Saturday, March 31, 2012

March 31st brief

On this wintry like misty day, a Prospect report from Brendan Wenzel for BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER , PALM WARBLER , PINE WARBLER in the Peninsula.

Very low activity today , including an inactive same OSPREY perched in the Lullwater Oak tree so far.

SWAMP SPARROW on the back shore Upper Pool. A lot of Coots though, 26 counted today.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Prospect Bloodroot wildflower bloomed March 30th

Here is a pic of the flower seen in the Ravine.

By  the way, LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH seen at the Esdale Bridge, the entrance to the Ravine this evening by Monica Berger.

Per Monica FWD: Lowa esdale bridge

Prospect report March 30th

From Rafael:

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 30, 2012 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 kilometer(s)
43 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  4    Upper Pool
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)  1    Lower Lullwater.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)  1    Seen flying around the Audubon House, and later with a fish in its talons.
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)  1    Seen perched behind Music Pagoda
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [auratus Group])  4
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  1
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)  1    flying over the Lake.
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)  2
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  4
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)  5
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)  4
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) (Setophaga coronata coronata)  1    Peninsula meadow
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  6
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  6
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  2    Nethermead
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Prospect March 29th Good looks, rare opportunity

It's rare enough to get a WILSON'S SNIPE in Prospect usually flushed and gone or a flyover but much rarer to get good looks at a cooperative bird. Looking for LOWA (that's Louisiana Waterthrush ) reported earlier after work, I instead get a better species. From the back view of the Upper Pool, I scanned the Island with the Wood Duck box and noticed a striped head and back scapulars feeding along the shore just to the right of the Duck box. There's my WILSON's SNIPE. A tweet out and a few friends also saw the freshwater shorebird. Good to see twitter works...

profile--> http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/wilsons_snipe/id

On the back shore, two BROWN CREEPERS, prior to my rare bird sighting on the island, fed on separate ash trees with its deep furrows.

In the Upper Pool as well , by the Brown Creepers, under tangles at the back shore, a pair of WOOD DUCKS. Here's hoping they see the duck box and try at least try to check out the lease... earlier in the day, a WOOD DUCK drake flew over the Terrace Bridge.This bridge has an apparent same OSPREY attracted to it or what. For the third straight day, a flyover ,patrolling OSPREY was spotted again. Later in the day, after my Snipe sighting, I watched this OSPREY perched on an oak along the Lullwater south shore.  And before noon, there's competition for the bridge as TURKEY VULTURE soared over it, but much higher...away from that territorial Osprey

PINE WARBLER hangs out in the Pools isthmus , the usual spot the past week.  LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH as you might know by now was reported by Rob Bate at noon in the Lullwater by Terrace ( that one again ?) Bridge. No sign of it in the later afternoon but more will be coming...thats LOWA of course...

--KB

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 29, 2012 3:35 PM - 4:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
29 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  3--2 Upper pool, mix pr; 1 drake f/o Terrace Br
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  3 lake
Ruddy Duck  X lake
Pied-billed Grebe  2 lake
Turkey Vulture  1 f/o Terrace Br
Osprey  1 Lullwater/Terrace Br--same bird  3 days?
American Coot  X
Wilson's Snipe  1 Upper Pool island, feeding
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1-- 3 arches br
Northern Flicker  1 Upper Pool
Blue Jay  1
Brown Creeper  2  back shore Upper Pool
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1 Lullwater
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  1 Lower Pool
Song Sparrow  3
White-throated Sparrow  4
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X west isl
House Sparrow  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
WILSONS SNIPE on Upper pool island beneath wood duck box..feeding shoreline

LOWA Prospect 3/29

LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH reported in the Lullwater on the north side of the Terrace bridge per Rob Bate around noon..Season's first..

--KB

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Prospect March 28th , good spring rarity, action

From reports in the field, especially Tom Preston's, a report of WILSON'S SNIPE, a flyover at Nethermead 3 Arches Bridge hilights the day. ( not a "tweet" if flying fast over.)

Pine warblers reported in several places but among Tom's sightings,a RUSTY BLACKBIRD below the Nethermead Arches.

Also birding in the park, Russ reports FIELD SPARROW , SWAMP SPARROW and increasing numbers of NORTHERN FLICKER.

Peter reports YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER at the 9th street park nursery.

IN mostly incidental sightings, 3 WOOD DUCKS are in the Upper Pool, 2 drakes, on water after  staying ashore the isld. Yellow-rumped Warbler by Falkill Fall, 3 Northern Shoveler, an Osprey  and Laughing Gull on thelake were best observations after work..But an AMERICAN KESTREL provided a highlight with a swooping kill of a small bird in the tree on the Peninsula shore by the meadow .
*****************************

From Russ:

Northern Flickers all over the park today. Pine Warblers continue along Lullwater, seen and heard. Eastern Phoebe as well plus one behind the pagoda. GC Kinglets in a few spots, LP249, Lullwater and Ravine. The Vale had a Swamp Sparrow by the water and a Field Sparrow feeding with a few Songs. 

Russ Alderson

Date: March 28, 2012 12:43:53 PM EDT
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Mar 28, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 28, 2012 10:20 AM - 12:20 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments:     me and the dog from Lake to Vale
31 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  2
Mallard  X
Ruddy Duck  1
Osprey  1
American Coot  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  7
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Northern Flicker  8
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  4
Tufted Titmouse  1
Brown Creeper  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  4
Hermit Thrush  1     continues - lullwater near Terrace Br.
American Robin  100
Northern Mockingbird  1
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  2     heard as well
Field Sparrow  1     Vale, feeding on ground w/ Song Sparrows
Song Sparrow  6
Swamp Sparrow  1     Vale
White-throated Sparrow  6
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  1
House Sparrow  X

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

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Tom Prston:
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Mar 28, 2012


Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 28, 2012 10:20 AM - 1:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
48 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  5
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Turkey Vulture  2     Over Audubon Center 11:30
Osprey  1     Seen on 3 separate occasions, including one perched and calling along Lullwater - 1 to 3 birds
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Kestrel  1     Flew over peninsula
American Coot  X
Wilson's Snipe  1     Flew over Nethermead Arches at noon from the direction of Binnen Pool
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Great Black-backed Gull  2
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  5
Downy Woodpecker  4
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  4
Eastern Phoebe  2     Peninsula
Blue Jay  6
American Crow  3
Black-capped Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1     SW lake area
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  3
Hermit Thrush  1     Upper Pool area
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  5     Lake, Maryland Monument, Breeze Hill, Lily Pool, Nethermead Arches - all singing
Fox Sparrow  1     Scrubby area S of Rose Garden
Song Sparrow  16
Swamp Sparrow  1     Vale
White-throated Sparrow  25
Dark-eyed Junco  1
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Rusty Blackbird  1     Nethermead Arches
Common Grackle  X
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  X

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

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

Peter's list

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 28, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
29 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  3 Upper Pool
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  3 Lake
Ruddy Duck  X
Osprey  1 f/o Terrace Br, patrolling over waters
American Kestrel  1 with prey Peninsula shoreline lake
American Coot  9 lake
Laughing Gull  1 Lake
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 Elephant Hill
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1 9th street Propsite
Northern Flicker  2
American Crow  7
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1 Boulder Br
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  1 Lower Pool
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1 Falkill falls
Song Sparrow  8
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  3
Common Grackle  2
House Sparrow  X

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

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

BBG & Prospect March 27th

From Orrin
BBG this morning.

Some mild activity in the native plant garden.

Malllard duck (4)
Red-bellied woodpecker
Northern flicker
Northern cardinal
Mourning dove
House sparrow
Golden-crowned kinglet (2)
Hermit thrush
Song sparrow (singing in rose garden)
White-throated sparrow (a few)
Blue jay (several)
American robin (many)

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

Peter's report

PINE WARBLER continues to offer the best  observations these days, two seen back in the woods of Lower Pool , and both shores which made it difficult to see them with the branches in the way. But patience was rewarded with very proximate looks at a sipping PINE at a very open Binnen Waters spot on the 3 Arches Nethermead Br south side. Its a potential good spot for the upcoming migration.

A pair of WOOD DUCKS were seen at the Upper Pool back shore, wary even as I approached the fence too far from them .

A BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON juvenile on Three Sisters Islands, a flyover OSPREY at Terrace Bridge,  HERMIT THRUSH on the Quaker/Ravine slope  and a nice looking single CHIPPING SPARROW on the Peninsula meadow near Well Dr were some early spring  and appreciative sightings after work in late afternoon.

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 27, 2012 3:15 PM - 4:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
28 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  2 upper pool
Mallard  X
Ruddy Duck  45 lake
Black-crowned Night-Heron  1  at 3 sisters
Osprey  1  f/o Terrace Br
American Coot  X
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Northern Flicker  2--one Pools , one Terrace Br
Eastern Phoebe  1 Lily Pool island
Carolina Wren  1  south Midwood
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1 Lower Pool
Hermit Thrush  1  Upper Pool back slope
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  3-- 2 Lower Pool; 1 Binnen Waters
Chipping Sparrow  1 Peninsula meadow
Song Sparrow  6
White-throated Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
American Goldfinch  3 Binne Waters
House Sparrow  X

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

Monday, March 26, 2012

Prospect March 26

Windy conditions did not disappoint the moment at a buffeted "hot" little spot as Mike Corzine and I stood around chatting at the fork junction by the Lower Pool back gate where great looks of a bright low cooperative PINE WARBLER  in great light entertained us after 330 .Not so for the YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (YRWA) which for a brief time edged along the brush of the Lower Pool shore before taking off for the Ravine Woods. At the same spot where the YRWA departed into, a GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET topped off our late afternoon chance meeting.

This morning, a pair of GADWALL by Three Sisters. At the lake,a wind aided TREE SWALLOW reported by Mary E.

A report from Kathy T , below as well with OSPREY reported and WOOD DUCKS in the Upper Pool ( we missed that , too busy chatting)

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

From Kathy

A late afternoon walk in the park yielded some interesting birds:

date = 2012/03/26
site = Prospect Park
observers = Kathy Toomey
American Black Duck x Mallard hybrid
Turkey Vulture     flying over the Lullwater
Canada Goose
Wood Duck     pair on the Upper Pool
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
Osprey      flying over the Lake
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Eastern Phoebe    behind the Wellhouse
Blue Jay
Carolina Wren heard
American Robin
European Starling
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
House Sparrow

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

Peter's list

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 26, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
19 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  41 lake
Mute Swan  X
Gadwall  2  mix pr lake
American Black Duck  1 lake
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  1 drake lake
Ruddy Duck  65 lake
Double-crested Cormorant  1
American Coot  13
Tree Swallow  1 Lake
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1  Rocky pass
American Robin  X
Pine Warbler  1 Rocky pass
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1 Rocky Pass
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Sunday, March 25, 2012

GWC White-winged Crossbill reported; Prospect 3/25

Just prior to cemetery closing , Orrin Tilevitz reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL in Greenwood Cemetery ( 3:45 pm)

See Orrin's note to me

At Green-Wood Cemetery this afternoon around 3:45, one white-winged crossbill on Grove Avenue, near the intersection with Vine.  In my limited experience these birds show up in Brooklyn only towards the end of really severe winters, so I have no idea what it was doing there, but there it was, maybe 15 feet away, at eye level, no question about the ID.

Only other birds of interest we saw were a slew of Eastern Phoebes around the various bodies of water.


Kingsboider note : the GWC map is on the side menu ---->

This location is the CATACOMBS in the center of the map.
On weekdays, only the main entrance 25th and 5th is open. Maybe also 4th ave west as well.
PPS..bird was a MALE

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


In Prospect:

The year's fist LAUGHING GULL on the lake reported by Dennis H.

a small flock of PINE WARBLERs hanging out over the back path, by the Lower Pool back gate. 4 birds.

FIELD SPARROW at the northest edge of Nellie's lawn by the path and near the BBC Centennial garden ( fence enclosure)

3 SWAMP SPARROWS today-Vale cashmere pool mudflat north; Peninsula sumac grove. Peninsula meadow mudflat shore lake side

Soaring TURKEY VULTURE over Breeze Hill

GADWALL drake southwest lake corner, 3 NORTHERN SHOVELERS

The oddest sighting : a crow flying  ( from 3 sisters) low over the lake with white middle wing primaries ( tertiaries) , like a skua..leucistic genes....http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism

List

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 25, 2012 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
33 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Gadwall  1 drake near west isl
American Black Duck  1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  3 lake
Ruddy Duck  35 lake
Pied-billed Grebe  1 lake
Double-crested Cormorant  1  flyover Lake
Turkey Vulture  1 flyover Breeze Hill
Red-tailed Hawk  2 Nellies lawn
American Coot  14 lake
Laughing Gull  1 lake FOY
Herring Gull  7
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 Vale
Eastern Phoebe  1 Upper Pool island
Blue Jay  2
crow sp.  1
Tufted Titmouse  1 Lullwater Arbor
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  4  Pools back gates
Field Sparrow  1 Nellies lawn
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  3-Vale;2 Peninsula
White-throated Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  11 Rose Garden
Northern Cardinal  5
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  6 Lake edges
House Sparrow  X

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

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Mostly Prospect March 24th

Generally slow today attributed to the caprices of early spring ( and typically for March) for songbirds, a PINE WARBLER seen at the pine grove in the Lullwater on the Terrace bridge east made it exciting in sorts, my first for this season. This warbler is usually my top favorite, a subtle tinted,nicely plumaged bright bird yet anything to do with Pines , I like. Plus its the first truly noticeable gorgeous warbler for my life list back in the early 80's (last century).

Pine Warblers along with PALM WARBLER were reported in Greenwood cemetery , along I believe the Sylvan Waters which is the closest water body to 5th avenue , reported by Dennis H.

NORTHERN SHOVELERS and a lone drake RING-NECKED DUCK at the southwest sector of the lake are unexpected finds. But quacky stuff still come through in March.

From Rafael, sparrows are noted finds today--7 species-- a SWAMP in the Vale of Cashmere and FIELD along with CHIPPING ,both at Nellie's Lawn edges and FOX as well. Oh, Rafael had a terrific Pine day, 8 PINE WARBLERS at Upper Pool...now that's "a conifer wave !".

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

From Rafael:



Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 24, 2012 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
43 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  8
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)  1    Male, Lake.
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)  1    Lullwater path.
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  1    Lullwater path.
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [auratus Group])  2
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)  3    1 Ravine, 2 Quaker Hill.
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  3
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1    Lullwater path.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  3
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis)  1    Behind the Wellhouse
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  1    Lookout Hill.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)  9    1 Lookout Hill; 8 edge of the Upper Pool.
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)  3    edge of Nelly's lawn, with 1 FISP.
Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)  1    Edge of Nelly's lawn, with 3 CHSP.
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria)  1    Ravine.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)  1    Vale.
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  2
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  10
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1    male, pensinula meadow.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  10
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X
Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

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

Pete's list:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 24, 2012 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.5 mile(s)
26 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  8 lake
Ring-necked Duck  1 lake
Ruddy Duck  X lake
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Downy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1 lullwater
Blue Jay  1
American Crow  1
Tufted Titmouse  1 lily pool
American Robin  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  1 pines below terrace br
Song Sparrow  4 butterfly mead
Dark-eyed Junco  1 lookout
Northern Cardinal  1
Red-winged Blackbird  2
Common Grackle  4 west isl
House Sparrow  X

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
PINE WARB N pines lulwtr at terrace br; pine n palm n GWCEM

Friday, March 23, 2012

March 23 Prospect;Ebird feature

Quick run around the pools at lunch time

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 23, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
7 species

Merlin 1--flew in perch by Tennis House
Eastern Phoebe 2
Hermit Thrush 1 Lullwater
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1 lower pool
Northern Cardinal 1
American Goldfinch 2

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

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

Ebirds has a "birdcast" feature regarding the migration movements

http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/bcr20120322


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

Butterfly note

A very worn (missing bottom of hindwings) Question Mark along the Well Dr Sumac gove , sidewalk... this afternoon

http://butterfliesofamerica.com/polygonia_interrogationis_specimens2.htm

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Birding Warblers video

A terrific new birding video on warblers put out by Cornell Lab.It is a teaching guide..great for the upcoming migration

Hope you have sound on your computer

http://tinyurl.com/CLObirdwarblers

Monday, March 19, 2012

Spring begins


From http://www.skypub.com/

Spring begins (in the Northern Hemisphere) tonight. The equinox comes at 1:14 a.m. Tuesday morning EDT, 10:14 p.m. Monday evening PDT, when the Sun crosses the equator on its way north. The Sun rises and sets almost due east and west, and day and night are about equally long. In the Southern Hemisphere, autumn begins.


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

Mary Eyster reported RUSTY BLACKBIRD at the Lower Pool back gate, but it flew back towards the center this morning. Lots of woodpeckers reported , in and around the Three Arches region, 4 species-- Hairy, Red-Bellied, Downy and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.

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

From Stanley Greenberg

A short visit, mostly sitting and watching from a few spots.

From the Binnen Bridge:

Winter Wren
Pine Warbler

From the Lullwater Observation Deck:

Golden Crowned Kinglet
Coots
DC Cormorant
Red Winged Blackbirds
Song Sparrow

At the feeders:

Downy Woodpeckers
Hairy Woodpecker
Dark eyed Junco


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

Late this afternoon, the feeders came down. Its over for the season, bugs abound...see ya in November birds ! ( you too squirrels...)

High Alert --need your eyes for Ravine

I receive a disturbing message from birder "M.D." of teenagers setting fire in the Ravine again late this afternoon. Its the second fire within 3 weeks , the last one in Rocky Pass.

Please be alert and call 911 if you see suspicious activity with "pyromania" kids on the loose. Don't hesitate.

Here is M.D's account:

Today at about 4:50, I startled two teen boys walking in the ravine on the other side of the fence. They were talking about burning papers. I raised my voice saying that the fences were there for a reason and they hopped out by the waterfall. About 10 min later I heard what i thought was more people making noise behind the fence and saw smoke. I called 911. While I was on the phone, a parks person in an Alliance green van showed up. He jumped the fence with a shovel and worked about half hour putting out the fire.

here's the Teenagers description:

The kids were Caucasian- about 15 years old. They had uniform white button down shirts. One wore a blue hoodie, the other had the same color over his arm or tied around his waist. The hoodies were the cobalt blue and had some kind of small red or orange emblem on it. One had dark hair about 5'8", the other had tight cropped light color hair, he was a bit shorter.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

March 18th; SSHA pic, GWC report

From Prospect birder Elyse Taylor's backyard:

Sharp-shinned Hawk
















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

Orrin's GWC report

Green-Wood Cemetery this afternoon:


Canada goose (several)
Mallard duck (2)
Red-tailed hawk (3, circling together)
Red-bellied woodpecker
Northern flicker
Downy woodpecker
Tufted titmouse
Eastern phoebe (singing)
Mourning dove
Blue jay
American robin
Dark-eyed junco
Song sparrow

March 17th reports

Among the green areas (It's St patrick's day)

Kathy Toomey reports in Prospect

I just went for a short walk in the afternoon.

date = 2012/03/17
site = Prospect Park
observers = Kathy Toomey

Pied-billed Grebe
Northern Shoveler
Canada Goose
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Great Black-backed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
Brown Creeper
American Robin
European Starling
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

**

From Peter reporting from Greenwood Cemetery
Observer  also : Mary E.

Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, US-NY
Mar 17, 2012 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
18 species

Great Blue Heron  1
Turkey Vulture  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  X     heard
American Robin  X
Northern Mockingbird  2
European Starling  X
Fox Sparrow  3 hillside by Crescent water ;nice plumages
Song Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  X
House Finch  2

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

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Prospect March 15th

It's the EYES of March today and Rafael has his report :

 Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 15, 2012 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    overcast.
39 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)  1
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)  2
Great Egret (Ardea alba)  2
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)  1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  3
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  3
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria)  2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  4
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Prospect March 14th; the early spring roll....

The first timers are rolling in and it's EASTERN PHOEBE for "first of season" (FOS) seen on Lookout Hill 's switchback trail per Mary Eyster. A later report  from Rob Bate revealed the Ravine as another spot for this common flycatcher species due to increase number wise with the warmer weather in the week ahead.

Two GREAT EGRETS (GREG) now are hanging around the south Lullwater at the cofferdam section , one GREG seen sitting on a pipe that runs thru for water flow movement from one dam to the other. Mud and silt doesn't seem to deter these elegant creatures, but plenty of fish underwater as they are rescued by Natural Resources Crews ,interns and volunteers.

A pair of HOODED MERGANSERS in the Lullwater, looking calm next to a Double-crested Cormorant.

Earlier, I ran into Russ A. and while conversing at Lily Pool meadow, a TURKEY VULTURE flew low over us..we weren't the right carrion for sure.

Note GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET today, 4 birds seen.It's going to pick up...

A pending report later tonight I presume of more good birds.

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

From Rob Bate:

I ran out to the park when I saw your post about Mary's FOS Phoebe and finally found it (or one) in the Ravine north of the 3 Arches Bridge.
26 Species

Canada Goose  2
Mute Swan  1  
Mallard  3  
Hooded Merganser  2
Ruddy Duck  2  
Great Egret  2  
Cooper's Hawk  1  
Red-tailed Hawk  2  
American Coot  2  
Rock Pigeon  10  
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1  
Downy Woodpecker  2  
Eastern Phoebe  1  
Blue Jay  4  
American Crow  1  
Black-capped Chickadee  3
Brown Creeper  1  
Golden-crowned Kinglet  4  
American Robin  35  
European Starling  10  
Song Sparrow  15  
White-throated Sparrow  2  
Northern Cardinal  4  
Red-winged Blackbird  4  
Common Grackle  5  
House Sparrow  10  

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

March 13th 1st reports Prospect Osprey,Eastern Bluebird, Great Egret

The spring season's first OSPREY flew over the coffferdam section which is now mudlfat for the excavation of the new rink side phragmites ; later the raptor perched in a Gingko tree near the Terrace Bridge but again flew over the mudflats.

While perched in the Gingko, the Osprey moved its head frequently to get better perspectives of the water below....

Across the water opposite the Osprey, an immature COOPER'S HAWK perched as well, for a terrain delicacy though.

Late afternoon reports again centered on the Rink mudlfat, with Bobbi Manian  & Dennis H observing a GREAT EGRET there.

Earlier in the day, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on flyovers heard and seen by Rob Jett at Ravine & Nellie's Lawn.

Noted by Rob "  I had two separate flyovers of Eastern Bluebirds in Prospect today. The first was just 2 birds that were passing over the Ravine towards the Long Meadow. The second was a flock of 4 birds that flew over Nelly's Lawn while I was checking on the red-tail nest "

Early spring migration is kicking into gear.....--KB

Monday, March 12, 2012

Bird Art Exhibit

Former Brooklyn Bird Club president Paul Keim  talent lies in high quality artistic depictions of birds. There is an art exhibit in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn .The exhibit is month long, opening reception this Thursday the 15th. Paul's art is fantastic life like.Here's the location map http://binged.it/zT9bEv ; nearest bus is the 61 or G line to Clinton- Washington , walk north 4 blocks to Myrtle, turn left for 5 blocks.


A Passion For Birds
Watercolors by Paul Keim

at
Gnarly Vines
Wines and Spirits
350 Myrtle Avenue
(bet. Carlton & Adelphi)


March 12 - mid-April

Opening Reception March 15
6 - 9 PM


3/12 Prospect : on the short grapevine

From Rob Bate, a PINE WARBLER at the Lullwater cove viewing platform early am.

Soaring Cooper's Hawk with the Red-tailed Hawk at Terrace Bridge

2 Pied -billed Grebes on the lake....

a pair GADWALL at Three Sister Islands ( mid-pm) before heading toward the lake middle.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Prospect Park March 11th

PINE WARBLERs at the Peninsula tip and Lullwater west and RUSTY BLACKBIRDs , one in the Vale Cashmere pool and the Lullwater west continues to be today's show. March migrants appearing in small numbers with heighten flock numbers , for example BROWN CREEPER, FOX SPARROW, Juncos...

From Rafael:

Yesterday after I left PP, I got the news that Pine Warblers & Rusty Blackbirds were seen.  So, around 9 am today I started my regular loop around the park.

My first Rusty Blackbird was at the Vale, were the bird was very active around the water's edge, flipping over leaves, and other matter.

I went around the pools with the hope to find the PIWAs, but no luck here.  Then I decided to follow the Lullwater path, and just before the Terrace Bridge, I saw 2 Pine Warblers, and another Rusty Blackbird.  Also here, 2 Brown Creepers.

Also I noticed that the numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos have increased in the past 3-4 days.

Brooklyn is good birding:  Rafa Campos R.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 11, 2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    Weather not too cold, temperatures ranged between 7°C to 11°C. Some wind.  Noticed that the numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos have increased in the past 3-4 days.  Also several Song Sparrows vocalizing, and Red-winged Blackbirds, too.
39 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2    Saw one of the adults leaving the nest at Nelly's lawn, with a partial carcass, more likely what was left out of one Gray Squirrel.
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  4
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  4
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)  2
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria)  4
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)  2    Saw 2 individuals, the first one, at the Vale, and a 2nd one at Terrace Bridge.  Both were photographed.
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)  X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

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

By the way, check out the nite sky...KB

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Jupiter-Meets-Venus-141665443.html

Saturday, March 10, 2012

FW: Prospect Park Survey - Your opinion counts!

Prospect Park Survey

Hello,

 

Your attitudes towards Prospect Park are an important factor in planning future Park initiatives. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and share your thoughts.

 

The survey will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes and your answers are completely confidential. You will not be solicited further as a result of any of your answers.

 

As thanks, those of you who wish to participate will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.

 

Many thanks in advance. Your help is appreciated.

 

To take the survey, please click here.

 






For Email Newsletters you can trust

Make your voices heard for Prospect Park birds - See above post or use link below

Dear birders and blog readers (esp PPA members):

The Prospect Park Alliance (PPA) , the non profit corporation charged with running the park's events, managing the buildings and facilities ( such as the future new rink) , concessions and woodlands management and running capital projects and community programs put out a survey today for the the public to address.

It is important that birders be heard. In the write in section if u take the survey since birdwatching wasn't listed as an activity, list the the activity "birdwatching" among your feedback. Thanks

here's the survey on this link  ( and pass along )

http://tinyurl.com/7rsstfc




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

Prospect March 10th : Noted day for an "early" first of season


Photo by Peter, taken by Cherry Blossom mall.

This day came about with an early seasonal sighting of PINE WARBLER (PIWA) , two bright males spotted by Dennis Hreshowsik and Monica Berger at the Lullwater Bridge ( one nearest the Boathouse).  A late morning observation drawn out into early mid-afternoon as the 2 warblers worked their way along the Lullwater towards the Terrace Bridge, on the west side. I need to look at the office records (for Prospect) since Ebird doesn't distinguish by season for first time records.Pine Warbler is sometimes an overwintering species over the years ( for example a search i did just now on Cornell Ebirds showed a specimen seen Jan 1st, 2001, obviously not a spring migrant)

Another hilight for today is the continuing RUSTY BLACKBIRD, but not one , but two. Donna Evans after I ran into her this late afternoon in my unsuccessful search for PIWA, found the pair working the edge of the mudflat of the upcoming fish rescue operation , the 3 acre section closed off by cofferdams between the Peninsula north shore and the new rink complex under construction.

On my PIWA search, I saw an immature COOPERS HAWK just to the east of the Breeze Hill feeders.No wonder no birds around there. Another early typical migrant, BROWN CREEPER was seen going along up an old Red Maple at the end of the Lullwater Bridge west side shore. Dennis also reported the latter species by the Lullwater platform.

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was reported by Ben in the Lullwater Cove.  So everything is Lullwater, nary a lull today for sure..

But an omen for a very early spring wasn't birds as I visited the BBGarden with my mom and one observation I  feel unnerved  is the sight of flowers typically seen in early April : blooming Daffodils and a Japanese flowering cherry tree.. See the picture up there   ( it just means if trees bloomed too early as neotropic bird migration peaks, its gonna be darn hard to see them warblers in the thick foliage in May....)

:(  --KB

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

From Dennis:

Peter,

Great to see first prospect pine warblers of the season! Monica and I spotted them near terrace bridge after the BBC walk today. Two very bright males, perching on railing and near by low branches as well as walking on ground beneath pine tree. We later saw one of the birds in the woods with two brown creepers near the lullwater viewing platform.
earlier in the day i said, "the weather today feels exactly the same as the day the first pine was spotted last March, maybe we'll get lucky."

best,

Dennis 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 4:39 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Mar 10, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 10, 2012 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     BBC Walk
35 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  X
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  X
Ruddy Duck  X
Pied-billed Grebe  X
Red-tailed Hawk  X
American Coot  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  X
Downy Woodpecker  X
Hairy Woodpecker  X
Blue Jay  X
Black-capped Chickadee  X
Tufted Titmouse  X
White-breasted Nuthatch  X
Brown Creeper  X
Golden-crowned Kinglet  X
Hermit Thrush  X
American Robin  X
Northern Mockingbird  X
European Starling  X
Pine Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
White-throated Sparrow  X
Dark-eyed Junco  X
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
House Finch  X
House Sparrow  X

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


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


From Rafael:

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 10, 2012 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    Blue skies, sunny, but low temperatures (1° to 8°C)
32 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  6
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  2    1 adult siting on the nest around Nelly's lawn.
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  5
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  3
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  6
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  4
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  2
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)  X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  6
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding:  Rafa Campos R.
FWD: Rusty Blackbird pair feeding along Penninsula mudflat ( facing rink construction). Good long look, just like Chris's pics)

reported by Donna Evans.
Both bright male PINE WARBS now nearer Terrce br.in lullwater west side per dennis
1st PINE WARBLERS @ lullwater boathse bridge 2 or 3 reptd by dennis h.

Rusty BB photo

Chris Elliot was sucessful seeing the Rusty BB after my tweet and was able to snap a photo of this handsome bird.  See his post  and photo accessed from the link...KB

**

Peter, I chased the Rusty Blackbird on my run after you tweeted it. Thanks! I took my camera Just in case you want a photo link for this bird, here’s one, below. Chris

Friday, March 9, 2012

Prospect March 9th

After my  work day, I headed home with my usual route across the ball fields from the Tennis House.  As I about to descend the slope, a blackbird with a very recognizable gait walked along the dugout fence of field # 2. It's a  RUSTY BLACKBIRD . A very pretty bird with two whitish lines in front and surrounding the white eye with  the dark iris, brownish patch and specks on its back , a worth it for the day sighting after a usual hard day's work...

--KB

Thursday, March 8, 2012

March 8th Black Vultures at GWC

Inside Greenwood Cemetery, two BLACK VULTURES  in the early afternoon were seen flying low near the Peter Cooper grave which is just east of the "catacombs", their direction due west.

This specie's range is expanding northward so it helps to look up on warm southerly wind days ( like today).

-KB

Quick notes

Some flashes of bird reports:

Golden-crowned Kinglet and Turkey Vulture reported by Mary today in Prospect.

Yesterday, I spotted a lone drake Ring-necked Duck on the Upper Pool.
2 Pied billed Grebes, 2 North SHovelers with number of Ruddy Ducks on the Lake

Rob Jett reported American Woodcocks in Greenwood Cemetery. Check his "sights &sounds post"

http://citybirder.blogspot.com/

And last though not a spring sign , the sun let out a giant burp, a massive solar storm wave set to slam into earth today...look for Northern Lights if you are up north or along the Great Lakes latitude states ( if you have relatives there)....IN NYC, not a possibility....   :(

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/Aurora-Alert-mdash-Check-Your-Skies-141793213.html

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Photo of memorial bench for legendary birder Marty

Attached below is the photo of the Central Park bench for Marty Sohmer whom many likely did not know except the "old timers" ( like me) . But if you had had met  Marty, you would have been "blessed" by a "larger than life" ,dynamic and legendary birder who lived at Leffert Gardens ( by Prospect Park's Empire Blvd/Willink entrance or Wendy's ) for many years.

Thanks to Chris Cooper who organized the Central Park contribution drive with help as well from Brooklyn birders , below is the photo by Mike Bryant and directions to the bench which was dedicated and commemorated yesterday.

Here's Chris' account of the ceremony:

We had the dedication ceremony for the Central Park bench for Marty Sohmer yesterday; a lovely informal affair on a cold but clear morning, gathering about 40 of our area's longtime birders. Photos of Marty and favorite Marty stories abounded, and an aerial honor guard (the famed Fifth Ave. red-tails) did a flyover during the proceedings. We raised a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider to our friend and then gabbed the morning away. I thought the celebratory and convivial atmosphere was the best possible tribute to Marty, since he did so much to foster that spirit in our small community.
 
Anyway, I wanted to thank you and the Brooklyn Bird Club again for your contribution to this successful effort, and I wanted to let you guys know where the bench is located, in case you're in Central Park anytime soon. It's directly opposite where the bird feeders are in the Ramble, in a roughly triangular patch we birders call the Evodia Field. The easiest way to get there is probably to enter the Ramble by the Boathouse and walk more or less due west; you'll pass through one clearing, and then the next should be the Evodia Field.
 
 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Prospect March 4th

From Rafael:
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 4, 2012 8:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    While at Nelly's Lawn, I observed 1 flock of Dark-eyed Juncos (±20 indvs.), and 1 individual was leucistic: Mostly the head was white, only the auricular patches were dark; pinkish bill.  Weather: Overcast, with temperatures ±4°C.
33 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  8
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  3
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  1
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria)  2
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)  X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding:  Rafa Campos R.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Prospect March 2nd

Hilight today was a COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, either early spring migrant or a winter hardy...

Rafael Campos' posting

02 March 2012

A hike around the park today was a little slow, but I saw a total of 37 sps of birds.

Four sps of raptors: 1 Merlin, perched near the Vale. 1 Cooper's Hawk left the feeders area and perched around the Lookout Hill.  1 Red-tailed Hawk perched near the Audubon center, and 2 more working in the nest near Nelly's lawn (1 of the them a stick in its claws), and the usual Peregrine Falcon perched in the BBG tower.

Nothing else really surprising, except for a Common Yellowthroat seen in the phragmites at the lake's edge.

At the lake, I saw 4 Hooded Mergansers.

Midwood was another surprise, when I saw a large flock of Dark-eyed Juncos (2nd sight since January 2012).

Brooklyn is great birding:  Rafa Campos R.


List From Rafael Campos:
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Mar 2, 2012 10:30 AM
Protocol: Incidental
37 species


Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)  4
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)  1
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii)  1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  3
Merlin (Falco columbarius)  1
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)  1
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  4
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)  16
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)  3
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)  1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  1
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  8
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  24
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)  X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  6
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X


Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.


**********

Peter's observation: during breakfast pickup (mine) at Wendy's , one PEREGRINE FALCON perched on the BBGarden tower midway up.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Poetry workshops at Jones Beach Nature Center

I am posting this email we received through the BBC website, for anyone interested , poetry workshops conducted by Maxwell Wheat, a former President of the Brooklyn Bird Club about 60 years ago..Maxwell was the keynote speaker at the Brooklyn Bird Club Centennial Celebration dinner in June 2009....I like to help out my predecessors and return the humble favor ;)>


Jones Beach State Park Is for Poetry

 
Write poetry at four poetry writing workshops this winter and spring at the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center at Jones Beach State Park. Learn about the plants and animals you will be writing about in talks and guided walks by staff naturalists.

Harbor Seals—these are the first, Sat. March 3, followed by Beach Signs of Spring, April 28, Horseshoe Crabs, May 19 and Piping Plovers, June 16.

Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr., first Poet Laureate of Nassau County, will conduct the poetry workshops, including time for people who have never written a poem—they will at these workshops. Enjoy folk singing of Long Island and environmental songs he has written by Jerry Ahern. Naturalists teaching about the Jones Beach animals, plants and landscape are Suzanne Montefinise, Emily Ulceus and Pat Kaminski

Harbor Seal Poetry Writing Workshop
With Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.
First Poet Laureate, Nassau County, New York
Jerry Ahern, Songwriter, Folk Singer
Performing His Songs of Long Island & Environment
9:30 AM-2 PM, Saturday, March 3, 2012
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
Staff Naturalist Introduction & Guided Walk
Bring brown bag lunch (Refreshments served), writing materials (suggest pencil for outside cold weather note taking), binoculars if possible.
Fee: $4.00:---Registration Required--Phone: 516-780-3295

Spring Beach Poetry Writing Workshop
With Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.
First Poet Laureate, Nassau County, New York
9:30 AM-2 PM, Saturday, April 28, 2012
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
Staff Naturalist Introduction & Guided Walk
Bring brown bag lunch (Refreshments served), writing materials (suggest pencil for outside cold weather note taking), binoculars if possible.
Fee: $4.00:---Registration Required--Phone: 516-780-3295

Horseshoe Crab Poetry Writing Workshop
With Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.
First Poet Laureate, Nassau County, New York
Jerry Ahern, Songwriter, Folk Singer
Performing His Songs of Long Island & Environment
9:30 AM-2 PM, Saturday, May 19, 2012
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
Staff Naturalist Introduction & Guided Walk
Bring brown bag lunch (Refreshments served), writing materials (suggest pencil for outside note taking), binoculars if possible.
Fee: $4.00:---Registration Required--Phone: 516-780-3295

Piping Plover Poetry Writing Workshop
With Maxwell C. Wheat, Jr.
First Poet Laureate, Nassau County, New York
Jerry Ahern, Songwriter, Folk Singer
Performing His Songs of Long Island & Environment
9:30 AM-2 PM, Saturday, June 16, 2012
Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center
Jones Beach State Park
Staff Naturalist Introduction & Guided Walk
Bring brown bag lunch (Refreshments served), writing materials (suggest pencil for outside note taking), binoculars if possible.
Fee: $4.00:---Registration Required--Phone: 516-780-3295