Butterfly project organization

http://www.brooklynbutterflyproject.org/

Many of us birders also follow butterflies. I was alerted by a birding friend, Doug about a butterfly group where I live , Windsor Terrace, called The Brooklyn Butterfly Project  Windsor Terrace Greenway. It's run by Jennifer Hopkins.

It's a worthy and fascinating hobby, following the world of butterflies, more so noble when you are involved in their conservation. Check on the link above if you can get involved in your neighborhood.

Here's the website mission statement:

Windsor Terrace Greenway Project in Brooklyn

Our aim is to encourage residents in the Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn area to plant butterfly and bird friendly plants to support travel for birds and butterflies between Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery.

We provide residents with information about planting backyards, decks and windowsills so that these beautiful creatures will have "rest stops" between these two habitats.

First Sunday Walk 6/3rd

From Michele Dreger

Yes, it is June already....

Join us as we search for nesting birds and anything lingering from the migration.

Bring your binoculars and meet at the Audubon Center at 8am, Sunday, June 2.

See you there!

Michele, Neal, Eni and Vinnie

2nd message

I will be taking the summer off.  I know that each of you as well as Paul Keim have offered to do the Sunday Walks. 

 

I will be happy to send out the email... Please let me know if you are available to lead any of these tours.

 

Sunday July 1  Holiday week

 

August 5 -

 

Sept 2 Holiday weekend

 

Thank you.

 

Michele 

Eve watch May 30th

Prospect Lake 8-830 pm

Spotted Sandpiper-3 Sisters
Black-crowned Night Heron-3
Tree swallows
Canada Geese
Chimney Swifts
Common Grackle
Redwinged Blackbird
Mallard
Mute swans

A little slow around here...here are some photos of my 5/27 hike

I know....I really shouldn't show stuff from "outside" north Brooklyn but I just had to show this photo of the Timber Rattlesnake that stopped my little group on the Mount Tuxedo trail last Sunday.  Here are two photos, one of the snake and the other of the views ( 300 foot drop behind us...I stayed away from the edge) .Our walk pre- teen leader Jacob ( to my right next to his Mom) found the snake  . A great day hiking in Harriman State Park with Jacob, his mom Beth , Tiffany and Adele..  By the way, below over that cliff behind us, is a famous 18th century horse thief cave called Claudius Smith Den...we checked it out...pretty cool. ( excerpt from the NY NJ Trail conference website on this trail profile"

The trail now descends briefly, then turns right onto a woods road. A short distance beyond, you’ll reach a junction. The R-D Trail continues ahead, but you should turn right onto the red-dash-on-white-blazed Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy (T-MI) Trail (be careful here, as both trails have red-on-white blazes!). The T-MI Trail climbs on a woods road, crosses a swampy area, and soon arrives at the base of the massive Claudius Smith’s Rock. Claudius Smith, after whom this rock formation is named, was a thief who was reputed to have used the “caves” at its base as a hideout during the Revolutionary War. He was captured by an officer of the Continental Army and hanged at the jail in Goshen in 1779.)

Timber Rattlesnake, photo by Adele Abrams



Atop Mount Tuxedo on Claudius Smith Rock, photo by Adele Abrams



Memorial Day later Prospect reports

The week gets off with a great start even though migration should be finishing up as reports filtered in today of MOURNING WARBLER, and BLUE GROSBEAK in Butterfly Meadow. Dennis Hreshowsik along Bobbi Manian, Ann, &  Mike Yuan were lucky observers of the rare warbler  reported earlier by Ed Crowne and the southern inclined grosbeak. Other reports of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO & ACADIAN FLYCATCHER provided some excitement as well.

==========================

From Mike Yuan

Hi Peter-

Sightings from this morning from the Vale to Lookout via the Midwood.  While up on Lookout with Ann, Bobbi and Dennis, a Blue Grosbeak made a quick appearance while we waited out the Mourning Warbler found by Ed Crowne.  The MOWA sang and chipped frequently, thankfully. 

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
May 28, 2012 8:11 AM - 11:51 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments:     34 species
 
Mallard  4

Red-tailed Hawk  1
Rock Pigeon  5
Mourning Dove  4
Chimney Swift  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  2
Acadian Flycatcher  3     2 seen singing at Rick's Place.  1 heard singing off Center Drive across from the Nethermead

Great Crested Flycatcher  2
Warbling Vireo  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  5
American Crow  1
Black-capped Chickadee  1
Carolina Wren  1
House Wren  2
Swainson's Thrush  1
American Robin  20

Gray Catbird  10
European Starling  6
Cedar Waxwing  3
Mourning Warbler  1     Lookout Hill Butterfly Meadow
Common Yellowthroat  1
Northern Cardinal  4
Blue Grosbeak  1     Lookout Hill Butterfly Meadow

Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  3
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  2
House Sparrow  4
 
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Memorial Day Prospect very early report

Ed Crowne reports MOURNING WARBLER , YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO & ACADIAN FLYCATCHER on Lookout HIll , 6-7 am sightings

From Mike Yuan , ACADIAN FLYCATCHER at Ricks Place

Prospect May 27th, Prospect good stuff

While hiking on the Mt Tuxedo trail in Harriman State Park, just before my small group spotted a 5 foot sunning Timber Rattlesnake blocking our passage on the trail, a text message from Dennis relaying YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO in the Upper Pool area. Steve N replied after my twitter /group alert and noted to me that this bird actually started from the Tennis House area before heading towards the pools. [by the way on the return hike, we also saw non venomous Black Rat/or Black Racer snake and heard another Timber Rattlesnake, rattling its tail at some "foolish" teenaged hikers who called out to us..No sir! ]

A report from Keir though continued news on the YBCU presence with 2 calling birds at Ricks Place, perhaps the day for this species. But more  fortunate were ACADIAN FLYCATCHER and GRAY -CHEEKED THRUSH in Keir's report. Another empidonax was reported but hard to distinguished unless calling, this being the Traill's complex. ( not a bird for to me to identify by calls). Also nice birds to see were INDIGO BUNTING and late BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. So still some decent birding left in the parks for late migrants.  Check out http://www.birdingonthe.net/  for area sightings especially with waterbirds and shorebirds.

By the way, while up in Harriman , at a private campground, Mary and I were fortunate to watch a stand still quite close Pileated Woodpecker right at the top of  the nest snag in someone's campground site, front row seats for these lucky campers watching the bird feed its chick in the hole and popping out its tiny head. One of the campers showed me a pic of the mother feeding a caterpillar to the chick, the prized moment captured on "film".  A great time now to visit Harriman State park ( but watch out for those snakes !)

==========================================
From Keir:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
May 27, 2012 8:10 AM - 12:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
46 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 7
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 7
Black-crowned Night-Heron 1
Osprey 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Spotted Sandpiper 1
Laughing Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 10
Mourning Dove 8
Yellow-billed Cuckoo 2 Together, high in canopy, viewed NE from Rick's Place. Calling occasionally.
Chimney Swift 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 5
Acadian Flycatcher 3 1 calling in Vale. 2 calling and continually interacting (pair?) Rick's Place/Boulder Bridge area @ 8.15am & again 12pm
Alder/Willow Flycatcher (Traill's) 1 Peninsula meadow
Great Crested Flycatcher 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Warbling Vireo 5
Red-eyed Vireo 4
Barn Swallow 8
Carolina Wren 1
House Wren 3
Veery 1 Lookout Hill top meadow, seen well.
Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Path from Esdale Bridge to Payne Hill. Flushed and flew straight back in response to GCTH playback
Swainson's Thrush 1
Wood Thrush 2
American Robin 10 including 2 juveniles
Gray Catbird 6
European Starling 4
Cedar Waxwing 15
Common Yellowthroat 1
American Redstart 2
Magnolia Warbler 3
Yellow Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1 Lookout Hill, E. slope
Song Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 3
Indigo Bunting 1 Maryland Monument
Red-winged Blackbird 3
Common Grackle 7
Brown-headed Cowbird 1
Baltimore Oriole 4
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 10

Dennis H~FWD: Yellow billed cuckoo heard path behind upper pool near opening by wodu box

Prospect May 26th

Hilight of ACADIAN FLYCATCHER makes the news on this muggy day,calling in the Ricks Place location. Once a rarity in far off past years, this mainly southern species is making a foothold into the northeast in recent years.

The other notable news is ORCHARD ORIOLE seen making a nest, something we have seen over the years, this species also once southern , becoming resident on our region.

From Keir

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
May 26, 2012 7:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
38 species

Canada Goose 5
Mute Swan 3
Mallard 5
Green Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Herring Gull 3
Rock Pigeon 2
Mourning Dove 4
Chimney Swift 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 2
Eastern Wood-Pewee 2
Acadian Flycatcher 2 seen singing in Vale/ seen calling, Rick's Pace
Warbling Vireo 3
Red-eyed Vireo 4
American Crow 1
Barn Swallow 3
Carolina Wren 1
House Wren 1
Swainson's Thrush 2
Wood Thrush 1
American Robin 3
Gray Catbird 6
European Starling 3
Common Yellowthroat 2
American Redstart 3
Yellow Warbler 1
Blackpoll Warbler 3
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Common Grackle 1
Orchard Oriole 2 Female with nesting material, wildflower meadow nr ballfields /1st yr male, Battle Pass west, broken steps.
Baltimore Oriole 1 Attending nest, Lullwater west
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow 6

=

Doug, Brooklyn birder gone far north

I thought posting this from Bob Gochfeld of Doug up in the Alaskan Pribilofs might intrigue you. ( its the end of migration, time to look elsewhere for birds )


From Bob :

If interested, Doug will be doing frequent (daily?) updates from St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs. He's also updating on the Leicabirding Facebook page. He'll be on St. Paul until early October. Share the link with whomever.

**

https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23leicabirding

**
**

For the curious, my BBC spring weekend

For anyone intrigued about my New Jersey Pine Barrens trip last weekend, here's a link to the trip report from my BBC trips Blog.  [click on the link below]

http://bbcprevioustripreports.blogspot.com/2012/05/may-18th-20th-2012-spring-weekend.html

--kingsboider

Prospect May 24th BBC final Thursday walk

Results of the final Spring 2012 Thursday Brooklyn Bird Club walk , led by Tom Stephenson.

The BBC is grateful towards Tom and Rob Bate for leading the weekday walks this spring. Migration is winding down, but as soon as u blink, those birds will be back in fall ( starting in August).

--KB

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

From Tom:

Hi Peter,

Well, it was a bit wet,, then even more wet...and the woods were a bit emptier than in our prior Thursday walks. However we were able to pull out a few good sightings.

Our best birds were probably a large Snapping Turtle....a R-T Hummingbird on its nest....first year male and female Indigo Buntings, a calling Acadian Flycatcher, and lots of Blackpoll. 


We did finally have 53 species, list below

Best regards,

photo by Dennis Hreshowsik

Tom

Double-crested Cormorant

Green Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Mallard

Osprey

Red-tailed Hawk

Herring Gull

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Acadian Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Warbling Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Wood Thrush

American Robin

Gray Catbird

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Yellow Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

American Redstart

Ovenbird

Northern Waterthrush

Common Yellowthroat

Canada Warbler

Chipping Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow

Prospect nesting Green Heron

Photo taken by Bobbie Manian on Rob Bate's BBC final Tuesday walk

May 23rd Prospect MOURNING WARBLER

As expected around this time of May, a MOURNING WARBLER was reported by Ed Crowne , the rarity spotted in the Peninsula sumac grove early this morning. The Mourning was seen again, by Rafael, near the Terrace Bridge, disappearing into shrubs quickly, what one would expect with this genus, the Oporornis that likes to hide and offer few "long" glimpses to any observer.

This species was among 14 species warbler reported today, giving hope that there is still some good birding to the end of the month.

Other news was a report fro Rob Jett texting me of a good fallout in Greenwood Cemetery

Good luck on the Mourning and here's hoping it sticks around for a few days.

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

From Rafael:

23 May 2012

Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Observer:  Rafael Campos R.

I started quite late (±10 am), after  a message from Peter Dorosh telling that a Mourning Warbler was seen by Ed Crowne around the Peninsula.

I did the usual route (Vale, Midwood, Lullwater, Peninsula, pools, Rick's Place, and back to the  Vale), with so many surprises.  As a whole, warblers was the group with more sps.

My first warbler, was 1 male Blackburnian, followed by Redstart, and Black-and-white.  At the Vale, Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, & Blackpoll. At the edge of Mary's lawn, I saw 1 male Wilson's and 1 Canada.

But the big surprise was the Mourning Warbler, that I saw before the Terrace Bridge on my way to the peninsula. It was ±11:45 am.  The bird, a male flew across the Lullwater, and disappeared quickly into brushes.

Other sps seen were: Yellow-throated Vireo (Vale), Scarlet Tanager, a male flying across Nelly's lawn, & Swainson's Thrushes.

By 12:30 pm, the rain made impossible to continue birding.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
May 23, 2012 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 kilometer(s)
48 species

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  X
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)  2
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  2
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [auratus Group])  2
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  3
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)  1
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)  2
Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons)  1
Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)  4
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)  1
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  2
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  X
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  X
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  1
Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  4
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  3
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  2
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  4
Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca)  1
Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  3
Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata)  8
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) (Setophaga coronata coronata)  1
Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis)  1
Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)  1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  4
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!!

Prospect May22nd , last Tuesday BBC walk

From Rob Bate:

Super slow today in the drizzling rain on the last Tuesday walk of the season.  Bobbi and I toured from Bartel-Pritchard to the Vale and down through the Midwood and the Lullwater and found but 4 species of warbler; lamentably the most common was perhaps the female Blackpoll signalling the demise of spring migration.  The highlight came at the end when we found a couple of Green Herons nestbuilding on the Lullwater just south of the bow bridge by the Audubon Center.  

34 species

Canada Goose  X
Mallard  X
Green Heron  2
Black-crowned Night-Heron  2
Red-tailed Hawk  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Chimney Swift  X
Northern Flicker  X
Great Crested Flycatcher  X
Eastern Kingbird  X
Warbling Vireo  X
Red-eyed Vireo  X
Blue Jay  X
American Crow  X
Barn Swallow  X
Black-capped Chickadee  X
Tufted Titmouse  X
House Wren  X
Swainson's Thrush  X
Wood Thrush  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
European Starling  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
Northern Parula  X
Magnolia Warbler  X
Blackpoll Warbler  X
Song Sparrow  X
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Baltimore Oriole  X
House Sparrow  X

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

Prospect BBC "Friends Walk " Sunday May 20th

From Ann Murray

Hi Peter:

A small group (6) went on the walk through the north part of the park.  It was very slow day.  Below is the list (with a couple of my own additions.

Ann

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

Red Eye Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Tufted Titmouse

American Robin

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (on nest near the rose garden)
House Sparrow

European Starling
Blue Jay

Common Grackle

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swifts
House Wren
Carolina Wren (heard)
Baltimore Oriole

Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker

Wood Thrush (heard)
Blackpoll Warbler
Northern Waterthrush
Common Yellowthroat

American Redstart

Blackburian Warbler (I caught a quick look but not all saw it)

Magnolia Warbler (I saw before the group started)
Northern Cardinal
Mallard

Gray Catbird

Brown-headed Cowbird

Green Heron
Orchard Oriole (Adult male on horse path near Nethermead Arches Bridge- I saw on my way out. The testing of the speakers on the Neathermead scared it (and me) off.)

Back home,

Lat Friday was Endangered Species Day

http://www.stopextinction.org/esd.html

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

Back home after an excellent BBC nature trip to the Jersey Pine Barrens where we accumulated a surprising 115 bird species including about 240 Whimbrel at Brigatine /Edward Forsyth NWR in a 2nd round trip on the wildlife drive in the eve when they came in.Many spots were fascinating scenic locations. List will be posted on the BBC trips blog by midweek.[ and I did get two new warbler species for my year's 30th,2 Yellowthroated (thanks to Mary Eyster's hearing ) and Worm-eating]

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

I presumed Sunday's 5/20 BBC Friends walk did go thru and if anyone has a list , please forward Prosbird@aol.com.Thanks

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

5/18 report from Orrin:

BBGarden this morning

Black-crowned night heron
Mallard duck
Common yellowthroat
Blackpoll warbler
Yellow warbler
Northern parula
Black and white warbler
Red-eyed vireo
Warbling vireo
House wren
Eastern kingbird
Wood thrush (heard)
Eastern towhee (heard)
Song sparrow
Northern cardinal
Grey catbird
Northern mockingbird
European starling
Mourning dove
American robin
House sparrow

On the Road again

Tomorrow thru Sunday, I am on the road again..this time to lead the Brooklyn Bird Club to the New Jersey Pine Barrens, which would be a very interesting journey.It's a rich roughly 30,000 acre region full of unique nature  along with the birds I hope to see which should enlighten the trip party.And the amazing thing is, the Pine Barrens is only  an 1 and a half hours away.You just have to know where to go . see www.njwildlifetrails.com for places and sites...

--KB

PS. Dont forget , there is still a BBC bird walk , "the Freinds" walk on Sunday.Check the Brooklyn Bird Club website trips page ( on the side menu for easy access).But get in early and best of luck avoiding the GoogaMooga crowds....( I'm leaving town !)

Prospect May 17th BBC walk,other reports

Thursday's Brooklyn Bird Club walk was popular, 35 birders in the homestretch late spring migration which will tail off soon numbers wise as birds  pretty much are on breeding territories.There is though still a lot  of birding to go, into the last days of May. Today's highlight is the SUMMER TANAGER and boreal resident YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER as posted in Tom's report below.

From Tom Stephenson:

Hi Peter,

Another great group, about 35 people, very good weather and a good number of birds.

Highlights might be Summer Tanager, Least, Traill's sp, and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, 17 sp of warblers including Cape May, Blackburnian, Canada, a flyover Common Loon, and Indigo Bunting.

Here's the list.

Best regards,

Tom

Common Loon

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Egret

Green Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Wood Duck

Mallard

Ruddy Duck

Red-tailed Hawk

Spotted Sandpiper

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

Northern Flicker

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Willow Flycatcher (traill's sp)

Least Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Yellow-throated Vireo

Warbling Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Blue Jay

American Crow

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Carolina Wren

House Wren

Veery

Swainson's Thrush

Wood Thrush

American Robin

Gray Catbird

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Nashville Warbler

Northern Parula

Yellow Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

American Redstart

Ovenbird

Northern Waterthrush

Canada Warbler

Summer Tanager

Scarlet Tanager

Eastern Towhee

Song Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole

Baltimore Oriole

House Sparrow

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

A Canada Warbler , which eluded me all spring finally became my catch, 2 seen today, one along the Quaker Ridge low slope, a great looking male; and a female in the south Midwood, making this species my 28th warbler species for the year, my only "chase" every year  to get 30 warbler species, regardless where I  get a warbler species ( 6 new ones in Ohio for example)

BUT a most interesting thing with Blue Jay behavior. One Blue Jay harassing the Nellie's Lawn Red tailed Hawk guarding its nest which is typical. But while I was birding along the Lookout mid slope dirt trail, a Blue Jay was acting like a flycatcher !  Coming out of the woods, it was determined to get this I  believe a Red Admiral butterfly all the way down the trail....confused bird...perhaps its genes has some empidonax DNA...

--KB

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
May 17, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
38 species

Canada Goose  X
Wood Duck  3
Mallard  X
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Mourning Dove  X
Chimney Swift  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Eastern Kingbird  1
Red-eyed Vireo  2
Blue Jay  2     chasing a red admiral butterfly Lookout Hill
Barn Swallow  X
House Wren  1     building a nest inside Lampfixture with mesh coverRicks pl
Veery  4
Swainson's Thrush  5
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  11     small flock feeding on Cheery fruit Ricks Pl
Ovenbird  2
Northern Waterthrush  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  4
Northern Parula  2
Magnolia Warbler  6
Black-throated Blue Warbler  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1
Canada Warbler  2
Swamp Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Indigo Bunting  1
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Sparrow  X

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

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

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
May 17, 2012 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 kilometer(s)
Comments:    Short walk around the park, from the Vale of Cashmere, Midwood, Central Drive, the Pools, Ravine, and back to the Vale. 9 sps of Warblers.  Missed the Summer Tanager spotted early in the Vale.
31 species

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)  2
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)  1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  X
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  6
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  2
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Veery (Catharus fuscescens)  2
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  2
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  8
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)  1
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  1
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  2
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  4
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  2
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  3
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  3
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) (Setophaga coronata coronata)  1
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  4
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  X
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)  1
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!!

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From Orrin :

Greenwood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery this morning, roughly 7:50-9:05::


House finch (several)
Red-winged blackbird
Canada goose
Mallard duck
Mourning dove
Solitary sandpiper (flock of 3)
Common grackle
Red-eyed vireo
Northern rough-winged swallow (2)
Warbling vireo
House wren (many)
Swainson's thrush
Grey-cheeked thrush

Chipping sparrow
House sparrow
Monk parakeet
European starling
Red-bellied woodpecker
Blackpoll warbler (everywhere)
Northern mockingbird
Northern cardinal
Grey catbird
Eastern wood pewee
Baltimore oriole (many)
American redstart (several)
Black-throated green warbler
Downy woodpecker.
Northern parula
Cedar waxwing
Black and white warbler (many)
American robin (countless)


Also, one woodchuck

Tom S~FWD: Yel bel flycatcher. Cape may warb. LookoutH

Tom S~FWD: Summer tanager. Blkbun. Capemay. Valecashmere

BBG new visitors center opens

Today the Brooklyn Botanic Garden new visitor center opened in an official ceremony.

It isnt bird news but for the fact that the new visitors center is all glass and that presents a problem if reflective enough to confuse birds. About 2 years ago, I met with the architects and BBG's chief manager on construction projects along with BBC's Steve Nanz and Susan Elbin of the NYC Audubon to discuss our concerns.

Now the trial basis begins.  We need to look and see if any birds are found dead or injured at that center, So, take a picture, send to me at Prosbird@aol.com  and document the species, time and date if found at the base of the visitor's center located at the Washington Avenue entrance.. We can't rush to judgement until evidence presents itself over time wthin a fixed timeframe . Migration is also a very good time to check. Thanks

Here's the announcement and news

http://windsorterrace.patch.com/articles/bloomberg-opens-brooklyn-botanic-garden-s-new-visitor-center

Peter

May 16th Greenwood Cemetery report

 

 

From Rob Jett:

 

Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery was slightly quieter this morning compared to last week's tour. I tallied 13 species of warbler, with overall abundance lower that over the previous few days - although the early fog and drizzle could have been a factor. Still haven't seen much in the way of flycatchers other than Great Crested and kingbirds. One interesting observation was of an Indigo Bunting continuing to sing from the woodland edge near the Dell Water. He has been in that spot for over a week and a half now. Also of note is the arrival of Cedar Waxwings, seen and heard in good numbers. On a non-avian note, apparently it is snapping turtle breeding season as some of these huge reptiles have dragged themselves out of the ponds to lay eggs. I spotted one on a hillside about 1/4 mile from the closest body of water. She looked exhausted and I considered giving her a lift down to the Crescent Water … for about a second.

Good birding,

Rob

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Green-Wood Cemetery

May 16, 2012 8:05 AM - 10:40 AM

56 species

Double-crested Cormorant (1.)

Great Blue Heron (1.)

Great Egret (3.)

Red-tailed Hawk (3.)

Merlin (1.)

Killdeer (1.)

Spotted Sandpiper (1.)

Laughing Gull

Monk Parakeet

Chimney Swift

Northern Flicker

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Warbling Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

House Wren

Veery

Swainson's Thrush

Wood Thrush

Gray Catbird

Cedar Waxwing (43.)

Ovenbird (2.)

Northern Waterthrush (1.)

Black-and-white Warbler (4.)

Common Yellowthroat (3.)

American Redstart (6.)

Northern Parula (8.)

Magnolia Warbler (9.)

Yellow Warbler (1.)

Chestnut-sided Warbler (1.)

Blackpoll Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler (2.)

Yellow-rumped Warbler (7.)

Black-throated Green Warbler (1.)

Chipping Sparrow

Scarlet Tanager (2.)

INDIGO BUNTING (1.)

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Orchard Oriole (1.)

Baltimore Oriole (4.)

Other common species seen (or heard):

Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, House Finch, House Sparrow

The City Birder Weblog

Latest reports BBG,Prospark

From Orrin:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden this morning, about 8:30-9:30

Song sparrow

Peregrine falcon (on signal tower)

American robin

Common grackle

Grey catbird

Blackpoll warbler

Downy woodpecker

American redstart

Mourning dove

Eastern kingbird

House sparrow

Baltimore oriole

Cedar waxwing (a couple of flocks)

European starling

Mallard duck

Northern cardinal

Warbling vireo

Northern mockingbird

Black-capped chickadee

House wren

Eastern cottontail (1, recently hatched)

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From Rob Bate:

Results of Tuesday BBC walk

Very slow day for warbler week.  5 of us for todays walk from Bartel-Pritchard.  We tried unsuccessfully for the Kentucky Warbler but did have one beautiful Blackburnian Warbler up on Lookout with multiple Scarlet Tanagers.  In the Ravine a Black-crowned Nightheron was sitting beneath the Ambergill Falls above the bridge.

43 species

Wood Duck  X
Mallard  X
Great Egret  X
Black-crowned Night-Heron  X
Red-tailed Hawk  X
Ring-billed Gull  X
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  X
Chimney Swift  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  X
Northern Flicker  X
Eastern Wood-Pewee  X
Great Crested Flycatcher  X
Eastern Kingbird  X
White-eyed Vireo  X by skating rink
Warbling Vireo  X
Red-eyed Vireo  X
Blue Jay  X
Carolina Wren  X
House Wren  X
Wood Thrush  X
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
European Starling  X
Ovenbird  X
Northern Waterthrush  X
Common Yellowthroat  X
American Redstart  X
Northern Parula  X
Magnolia Warbler  X
Blackburnian Warbler  X
Yellow Warbler  X
Blackpoll Warbler  X
Black-throated Blue Warbler  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler  X
White-throated Sparrow  X
Scarlet Tanager  X
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  X
Baltimore Oriole  X
House Sparrow  X

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

 

May 14th Prospect KEWA hanging around

KENTUCKY WARBLER continues. Focus on the west slope of Lookout Hill from the middle chip trail.The bird was calling and if you know the song will enable you to follow the bird until this secretive bird emerges briefly... "a bird more often heard than seen" according to Roger Tory Peterson

Dennis H did this and was successful after a long wait..

Kentucky was reported by Ed Crowne , then Dennis , last Russ unless more saw the rare bird.

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From russ

Got the Kentucky plus 2 Bay-breasted in the butterfly meadow. 

Russ


Begin forwarded message:

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
Date: May 14, 2012 12:56:02 PM EDT
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, May 14, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
May 14, 2012 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.25 mile(s)
Comments:     Kentucky, LO Hill only
32 species

Mute Swan  2
Great Egret  1
Laughing Gull  4
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  X
Mourning Dove  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee  1
Warbling Vireo  2
Blue Jay  1
Barn Swallow  2
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  X
European Starling  X
Cedar Waxwing  6
Black-and-white Warbler  1
Kentucky Warbler  1     singing, briefly seen. half way up steps from center drive
Common Yellowthroat  3
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  1
Magnolia Warbler  2
Bay-breasted Warbler  2
Yellow Warbler  1
Blackpoll Warbler  2
Black-throated Blue Warbler  2
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2
Black-throated Green Warbler  1
Scarlet Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  X
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Common Grackle  4
Baltimore Oriole  1
House Sparrow  X

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

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

From Orrin

greenwood cemetery

An hour in the north end of Green-Wood early this morning yielded the following, mostly by ear, with the highlights being 6 species I didn't pick up yesterday: spotted sandpiper, green heron, red-winged blackbird,cedar waxwing, brown thrasher, and black-crowned night heron.

American robin

Monk parakeet

American redstart

House wren

Red-bellied woodpecker

Red-winged blackbird

Warbling vireo

Blackpoll warbler

Northern mockingbird

Northern cardinal

Northern flicker

Chipping sparrow

Yellow-rumped warbler

Baltimre oriole

Mallard duck

Great egret

Black-throated blue warbler

Common grackle

Canada goose

Mourning dove

Northern parula

Barn swallow

Spotted sandpiper

Green heron

Black-crowned night heron

Cedar waxwing

House sparrow

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

Today in Ohio, a fantastic find  for a Moth,  one I wanted to see over a lifetime. CECROPIA MOTH seen hanging upside down on a railing to a diner entrance.(near Oak Openings Preserve ). Its the largest moth in North America. Apparently it just emerged from a pupae and was flexing its wings to fly...amazingly beautiful for a North American moth ( a cellphone photo later when i get home)...94 bird species on a casual pace vacation.