in the list & unfortunately I have
work to do, so did not see as much as some others out there. Please
add this list to the day list!

Cheers

Adam


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:  <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 12:32 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Aug 29, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 29, 2012 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Occasionally windy, clear, lots of movement of migratory
birds, sometimes birded with others.
41 species (+2 other taxa)

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
gull sp. (Larinae sp.)  X
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  X
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  X
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  X
Empidonax sp. (Empidonax sp.)  6     Numerous Empids migrating
through, one probable Least, others unidentifiably far away
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  3
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  8
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  X
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  X
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  X
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  X
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)  1
Veery (Catharus fuscescens)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  X
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)  1
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  5
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  20
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina)  1
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  5
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  2
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  6
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  3
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)  2
Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)  2
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird


Hi Peter

Please add to the master list my FoS Pied-billed Grebe, adult in
non-br plumage seen just off the Peninsula late this evening, and
Green Heron, seen nearby.

Also you can add to my list (somehow forgot to put it on) the very
early Yellow-rumped Warbler that I saw on the Lullwater this morning.
A dull female.

Cheers!

Adam

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

From Keir:

What a day!
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Aug 29, 2012 6:45 AM - 7:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
65 species (+3 other taxa)

Wood Duck 8
Mallard 4
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Laughing Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 15
Mourning Dove 10
Chimney Swift 3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 3
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Olive-sided Flycatcher 1 Bare snags above Binnen Water, below Nethermead Arches
Eastern Wood-Pewee 4
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 1 Broken Steps, Battle Pass West. Seen very well and photographed - yellow throat, very green back, eye ring off white with eyedrop to rear.
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's Flycatcher) 1
Least Flycatcher 2
Empidonax sp. 2
Great Crested Flycatcher 3
Eastern Kingbird 1
White-eyed Vireo 1 Calling bird missing most of it's tail, Breeze Hill
Warbling Vireo 4
Philadelphia Vireo 1 Ambergill, seen very low and close - stubby short bill, short tail, head and face pattern all obvious.
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Blue Jay 4
crow sp. 6
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
House Wren 2
Carolina Wren 2
Veery 3
Swainson's Thrush 1+
American Robin 14
Gray Catbird 6
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 12
Cedar Waxwing 8
Ovenbird 2
Worm-eating Warbler 1 Lookout Hill, early
Northern Waterthrush 2
Blue-winged Warbler 2
Golden-winged Warbler 1 Female with big warbler flock at Rick's Place puddles
Black-and-white Warbler 6
Tennessee Warbler 3 2 together Lookout Switchback trail early, 1 Willow Oak, south of Rose Garden noon
Nashville Warbler 1
Mourning Warbler 1 Ambergill.
Common Yellowthroat 4
American Redstart 25
Cape May Warbler 2 Lookout early, Midwood nr Battle Pass West later
Northern Parula 5
Magnolia Warbler 5
Blackburnian Warbler 1 Female type early, Lookout Switchback trail
Chestnut-sided Warbler 4
Blackpoll Warbler 1 Esdale Bridge.
Black-throated Blue Warbler 5
Prairie Warbler 1 Binnen Pool pines.
Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Lookout, early
Canada Warbler 3
Wilson's Warbler 2 Together in the BBC plantings, Nellie's Lawn near Vale pool
Song Sparrow 1
Scarlet Tanager 1 Male, Switchback trail, early
Northern Cardinal 7
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 1
Common Grackle 1
Baltimore Oriole 1
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 15


************************************
From Joshua Malbin:

I also had a Pine Warbler today, not far from where the Mourning Warbler was seen. I didn't see that on your list, so that would make 26
Matthew~FWD: COMM NIGHTHWKS over Lookout, flock of 10 flew over towards Bartel Pritchard --Matthew R
KathyT~YELLOWTHROATED WARB @ 3 arches nethermd br south side creek by short stairs
Ricks place horse puddle hot inc goldwing bluewing +6 warb species
Rafael~GOLDWINGwarb steps to midwood frm ricks pl
PHIL A VIREO @esdale br crk
PHILADELH VIREO horse tr ctr dr west end..VA creepr vines
Top marylnd mt stairs 2 tenn wArb 2 nash warb 1 btgreen waRb 1 grt crst fc

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Evening Nethermead watch 8/28

6-8 pm

7 COMMON NIGHTHAWKS flew in the skies above Prospect Park's Nethermead from 7:00 to 8:05 as 4 of us enjoyed a picnic in sort of a August end tradition . (Observers -Peter D. , Mary Eyster, Bobbi Manian, Dennis Hrehowsik)

Numerous Barn Swallows accompanied the Nighthawks and we also were delighted with 2 ORHARD ORIOLE females in the tree in front of us.


--KB

List

Common Nighthawks-7
Orchard Oriole-2
Barn Swallows, numerous
Tree Swallows
Northern Flicker
Robins
Starlings
American Redstart
Mallards
Red-tailed Hawk ( low fly)
Chimney Swifts
Brown Bat-2

Current wind direction; PP brief word

A look at the weather says Northwest Wind thru all evening..There should be a good push of birds.  Tonight might be entertaining and sky should see Common Nighthawks.Nethermead is the best spot  to view these birds over Quaker Ridge  and the mead as well.

From Accuweather.com  hourly says From 5 pm to midnight, wind is NW all the way.

Wind (mph)11 NW10 NW10 NW9 NW9 NW8 NW8 NW8 NW


Be sure to bird tomorrow..it should be good... ( try calling in sick...but ...I took a last minute Vacation day ..wink wink)

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

hilights today

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT  seen late morning by Bobbi Manian along the north end of the Midwood bridle trail. Also WORM-EATING WARBLER same spot

2 BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS at the south end o f that horse trail in Midwood, with a 1st yr NORTHERN PARULA and 2 B&W WARBLERS. ( obs-- me, Bobbi, BOb Oneill)
Bobbi ~FWD: I just saw the yellow breasted chat on bridle midwood trail going up to ricks. Many good looks.

Update: bird was seen near the north end of the bridle trail, by small steps, but was not seen since. Horse trail saw 2 Blue-winged  and 1st yr Parula Warblers at the south end, puddle spot.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Tuesday night/Wednesday morning wind prediction

A check of Accuweather.com predicts winds for Tuesday eve
  • WNW at 6 mph
  • Gusts: 12 mph


  • Then shifting North overnight.

    Wednesday morning , winds will be North.

    This bodes well for substantial migration  ( i hope)



    Prospect August 27th; history on battlefield bird turf; bird report

     Today is a historical day for Brooklyn , especially with Prospect Park caught squat in the middle of it. The 236th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn ( some call it Long Island....I don't !).

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

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

    On a lunch hour interrupted by a thunderstorm, the south side of the Esdale Bridge, in the Ambergill Creek, a PHILADELPHIA VIREO appeared off to the side in a hawthorne tree (?) . In this same general area, 2 BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS, one seen well eventually in the Tulip tree adjacent to the vireo spot. Other warblers seen over the creek were YELLOW, NORTHERN PARULA, BLACK-THROATED BLUE with WARBLING VIREO going back and forth across the open creek. Later a RED-EYED VIREO showed up .

    For a short span, a good show just standing in one spot before chased by impending raindrops.

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

    Adam Welz informed me he started his own twitter account for bird sightings in Prospect and Brooklyn.
    here's the address:

     @AdamWelzBirds
    PHIILLY VIREO + several warbs inc Bluewings @ Esdale br creek
    Esdale br ambergill ravine creek some activity.bluewing w parula yellow redstart ;warb vireo

    Sunday, August 26, 2012

    Prospect August 26th Gold birds and Vireo gem;Eve CONH

    Bird numbers were much reduced today except with GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS (GWWA) reported again, likely the best week or period I recalled for Prospect of two such birds on the same day. A male GWWA was reported at Ricks Place horse trail puddle (Rafael,Kathy,Emily) ; a female reported on Lookout Hill's west slope ( Keir). This female was spotted again in the Lullwater ( Rafael) , roving around quite abit. The female is very likely the one seen on yesterdays peninsula, the warbler seen flying north from last spot. ( Unless there is a wave of them GWWA :)  ) The male in question is whether this is a third individual after last weekend's male adult sighting, very likely for the time since expired a third individual for today's observance.

    A smattering of warblers around, with a female adult BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER seen at the Peninsula point in the pines, this region seeing fewer birds today. BLUE-WINGED also reported by birders.

    Of the non warbler class, a PHILADELPHIA VIREO reported by Rafael by the Pools ( Upper and Lower), a rare vireo for fall migration.

    Also of note for an early seasonal species, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH..winter far off ?

    In the evening, Keir and Rob Bate watched COMMON NIGHTHAWKS, 2 birds patrolling the Nethermead sky

    *****************************
    From Rafael

    26 August 2012

    With some expectations to find a good number of warblers in Prospect Park, I left the house around 8 am.

    I started in Grand Army Plaza, towards the Vale but no luck so far.

    At Rick's Place I joined forces with Kathy & Emily, and the 3 of us stroke gold with warblers:  First we saw Blue-winged, American Redstart, Magnolia, Black-and-white, and the big surprise, one male Golden-winged.  Great views.

    We continued towards the ravine, and saw at least 1 Red-breasted Nuthatch.

    At the pools, another surprise, 1 Philadelphia Vireo, seen almost at eye level.  Great views, too.

    I continued by myself towards Peninsula, but the area was quite quiet.  Worth mentioning 2 Spotted Sandpipers, 1 Green Heron.

    On my way back I continued along the Lullwater, and found another Golden-winged Warbler, this time a female.  Back around Rick's place (±12 md), I saw another male Golden-winged, probably the same one we saw early.

    Other species recorded today were: Belted Kingfisher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Canada Warbler, Wood Duck, Barn Swallow, Warbling Vireo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-throated Blue Warbler.

    Brooklyn is great birding: Rafael G. Campos R
    Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
    Aug 26, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
    Protocol: Traveling
    3.5 kilometer(s)
    Observer (s): Rafael G Campos, Kathy, Emily.
    40 species

    Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
    Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
    Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  2    Upper Pool
    Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
    Green Heron (Butorides virescens)  1
    Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)  2    Lake
    Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
    Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  1    Midwood, visiting the flowers of Jewel weed
    Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  1
    Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  3
    Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  3
    Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [auratus Group])  2
    Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  2
    Warbling Vireo (Eastern) (Vireo gilvus gilvus)  2
    Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus)  1    1 individual, seen eye level. Crown & mantle darker than Warbling Vireo, and the line across the eye, more prominent than WAVI.
    Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
    Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)  2
    Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  2
    Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
    Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  1
    White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
    American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
    Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
    European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
    Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)  1    Peninsula
    Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora cyanoptera)  2    Rick's Place & Ravine
    Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)  2    1 male at Rick's Place. 1 female along the Lullwater path.
    Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  10
    Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
    American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  12
    Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  1
    Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  4
    Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  2
    Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)  2
    Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  1
    Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
    Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  1
    American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  X
    House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

    Brooklyn is great birding!!!!

    *******************************
    From Kathy :

    date = 2012/08/26
    site = Prospect Park
    observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

    empidonax sp.
    Canada Goose
    Wood Duck
    Mute Swan
    Mallard
    Spotted Sandpiper
    Rock Pigeon
    Mourning Dove
    Rufous Hummingbird
    Belted Kingfisher     heard
    Downy Woodpecker
    Northern Flicker
    Great Crested Flycatcher     4, one in the ravine, two in the
    lullwater, and one on the peninsula
    Eastern Wood-Pewee
    Eastern Kingbird
    Warbling Vireo
    Red-eyed Vireo
    Philadelphia Vireo     found by Rafael, back of lower pool
    Blue Jay
    Barn Swallow
    Tufted Titmouse
    Black-capped Chickadee
    Red-breasted Nuthatch     2, one in the ravine, one in the lullwater
    White-breasted Nuthatch
    Carolina Wren
    American Robin
    Gray Catbird
    European Starling
    Yellow Warbler
    American Redstart
    Black-and-white Warbler
    Canada Warbler
    Black-throated Blue Warbler     male and female
    Chestnut-sided Warbler
    Blue-winged Warbler
    Magnolia Warbler
    Golden-winged Warbler     found by Rafael, male, near Rick's Place puddle
    Northern Cardinal
    Baltimore Oriole
    Common Grackle
    American Goldfinch
    House Sparrow


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

    From Keir:

    hi Peter
    Thanks to your tip, Rob Bate and I were rewarded with 2 Common Nighthawks tonight over the Nethermead. 
    cheers
    Keir

    Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
    Aug 26, 2012 5:45 PM - 8:15 PM
    Protocol: Traveling
    1.5 mile(s)
    20 species

    Red-tailed Hawk 2
    Common Nighthawk 2 Nethermead, 7.50-7.55 pmChimney Swift 15
    Eastern Wood-Pewee 1
    Red-eyed Vireo 1
    Blue Jay 2
    Northern Rough-winged Swallow 1 Lake
    Barn Swallow 12
    House Wren 1
    American Robin 4
    Gray Catbird 1
    Northern Mockingbird 1
    European Starling 8
    Blue-winged Warbler 3 All bright males together in one flock, Ambergill/ Esdale Bridge
    Black-and-white Warbler 1
    Nashville Warbler 1 Lookout, west slope woodchip path
    American Redstart 2
    Northern Cardinal 1
    American Goldfinch 10
    House Sparrow 2

    Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
    Aug 26, 2012 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    Protocol: Traveling
    2.0 mile(s)
    45 species (+1 other taxa)

    Canada Goose 8
    Mute Swan 4
    Wood Duck 4
    Mallard 4
    Red-tailed Hawk 2
    Spotted Sandpiper 1
    Laughing Gull 4
    Rock Pigeon 6
    Mourning Dove 10
    Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
    Downy Woodpecker 3
    Hairy Woodpecker 2
    Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
    Least Flycatcher 1
    Empidonax sp. 2
    Great Crested Flycatcher 2
    White-eyed Vireo 1
    Warbling Vireo 8
    Red-eyed Vireo 4
    Blue Jay 3
    Barn Swallow 1
    Black-capped Chickadee 3
    Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
    House Wren 1
    Carolina Wren 1
    Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
    American Robin 12
    Gray Catbird 6
    European Starling 4
    Ovenbird 1
    Blue-winged Warbler 1
    Golden-winged Warbler 1 Female, Lookout, down slope west of Butterfly Meadow
    Black-and-white Warbler 6
    Nashville Warbler 2 Together, low, at top of Lookout switchback trail during big wave of activity, 7.45am
    Common Yellowthroat 3
    American Redstart 12
    Magnolia Warbler 2
    Blackburnian Warbler 1 Female type, Butterfly Meadow
    Yellow Warbler 7
    Chestnut-sided Warbler 3
    Canada Warbler 1
    Song Sparrow 1
    Northern Cardinal 3
    Common Grackle 2
    American Goldfinch 12
    House Sparrow 6
    =
    Keir~FWD: @railbabbler: Golden-winged female also at lookout west slope below butterfly meadow!
    GOLDEN WINGED WARB @ Ricks Pl horse trail puddle 928 am per bobbi + 2

    Saturday, August 25, 2012

    Prospect August 25th There's "gold" in the Peninsula !

    For the second time in less a week, lighting struck twice in the same location, providing another GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, this time a female today following last weekend's male adult, both seen in the very same birch tree along the woods trail. This tree should be declared a royal landmark !

    Keir Randall spotted the bird at the back of the tree , which in time, we studied it closely & declared it as Golden-winged (GWWA) as it moved through the heavy upper foliage , from tree to tree. The outline of the dark throat bib and cheek could be seen  for this muted colored bird.

    After I left the park for Floyd Bennett by noon, driving down Ocean Ave, I received a text from Keir that more "gold" was found , this time in the cove area between the Peninsula point and the small peninsula called the "thumb" where Keir and Ed Crowne along with Tom Stephenson watched a female PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (PRWA) worked its way through tree branches. This bird was first found on Thursday 8/23 by Elyse Taylor at the Peninsula base near Well Drive.

     Called oftentimes a "golden bird of swamps" ( Peterson Guide) , we are hoping there will be a rush to find more gold in the Peninsula. Prothonotary is a very rare autumn record , more likely seen in spring when this species overshoots its breeding range. Since very few or nil of this species breed north of NYC, getting one here is a lighting strike !

    Warbler activity was sporadic , with some birds to report in low numbers.Some species were Canada , Nashville, Prairie, Black-throated Blue that were seen. But for a quiet day, two gold spikes in GWWA and PRWA makes it s terrific day. See Tom Stephenson's photos of the Prothonotary below; A Canada Warbler is also included. But I heard later, the activity picked up. See the below reports.

    The Peninsula woods trail  runs parallel to the Lullwater shoreline, by the way. See the previous field post of the GWWA sighting .

    PRWA female/juv , taken by Tom Stephenson
    taken by Tom S.
    Canada Warbler, by Tom S.
    *************************************

    From Keir:

    Further to Peter's earlier report, things got even better on Prospect Park's peninsula today when a Prothonotary Warbler was seen by several observers and photographed. Full details are below.
    best
    Keir Randall, Brooklyn

    Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
    Aug 25, 2012 7:15 AM - 4:30 PM
    Protocol: Traveling
    4.0 mile(s)
    50 species (+2 other taxa)

    Canada Goose 6
    Mute Swan 8
    Wood Duck 3
    Mallard 14
    Double-crested Cormorant 2
    Green Heron 2
    Red-tailed Hawk 1
    Laughing Gull 1
    Chimney Swift 6
    Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
    Downy Woodpecker 2
    Hairy Woodpecker 2
    Northern Flicker 2
    Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
    Least Flycatcher 1
    Empidonax sp. 2
    Great Crested Flycatcher 3
    White-eyed Vireo 1
    Warbling Vireo 10
    Red-eyed Vireo 5
    Blue Jay 4
    American Crow 1
    Barn Swallow 8
    Black-capped Chickadee 5
    Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
    White-breasted Nuthatch 1
    House Wren 1
    Carolina Wren 2
    American Robin 15
    Gray Catbird 6
    European Starling 6
    Ovenbird 1
    Northern Waterthrush 2
    Blue-winged Warbler 1
    Golden-winged Warbler 1 Female type seen well, often working dead leaves. Peninsula, path by Lullwater btwn pink beach and tip. Peter Dorosh also obs.
    Black-and-white Warbler 6
    Prothonotary Warbler 1 Female or immature. Found at 11am nr path from Peninsula tip to "thumb" a little in from water's edge. Ed Crowne also obs. Refound 12.15 pm with Tom Stephenson who photographed the bird.
    Common Yellowthroat 2
    American Redstart 15
    Cape May Warbler 1 Drab individual continues in peninsula pines
    Northern Parula 1 Male, Lookout
    Magnolia Warbler 2
    Yellow Warbler 12
    Chestnut-sided Warbler 2
    Canada Warbler 1
    warbler sp. 1 While trying to get good looks at the Prothonotary Warbler I glimpsed what looked like a female Mourning Warbler but never refound it to clinch id despite much searching.
    Song Sparrow 2
    Northern Cardinal 7
    Red-winged Blackbird 1
    Common Grackle 1
    American Goldfinch 20
    House Sparrow 80

    ************************************
    Report from Ania:

    Hi Peter,


    Here's my eBird report:

    Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
    Aug 25, 2012 8:15 AM - 1:15 PM
    Protocol: Traveling
    2.0 mile(s)
    43 species (+1 other taxa)

    Mute Swan  X
    Mallard  X
    Red-tailed Hawk  1
    Rock Pigeon  X
    Mourning Dove  X
    Chimney Swift  X
    Red-bellied Woodpecker  X
    Hairy Woodpecker  2
    Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  2
    Eastern Wood-Pewee  X
    Least Flycatcher  1
    Empidonax sp.  X
    Warbling Vireo  1
    Red-eyed Vireo  X
    Blue Jay  X
    Barn Swallow  X
    Black-capped Chickadee  X
    Red-breasted Nuthatch  1
    White-breasted Nuthatch  1
    House Wren  X
    Carolina Wren  X
    American Robin  X
    Gray Catbird  X
    Northern Mockingbird  1
    European Starling  X
    Cedar Waxwing  1
    Northern Waterthrush  2
    Golden-winged Warbler  1     peninsula
    Black-and-white Warbler  X
    Nashville Warbler (Eastern)
     1     Lookout south Switchback Trail .  Got a great close-up look. Bold white eye-ring, no necklace, olive wings, white around tibia (not on under-tail coverts).
    Common Yellowthroat  X
    American Redstart  X
    Northern Parula  1     imm. or female. ravine
    Yellow Warbler  X
    Chestnut-sided Warbler  X
    Black-throated Blue Warbler  3
    Prairie Warbler  1
    Black-throated Green Warbler  1
    Canada Warbler  2
    Northern Cardinal  X
    Common Grackle  1
    Baltimore Oriole  X
    American Goldfinch  X
    House Sparrow  X