Prospect Park & regional bird sightings

GHD: WWXB records for Prospect

2012-02-02T07:41:00.000-05:00

Today is Groundhog Day. Will it be spring early or more winter ? ( I thought Spring started yesterday ! and we get a WWXB ..Confusing...)

From the office records,a search of the White-winged Crossbill for Prospect Park is generated.
See the list below. Please note that the date's ending digits for the first birds are actually early 1900, 1909 (dark blue hilight)

Many records were lost in the first half of the 20th century.

As mention in my earlier post,yesterday's WWXB is Prospect's first since winter 1964. Generally speaking yesterday;s bird would be the 6th appearance for Prospark.

White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/1/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/2/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/3/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/4/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/5/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/6/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/7/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/8/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/9/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/10/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/11/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/12/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/13/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/14/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/15/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/16/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/17/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 1/18/00
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/14/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/15/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/16/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/17/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/18/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/19/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/20/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/21/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/22/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/23/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/24/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/25/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/26/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/27/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 2/28/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/1/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/2/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/3/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/4/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/5/09
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1 3/16/53
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 1+ 11/25/63
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 62 11/25/63
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 6 12/11/63
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 7 12/27/63
White-winged Crossbill Prospect Park 2 1/23/64
White-winged Crossbill Vale/Rose Garden 1 2/9/64
White-winged Crossbill Botanical Gardens 1 1/25/09
White-winged Crossbill Botanical Gardens 4 1/31/09
White-winged Crossbill Botanical Gardens ~12 2/4/09
White-winged Crossbill Botanical Gardens 15+ 2/4/09
White-winged Crossbill Feeders Breeze hill 1 2/1/12 (yesterday)

Feb 1st Ultra Rarity: Prospect WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL

2012-02-01T19:07:00.004-05:00

In a completely unexpected surprise for early 2012 and likely the BIRD OF THE YEAR for Prospect, Adam Welz found a WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL at the Prospect feeders.

The rare visitor ,a female was spotted 2x at 3 pm this afternoon. As more birders arrived from Twitter tweets and cell phone alert, however the Crossbill did not reappear from its initial showing. Lets hope it sticks around. Text me if you see the rare finch.

Pending records search tomorrow , it may be only the second showing for Prospect's history from 1960's . A few years ago, a small flock of WWCB was seen at Brooklyn Botanic Garden but never "crossed" over to Prospect ( I may be wrong,stay tuned)

See Adam's terrific photo of his sighting today.Congrats Adam on a great find!

On the lake , 5 HOODED MERGANSERS and 7 continuing RING-NECKED DUCKS are being seen around Three Sisters Islands vicinity.

-Kingsboider

Addenum: I did a records search from Cornell's Ebird. The last Prospect sighting was Feb 9, 1964 . In the previous year, the high count , only 3 months before, apparently a very good winter irruption I presumed, 62 WWCBs seen in Prospect Park Nov 25, 1963. (Long overdued for us ! ) Incidentally, at the same time, 40 Red Crossbills were present as well (Red Crossbill 40 NYC Bird Report Data Prospect Park (map) Nov 23, 1963 ). Yep, must have been an irruption

2012-02-01T15:58:00.001-05:00

WHITE WINGED XBILL repted @ Prospect feeders per Adam W.

Prospect Lake Jan 30th Lesser Scaup "special"

2012-01-30T15:03:00.004-05:00

Adam Welz reports LESSER SCAUP with RING-NECKED DUCKs at lake this afternoon.

Adam's list:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 30, 2012 12:10 PM - 2:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: mostly clear, light wind, cool, Prospect Lake not fully surveyed
27 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 4
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 40 approx count
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 7
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) 1
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 5
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 2
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 30 approx count
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

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peter's list

The LESSER SCAUP drake was seen very close to the western shore of the lake 4:35, by itself; Ring-neckeds were scattered.

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 30, 2012 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Protocol: Stationary
12 species

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 6
American Black Duck 5
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 38
Ring-necked Duck 7---6 drakes
Lesser Scaup 1 drake
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 2
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X

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

Prospect Jan 29th: West Island's very fine half hour

2012-01-30T00:26:00.003-05:00

If you envisioned an imaginary line from the West Island rustic shelter across to the south lake shore at West Island cove, you would have been glad to see what I saw at 4 pm .

In a matter of minutes, three quality duck species flew in and joined already present ducks at West Island's general water perimeter. First to fly in was a pair of GADWALL; their arrival was followed very briefly by a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS, the drake with its raised crest. And then right after their arrival, two drake RING-NECKED DUCKs joined an already present hen, which the ariving drakes drew out 6 more drake RNDucks ! The latter were resting along the shore of West Island, which also had several AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS on the water snag, and nearby 13 NORTHERN SHOVELERS feeding upon the water surface. Add in MALLARD and RUDDY, a total of 7 duck species from my shore line sentinel spot at the West island benches. Pretty cool for a very late day walk in Prospect.

A word from Eni Falci reported BROWN THRASHER still at the same spot as always , a carryover from 2011, like yesterday's Gray Catbird... They don't want to leave Lamppost #249; the picnic table scraps are treasured.

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Peter's list

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 29, 2012 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Protocol: Stationary
10 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 2 west isl, mixed pair
American Black Duck 5 west isl
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 29 --13 west isl; 16 lake
Ring-necked Duck 9 isl---8 drakes
Hooded Merganser 2 west isl, mixed pair
Ruddy Duck 14
Pied-billed Grebe 1 lake

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

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Eni's note:

Hi Peter-

Nice day in the park but not many bird sightings. Of note saw the long staying - still here Brown Thrasher near lamppost on Well House Rd. It was near the Magnolia tree in the dense brush and then disappeared into even thicker branches on the ground but it is still in the same general area it has been in since December. Also saw Downys, cardinals, grackles,red winged black birds, house finches, chickadees, nuthatch and titmouse at the feeder area. Yesterday heard carolina wren calling at Binnen Neathermead Bridge.

Eni & Vin

Prospect reports January 28th,27th

2012-01-28T18:59:00.005-05:00

From Adam Welz:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 28, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: warm, still day
34 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 8
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 7
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 32
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 3
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) X
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 23
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 4
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 5
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) 1 seen well near end of Peninsula in pines. A long-staying bird.
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 20 approx count, group near Pools, first large group I've seen this winter
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

Note : Gray Catbird

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 27, 2012 3:45 PM - 4:05 PM
Protocol: Stationary
12 species

Canada Goose 275
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 42
Ring-necked Duck 8--6 West Isl, 2 Peninsula shore
Hooded Merganser 1 hen
Ruddy Duck 8
Pied-billed Grebe 2
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X

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

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 28, 2012 2:20 PM - 2:45 PM
Protocol: Stationary
11 species

with Obs Kathy Toomey

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Breeze Hill Cleft Ridge
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 1
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Carolina Wren 1--gorgeous ! picking up Suet scraps on ground
White-throated Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 3
House Finch 4

Lamppost 249--Gray Catbird 1 under the Silky Dogwood shrubs right of LPost

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

Another proposed city Brooklyn park in the making; PP reports inc OCWA

2012-01-26T18:13:00.003-05:00

It looks like the northwest coast of Brooklyn is getting a big makeover regarding empty lots and commercial properties becoming "Green" ( and that's great!). With this whole area just devoid of green spaces, the trend is changing. From Brooklyn Bridge Park/Empire Ferry State park to this proposed new park and Bush Terminal Pier Park farther west at 45th street area, things are looking rosy. Though it only is supposed to be 2 acres, sometimes that is enough to provide habitat for migrating birds ( Look at NYC 's City Hall, where occasionally this crowded spot get Woodcocks or Bryant Park where Chat was the word...). Lets hope there is funding to bring Columbia Street park proposition to fruition. ( and there are great restaurants on that street --Alma, a BBQ Ribs spot. On my last North Shorewalk there a year ago, we stopped in Alma for lunch..great Mexican food ! Here's the story from the NY Post ( click on the links)..--KB

http://tinyurl.com/ColumbiaStpark

Park drawing rendering:

http://www.nypost.com/rw/nypost/2012/01/20/media/Panorama%20View.pdf

From Rafael:
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jan 26, 2012 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
32 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 4
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 4
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 3
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 Heard only.
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 10
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 1
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!: Rafa Campos R.

From Alex Wilson:

Begin forwarded message:

> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
> Jan 26, 2012
> 41 species (+1 other taxa)
>
> Canada Goose 200
> Mute Swan 8
> American Black Duck 3
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
> Mallard 90
> Northern Shoveler 40
> Ring-necked Duck 8 (Lake, males with 1 hen.)
> Ruddy Duck 20
> Pied-billed Grebe 2
> Great Blue Heron 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> American Coot 30
> Ring-billed Gull 150
> Herring Gull 20
> Great Black-backed Gull 2
> Rock Pigeon 30
> Mourning Dove 30
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4
> Downy Woodpecker 8
> Hairy Woodpecker 3
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 15
> Black-capped Chickadee 4
> White-breasted Nuthatch 3
> Carolina Wren 2
> Winter Wren 1
> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
> Hermit Thrush 2
> American Robin 7
> European Starling 75
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (Seen in two spots, foraging on
> ground near SW corner of Lullwater Bridge at 9:00 AM, then flew
> across Lullwater. At 11:30 on Breeze Hill with similar flock;
> assumed to be the same bird, though it's not unlikely that more
> than one individual has been involved in the string of sightings
> since last fall.)
> Fox Sparrow 2
> Song Sparrow 12
> White-throated Sparrow 50
> Dark-eyed Junco 25
> Northern Cardinal 25
> Red-winged Blackbird 8
> Common Grackle 2
> House Finch 40
> American Goldfinch 10
> House Sparrow 20

Important Wetland Conservation draft proposal by NYC

2012-01-24T18:20:00.000-05:00

See this link from my Environmental Conservation blog ..--KB

http://bbcnewsboard.blogspot.com/2012/01/nyc-release-its-wetland-protection.html

Prospect January 24th Noon post; eve post--4 Snow Goose

2012-01-24T12:24:00.005-05:00

On a swingby driving my work truck on south Lake Drive, I noted 12 RING-NECKED DUCK by Three Sisters Islands, the largest number I've seen in at least two years... 3 hen and 9 drakes , a cool sight to see. [ A quick check of the records upon my hunch made me correct ---March 8 , 2010 also had 12 RNDU..My memory is still good , so far ;)> ]

Rob Bate also saw the ducks as well as both AMERICAN WIGEON at the west Lake shore.

Mary Eyster posted a text message to me of an amazing event at her tiny yard with its feeders: 100 + COMMON GRACKLES! I would be nervous going out there, my memory well served with the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie, "The Birds" .

An evening report later.

--KB

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This evening post finds an interesting species,a flyover reported by Mary Eyster. During her park walk, 4 SNOW GOOSE flew over the Music Pagoda adjacent to Lily Pond, making this species first appearance for 2012

The feeders didn't look that active ( except for the House Finches) and no sign of the Rusty Blackbird. ( It doesn't mean it's gone )

NORTHERN SHOVELERS after my careful counting numbered 93 birds, the 2 AMERICAN WIGEONS by the Well Drive boat ramp and RING-NECKED DUCK by the dozen , though split into two groups either side of Three Sisters are the three best species for the Lake

After work, en route home, I caught sight of the adult COOPERS HAWK, flying in and perching in a tree near LP 249, or south slope of Lookout HIll.

List

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 24, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
27 species

Snow Goose 4 flyover Music pagoda
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Wigeon 2 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 93 lake
Ring-necked Duck 12 at 3 Sisters Isl
American Wigeon--2 drake Lake
Ruddy Duck 8 lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 at 3 Sisters
Great Blue Heron 1 Upper Pool
Cooper's Hawk 1 LP 249 adult
Red-tailed Hawk 1 Ravine, seen courting , ruffling feathers and raising wings
American Coot 18 lake
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X lake
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 6 feeders
Downy Woodpecker 4 feeders
Black-capped Chickadee 1 feeders
Tufted Titmouse 1 feeders
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 3 breeze Hill
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
Common Grackle 100 feeders near Bartel Pritchard home

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

Prospect January 23rd

2012-01-23T19:25:00.001-05:00

RUSTY BLACKBIRD continues to hang out in the area under the feeders; when I saw the bird this afternoon, it was perched on the back brush pile in moderately falling rain.

The year's first AMERICAN WIGEON that I know of were stationed on the Lake ice at the Peninsula side , two drakes very close to shore. Considering that I am compiling last year's Prospect species list, this duck species appeared only once in 2011 ! Puzzling, no doubt...

While the wigeons stay stationary, 6 RING-NECKED DUCKS with only one hen happily sailed along in the open water between Three Sister Islands and the Peninsula "thumb". Gorgeous ducks to watch in winter. Their numbers are far far below the NORTHERN SHOVELERS,my estimate take 72 birds scattered around the western third of the Lake.

The other interesting sighting on this dreary day, a handsome adult COOPER'S HAWK perched high in the Sycamore Maple tree up the slope from Well Drive's picnic tables or better known as "Lamppost #249".

The songbird numbers are low, mostly WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS with Cardinals in front of the Quaker Cemetery main gate, West Island sweetgums trio and I forget where else...

Prospect Feeders

RUSTY BLACKBIRD

**

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 23, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
21 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 218
Mute Swan 7
American Wigeon 2
American Black Duck 2
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Northern Shoveler 72 Lake
Ring-necked Duck 6 off Peninsula thumb
Ruddy Duck 7 Lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Lake
Great Blue Heron 1 flying across lake
Cooper's Hawk 1 LP 249
Red-tailed Hawk 1 south Lakeside
American Coot 26
Ring-billed Gull 1100
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 6
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 16 --various spots
Dark-eyed Junco 6 Center Dr bridle trail
Common Grackle 45 flying in from PPSW Ave to West Isl area.

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

Astounding find on the western Brooklyn coast Friday the 13th

2012-01-23T12:39:00.003-05:00

An injured bird washed ashore on Friday January 13th ( unlucky day )at the under development new park Bush Terminal Park slated to open in the near future. Unfortunately, the construction foreman Paul whom I have the pleasure of meeting along with my friend Bart Chezar for the future Osprey platform ( which I helped consulted), emailed me when I was off from work where Paul emailed me so I could provide animal rescue services information. Fortunately, Paul did find an excellent certified animal rescue expert who took the bird in.

Not knowing what the species was yet Paul correctly identified then( and he is not a birder!), I asked for a photo.I got the photo today which I am posting here. Last report was the bird is recovering from a life threatening injury it suffered.(and I thought it was a common waterfowl species)

Yep, I can't believe it but it is: a DOVEKIE.

--KB

Prospect January 22 Blackbirds Ballyhoo!

2012-01-22T14:42:00.005-05:00

Before today's observation report, a note about the feeders area. Looking to check on the feeders to see if any were empty for refill, I came upon directly beneath the suet feeder , a pine limb that was placed on top of an vertical ( stood up stump). I don't know what this entailed but possibly any squirrel sympathizers ?

Obviously there was a trespasser that the area is hard to get into. The area beneath the feeders should be clear; Please enjoy from the distance outside the fence as only I and Rob Bate go in to refill the feeders and maintain. If you see anything amiss or strange, please email me at Prosbird@aol.com . Thanks

I like to add more gratefully a note of thanks to Stephen Blacklocks for donating $30.00 for seed. The black oil sunflower goes fast. Of course, you will see why in my trip to the feeders this morning.

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

In likely the most memorable feeder activity to date, besides a single RUSTY BLACKBIRD (on the ground below the feeders) for my surprising discovery, the hoards of COMMON GRACKLES frequenting the park of the past week, have discovered the feeders. Likely Friday's lone wandering Grackle passed the word to his buddies and gals and now look what happened ! Today's party fest was about 65 Common Grackles, a number of them on the ground below the seed feeders, with the remaining grackles, including some RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS perched in the surrounding trees and brush piles.

It was a memorable scene , welcomed to see ( as long as it' s not squirrels raiders!) with these blackbirds, 3 different BB species at the feeders must be some kind of record ! :)> The Grackles were skittish though as they were spooked several times to flying up to the trees and then back down again for ground feeding. More Grackles were across Breeze Hill , in the trees , at least 50 more. So, maybe a wonderful week ahead with more birds discovering the feeders as a lifeline with the year's first snow.

As to why maybe besides the grackles ,fast consumed seed, look towards 41 HOUSE FINCHES there every day.They bring the place alive...

Also welcomed, given their very noted absence all fall/early winter, including the Prospect Xmas count, earlier before the blackbird raid, 8 DARK-EYED JUNCOS seen on the ground, these "snowbirds" always a delight to watch alongside the common species that visit the feeders.

Over at the Lake, most of it frozen, 6 RING-NECKED DUCKS-- 5 drakes--make winter more assuring to go out and see these special visitors. It is my impression of winter experience most enjoyable when I see these ducks in Prospect Lake, a very handsome species to watch.

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 22, 2012 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: 3 inches snow cover
14 species

Mourning Dove 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 4
Dark-eyed Junco 8
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Rusty Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 65
House Finch 41
House Sparrow 1

**

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 22, 2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: 3 inches snow cover
21 species

Canada Goose 263 lake
Mute Swan 6 lake
American Black Duck 1 lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 11 lake
Ring-necked Duck 6 at 3 sisters isl, or south shore nearby
Ruddy Duck 5 lake
American Coot 14 lake
Ring-billed Gull 850 lake
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 6 Cleft ridge span
Tufted Titmouse 1 west isl
Northern Mockingbird 1 boathouse
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 6 breeze hill
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5 boathouse
House Sparrow X
Common Grackle 50 Breeze Hill

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

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From Adam Welz:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 22, 2012 3:00 PM - 4:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: cold. Lake well-surveyed, many ducks absent e.g. Shoveler, Ruddy.
24 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X tens
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 3
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 22
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X hundreds
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 at feeder
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 1 at feeder. Have not seen many this winter at all!
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) X group at feeder
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2 at feeder, one with injured leg
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

2012-01-22T11:02:00.001-05:00

RUSTY BB @ BH feeders w grackles prospark

Backyard Cooper's Hawks; Snowy Owl Utube link

2012-01-21T21:30:00.004-05:00

The Brooklyn Bird Club received a few inquiries to identify /confirm a hawk species seen in a few Brooklyn backyards this week. One was a juvenile Coopers Hawk south of Prospect Park; today's email I looked at is from the Carroll Gardens section, with a photo taken by Oona Stern . It's a really nice photo:

Cooper's Hawk in Carroll Gardens backyard taken by Oona Stern

Given this winter's Snowy Owl irruption, I couldn't resist inserting this link from Cornell's Ornithological website. Its such a terrific and beautiful slide /video from Utube.Hopefully , you could get one out there somewhere this winter.

Copy and paste the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ufkcx-UqljM&feature=player_embedded#!

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

Friday Prospect B&W Warbler

2012-01-21T10:38:00.008-05:00

( A late post from me due to all day Friday trip to Jones Beach for the spectacular all white Snowy Owl, 3 Harlequin Ducks, Razorbills,lots Loons, with friends Mary, Janet Zinn and Alan Baratz ..Check the latest NYC RBA on http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html; and then an evening concert-- no time email yesterday)

See this Picture of the Snowy Owl from Janet Zinn

http://www.facebook.com/Janet.Zinn.Photography

**********************************
I received this report from Bobbi Manian

From Bobbi, the BLACK &WHITE WARBLER is along the south Midwood mulch woods trail by the shipping containers--seen around 3 pm.

--KB

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

From Adam Welz:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 20, 2012 1:40 PM - 3:40 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: cold, not many interesting waterbirds about. Only 1 Canada Goose.
28 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 1
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 3
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 35 approx
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 2
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 12
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 5
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 8
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 7
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) X hundreds
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 30
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

A most exciting morning in Prospect January 18th

2012-01-18T17:03:00.016-05:00

A most exciting morning in Prospect Park, from Lookout Hill's south face to the skies over Prospect Lake, 3 BALD EAGLES sightings commanded the views.

A mid morning text message from Doug Gochfeld placed the first Bald Eagle, flying in from the south, making a rare perching on Lookout Hill's south side. Later , Mary Eyster came along and both birders watched the large form take off, circling the sky over the Lake .

After an cell phone alert went out to Twitter, Rob Jett reported back on two BALD EAGLES! He was watching around 11:40 an adult and a juvenile over the Lake as well.

While I was mentioning this to my coworkers in the work truck , it reminded my coworker Mark Anthony in telling me he saw a Bald Eagle on January 7th , during "Mulchfest" of Xmas trees, [while i was driving the pickup truck :( ] , an adult flying over Park Circle's "Lion Tamers" entrance where Mark was working the chipper.

Whether this may look like a wintering Bald Eagle in Kings County, it is more likely that today's strong cold front with its gusty northwesterly winds pushed eagles through, as upstate water bodies froze over and fish are harder to find. New Jersey's coastal swamp and marshes (or maybe even Maryland's and Delaware's )beckons..

One other note of interest. While I was waiting and watching from the west Lakeshore, eating chinese food from its tray in my left hand, I spotted a large raptor flying along Ocean Avenue, at a distance of 1/3 of a mile. I watched the bird fly southward and its shape puzzled me as the wind took it on a ride. The best guess was a Red-shouldered Hawk but I also am inclined towards a Goshawk.The big bird flew behind the large apartment building on the corner of Ocean and Parkside Ave before doubling back and out towards Flatbush, disappearing behind the tree line. It was tough holding on to my chinese food though......

So a heads up for this Un-Id raptor.

On a mid afternoon fruitless search and wait for any more eagles, Bobbi Manian and I looked and walked along the south side of the Lake where the large flock of COMMON GRACKLES continue to roam , this time up in the big trees, at least 200 birds total on both sides of the south Lake drive.

See Bobbi's photo

I rather have an eagle ! ;)>

PS.. 2 Pied Billed Grebes are back after their absence yesterday. 40 Northern Shovelers in circles.....make you dizzy...

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

NYState Birds Listserve posting from Rob Jett:

Subject: Brooklyn Eagle...
From: Rob Jett
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:16 -0500

...the bird, not the newspaper.

I received a text from Doug Gochfeld this morning that he was looking at an adult Bald Eagle in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The bird was circling Prospect Lake. I rushed into the park, but by the time I got to the lake it was nowhere to be found.

After about a 35 minute lakeside vigil I headed back across the
park, eagle-less. I ran into Doug near the Maryland Monument and we
stood talking for a few minutes. From that location there is an obstructed view of the lake, so when we saw all the gulls and geese take flight, we hurried down Wellhouse Drive towards the commotion. As we passed the Peninsula Meadow, to our left, we spotted a juvenile Bald Eagle flying towards us. I should note that the eagle seen by Doug earlier was an adult.

The raptor continued flying above us and over Lookout Hill. About 3 minutes later, as we walked to the edge of the lake, we observed a second Bald Eagle soaring over the lake. This one was an adult bird and likely the same individual Doug spotted earlier as he noted that it was missing a flight feather on its right wing.

It appears that there has been an adult Bald Eagle hanging around
Brooklyn since last Fall. Peter Dorosh posted a photo of one seen in Bush Terminal late last October (not far from Green-Wood Cemetery). Joe DiCostanzo spotted one in Green-Wood Cemetery on a Thanksgiving stroll. Marge Raymond photographed one in Green-Wood Cemetery while leading a tour on December 7th. Subsequent to that there were several unsubstantiated sightings in the cemetery by landscape workers, but then someone photographed it on January 6th and post the image
here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coy_koi/6648619059/in/photostream

Anyway, I realize that Bald Eagles aren't a super-rarity, but to have one
hanging around Brooklyn is kinda cool.

Good birding,

Rob

The City Birder Weblog

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

From Adam:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 18, 2012 1:25 PM - 3:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: windy, not too cold, clear
29 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 35 approx count
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 10 approx count
American Coot (Fulica americana) 15 approx count
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X hundreds
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 5
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 near Wellhouse
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1 also near Wellhouse
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) X large flock of hundreds
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 20
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

2012-01-18T11:49:00.001-05:00

2 Bald eagles spotted over prospect lake per rob j ad&juv

2012-01-18T10:21:00.001-05:00

Bald eagle rept perch south lookout hill

Pied-billed Grebe Prospect records

2012-01-17T19:10:00.003-05:00

Following up on a promise to look up the records for this species, what was the highest # after spotting 7 in recent weeks, it turns out the record is safe...

the highest number of Pied-billed Grebe (PBGR) at one time in Prospect Lake was twelve (12). Yep...hard to believe we actually had that many..well ..the lake is a good swimming pool....

the dates sharing 12 PBGR ( followed by Observer initials) are :
( 1998 late fall was the big season )

12/9/1995 RJ
1/31/1998 RJ
10/31/1998 DP, PD, SN
11/6/1998 PD
11/13/1998 PD
11/14/1998 PD, RJ,SN
11/19/1998 RJ,BBN
11/21/1998 PD,RJ
11/22/1998 RJ

Prospect Jan 17th ; Grackle spectacle continues, winter warblers

2012-01-17T15:24:00.007-05:00

My Cell phone photo of Common Grackles on leaf clutter

Today was noted for a roving flock of COMMON GRACKLES, about 325 seen working the lawn and leaf clutter south of West Island, adjacent to the south Lake drive ,where some ignorant grackles were on. Later, they also moved among leaf clutter just north of the Vanderbilt Street Playground,next to the park's border. Another mid afternoon note from Rob Jett places this large unusual winter flock back near the southern area .It a roaming flock , certainly hungry , and spectacle to watch.

The standout "winter" warblers continue to delight, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER moving about, maybe the same bird ,seen first on the western side of Lullwater ( boathouse) bridge ( Rob Bate) , then reported by Rob Jett at the Oval grass lawn on Breeze Hill. BLACK&WHITE WARBLER is still plugging on, amazingly resilient against the recent cold snap...enjoy the bird if you can find it. For Rob Bate, a special treat seeing a trifecta of nice birds with the Orange-crowned Warbler, sharing the spotlight with uncommon RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET & WINTER WREN

On the lake, inundated by a very large Ring billed Gull flock, only water open at the western shore provided refuge for a lone drake RING-NECKED DUCK , 61 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, some Ruddy Ducks with 279 Canada Geese during a early morning count. Pied-billed Grebe was noticeably absent..I guess they had enough of cramped quarters.

In the Lily Pool , a statuesque GREAT BLUE HERON stood very still on the ice in front of the island.

The feeders are dominated by HOUSE FINCHES, about 26 seen, but one special guest crammed in,a CAROLINA WREN taking its time plucking seed from one of the bottom feeders.

A drippy day, but some nice things to see with not much moving around...but that's winter !

--KB

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

From Rob Bate:

I found an Orange-crowned Warbler on the western Lullwater just south of the Bow Bridge by the Audubon Center. With it were a Winter Wren and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Later, behind the shipping containers on Center Drive i found the B&W Warbler around the fallen tree across the wood chip path, where it has been lately. I tried for the Redstart in the BBG but I guess he's long gone so no warbler hat-trick today.

33 species

Canada Goose 100
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 25
Northern Shoveler 2
Double-crested Cormorant 1
American Coot 5
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Carolina Wren X
Winter Wren 2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 2
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling X
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Song Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Northern Cardinal X
Common Grackle 250
House Finch 20
House Sparrow X

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

From Adam:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 17, 2012 2:50 PM - 4:05 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: mostly rainy, overcast, not too cold
27 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 8 including 1 bird with leg band 1048-75726 reported to Bird Banding Lab
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 9
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 5
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 3
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 60 approx count
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 1
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 6
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 20 approx count
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 450 approx count
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 2
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 8
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 4
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 15
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 5
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 25 inc 1 yellow-form bird at feeder with blue band on left leg, purple band with ?lettering on right. Escapee?
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

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

Peter's lists:

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 17, 2012 9:00 AM - 9:35 AM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments: frozen lake 90%
11 species

Canada Goose 279
Mute Swan 7
American Black Duck 4
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 61
Ring-necked Duck 1
Ruddy Duck 5
American Coot 15
Ring-billed Gull 1600
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 7

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 17, 2012 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Protocol: Stationary
9 species

Downy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 2
Black-capped Chickadee 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 26
House Sparrow 1

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 17, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
9 species

Great Blue Heron 1 Lily Pond
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
European Starling X
Song Sparrow 4 breeze hill
White-throated Sparrow 12 breeze hill
Northern Cardinal 2
Common Grackle 325 roaming single flock,ground feeding leaf clutter south woods lakeside
House Sparrow X

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

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

From Rafael:

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jan 17, 2012 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 kilometer(s)
Comments: Short walk, the rain came around 11 am, and no much bird activity.
25 species

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 10
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 3
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!: Rafa Campos R.

2012-01-17T09:47:00.001-05:00

GRACKLE spectacle lawn bhind west isl by drive 325 birds feeding

4 Sparrow marsh meeting Jan 18th , 8 pm

2012-01-16T21:56:00.005-05:00

If anyone is interested , refer to this note I received .

***IMPORTANT MEETING - PLEASE DISTRIBUTE! Wednesday January 18 @ 8 PM***

Community Board 18 will present the NEW PLANS for the Four Sparrow Marsh area -

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 @ 8 PM, Kings Plaza Community Room (enter near the garage on Flatbush Ave., the community room is to your right)

"Hi folks,

Four Sparrow Marsh is located on southbound Flatbush Ave, just past Toys R Us but before Floyd Bennet Field. It bears the NYC Parks Dept's "Forever Wild" logo. The NYC Parks Dept. website says:

"Named by naturalists Ron and Jean Bourque, Four Sparrow Marsh Preserve is home to four native species which require undisturbed marshland for nesting: Sharptailed, Seaside, Swamp, and Song Sparrows. Because of its relative isolation from residential areas in Brooklyn, Four Sparrow Marsh Preserve has been allowed to remain in a fairly natural condition. This makes it ideal for many permanently nesting species, including several types of ducks, gulls, and wading and woodland birds, as well as for the common seashore mollusks and crustaceans which feed those birds. It is an important part of the Jamaica Bay estuary system. "

Note the final sentence: "It is an important part of the Jamaica Bay estuary system".

Last winter, the NYC Economic Development Corp. announced plans to turn a sizable portion of the marsh into a shopping mall. Although the site was marked by Parks Dept. signs, it turned out that the land had never been officially turned over to the Parks Dept.!!!

A number of us went to the Feb. 2011 Scoping Meeting. We've been to a lot of these meetings, but there was something really off kilter about this one. I remember turning to my colleagues & saying "something isn't right here". Several weeks later, we learned that State Senator Carl Kruger had been indicted, for among other things, being in cahoots with the developer. That was why things didn't feel right.

In the fall of 2011, the plan for the retail center was withdrawn. However, there are still plans in the works which may impact a small portion of the area that everyone thought was pakland. The new plans for development on the Toys R Us site are similar to what was previously announced (a car dealership & renovation/expansion of the existing marina). This will be built on the existing parking lot, etc. of Toys R Us. But there is an additional strip of land south of Toys R Us that is also included in the development. We need to see if this will intrude on the parkland of Four Sparrow Marsh.

We also need to insist that the remaining 60+ acres of land is OFFICIALLY turned over to the Parks Dept. Otherwise, there is a good possibility that sooner or later this site will be turned over to developers.

We lost the Vandalia Dunes to the Gateway Mall. Let's make sure that Four Sparrow Marsh does not suffer the same fate."

The issue --> http://sheepsheadbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sparrowmall.jpg

**

http://awalkintheparknyc.blogspot.com/2011/02/opponents-of-edcs-four-sparrow-plan-up.html

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

Orange-crowned Warbler seen today Jan 16th

2012-01-16T19:56:00.002-05:00

An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER dawdles on Breeze Hill , in record setting time for one site residence in Prospect Park. Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein saw the bird , with Janet Zinn seeing it last. Check out Janet's terrific photo of today's sighting , from her Facebook posting.

click on

http://www.facebook.com/civilwardiscoverytrail?sk=wall#!/photo.php?fbid=10150587938366049&set=a.468957571048.244455.61020701048&type=1

and a secnd photo from Janet Zinn

January 16th Prospect: "Survival of the Fittest"

2012-01-16T16:50:00.005-05:00

Evolutionist scientist Charles Darwin , in his famous Natural Selection treatise, spoke about "survival of the fittest" ( see if you want to read the fine points , click here http://www.bartleby.com/11/4003.html )
which was observed today. Hear my account with this :

I got into the park this early afternoon--blame it on the party effects of last nite's wedding party--when Bobbi Manian saw me at my street corner of PPSW Ave.. She mentioned that birders mentioned to her a Hooded Merganser was stuck in the ice. Of course, if a bird is stuck way out, there isn't much to be done. It's dangerous and crazy to walk on the ice ( that's why today there was a Park Enforcement Patrol car by the Well house for that reason). While surveying the whole frozen lake except for a few west shore spots, I saw no Hoodie but a Great Black Backed Gull eating a carcass on the ice.

Here's a note I received from Kathy Toomey. It shows that winter is a hard time for birds and Nature has her own way of providing or dictating its terms.

*******

Peter,
Early today, Emily and I saw the female hooded merganser
apparently stuck in one position far out on the ice in the middle of
the Lake, all by itself. It was still alive, because we saw it moving
its head (but not its body). We were hoping that later in the day,
when it warmed up, it might get free. Unfortunately, when we were
leaving at about 1:00, we saw a greater black backed gull eating the
merganser.

date = 2012/01/16
site = Prospect Park
observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Northern Shoveler
American Black Duck
Canada Goose
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
American Coot
Great Black-backed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Gray Catbird near lamp post 249
Orange-crowned Warbler in brush by side of the road near the feeders
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Fox Sparrow near lamp post 249
Northern Cardinal
Common Grackle large flock, like yesterday
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

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

On a positive note, like " three men in a tub ", make that five , 5 PIED--BILLED GREBE in a close tight group on a water opening barely 2 feet wide. To my right I saw two more PBGrebes coming out of the Phragmites, making it a lucky & magnificent 7 !

During that timeframe, all the numbers of gulls flushed up , caused by a low fast flying COOPERS HAWK from the lakeshore south , across the lake, towards its target it spotted , a pigeon that swooped across the north shore, charging hard to get away as the Coopers breathed down its tail feathers; and as luck had it, Pigeon lived ! ( till next time..it was "fit to survive for today")

The Cooper's broke off and perched in one of the Ginko trees there on the Peninsula lawn

List

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 16, 2012 2:45 PM - 3:05 PM
Protocol: Stationary
5 species

Mourning Dove 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Black-capped Chickadee 1
White-throated Sparrow 2
House Finch 17

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org/)
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 16, 2012 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: frozen lake ~95%
15 species

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 2
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 39 lake tight group
Ruddy Duck 3
Pied-billed Grebe 7 clustered from lack of open water, possibly a record high
Cooper's Hawk 1 fly over
American Coot 12 lake
Ring-billed Gull 1200 lake
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 3 Lake , one eating a carcass presumably when I saw it Hooded Merganser
Rock Pigeon 1 (escaped!)
Hermit Thrush 1 Pools
Song Sparrow 3 Breeze Hill

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

Orange-crowned Warbler, Grackle-mania on a really cold day Prospect Jan 15th

2012-01-16T00:40:00.002-05:00

This was the coldest day of the year so far, yet a few good birds were seen.

Namely, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER reported on Breeze Hill was the best report, still present after a long spell, seen first by Urban Park Ranger Tony Prastaro, then Adam Welz, and later Bobbi Manian and Denns H near the Breeze Hill feeders.

During my brief walk early afternoon before heading out for a friend's wedding, I caught sight of a pair of GADWALL on west side of the Lake. Near also the feeders, Kathy Toomey spotted a Ruby-crowned Kinglet along the road next to wood beam barriers while Bob O'Neill and I watched as well.Its an uncommon winter species.

BUT...the MOST IMPRESSIVE day's sighting? While I , Kathy and Bob ended our walk at the top of the East Wood Arch before heading back towards Breeze Hill, Kathy alerted both of us to a flock of blackbirds in the trees above the Arch , adjacent to the Lily Pool.They were COMMON GRACKLES. When they took off, I estimated the size to be at least 300! Its no doubt a roving flock, looking for food wherever they can find it.

It was IM-PRESS-SIVE!

From Bobbi Manian:

Hi Peter,

how are you? it was a good weekend; as you already know, Dennis found the Canvasback yesterday at JBWR which was a huge treat for me. Today, we saw the OCW on Breeze Hill just past the feeders (i was still looking for my elusive wren, not far from where i saw you on Wed). Here are some photos, in case you are still looking for markings. I can send you more detailed origs of any, if it helps w/ the investigation.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2629476455327.2125305.1207827614&type=1&l=3c5bf95aa3

Best,
Bobbi

From Adam:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 15, 2012 2:20 PM - 4:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: clear, v cold, not very windy. Surveyed from Lincoln Road entrance down to southern part of Lake, inc. Peninsula.
30 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Gadwall (Anas strepera) 2 female possibly (?) a Mallard hybrid -- some white in tail, head profile not very "Gadwall-y"
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 10
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 1 near Peninsula
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 7 a very high count, again. A group of 3 near Peninsula, another 3 near West Island, and a single
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana) 18
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 8
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 Peninsula
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 4
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) 1 near feeders. Maybe the same bird that was around earlier this winter. Quite bright.
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 1 feeders
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 35 feeders
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

2012-01-15T14:32:00.001-05:00

ORANG CRWND WARB near feeders breez hill per adam

Peregrine Falcon BBG tower Sat Jan 14th

2012-01-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

Not much time to bird with social stuff to do this weekend , but on a late morning family run to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, I saw a lone PEREGRINE FALCON bracing itself on the Fireman Radio Tower at BBG's south end.The falcon was smart to perch on the lowest jutting out antennae frame structure with the strong winds lately.. KB

Gusty Day, safe harbor Prospect January 13th

2012-01-13T18:30:00.002-05:00

I would not call this day "unlucky" (my apologies to anyone professing to have triskaidekaphobia ) , but this very gusty cold day forced ducks into safe harbor, as productive West Island Cove turned out to be.

And as expected , locales like the West Island cove where dense phragmite stands act as wind barrier, several species ducks and some PIED-BILLED GREBEs sought cover. On a first run, I saw a drake RING-NECKED DUCK on the outskirts of the cove, along with 3 grebes, and 37 NORTHERN SHOVELERS surface feeding and a few AMERICAN BLACK DUCK resting on the island water snags. It was on my return from the feeders, that I stopped once more at the West Island benches ( while picking up a SWAMP SPARROW with a SONG), that I spotted what I thought was another Ring-necked but lo & behold at my oversight as the sleeping duck turned, it was a LESSER SCAUP drake Duck ! It always pays to look again and look closely. A good duck to have for Prospect and with those species, I saw in the distance by Duck Island, also HOODED MERGANSER, also a drake.

The feeders were quiet except for a few species , the wind no doubt having its impact. WHITE_THROATED SPARROWS reappeared as I adjusted the brush behind the feeders to create more ground cover, and those sparrows seemed to like that , coming out as soon as I left the area. Three red NORTHERN CARDINAL in the multi flora rose is always cool to see, for a winter day setting.

So some favorite ducks to see on FRIDAY THE 13TH ( and I hope and wish for a lucky Redhead this year on the Lake) and a chance to get out despite the challenges of a stiff cold wind.Winter is here; is snow far behind ?

--Kingsboider

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 13, 2012 3:00 PM - 3:35 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.05 mile(s)
16 species

Canada Goose 17
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 3 West Isl cove
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 37 west isl cove
Ring-necked Duck 1 drake west Isl cove
Lesser Scaup 1 drake West Isl cove, b4 dusk
Hooded Merganser 1 drake Duck Isl
Ruddy Duck 15
Pied-billed Grebe 5 --3 west isl cove, 2 Lake
Double-crested Cormorant 1
American Coot X
Song Sparrow 1 west isl phrag marsh
Swamp Sparrow 1 West Isl phrag marsh
White-throated Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird X

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 13, 2012 3:50 PM - 4:15 PM
Protocol: Stationary
6 species

Mourning Dove 2
Downy Woodpecker 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 1 (where are these guys?)
White-throated Sparrow 14
Northern Cardinal 3

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

From Adam Welz:

weather very cold and windy, did not stay long -- of real interest was a female Belted Kingfisher at end of Peninsula -- I'm not used to seeing them in winter!
Adam

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 4:13 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 13, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: biting wind, cold, did not fully survey Lake as a result.
24 species

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 20 approx count
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2 pink beach
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 3 in a tight group near Duck Island. Lake not fully surveyed.
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 6
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 150 approx count
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 5
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 40 approx count
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 1
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 25 approx count, at feeders
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

2012-01-13T17:03:00.001-05:00

Lesser Scaup drake west isl cove prospark

It's pouring Ravens ! Prospect January 11th

2012-01-11T17:31:00.004-05:00

In the second appearance by a COMMON RAVEN under 4 days, Adam Welz reported one calling, not seen initially but a short time later Adam saw visually was also seen by Rob Jett. Only the 4th "documented" record for this species in Prospect, 2 times this week.

It's looking up for this species here maybe a new place to live ? The neighborhood is highly desirable for one

On another exceptional note , 7 PIED-BILLED GREBE is good news and fantastic to see.It may be a record for a PP winter sighting..( means more checking of the records)

Check out Adam and Rob Jett's reports and note.

From Adam Welz:

Raven! Cooper's Hawk hanging around birdfeeders! More Pied-billed Grebes than I've ever seen at once here!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <do-not-reply@ebird.org>
Date: Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 11, 2012

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 11, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: partly cloudy, still, warmish, birded for most of survey period with Rob Jett
34 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X 200+
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 12 approx count
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 10
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 7 my highest count ever for this locality
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana) 10 approx count
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 18
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 5
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 7
Common Raven (Corvus corax) 1 Seen soaring over central part of Prospect Park, calling. Seen independently a minute later by Rob Jett, who was further north in the Park. Large size, wedge-shaped long tail, and more musical call than American Crow.
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 3
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 1 near Lincoln Road entrance
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

From Rob Jett:

This afternoon at around 1pm I ran into Prospect Park for an hour or so of birding. As I was walking down the stairs from the Litchfield Villa towards the Picnic House I heard what I thought was the croaking call of a raven. I stopped and listened for a second call. When it called again I started to run towards the open sky of the Long Meadow. I tried to convince myself that I was mistaken and that maybe it was someone playing with a dog toy...a stretch, I know, but I didn't want to jump to conclusions. As I was running, a message came into to my phone. Thinking it might be Peter or someone else in the park I stopped to check it. It was Adam Welz with this text:

"Raven soaring high over central part of Prospect Park right now, calling"

Once I was on the middle of the pathway that runs from the Picnic House to the Ravine I called Adam. I couldn't see the raven but could still hear it from somewhere to the north in the vicinity of Nelly's Lawn. Adam was down by the Lullwater and said that the bird was not in view. After a moment it appeared above the trees on Payne Hill, still calling and heading in the direction of the Midwood. It seemed to drop down into the Midwood so I hurried over in that direction hoping to get a photo of the bird. It stopped calling and despite searching the treetops in the Midwood it couldn't relocate the bird.

There was a previous sighting of a raven at Grand Army Plaza at noon this past Sunday, so at least one is in the area. Perhaps a pair will nest on the antenna tower near the botanic garden as they seem to like manmade structures.

Rob=

2012-01-11T13:29:00.001-05:00

Common Raven flyover ctr prospect calling per adam

Black&White Warbler Prospect Jan 10th report

2012-01-10T15:25:00.006-05:00

Rob Bate reported this morning the BLACK&WHITE WARBLER along the mulched trail in south Midwood by the shipping containers on Center Drive.

Suet is back up at the feeders site; as soon as I walked away, a Downy Woodpecker checked in, as if it didnt missed a beat......

--Kingsboider

From Adam Welz:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 10, 2012 3:20 PM - 4:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: partly cloudy, light wind, cool. Possible Swamp Sparrow in Phragmites near duck feeding area on Prospect Lake.
21 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 250 approx count. Included one bird with neck collar, reported to Bird Banding Lab.
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 2
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 12
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 5 unusually high count. All on Lake.
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1 opp Rustic Arbor, Lullwater
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1 n slope of Lookout Hill
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 Peninsula lawn
American Coot (Fulica americana) 26
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 7
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1 south side of Prospect Lake
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 15
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 40
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 5
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 3
White-breasted Nuthatch--1

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

From Peter

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 10, 2012 4:00 PM - 4:15 PM
Protocol: Stationary
12 species

Canada Goose 221
Mute Swan 7
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 2
Ruddy Duck 22
Pied-billed Grebe 5
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Jan 10, 2012 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Protocol: Stationary
7 species

Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 4
Black-capped Chickadee 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-throated Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 1
House Finch 6

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 10, 2012
Protocol: Incidental
1 species

Common Grackle 12 on Sherman and Greenwood Streets.In tree, front house

Sunday at the Park: Common Raven

2012-01-09T17:11:00.001-05:00

I received a report from Andrew Lear of a pretty darn good bird for Prospect, still quite rare in Brooklyn but increasingly reported in the Queens / southern Brooklyn region : COMMON RAVEN.

Andrew saw a COMMON RAVEN flying over Grand Army Plaza at noon yesterday (Jan 8th) .

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_raven/id/ac

-Kingsboider

How many Orange-Crowned Warblers are there in Prospect?

2012-01-08T21:27:00.007-05:00

I was inquired to how many Orange-crowned Warblers there are in Prospect Park these past two months. But two at least were seen Saturday Jan 7th but my inquirer thinks there are three.

The only way to ascertain exact # is if someone took photos to compare the individuals' plumages. If you did take photos, send them to me, I'll pass along to my inquirer to determine 2 or 3.

Of course, tell me the date and LOCATION you took the photo.Thanks

Prosbird@aol.com

Prospect Sunday January 8th

2012-01-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

NOTE: Continuing BLACK&WHITE WARBLER; year's first RING-NECKED DUCK

From Kathy Toomey:

date = 2012/01/08
site = Prospect Park
observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Northern Shoveler
American Black Duck
Canada Goose
Ring-necked Duck 1, upper pool
Hooded Merganser 1, three sisters is.
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
Red-tailed Hawk
Merlin
American Coot
Great Black-backed Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
Black-and-white Warbler near 3 arches bridge, apparently eating fruit of osage orange
White-throated Sparrow heard
Fox Sparrow 1, lullwater
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
House Sparrow

Prospect reports for Saturday Jan 7th

2012-01-07T14:46:00.000-05:00

Note Bold for highlights . From today's reports, it appears there are TWO ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS

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

From Keir Randall:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 7, 2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
36 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 7
American Black Duck 4
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
Mallard 20
Northern Shoveler 35
Hooded Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 19
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 15
Ring-billed Gull 200
Herring Gull 4
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Rock Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 20
Belted Kingfisher 1 female, Duck Island
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 8

Black-capped Chickadee 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Carolina Wren 2
American Robin 4

Gray Catbird 1
European Starling 30
Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Lily Pond/East Wood Arch area, moving NW
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 25
Northern Cardinal 4
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Common Grackle 50 foraging flock, West Island to 3 Sisters
American Goldfinch 15
House Sparrow 30

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

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

From Rafael Campos;

OBSERVER: Rafael G. Campos R.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jan 7, 2012 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
34 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 2
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 3
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 6
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!!

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

From John Ascher :

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY

Jan 7, 2012 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Protocol: Traveling

0.5 mile(s)

21 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

American Black Duck X

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 29

Hooded Merganser 1

Ruddy Duck X

Pied-billed Grebe 3

Double-crested Cormorant 1

American Coot X

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon X

Downy Woodpecker 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Tufted Titmouse 1

Carolina Wren 1

Winter Wren 1 dirt mound by green dumpster

Orange-crowned Warbler (Gray-headed) 1 on dirt mound to L of green dumpster; seen at same loc. by m.obs. for weeks

Northern Cardinal 1

Red-winged Blackbird 1

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http

2012-01-07T14:32:00.001-05:00

North shrike reptd floyd benntt police car pound fence per russ

Feeders are back! Cell Phone; B&W warbler continues

2012-01-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

A NEW feeder setup is in operation. In a much more simpler and safer setup for birds, especially large raptors, a pole type I created is installed with a large dome baffle made by Rob Bate. Hopefully, it will be more difficult for squirrels.

see the pic taken by Bobbi Manian

On another note, I got my new cell phone..Unfortunately, I lost all my contacts...so alerts and so will be laborious to rebuild.I suggest those of you not on Twitter please join my twitter group (see the right side bar --->)
--Kingsboider

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

From Bobbie Manian

Hi Peter,

I saw the B&W today on the wood-chip trail behind the containers on Center Drive (east of Nethermead Bridge). It was right where a tree had fallen across the path in the past. Not too far from where we saw it on Sunday. He flew right in front of me and we were so close we scared each other. Attached is a fairly crappy photo. This was around 1:15

Also 2 other photos of you and Rob and the New and Improved Feeders - to commemorate a strong start in the on-going drama: Peter vs. The Squirrels, Round II

I spent about 20 minutes at the feeders at 3:00 and the squirrels seemed content to forage for droppings on the ground. At least for now.

P.S. Good timing - Just got your test text from 404-04
Best,

Bobbi

January 31st Lecture at BBGarden

2012-01-04T13:00:00.002-05:00

For anyone interested in learning about plants and horticulture, since they are the reason why birds exist (habitat), check out this highly anticipated lecture by Michael Dirr, a prominent plant expert who is also a dynamic excellent speaker.The January 31st event is at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden main auditorium. Deadline to register is Jan 17th

here's the link

http://metrohort.org/index.php/archive/16th_annual_plant-o-rama_-_january_2012/

-Kingsboider

Prospect January 2nd

2012-01-02T17:19:00.005-05:00

Strong winds and descending chill imposes its winter aura as I took a walk in the late afternoon. ( good to sleep in a little late on a holiday). The best of what I saw was a mixed pair of HOODED MERGANSERS sailing around at the south side of the Terrace Bridge,in proximate view and outstanding looks.With the winds a factor, most passerines hunkered down which I expected.

Raptors of the day are two MERLIN over Quaker Ridge south reported by Matthew Wills. Good winter birds to watch. Maybe with the arctic winds into Tuesday will bring in those arctic species.Bundle up and try to look ...

On another but disappointing note in case anyone wants to tell me,the feeders are wrecked -- THANKS to the brazen squirrels.I have to tear down the old ( Like the new year : out the old, in with the new) set up a new gimmick...Maybe by end of the week as work time allows me free time...for now ,no new seed refills..

--kb

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 2, 2012 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
23 species

Canada Goose 85
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck 4
Mallard X
Hooded Merganser 3
Pied-billed Grebe 4
Double-crested Cormorant 1
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 1
Black-capped Chickadee 2
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 4
House Sparrow X

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

From Matthew Wills:

Two Merlins flying up a storm on Q-ridge side of Neathermead this afternoon; one perching a long while afterwards.

From Bobbi Manian:

Greenwood Cemetery:

*double crested cormorant
*bufflehead (Sylvan Water -
*monk parakeet (the ones that fly around the entrance)
*dark-eye'd juncos (lots and lots, over by the woodchip pile (north of Crescent Water) and hill overlooking Crescent Water (west side)
Canada Geese
cardinal
mallard
ring gull
mourning dove
red-tail hawk

Prospect Park:

*hairy woodpecker
*hermit thrush
coot
mourning dove
downy w/p
house finch
red-bellied woodpecker
white-breasted nuthatch
robin
blue-jay
cardinal
red-tail hawk

Missing Yellow parakeet

2012-01-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

We got this note through the Brooklyn Bird Club website and if you happen to see it, call Nancy the owner:

Subject: missing yellow parakeet
From: Nancy Workman
Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:57:35 -0500
To: "info@brooklynbirdclub.org"

Hi,

On the off chance this can help, our all-yellow parakeet flew out of our window in Park Slope this morning. Just trying to get the word out in case anyone spots her. We live on 5th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue, close to Prospect Park.

I can be reached at 646.522.9531 or at this e-mail address www.nancykworkman@gmail.com

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

HNY! BBC walk results; Prospect reports

2011-12-31T22:37:00.005-05:00

The Kingsboider wishes all a Happy New Year and all the good things in 2012 ( thats birds too).

Leading : Peter Dorosh

12 trip participants

First a Happy New Year from the Brooklyn Bird Club ! Good birds be your fortune in 2012

A terrific start for the Brooklyn Bird Club New Year's Day traditional walk in Prospect Park of recent years with several quality birds seen today. Most notably was GREEN HERON,a juvenile that was seen on the Brooklyn CBC, continuing its spotty showing till today, but in the same exact location in Phragmites reeds recess along south Breeze Hill shores.

Then there are the long time reliable warblers that delighted birders of late fall: BLACK&WHITE WARBLER , and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. The B&W is sticking to same particular area, the south side of the Nethermead Bridge, either side of the watercourse. Several of my walk's birders and me saw it (looking south) on the left slope of the bridge from the bridge top. The ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER was seen at Lamppost #249, by the Well Dr picnic tables where after a brief perch on a small tree, it flew across to the tall pine on the other side of the drive, feeding from the top downward.

Peter
BBC

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 1, 2012 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
37 species

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck 1
Mallard X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 3
Green Heron 1 juvenile south Breeze Hill shoreline
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
American Coot 7
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper 1
Carolina Wren 2
Winter Wren 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
European Starling X
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 1
Song Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 2
House Finch X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X

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

Other reports

From Rafael Campos:

As the hours are telling us that 2011 is almost over, and weather is still nice around NYC, I did my last walk around Prospect Park.

The temperatures for today, the last day of 2011 are very unusual: 12°C/54°F. And so the bird species I saw today.

First, around Lamppost # 249, I saw 1 Winter Wren, followed seconds later by 1 Brown Thrasher, and 1 Gray Catbird.

I was told by Elise, about Black-and-white & Orange-crowned Warblers around the Nethermead Arch. I saw only the Black-and-white, missed the OCWA (Ed Crowne told about 1 around the Maryland Monument. Perhaps there are 2 individuals??).

Other sps were: Hooded Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe; 3 sps of Gulls; 3 sps of Woodpeckers; Brown Creeper; Hermit Thrush, Great Blue Heron, Carolina Wreen. In total I saw 36 sps of birds on my last walk of the year 2011 at PP.

Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Dec 31, 2011 8:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: Last walk at Prospect Park, Brooklyn for the year 2011. Nice weather, and no snow on the ground, yet.
36 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 3
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 3
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) 1 1 individual, observed by lampost # 249. Adult.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) 1 Perhaps a FY, seen around Nethermead Arch.x
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding: Rafa Campos R.

Cell Phone Trouble

2011-12-30T16:08:00.001-05:00

This is a note to tell you that my cell phone went KA-put....(and its not the battery)

So, if you send me a text message..like Brooklynites say "Fuhgettaboouuiit!". And I cannot send out any alerts.

Hopefully by early next week, i will get a new Cell Phone...and reconstruct the address book and so on will be a labor... :(

--Kingsboider

2 New Year's Day walk; OCWA + feederwatch

2011-12-29T18:22:00.001-05:00

Two scheduled walks are holiday treats this coming Sunday New Years Day. One is the Brooklyn Bird Club walk and the other is the First Sunday Walk from the Audubon Boathouse Center at 10 am.

See http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/trips.htm for details on the BBC walk and see below info from Michele Dreger on 1st Sunday

I have been informed that the NY Times was going to cover the 1st Sunday Walk. If you are lucky, you might be photo...

From Michele Dreger :

Happy New Year everyone!
We have Paul Keim leading the tour this weekend. It starts at 10am at the Boathouse. Bring your own binoculars and have a great time...
Many of you know Paul and for those of you that don't, you are in for a real treat. His knowledge of the park, the flora and fauna will make this a very special walk.
If you can't make it, I hope to see you in February.. that walk will be at 10am also.

Michele, Eni and Vinnie

Today's Highlight was a very good bird still in thru the Holidays , an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER reported by Mary Eyster along the narrow winding path that goes from the East Drive down to the Boathouse. The rare warbler was seen in a pine, then flew downward.

Feederwatch : late this afternoon 17 Whitethroated Sparrows,2 White-breasted Nuthatches, 3 Downy Woodpeckers, several House finches, Mourning Dove, BC Chickadee , Cardinal and a bright reddish brown with buffy breast CAROLINA WREN seen on the ground below the feeders.

Squirrel raids upon the feeders have become more bold ,these desperate creatures aggressive now due to an acorn crop crash this year. I presumed that they are flying down from a high distant tree perch, slamming unto the baffle but succeeding in knocking 2 feeders hard off the hook perch. Are they Nuts ? :)> I remedied it today with electrical type tape around the hook and loop. Can't stop them ( but I won't join them !).Bah humbug.... Seems like they are giving themselves a gift ...at our expense

2011-12-29T11:35:00.001-05:00

Orange crnwd warble @ Boathousepath pines to East Dr per mary

Prospect December 28th

2011-12-28T20:59:00.002-05:00

From Adam :

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Dec 28, 2011 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: cold, windy, few birds, many common species not seen. Very few gulls on Prospect Lake.
17 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 1
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 4
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 8
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana) 15
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) 5
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 5
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 8
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1 at feeder. Not the same bird as yesterday.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

Reports received while I was away for the holiday

2011-12-27T23:44:00.000-05:00

From Adam:

Hi Peter

Went for a walk with my wife around the Lake area, not birding too hard as we were trying out a new camera. Nothing surprising, but was nice to see a group of 3 Pied-billed Grebe diving together and 2 pairs Hooded Merganser. Hairy Woodpecker very active in feeder area.
Cheers!

Adam

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From:

Date: Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 8:29 PM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Dec 25, 2011

To: adamwelz@xxxxx.com

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 25, 2011 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 mile(s)

Comments: was not birding for full duration -- spent a lot of time photographing other things! slightly overcast, not very windy

25 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X maybe 20?

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X many

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 1 Prospect Lake

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 4 near Duck Island, Prospect Lake

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 4 One group of 3, other alone, Prospect Lake

American Coot (Fulica americana) 10

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 2

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 8

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 8

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 7

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 3

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 2

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

Had a late, quick stroll around Prospect this afternoon. Red-winged Blackbird was interesting because I've seen so few around in recent months.

Cheers!

Adam

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From:

Date: Mon, Dec 26, 2011 at 7:08 PM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Dec 26, 2011

To: adamwelz@xxxxxxx.com

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 26, 2011 3:50 PM - 4:50 PM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 kilometer(s)

Comments: clear, cold day. Some observations made at feeders -- see notes under individual species. Another birder said he had Hooded Merganser on the Lake again -- I did not survey that area.

24 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X at least 50 on Prospect Lake

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X inc. hybrids with domestic types. Domestic-type Muscovy Duck on seen on Lake yesterday.

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 5

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 10

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1

American Coot (Fulica americana) 10

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 11 some at feeder

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2 at feeder

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 2 at feeder

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1 at feeder

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 on suet cake at feeder

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 40

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 10

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1 at feeder. Photographed. Male with narrow, indistinct shoulder patch.

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 7 at feeder

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

From Kathy Toomey:

date = 2011/12/26

site = Prospect Park

observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

Pied-billed Grebe

Great Blue Heron 1, at the Upper pool

Northern Shoveler 5, on Lake

Canada Goose

Red-breasted Merganser 1, female, on Lake

Ruddy Duck

Mute Swan

Mallard

Red-tailed Hawk

Merlin

American Coot

Ring-billed Gull

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay many, still at Lamp post 249

Tufted Titmouse

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Carolina Wren heard

Hermit Thrush

White-throated Sparrow

Northern Cardinal

House Finch many, at feeders

House Sparrow

From Elyse:

Hi Peter,

Hope you are having a great holiday!

Today when I went to the feeders, as I was passing ravine to go to the feeders, just past the Audubon center, near the benches an orange crowned warbler flew by and landed in the bush near the bench. I was amazed,
considering that I gave up looking for it!

At the feeders I saw many house finches, a mocking bird nearby, a chickadee, and than a hawk zooming around, so all the birds took flight! It looked like a coopers hawk.That made me happy.

Timing is everything,

Elyse

Prospect December 26th

2011-12-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER hen was reported on Prospect Lake by Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein yesterday.

Three reports received since I have been away will be posted this eve.

--Kingsboider

December 25th Season greetings !

2011-12-24T21:49:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyful holiday to all , -- the Kingsboider

Prospect Christmas Eve Dec 24th :the gathering

2011-12-24T21:40:00.001-05:00

When growing up a child in the Wallabout section of Brooklyn --this near the Brooklyn Navy Yard and almost under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway--my mother would always come fetch me to see the beautiful BLUE JAY in my backyard. This was big for me, for we never get anything so "spectacular " in my nondescript yard.

So memories come back abit when this morning, I saw 5 BLUE JAYS together behind the fence at Lamppost 249 picnic tables, sort of a "gathering" as this holiday of Christmas we celebrate symbolizes, whether with friends, family or strangers. Blue Jays are spectacular birds, given its variety of bluish colors if you look close at its feathers. Its a common species but how hard are we really looking and appreciating the gift this bird represents ? For me, it never ends, the wonderment some species give with its beauty even if not a rarity.

Today , BLACK&WHITE WARBLER at the front of the Binnen Pool and COMMON GRACKLE was seen at the feeders offers the best sightings on this Xmas eve day..OH Yes !...those gorgeous Blue Jays too....

Have a wonderful holiday !

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 24, 2011 11:00 AM - 11:35 AM

Protocol: Traveling

1.0 mile(s)

7 species

American Coot 11

Ring-billed Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove 23

Blue Jay 5

Black-and-white Warbler 1

White-throated Sparrow X

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY

Dec 24, 2011 11:36 AM - 11:51 AM

Protocol: Stationary

5 species

Downy Woodpecker 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Common Grackle 1

American Goldfinch 2

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY

Dec 24, 2011 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Protocol: Stationary

7 species

Canada Goose 45

Mute Swan X

American Black Duck 2

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 5

Ruddy Duck 17

Pied-billed Grebe 2

Something Buffalo ,NY got too

2011-12-23T17:38:00.002-05:00

I picked this off the NY Buffalo Rare Bird Alert of Dec 22nd ( I get a number of RBA's for the northeast)

December 18, on one of the region's many Christmas Bird Counts, a
BL. AND W. WARBLER at the mouth of Spicer Creek, off East River
Road on Grand Island. This may be the first December record
of BL. AND W. WARBLER in the BOS archives.

**
Apparently , both ends of NY State got a Black and White Warbler....kind of strange....

--Kingsboider

Prospect Dec 22nd: A Xmas stocking full of warblers ?

2011-12-22T22:29:00.007-05:00

Today's best bird (in the park , that is) was ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER spotted by Russ Alderson at the Peninsula Sumacs, near the water fountain.

The BLACK & WHITE WARBLER continues, seen along the Binnen Water just below the Nethermead Bridge , on the Bridle trail ( Bobbie Manian) at noon.

Continuing the warblers, getting better all the time was seen in a very unusual place. Rob Bate reported a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT in his backyard ! His home is near Flatbush Ave and Parkside Ave. Last I heard was he is trying to convince it "GO WEST, young Bird " ( Of course, "west" is where Prospect Park is)

On a non avian note: I spotted a RED BAT flying circles above the Maryland Monument, pretty late for the species but with all this mild weather, perhaps it was spurred on. Just the right color though for the Xmas season.

The Lake did yield a few notables with only 2 Northern Shovelers and 3 HOODED MERGANSERS , two drakes courting the hen in front of Three Sisters Islands.

A Sharp-shinned Hawk was spotted at the north slope of Lookout Hill ( facing the Nethermead).

--Kingsboider

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

Peter's list

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 22, 2011

Protocol: Incidental

15 species

Canada Goose 180 lake

Mute Swan 7 lake

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 2 lake

Hooded Merganser 3 seen at 3 Sisters Isl

Ruddy Duck X

Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake

Double-crested Cormorant 1 at 3 Sisters Isl

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 north Lookout Hill

American Coot X lake

Downy Woodpecker 1 Feeders

Black-and-white Warbler 1 seenby Bobbi Manian Nethermead Br

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 seen by Russ Alderson Peninsula Sumacs

Song Sparrow 1 west isl

White-throated Sparrow 15 west isl

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

2011-12-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

ORNGD CRWNED WARB @ peninsula sumacs water fountian per Russ; rob bate has a YBCHAT n his backyrd.

Winter Solstice;BWWARB a holiday treat !

2011-12-21T18:20:00.003-05:00

Winter begins tonight 12:30 am Thursday morning. May the new season bring new discoveries , great birds and a humble appreciation for wintry delights. ( Sorry, but I am a winter birder..but look at it this way--the days get longer from now on)

from www.skypub.com

•Longest night of the year (in the Northern Hemisphere). Winter begins at the solstice: at 12:30 a.m. on the 22nd EST, 9:30 p.m. on the 21st PST. This is when the Sun reaches its farthest south of the year and begins its six-month return northward.

And on a very busy workday, the only bird I noticed in the south Midwood was--yes you might have guessed it :WINTER WREN. It flew across the trail, a quick blur and I saw it perched on a dead timber...shaking its body up and down in its typical , almost scolding like fashion.

Oh, the scenery changes, if you haven't noticed on my blog....

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

Mike Corzine reports the still present BLACK & WHITE WARBLER at the same Binnen pool back woods area yesterday in late afternoon. Amzing to see this tough little bird sticking around for the holidays.

Here's Mike's note:

Hey Peter. On my quick walk through the park to
pick up my little guy, the Black and White is
still present just East of Binnen Pool, 3:20.

Same bat time, same bat channel. Funny what we
take for granted during migration. I'll try to get
some video or a picture if I'm over there tomorrow.
I'm not sure exactly what it's foraging on.
-m

Below's photo courtesy of and credited to Peter Colen:

Season's greetings; A bridge opens

2011-12-20T12:10:00.004-05:00

The Kingsboider wishes Happy Chanukah to club members and birders celebrating today's festivity.

One of the best spots to bird in Prospect is realized after over a decade closure. In its state of disrepair, closed inside a chain link for over ten years, the Nethermead Bridge --also known as "3 Arches" -- has reopened at the top of the old iconic span. Repair work and new parapet walls enables birders to now look over and down at the Ravine/Binnen watercourse when in spring time, one can thoroughly enjoy warblers and other delights.

Good to see the old span at the top is back ! :)>

--Kingsboider

December 19th Prospect

2011-12-19T17:33:00.001-05:00

Some interesting bird notes:

Mike Corzine reports BLACK & WHITE WARBLER still present , seen 3:15 this afternoon, this tough warbler setting longevity records with its prolonged stay into late fall ( it's not winter yet , until this Thursday ) and resilient survival. The female warbler was seen on the east side of the Binnen Pool, which is the bridle trail side. Binnen Pool is the first pond south of the Nethermead (3 arches) Bridge.

**

After a very notable absence Christmas Count Day, 39 NORTHERN SHOVELERS appeared, a flock in the northwest corner of Prospect Lake with 3 PIED-BILLED GREBEs. Its an end of an era , after 2 decades of a forceful presence--at one time over 680 Shovelers on one count day in Prospect--as the streak ends.... BAH HUMBUG !

**

One of my feeders was knocked off its perch, NO DOUBT , obviously caused by a "superman" jumping jacks Squirrel from I presumed one of the poles holding up the feeders. BAH HUMBUG! ( send me a note if u see one 's tactics so I can improvise)

**

A report from Kathy Toomey from yesterday:

NYC Bird Report

date = 2011/12/19

site = Prospect Park

observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Northern Shoveler

Canada Goose

Ruddy Duck

Mute Swan

Mallard

American Coot

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Rock Pigeon

Mourning Dove

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Blue Jay

Tufted Titmouse

Black-capped Chickadee

White-breasted Nuthatch

Winter Wren

Carolina Wren

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

House Finch

House Sparrow

Dec 17th Kings County Xmas Count results

2011-12-18T20:52:00.007-05:00

Posted to the local birding listserves:

The preliminary results -subject to count week and numbers edition review--for Brooklyn 12/17 Kings County Christmas Bird Census is as follows:

132 species were recorded, our second highest species total ever , tying the 1997 Kings County CBC with this year's three historical first time species with RED PHALAROPE at North Shore Brooklyn Heights , BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER at Prospect Park, & BARROWS GOLDENEYE at Jamaica Bay Refuge.

Those species qualified as 'rare' ( including the above species, based on 10 year totals and data ) are as follows : EARED GREBE, AMERICAN BITTERN, GREEN HERON,TURKEY VULTURE, WILSON'S SNIPE,GLAUCOUS GULL, GREAT HORNED OWL,LONG-EARED OWL, NORTHERN SHRIKE, PINE WARBLER, SALTMARSH SHARP-TAILED SPARROW,SEASIDE SPARROW & BALTIMORE ORIOLE.

Count week rarities were AMERICAN REDSTART ,MARBLED GODWIT, AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (all seen Friday 12/16 ).

The overall species list is attached showing only the species until further review regarding individual numbers

We here in Brooklyn wish all Happy Holidays and good luck in your forthcoming CBC's in the NYC Metro area.

Peter Dorosh,Pres
Brooklyn Bird Club

Species

Snow Goose
Brant
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Canvasback
Greater Scaup
Lesser Scaup
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Barrow's Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Ring-necked Pheasant
Red-throated Loon
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Eared Grebe
Northern Gannet
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Cormorant
American Bittern
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Turkey Vulture
Northern Harrier
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Merlin
Peregrine Falcon
American Coot
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
American Oystercatcher
Greater Yellowlegs
Marbled Godwit
Sanderling
Purple Sandpiper
Dunlin
Wilson's Snipe
American Woodcock
Red Phalarope
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Glaucous Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Razorbill
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Monk Parakeet
Barn Owl
Great Horned Owl
Snowy Owl
Long-eared Owl
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Northern Shrike
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Carolina Wren
Winter Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher
European Starling
American Pipit
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Common Yellowthroat
Yellow-breasted Chat
Eastern Towhee
American Tree Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Seaside Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Snow Bunting
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Rusty Blackbird
Common Grackle
Boat-tailed Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

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

Prospect Park segment of Kings CBC

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 17, 2011 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Protocol: Area

580.0 ac

Comments: part of Kings County Christmas Bird Count

56 species

Canada Goose 331

Mute Swan 8

Wood Duck 1

American Black Duck 3

Mallard 193

Hooded Merganser 4

Ruddy Duck 26

Pied-billed Grebe 5

Double-crested Cormorant 2

Great Blue Heron 1

Green Heron 1 late juvenile , showed head adult plmg,streaky breast, first CBC sighting since 1987

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1

Cooper's Hawk 1

Red-tailed Hawk 2

Peregrine Falcon 1

American Coot 25

Ring-billed Gull 362

Herring Gull 64

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon 82

Mourning Dove 39

Great Horned Owl 2

Belted Kingfisher 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker 16

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6

Downy Woodpecker 11

Hairy Woodpecker 4

Blue Jay 31

American Crow 3

Black-capped Chickadee 10

Tufted Titmouse 11

White-breasted Nuthatch 12

Brown Creeper 5

Carolina Wren 3

Winter Wren 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

Hermit Thrush 3

American Robin 1

Gray Catbird 1

Northern Mockingbird 2

European Starling 12

Black-and-white Warbler 1 First CBC record

Orange-crowned Warbler 1

Common Yellowthroat 1

Fox Sparrow 3

Song Sparrow 9

White-throated Sparrow 96

Dark-eyed Junco 4

Northern Cardinal 26

Red-winged Blackbird 6

Baltimore Oriole 1

House Finch 42

American Goldfinch 5

House Sparrow 88

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

Kings CBC Rarity alert

2011-12-17T22:24:00.011-05:00

I will post more info later but the best bird on Kings County Xmas count was RED PHALAROPE seen very near the Fairway Supermarket, at the end pier Van Brunt Street ( Artists shops pier) . See Janet's Zinn post on her discovery

**********

From Janet's post to Metrobirds listserve

A Red Phalarope was found by my team on the

Brooklyn (Kings County) CBC.

Location is behind the Fairway market in Red Hook,
at the end of Van Brunt street. The bird was in the section
of water bounded by the artist's warehouses on the left and
the water taxi pier on the right (across from the rusted out
trolley cars.)

It was swimming back and forth quite close to the wall
alongside the artist's warehouse, actively feeding and
preening at times.

See around 2 p.m.

A photo is on my Facebook page here:

http://tinyurl.com/6n5as4s

This is the first record for a Kings County CBC.

See by: Janet Zinn, Alan Baratz, Eric Salzman, Jerry Layton

Good luck if you go. (I know at least one of our Brooklyn CBC folks were

heading over tonight!)

Janet Zinn

Brooklyn, NY

_www.janetzinnphotography.com_ (http://www.janetzinnphotography.com/)

***

Other hilights from what I heard was NORTHERN SHRIKE at Floyd Bennett Field, along the forest edge of Camp Tamarack which is just west of the boat ramp .and more which I forget right now.

Prospect park did very well with its first ever BLACK & WHITE WARBLER for the count, LITTLE GREEN HERON , first since 1987 on the overall count, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT ,GREAT HORNED OWLS among the best hilights.Unfortunately American Redstart wasnt found but qualified as Count Week bird.

More later , when I get the summary file from Rick the Compiler. TIME TO SLEEP...LOOOONG DAY...

--Kingsboider

Photo of Northern Shrike taken by Adam Welz:

Kings County finished with 132 species for its count tally.

December 17th : 112th Xmas Count

2011-12-16T23:20:00.002-05:00

The 112th Christmas Bird Census in Kings County

…..Now in Progress

(Results in a few days)

Warblers continue...plus another species !

2011-12-16T13:02:00.004-05:00

Hopefully a good sign, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and AMERICAN REDSTART continue their presence in Prospect and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden respectively. Both were reported by Rob Bate.

The Orange-crowned is at its usual location in LP 249 west Well drive area but seen in the phragmite marsh edge today ; The Redstart is in the Holly tree section opposite the children's garden JUST INSIDE the BBgarden's south gate or Empire Blvd gate.

A report from Keir revealed another warbler species! In the same area as Orange-crowned, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT seen low in phragmites .

Last for a non warbler, BALTIMORE ORIOLE stuck around, the same bird for the last two months in the Vale of Cashmere. See Rafael's report.

All these great birds CBC day material ? (well I hope!.but for now both are Count Week birds)

--Kingsboider

From Keir:

hi Peter

This morning Rob Bate and I saw the OCWA at the usual spot with a drab Common Yellowthroat also working the same area.

See you tmrw.

Keir

> Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:33:22 -0500

> From: do-not-reply@ebird.org

> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Dec 16, 2011

> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

> Dec 16, 2011 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM

> Protocol: Traveling

> 1.0 mile(s)

> 24 species (+1 other taxa)

>

> Mute Swan 7

> American Black Duck 1

> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2

> Mallard 30

> Northern Shoveler 4 (West Island area)

> Hooded Merganser 3

> Ruddy Duck 20

> Pied-billed Grebe 4

> Double-crested Cormorant 1

> Red-tailed Hawk 1

> Ring-billed Gull 150

> Herring Gull 4

> Great Black-backed Gull 2

> Rock Pigeon 10

> Mourning Dove 1

> Downy Woodpecker 1

> Blue Jay 5

> American Crow 3

> Orange-crowned Warbler 1 in phragmites opposite containers nr L249

> Common Yellowthroat 1 drab female/imm, low in phragmites opposite containers nr L249

> Song Sparrow 8

> White-throated Sparrow 10

> Northern Cardinal 5

> House Finch 20 in and below Sweetgum, lakeside btwn L249 and West Island

> House Sparrow 20

>

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

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

From Rafael:

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY

Dec 16, 2011 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 kilometer(s)

25 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 4

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 3

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 5

Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1

American Coot (Fulica americana) X

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 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

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 4

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) 1 It was seen forraging on the ground, near the Vale of Cashmere

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 30

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is good birding!!!!!

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

From Rob Bate :

Major December warbler fallout, American Redstart, Orange-crowned, and Common Yellow-throat. I looked for the recent Black and White around the Binnen Pool but couldn't relocate it. Also - a Gray Catbird

29 species

Canada Goose 15

Mute Swan 6

Mallard 12

Pied-billed Grebe 2

Double-crested Cormorant 1

Great Blue Heron 1

American Coot 14

Ring-billed Gull 40

Herring Gull 4

Rock Pigeon 35

Mourning Dove 3

Peregrine Falcon 1 On radio tower eating

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1

Downy Woodpecker 2

Blue Jay 3

American Crow 1

Black-capped Chickadee 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 1

Gray Catbird 1 Under Terrace Bridge

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 In Phragmites opposit the containers near LP249

American Redstart 1 In BBG just inside south gate

Common Yellowthroat 1 Near the OC Warbler

Song Sparrow 4

White-throated Sparrow 11

Northern Cardinal 3

House Finch 8

American Goldfinch 7

House Sparrow 15

2011-12-16T08:56:00.001-05:00

out of season AMER REDSTART continues BBGarden south gate holly opp children garden

NY Times : fishing line

2011-12-15T20:25:00.000-05:00

NY Times posted today's edition an article about fishing line, hooks and sinkers dangers towards birds.

click on the link

http://tinyurl.com/nytimesfishingline

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

Orange crowned Warbler settling in

2011-12-15T12:46:00.001-05:00

Looking good for the xmas count ( I hope fingers x)

From Chris Elliot:

Hi Peter,

The Orange-crowned warbler was still hanging on in Prospect Park
at dusk this evening. At first it was east of Lamppost 249, in the scrub
behind a small mound about fifteen feet west of the large storage container
which is between LP249 and the Well House. Flushed by dog-walkers at
one-point, it flew, twittering, across the road to the shrubbery and
phragmites along the lake-shore. For the remaining time until dusk it was
foraging on the lake side of the road, immediately behind the
“Danger Thin Ice” sign which is right across from the storage container.

It would go minutes without appearing, and then partly emerge to glean
some higher branches. Twice it popped up straight vertically about five
feet to hawk something out of the air, then immediately dropped out of sight.

Photos are here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/6512924387/ and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/6512923795/ .

The Park seemed very quiet overall this afternoon, including the lake, though a Sharp-shinned tore through overhead as I was watching the warbler, and both Ruddy and Pied-billed were on the Lake.

Chris

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 14, 2011 3:05 PM - 4:33 PM

Protocol: Traveling

1.85 mile(s)

Comments: clear sky, but approaching dusk at the end, with early sunset

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 40

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 5

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) 1

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) 32

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 2

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 34

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) 1

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1

Xmas bird count: its story ;BBG report BAOR

2011-12-14T13:00:00.004-05:00

Birders:

For anyone wanting to know all about Christmas Bird Counts and whats its all about , how its done, or how it started and what it entails, here' below are two links , one on the whole gamut and the second on all the count circles if you wish to do two or more. ( Not me, Brooklyn is enough of a tall task !)

http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count#

*****

http://nybirds.org/ProjCBC.htm

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

Orrin Tilevitz reports BALTIMORE ORIOLE from the BBGarden .

his note:

Baltimore Oriole (semi-developed juvenile) in BBG this morning, in evergreen across from lilacs. Other birds of interest: great blue heron, 2 red-tailed hawks, northern mockingbird, catbird (heard), red-bellied woodpecker, white-throated sparrow

Warblers galore ! more reports Prospect 12/13

2011-12-13T15:18:00.006-05:00

Don't know what the heck is going on with nature as winter solstice approaches, but it seems like today a warbler winter wave is occurring. Joining Orange-crowned and Black & White Warblers reported earlier, Rob Bate reported AMERICAN REDSTART at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's south gate , an adult male in an American Holly Tree. At least it knows what species "namesake" tree to go into.

-Kingsboider

Below's photo of PP's B&W Warbler provided by Peter Colen

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

From Rob Bate:

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, then Prospect

In the BBG today
15 species

Peregrine Falcon 2 on radio tower
Mourning Dove 10
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 5
Tufted Titmouse 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1
American Robin 25
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 5
American Redstart 1 just inside south entrance of the garden at Empire Blvd.
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 9
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 20

In Prospect Park walking down from GAP

17 species

Mallard 10
Ruddy Duck 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Coot 5
Mourning Dove 5
Downy Woodpecker 2
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
American Robin 5
European Starling 5
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 3
Northern Cardinal 6
House Sparrow 5

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

From Alex Wilson:

Begin forwarded message:

> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
> Dec 13
> 45 species (+1 other taxa)
>
> Canada Goose 200
> Mute Swan 9
> Wood Duck 1
> American Black Duck 3
> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
> Mallard 60
> Northern Shoveler 3
> Hooded Merganser 3
> Ruddy Duck 15
> Pied-billed Grebe 5 (All seen at one time on the Lake.)
> Double-crested Cormorant 1
> Cooper's Hawk 2 (Adults.)
> Red-tailed Hawk 3
> American Coot 20
> Ring-billed Gull 100
> Herring Gull 20
> Great Black-backed Gull 1
> Rock Pigeon 15
> Mourning Dove 35
> Belted Kingfisher 1
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 5
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Downy Woodpecker 7
> Blue Jay 15
> American Crow 35
> Black-capped Chickadee 3
> Tufted Titmouse 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 6
> Carolina Wren 4
> Winter Wren 1
> Hermit Thrush 1
> American Robin 40
> Gray Catbird 1
> Brown Thrasher 1 (Continues around lamp post 249.)
> European Starling 75
> Orange-crowned Warbler 1 (Continues in lamp post 249 area.)
> Fox Sparrow 2
> Song Sparrow 6
> Swamp Sparrow 1
> White-throated Sparrow 40
> Dark-eyed Junco 15
> Northern Cardinal 20
> Red-winged Blackbird 5
> House Finch 25
> American Goldfinch 8
> House Sparrow 10

Geminids Meteor showers; Orange-crowned Warbler reappears;surprise B&W Warbler

2011-12-13T12:09:00.013-05:00

An off topic , of course , but for you nature oriented, tonight into tomorrow eve is the Geminids meteor showers despite a full moon impact, bright meteors can be seen. For more:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance/135278248.html

**
In a surprise appearance , a very late BLACK & WHITE WARBLER was spotted today by the Pagoda Concert Grove, somewhere near the water fountain ( I presumed the one by Binnen Pool with the dog fountain on the ground). The good sighting for this out of season species was first seen by Peter Coen in the back woods along the bridle path of Lily Pool and Binnen water last Thursday & Friday.Today Elyse Taylor reports the bird . This would definitely be a potential highlight for Prospect's Xmas count.It is certainly hanging around.

Today's Black & White Warbler is the lastest record for Prospect Park. ( fingers crossed for more reports)

****
From Elsye:

Hi Peter,

I saw the new birder Peter and saw the picture of the
black & white warbler.He was taking pictures at the lilly ponds.

When I left him and past the concert grove I saw a
black & white warbler fly past me and land in the tree
next to the drinking fountain.

Thanks for letting me know about Peter and the warbler.

We saw a few other birds, titmouse, chickadee, downy
woodpeckers, goldfinches at the ponds.

happy birding,

Elyse

In other news, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER is still around ! Adam Welz reported the bird opposite or across the Well Drive roadway , from Lamppost #249 ( western Well Drive) in the phragmite marsh edge. So , two Prospect warbler species potentially "save" birds for the upcoming count.

Also of note , late GRAY CATBIRD, same spot as the Orange-crowned Warbler.

Report from Adam:

A few interesting-ish things in the Park this morning:

- Ruby-cr Kinglet @Pink Beach (peninsula)

- Wood Duck @Rustic Arbor

- Belted Kingfisher @southern end of Lake

- Hooded Merganser @southern end of Lake

- Catbird @Lake /well drive (I havent seen one in a while)

- Lotsa Hairy Woodpecker in the Lookout/feeders/Penisula area

and the Orange-crowned Warbler, still by it's usual spot.

Cheers!

Adam

From:

Date: Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:41 AM

Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Dec 13, 2011

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 13, 2011 9:10 AM - 10:50 AM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 mile(s)

Comments: clear day

32 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 95

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 8

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 1

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 1

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 1

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 30

American Coot (Fulica americana) 7

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 2

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 8

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 2

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3

Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 3

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 12

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 1

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 14

Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 1

Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X

Orange-crowned Warbler (Oreothlypis celata) 1 long-staying bird, seen in Phragmites over street from regular spot

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 5

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 1

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 10

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 5

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

December 12th Prospect

2011-12-12T20:45:00.004-05:00

As holidays approach, the focus looks toward the upcoming Christmas Bird Count. The anticipation and the participation look towards a great day and whatever quality birds will be around for this Saturday's count.

Winter birds of the common variety and the usual species looks promising (see Rob Bate's report) , with the lake not looking up to a promising potential with the absence of Northern Shoveler and Ring-necked Duck Brooklyn birders have enjoyed in the past. But there is always hope.

A quick look at the Lake while working the southern area revealed 3 HOODED MERGANSERS, a distant PIED-BILLED GREBE and 206 Canada Geese that flew in.

WOOD DUCK reported by Rob at the Boathouse is a good bird for the Xmas count, most years a "save" bird for the count, meaning the only location to report a single species to save the day's overall list..So, at least maybe Prospect Park has something up her sleeve after all.

From Rob Bate:

It was nice to be in the park again, seems very wintery, few birds outside of lake activity.

36 species

Canada Goose 10

Mute Swan 7

Wood Duck 1 With begging ducks at Audubon center

Mallard 20

Ruddy Duck 9

Pied-billed Grebe 1

Red-tailed Hawk 3

Peregrine Falcon 1 On police radio tower

American Coot 3

Ring-billed Gull 40

Herring Gull 10

Great Black-backed Gull 2

Mourning Dove 25

Red-bellied Woodpecker 3

Downy Woodpecker 3

Hairy Woodpecker 1

Blue Jay 7

American Crow 2

Black-capped Chickadee 1

Tufted Titmouse 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 3

Brown Creeper 1

Carolina Wren 1

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

American Robin 2

Gray Catbird 1

European Starling 5

Fox Sparrow 1

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow 8

Dark-eyed Junco 2

Northern Cardinal 6

House Finch 2

American Goldfinch 3

House Sparrow 5

Plus House Finches, Goldfinches, WBNHs, Downy WP, Chickadees and WT Sparrows at the feeders.

Peter's list:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY--LAKE

Dec 12, 2011

Protocol: Incidental

14 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 206

Mute Swan 9

American Black Duck 1

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1

Mallard X

Hooded Merganser 3

Ruddy Duck 15

Pied-billed Grebe 1

Double-crested Cormorant 1

American Coot 10

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

White-throated Sparrow X south lakeside

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

Prospect December 11th

2011-12-11T18:33:00.000-05:00

Two reports

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

From Rafael Campos:

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Dec 11, 2011 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
33 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 6
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 8
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 3
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 3
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 2
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 1
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) 1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 1
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 4
House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) X
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is good birding!!!!

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

From Keir Randall:

> Date: Sun, 11 Dec 2011 15:29:53 -0500
> From: do-not-reply@ebird.org

> Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Dec 11, 2011
>
> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
> Dec 11, 2011 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
> Protocol: Traveling
> 4.0 mile(s)
> 33 species
>
> Canada Goose 12
> Mute Swan 6
> Mallard 15
> Northern Shoveler 8
> Ruddy Duck 10
> Pied-billed Grebe 3
> Double-crested Cormorant 1
> Red-tailed Hawk 2
> Ring-billed Gull 250
> Herring Gull 6
> Rock Pigeon 20
> Mourning Dove 8
> Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
> Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
> Hairy Woodpecker 1 Vale
> Blue Jay 10
> American Crow 1
> Black-capped Chickadee 4
> Tufted Titmouse 4
> White-breasted Nuthatch 1
> American Robin 6
> European Starling 2
> Cedar Waxwing 1 Carousel
> Fox Sparrow 1 Lily Pond
> Song Sparrow 3
> White-throated Sparrow 35
> Dark-eyed Junco 6
> Northern Cardinal 4
> Common Grackle 5
> House Finch 3
> American Goldfinch 8
> House Sparrow 40
>
> This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

=

Prospect December 10th: stick around fella

2011-12-10T15:05:00.003-05:00

In a promising sign for next Saturday's 112th Christmas Bird Census, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER appeared late this morning at the Lamppost 249 location, aka the picnic tables Well Drive area; The rare warbler was seen along the fence, working thru the mugwort/blackberry brambles before a group of birders ( from the Audubon center) and myself. [So, stick around fella for next Saturday] Also seen yesterday mid morning at this "hot" spot was Brown Thrasher and Carolina Wren, LP #249 is appearing to be the best spot thus far in this low activity passerine of late season.

Speaking of LP 249, earlier, Anne Murray ( who alerted me to the good birds at LP 249) spotted an adult COOPER's HAWK perched nicely in a big Cherry tree, basking in the sun which i was able to enjoy as well. Later at the feeders, an immature COOPER's HAWK comes flying in and perched, ruffling its feathers abit and looking for prey before taking off thru the woods. The feeders has for some reason not attracted any numbers ( i have yet to refill them since 11/24) , the strange phenomenon of fewer birds around except the occasional drat squirrel that must have pogo sticks on its legs as it raided one of the mesh feeders.

The lake isn't looking productive for the upcoming count , only 6 NORTHERN SHOVELERS and 3 or 4 PIED-BILLED GREBES to boot. In past years, I think the decade at least , 100's of Shovelers would be on Prospect Lake now. Looks like that trend has ended. I guess this species stripped the underwater plant life clean or maybe the new Lakeside rink construction might be a factor. There's is no certainty why...I guess nothing lasts forever...But then its a another day on December 17th. We'll see.

--Kingsboider

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

Peter's list
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 10, 2011 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Protocol: Traveling

3.5 mile(s)

24 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 7 lake

Mute Swan 8 lake

American Black Duck 3 lake

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1

Mallard X

Northern Shoveler 6 lake

Ruddy Duck 2 lake

Pied-billed Grebe 3 lake

Double-crested Cormorant 1 at 3 sisters

Great Blue Heron 1 Pools isthmus

Cooper's Hawk 2-Adult LP 249;immature Feeders also obs Anne Murray

Red-tailed Hawk 1

American Kestrel 1 yesterday f/o Litchfiled Villa

American Coot 21

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Rock Pigeon X

Hairy Woodpecker 4 rept by Eni Falci, Michele Dreger Audubon walk group

Hermit Thrush 1 rept by Anne Murray at feeders

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 LP 249 Well dr picnic tables

White-throated Sparrow 3

Northern Cardinal 5 West Isl sweetgums

House Finch 8 West Isln sweetgums

American Goldfinch 2 ( Lily Pool ; also Obs Anne Murray)
House Sparrow X

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

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

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY

Dec 10, 2011 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 kilometer(s)

29 species

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 4

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 1

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1

Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1

American Coot (Fulica americana) X

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X

Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 3

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1

Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 2

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 1

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) X

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 1

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) 2

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is good birding!!!

Prospect Park December 8th

2011-12-08T23:20:00.000-05:00

Below's post from Larry Zirlin is his last for Prospect for awhile, since he is moving to central New Jersey. We hope he visits much often. Bye Larry ! (and good luck)

You know what the sign on the Belt Parkway says:

From Larry Zirlin:

Hi Peter,

Last walk around the park for a while.

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 8, 2011 12:00 PM - 3:10 PM

Protocol: Traveling

3.0 mile(s)

20 species

Canada Goose 18

Mute Swan 9

Wood Duck 1

American Black Duck 2

Mallard 46

Northern Shoveler 1

Ruddy Duck 11

Pied-billed Grebe 1

Double-crested Cormorant 1

Great Blue Heron 1

American Coot 13

Ring-billed Gull 125

Herring Gull 3

Rock Pigeon 20

Mourning Dove 6

Red-bellied Woodpecker 2

Blue Jay 5

Rusty Blackbird 1--Peninsula near Lullwater terminus

House Sparrow 2

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY

Dec 8, 2011 12:25 PM - 12:45 PM

Protocol: Stationary

8 species

Downy Woodpecker 3

Black-capped Chickadee 1

White-breasted Nuthatch 2

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

White-throated Sparrow 1

American Goldfinch 1

House Sparrow 1

See ya!

Larry

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

2011-12-08T13:35:00.001-05:00

RUSTY BLACKBIRD n penisula near lullwater terminus per larry

Interesting article about acorns/ecology

2011-12-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

I picked up on this NY Times story about the oaks acorn "crash" this year ( after 2010's bumper crop) and its effect for wildlife and birds.

Very interesting read. KB.

http://tinyurl.com/NYtimesAcornsstory

First Sunday bird walk hilight

2011-12-05T12:58:00.004-05:00

A female BALTIMORE ORIOLE was reported from Michele's Dreger's walk ( from the Boathouse). Below is a photo taken by Richard Wright and more pics on his gallery http:vainglory.com/vgallery

( click on Richard's photo to enlarge)

Oriole was seen on the Northwestern side of the lake behind the picnic tables. (Lamppost #249)

From Michele Dreger:

About 40 birders met at the Audubon Center at 10am on Sunday December 4.
Eni, Vinny and I took the group to the Vale via the Midwood. It was a beautiful sunny day and the birds cooperated.
After the walk, a few of us wandered over to the feeders, where we saw the 2nd Oriole of the day.
Then the last of the straggling birders walked to the lamppost 249 where they saw an orange crowned warbler and the 3rd Oriole of the day!
3 orioles in December? Hard to believe but true!!

Remember the First Sunday in January is New Year's Day. The walk is scheduled for 10am.

Here is the list:

Sharp-shinned hawk
Blue jay
Robin
Ring billed gull
Northern Cardinal
American Goldfinch
Mallard
Coot
Downy
Black-capped Chickadee
White-throated sparrow
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red bellied woodpecker
Mourning dove
Baltimore Oriole
White throated Nuthatch
Song sparrow
Red tailed hawk
Titmouse
Carolina wren heard
Brown creeper
Wood duck
Orange crowned warbler

=

Prospect December 2nd

2011-12-02T15:29:00.000-05:00

Hilight is first ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER seen by Mary Eyster at the Breeze Hill dirt mounds. Secondly, RING-NECKED DUCK ,an adult male on Prospect Lake per Adam.

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

From Adam:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Dec 2, 2011 11:40 AM - 1:30 PM

Protocol: Traveling

2.0 mile(s)

Comments: coolish, still day. Notables: Ring-necked Duck, Winter Wren, NO Canada Goose seen on Prospect Lake (!)

28 species

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X

Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 1 very clean, bright-looking male in breeding plumage

Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X

Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 2

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 3

American Coot (Fulica americana) X

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 1

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 5

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 4

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1

Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1 my FoS. Looked like a juv.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3

Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 1

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 4

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 5

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

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

Upcoming first Sunday Audubon bird walk (from the Boathouse)

2011-12-01T15:17:00.002-05:00

Message from Michele Dreger ( leading)

We meet at the Audubon Center at 10am on Sunday, Dec 4. Please bring your own binoculars as the center does not open until noon.

We will be on the lookout for Pine Siskin's - Orange Crowned Warbler - Nashville Warbler

And the feeders are up - so we will be stopping there.

We have been nominated to host a CUNY journalism group while they film a piece on Birders. They will be visiting our tours on both Saturday at Noon and Sunday at 10am. They would like to see what it is like to belong to a bird group and interview some of the participants.

ALSO....Check out the Friday Weekend Section in the NY Times on Dec 2. You may see that there is a story that includes our park.

Photos of OCWA

2011-11-30T07:37:00.002-05:00

Peter Colen took these photos of Orange-crowned Warbler near the Audubon Boathouse the weekend before Thanksgiving. (click on photo to enlarge)

http://www.petercolenphotography.com/

BBC "Friends Walk" Prospect Nov 26th; PISI and NAWA ,OCWA seen post walk

2011-11-26T13:20:00.010-05:00

Generally , overall a very quiet yet beautiful day outdoors.

Kingsboider late note: Elyse reported after the walk finished, PINE SISKIN seen drinking at the back shore of Lower Pool ( gate) joined also by a NASHVILLE WARBLER. Eni Falci --part of a group walk-- reports an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and BROWN THRASHER seen at Lamppost #249 ( Well Dr picnic tables). Guess "timing is everything!"

Results of Brooklyn Bird club walk: 12 participants

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Nov 26, 2011 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Protocol: Traveling

4.0 mile(s)

31 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose X

Mute Swan X

American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X

Mallard X

Ruddy Duck 25

Pied-billed Grebe 5 lake

Double-crested Cormorant 2 lake

Accipiter sp. 1

Red-tailed Hawk 2

American Coot 3

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 2

Downy Woodpecker 2

Blue Jay X

Tufted Titmouse 1

Carolina Wren 2- Rose Garden;south Midwood

American Robin X

European Starling X

Fox Sparrow 3- Vale Cashmere; 2 south Midwood

Song Sparrow X

White-throated Sparrow X

Dark-eyed Junco X

Northern Cardinal X

Red-winged Blackbird 1 West Isl

Purple Finch 5 Ravine (all females)

House Finch 6

American Goldfinch X

House Sparrow X

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

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

From Elyse Taylor:

Hi Peter,

When leaving the park walk this morning, at the back of the lower pool
I saw a pine siskin drinking water , and then a nashville warbler
flew down to take a sip. It had a pale yellow belly and a prominent
eye ring.
Great way to end the walk, but wish there were a few birders there
to see them.

Thanks for the great walk!

Elyse

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

From Eni Falci

leading regular Audubon noon walk

Hi Peter-

More birders than birds yesterday. So many new birders (20+) and nothing much to put them onto. We had a goldfinch, chickadee, a fox sparrow and a few white throated sparrows while group was together. After most newbees left we moved on to the Wellhouse/ Lamp-post area and got two prizes.

A late orange-crowned warbler and a brown thrasher. There was much debate as to whether the warbler was a nashville or orange but the final words was broken eye ring and streaks on the breast.

Would have stayed longer in that area but the lighter fluid fumes were too much. It is a shame the park installed the fire pits right where the best birding tends to be.

Eni

Brooklyn Botanic Garden November 25th

2011-11-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

From Eni Falci:

Hi Peter-

Went through the BBG today and had some good bird sightings. Highlights were the juvenile Baltimore oriole bathing in the kettle hole in the native garden. (probably same bird as seen in the Vale previously). A brief view of a late nashville warbler near the new herb garden (grey head, white eye ring and yellow breast). Finally 4 cedar waxwings few over toward the lawn on Eastern Parkway.

Eni Falci

Nashville warbler --herb garden section

Baltimore Oriole (also one at Wellhouse slope yesterday)

Cedar waxwings 4

Robins X

Mourning Doves X

Blue Jays 5

Starlings X

White throated sparrows X

Song Sparrow

Fox Sparrow (many yesterday @Maryland Monument)

Mockingbirds 3

Yellow bellied Sapsucker

Red Bellied Woodpecker 3

Ruby crowned Kinglet 1

white breasted nuthatch

and tufted titmouse

Invitation to be in a film documentary either Dec 3rd or 4th

2011-11-24T20:16:00.003-05:00

I received this note on the Brooklyn Bird Club website contact page from a City University of NY grad journalist --Justin--aspiration to film birders in a documentary in Prospect. If you are interested in becoming a film subject , please email ME back so I can arraign the time and place. See attached his note

The target date I suggested is next weekend Either the 3rd or 4th of December (depending on # of people replying back to me for best number whichever day ) which I can set a early morning start , maybe 8 am likely at Grand Army Plaza park entrance.Hope you can help .

Peter

prosbird@aol.com

-----Original Message-----
From: info@brooklynbirdclub.org

Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:52:03 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Fwd: video piece on saturday tour?
To: prosbird@aol.com

-----Original Message-----
Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:42:18 -0500 (EST)
Subject: =?utf-8?Q?video_piece_on_saturday_tour=3F?=
From: jmitche@journalism.cuny.edu
To: info@brooklynbirdclub.org

Hello. I am a journalist with the New York City News Service, and a student at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. I am interested in doing a short video piece on the bird wildlife of Prospect Park, as well as the culture of the people who enjoy watching them. I am very interested in coming along with your tour this Saturday, the 26th. My goal would be to get footage of birds, people watching them, and to speak to as many of the walk's participants as possible.

Best,

Justin Mitchell

Prospect Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

Peter list (pre-parade)

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 24, 2011 8:15 AM - 8:50 AM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
Comments: Prospect Lake
14 species

Mute Swan 6
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 19
Hooded Merganser 5
Ruddy Duck 24
Pied-billed Grebe 4
Double-crested Cormorant 3
American Coot 5
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Song Sparrow 1 Greenwood Ave grassland tract
Common Grackle 3 West Island shore
House Finch 18 west shore

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

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, US-NY
Nov 24, 2011 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM
Protocol: Stationary
11 species

Mourning Dove 5
White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Wellhouse
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 1
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 1
Baltimore Oriole 1 female, Breeze hill ,reported by Adam Welz
American Goldfinch 1
House Sparrow X

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

Prospect Winter bird feeders ...continues

2011-11-23T07:23:00.003-05:00

The annual winter bird feeders tradition continues. (yes , they are up)

Happy Thanksgiving !

Peter

Photos of the Baltimore Oriole in Vale Cashmere

2011-11-22T07:32:00.001-05:00

Attached are photos taken Sunday by Christopher Holden with his "point and shoot" camera of the late seasonal juv. BALTIMORE ORIOLE that is hanging out at the Vale of Cashmere ( pools area north end mostly from previous reports). This bird was first seen i believe in early October.

--KB

November 20th Prospect : LP249 is good to show

2011-11-20T21:21:00.002-05:00

Lamppost #249, the Well Drive picnic tables site revealed another nice find , an out of season ( or late) NASHVILLE WARBLER reported by Alex Wilson. This find comes behind yesterday's Orange -Crowned Warbler. So, it's a "Go to" spot to look for potential good stuff...Also noted are 2 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS at Lily Pool ( or Pond ) and one remaining GREEN-WINGED TEAL , a hen at West Island.

From Alex Wilson:

Begin forwarded message:

> Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

> Nov 20, 2011

> 50 species (+1 other taxa)

>

> Canada Goose 40

> Mute Swan 9

> American Black Duck 2

> American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1

> Mallard 70

> Northern Shoveler 6

> Green-winged Teal 1 (Female, West Island.)

> Ruddy Duck 25

> Pied-billed Grebe 2

> Double-crested Cormorant 2

> Great Blue Heron 1

> Black-crowned Night-Heron 1

> Cooper's Hawk 1 (Juvenile, bathing, Lower Lullwater.)

> Red-tailed Hawk 1

> Merlin 1

> American Coot 10

> Laughing Gull 1

> Ring-billed Gull 125

> Herring Gull 40

> Great Black-backed Gull 5

> Rock Pigeon 30

> Mourning Dove 10

> Red-bellied Woodpecker 6

> Downy Woodpecker 4

> Blue Jay 15

> Black-capped Chickadee 3

> Tufted Titmouse 1

> White-breasted Nuthatch 6

> Brown Creeper 2

> Carolina Wren 3

> Golden-crowned Kinglet 1

> Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2

> Hermit Thrush 6

> American Robin 30

> Northern Mockingbird 1

> European Starling 75

> Cedar Waxwing 2

> Nashville Warbler 1 (In brush on slope above lamppost 249.

> Distinct complete eye ring; gray hood, bright yellow fore & aft,

> paler belly; definitely not the OCWA reported yesterday in same

> location.)

> Yellow-rumped Warbler 1

> Eastern Towhee 1

> Fox Sparrow 1

> Song Sparrow 5

> White-throated Sparrow 40

> Dark-eyed Junco 5

> Northern Cardinal 20

> Red-winged Blackbird 5

> Rusty Blackbird 2 (Pair flying in to tree top above Lily Pond,

> then feeding in front of viewing platform.)

> Common Grackle 3

> House Finch 5

> American Goldfinch 25

> House Sparrow 20

Nov 19th Prospect; A rarity, an uncommon , and a good possibility

2011-11-19T19:44:00.001-05:00

An exhausting work week kept me close to home, with mostly spent energy reserve that was enough to get me around Prospect this morning. And the stay at home mindset paid its reward with quality birds.

Beginning with the rarity, found behind the Lamppost #249 picnic tables ( Well Drive), I pished for the heck of it, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER appeared quite close. After its initial perch, the rare warbler flew back of the woods , towards the slope, where I saw it feeding in a cherry tree. It's highly likely the same bird seen last weekend

Prior that very good sighting, a uncommon find regarding the species and the number of individuals. A small dark flock in Prospect Lake's middle by Three Sisters Islands, turned out to be 7 GREEN-WINGED TEALs, with 4 drakes. I was more surprised with the 7 number though anything has to happen these years with passing through birds.

And last, a strong possibility reported to me from the Audubon walk group with PINE SISKINS. Given the time frame for this species now, Eni Falci reported along with Anne and Michele, two seen feeding on Ash tree seeds. So, if you are out there, look for these birds as well as other possible winter finches.

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

Peter's list:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Nov 19, 2011 8:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Protocol: Traveling

4.0 mile(s)

35 species

Canada Goose X

Mute Swan 7 lake

Mallard X

Green-winged Teal 7 Prospect Lake

Bufflehead 2 yesterday Lake, hens

Ruddy Duck 31 Lake

Pied-billed Grebe 1 Lake

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 stooped for prey Breeze Hill

Cooper's Hawk 1 f/o Breeze Hill

Red-tailed Hawk 2 soaring most of morning Well dr/Lookout Hill

American Coot 8 Lake

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull 1 lake

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove 7 Peninsula Sumacs

Monk Parakeet 4 Yesterday f/o Garage 9th st

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Terrace br

Downy Woodpecker 1 Sumacs

Blue Jay 2

Black-capped Chickadee 3 Breeze Hill

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 heard by Anne

Winter Wren 1 Maryland Monument, spotted by Anne

Golden-crowned Kinglet 2 Peninsula sumacs

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 Peninsula Sumacs

Hermit Thrush 1 Peninsula sumacs

American Robin X Sumacs

European Starling X

Orange-crowned Warbler 1 woods behind LP 249 ( well dr picnic tables)

Yellow-rumped Warblers- 2 Peninsula Sumacs

Fox Sparrow 1 Peninsula sumacs

Song Sparrow 2

White-throated Sparrow 30--2 flocks, lookout hill south, breeze hill mounds

Dark-eyed Junco 9 LP 249

Northern Cardinal 2 LP249

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

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

From Eni Falci;

Hi Peter-

Michele's noon walk had some nice looks at both kinglet types and a fox sparrow in the sumac edge at the Peninsula lawn. We also had late robins, yellow rump warblers and white throat sparrows here.

On our way from the pools young great blue heron here, to the ravine -the stream at the Ravine Bridge was active with 2 hermit thrushes and downy woodpecker bathing.

Michele, Anne and I think we had 2 pine siskins up in the trees there -any confirmations? Distinctive narrow beak, streaked breast and very notched tail eating ash tree seeds.

Eni

2011-11-19T09:08:00.001-05:00

7 GREENWINGED TEALS on Prospect Lake by 3 Sisters isl

New bee species found @BBG ; Prospect reports inc OCWA &GHO

2011-11-18T00:11:00.002-05:00

From John Ascher:

Hi Peter,

This may be of interest for your blog:

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/bees/

I forgot to email you that I found a late Laughing Gull over the Lake on Sat.

John

John S. Ascher, Ph.D.

Bee Database Project Manager

Division of Invertebrate Zoology

American Museum of Natural History

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

From Gabriel Willow:

Subject: Prospect Park Sightings 11/17/11

From: gabriel willow

Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:29:06 -0800

While leading a private tour today for some excitable twitchers
from Newcastle, UK, we had some nice sightings in Prospect
Park in spite [because of?] the dreary cold, wet weather.

On the Lake we had two Pied-billed Grebes, a number of
American Coots, and many Ruddy Ducks. �Nearby under the
Terrace Bridge we encountered a flock of White-throated Sparrows
that included two Fox Sparrows, one of which burst into song! �
I don't think I've ever heard a Fox Sparrow singing here in their
wintering grounds... it was lovely. �Nearby I caught a quick glimpse
of a greenish-gray bird I assumed to be a Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
but I "pished" and it landed on a branch mere feet from our faces...
and it was a fairly bright�Orange-crowned Warbler! �
Seems late, no?

On the Peninsula we encountered a flock of 8 House Finches eating
Green Ash seeds, and there was one male Purple Finch in the group.

We also had Golden-and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, a flock of over
50 Juncos, a calling Carolina Wren, and the pair of Great-horned Owls
roosting in their undisclosed location.

Not a bad day! �Oh, and yesterday from the Terrace Bridge I saw
something I'd never witnessed before: in the afternoon a bat was circling
(late as well, but it was warm) and a Merlin flew in and took a couple
passes at it! �The bat went into evasive maneuvers though and the falcon
didn't catch it though as far as I could see... must've been trying out to be
a Bat Falcon!

Good Birding,

Gabriel WillowProspect Park Audubon Center, NYC Audubon

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

Generally very quiet after my work day, yet for small movement in the Peninsula sumacs by the water fountain; Eating Peppercorn berries were HERMIT THRUSH, White-throated Sparrows, and two nearby SWAMP SPARROWS..

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Nov 17, 2011 3:30 AM - 4:15 AM

Protocol: Traveling

1.0 mile(s)

13 species

Mute Swan 5

Mallard X

Ruddy Duck 31 lake

Double-crested Cormorant 1 at 3 sisters

American Coot 3 lake

Mourning Dove X

Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 well dr

Blue Jay 1

Hermit Thrush 1 peninsula sumacs

American Robin 20 peninsula sumacs

Swamp Sparrow 2 peninsula sumacs

White-throated Sparrow X

American Goldfinch 1

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

Local birder Rob Jett speaking at NYU 11/16 3:30-630 pm

2011-11-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

Rob Jett of Brooklyn birding fame is one of the guest speakers at NYU in Manhattan tomorrow.

The speaking program focuses on local environment and urban genre.

For more , go to Rob's "Citybirder" blog clicking on the below link:

http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2011/11/upcoming-event.html

-KB

Recruiting for the Christmas Bird Count

2011-11-14T20:22:00.004-05:00

December 17th is the Brooklyn (Kings) Christmas Bird Count.

If you are interested in participating in this grand & celebrated event, please contact Heidi for any area outside of Prospect Park.

If you want to participate in Prospect Park, contact me at Prosbird@aol.com to be either on my team in the southern /Lake region OR Paul Keim's team meeting at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue) at 7 am then for Paul's northern region exploration. I will try to balance the numbers for each team.

Here's the info on the Xmas count from the Brooklyn Bird Club trips webpage:

Saturday, December 17th, 112th Christmas Bird Census

http://conservation.audubon.org/programs/christmas-bird-count

Teams Coordinator: Heidi Steiner-Nanz (718) 369-2116 (call early eve before 8 pm) or email heidi.steiner@verizon.net

Compiler: Rick Cech, assisted by Paul Keim

Comments: Coordinator assigns trip leaders and participants, assimilating teams and establishing starting points with team leaders. Please call early as possible for participation in this great event. Time is needed to plan and figure out the details. The count dinner will be held at the Prospect Park Audubon Center (Boathouse). Help and assistance is needed for dinner setup, email Peter at prosbird@aol.com to offer your help and get details. There is a $5 donation request for the event as a donation to cover publication cost of the Census results from National Audubon.. See your field leader on the latter for details.

--Peter

Typical areas outside Prospect usually needing participants

Greenwood Cemetery
Floyd Bennett Field Preserve
Spring Creek
Bergen Beach
Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Prospect November 13th

2011-11-13T18:26:00.002-05:00

Back from a few days in the Jersey Pine Barrens (birds , inc 5 Bald Eagles,Snow Geese in Brigantine NWR , 100+ Cedar Waxwings in an Atlantic Cedar grove and perimeter ; leaf peeping for colorful fall foliage) , here are today's Prospect's birding reports including ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER:

From Adam :

Hi All

At about 3pm this afternoon I was taking a walk with Sarah in the Park

and she spotted a warbler-like bird that she didn't recognize. I got

on to it and we had a bunch of really good views of my first

Orange-crowned Warbler for this year, halfway between the Wellhouse

and the BBQ area near the south end of Lookout. Gray head, very slim

eye-ring, fainly blotchy/streaked olivey breast, paler greenish-yellow

vent, etc. etc.

What a way to be welcomed back to NYC! (I got back yesterday from Kenya.)

Cheers

Adam

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

From Kathy

There were very few birds today. Most of the birds we did see were on

Breeze Hill. We got only a very brief look at the turkey vulture,

flying over.

date = 2011/11/13

site = Prospect Park

observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein

Pied-billed Grebe

Double-crested Cormorant

Turkey Vulture

Northern Shoveler

Ruddy Duck

Mute Swan

Mallard

American Coot

Great Black-backed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

American Robin

Hermit Thrush

White-throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

House Sparrow

Tonights BBC prog reminder; list from Sunday

2011-11-10T12:42:00.000-05:00

Dont forget tonights lecture "Birding Israel" , presented by Eric Salzman

Venue Litchfield Villa conference room, 630 gathering, 7 pm presentation.

for more goto http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/ calendar link

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

From Michele reporting on last Sunday's walk

Vinnie and Eni led the 8 am walk on one of the most beautiful Sundays of the year. The group of 9 walked over to the Ballfields in search of the eastern bluebirds. They met back at the center with the 10 am group. 8 more people joined and we hit the vale.

We saw the oriole right away. The Swamp Sparrow joined us for a while. Then we got such good looks at a downy woodpecker that we were able to see it's tongue dart in and out of the hole in the tree trunk.

We went to the sparrow bowl and saw the vesper sparrow and two red bats! It was funny that some dog walkers didn't notice them flying right over their heads.

See you all on Sunday December 4 at 10am.
Here's the November list:

Robin

Mockingbird

Red tailed hawk

White throated sparrow

Red eyed vireo

Golden crowned kinglet

Hermit thrush

Tufted titmouse

(Heard) chickadee

Cardinal

House sparrow

Swamp sparrow

Baltimore oriole (late)

Downy woodpecker

Vesper sparrow

Ring-billed gull

American Coot

Eastern red bat

Mallard

Prospect November 9th

2011-11-09T15:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday John Ascher reported VESPER SPARROW near the Sparrowbowl, by lamppost S150

Today's report
Larry Zirlin

Hi Peter,
Seemed like a pretty quiet morning.

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

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 9, 2011 7:57 AM - 11:18 AM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
28 species

Canada Goose 3
Mute Swan 9
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 75
Ruddy Duck 24
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Peregrine Falcon 2 BBG tower
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull 80
Herring Gull 10
Rock Pigeon 9
Mourning Dove 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 10
Black-capped Chickadee 3
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 2
European Starling 8
Savannah Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 10
Northern Cardinal 9
House Finch 4 Vale
House Sparrow 15

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

Expired American Woodcock

2011-11-08T07:37:00.002-05:00

I received an inquiry yesterday to identify a bird carcass that was found on the street curb below the Smith -9th Street train station in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn. Likely the bird died from a collision with a nearby window or building or some sort of infrastructure obstruction ( steel frame, beam,etc)

It is an unfortunate occurrence that not every bird makes it journey to its intended destination.A fact stated from "Birds in Migration", by Paul Kerlinger ( I think this is the book) that only 30 % of migrants successfully complete their journeys, a sobering fact that also requires us to be vigilant in conserving habitats and addressing issues that are deathtraps for the remaining 30% .These are things like reflective windows, wind turbines ( yes, they are now being looked at with disdain) , feral cats and so on.

Oh , its an AMERICAN WOODCOCK

Correction : On the 30 % "fact, I recalled the book might have been Scott Wiedensaul's book "Living on the Wing"

This Thursday BBC eve program : BBC member Tom Stephenson's lecture @Linnaean

2011-11-07T12:53:00.004-05:00

The last Brooklyn Bird Club program for 2011 will be a very interesting one.

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm

The venue is the Litchfield Villa ( at PPWest Ave and 5th St) 630 gathering, 7 pm program

Thursday, November 10, 6:30 P.M.

Birding Israel
with Eric Salzman, speaking

Israel is situated right on one of the world's greatest migration routes for raptors, land birds and wetlands species traveling between Africa and Eurasia and it is the only country on this route where birds are not extensively trapped or shot. It is also hosts a large number of wintering birds (including the world's greatest concentrations of cranes and storks) as well as many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breeding species. There are now birding centers around the country from Jerusalem to many of the kibbutz in the rift valley, on the Mediterranean and even in the desert. Eric Salzman had the good luck to be there at the end of winter and beginning of spring and was able to travel the country from bottom to top and from west to east to visit many of the top sites.

6:30 PM at the Litchfield Villa (Program will start at 7.)

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

From NYS Birds Listserve:

BBC's Tom Stephenson speaking for Linnanean 11/8

Our own Tom Stephenson will be guest speaking on warbler songs and calls identification. For more and details see below from the NYSBirds listserve:

FoSubject: The Linnaean Society Lecture Series: Seeing and hearing birds better (8 Nov 6-9 pm AMNH)
from: Angus Wilson

Date: Tue, 1 Nov 2011 21:21:28 -0400

*** THE LINNAEAN SOCIETY OF NEW YORK - MEETING PROGRAM - AMERICAN MUSEUM OF
NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY ***

Next TUESDAY (8 Nov 2011), *The Linnaean Society of New York* (TLS) will

present another two part program featuring entertaining talks by Jerry
Connolly and Tom Stephenson. The theme of the night is ways to improve your
birding experience, by eye or by ear. The program is held at the American

Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City.

*6:00 p.m. OPTICS - JERRY CONNOLLY*
Owner of The Audubon Shop in Madison, Connecticut, and a member of
Swarovski Optik�s Birding Advisory Council, Jerry Connolly will display,
discuss, and allow hands-on tryouts of the latest in birding optics. He
will also offer tips on how to become a better digiscoper (one who takes
digital photographs through a spotting scope).

*7:30 p.m. WARBLERS IN REAL LIFE - TOM STEPHENSON*

In a preview of his forthcoming book of the same title, Tom
Stephenson�musician, author, photographer, lecturer, and tour leader�will
focus on some lesser-known points of visual identification of warblers and
how they, and thus other songbirds, can be identified by songs, flight
calls, and contact calls, using sonograms and other techniques available
free to computer users. He will also describe the system he created for
learning bird songs after he had studied how memory actually works. �My own
memory is nothing special,� he writes in one of his regular *Surfbird* blog
posts, but he goes on to say, �using this system I have been able to learn
300 or 400 songs for each of my last several trips to Africa, South
America, and Asia.�

*WHERE AND WHEN*

Both programs are open to the public FREE OF CHARGE and will be held in the

Linder Theater on the first floor of the American Museum of Natural

History. Enter the museum from the 77th Street entrance, where TLS members
will be on hand to guide you up to the auditorium. The first program will
last approximately one hour. Anyone wishing to meet Tom Stephenson before
the 7:30 program may join the TLS party for dinner at Pappardella, 316
Columbus Ave. at 75th St., at 6 pm. The reservation will be in the name of
Deutsch.
*MORE INFORMATION ON THE TLS PROGRAM *

Jeff Nulle (Vice-President and Chair of the Program Committee) has put
together a spectacular program of invited speakers, workshops and video
presentations for the coming 2011/2012 season. For more details, please
check out (and bookmark) our website
http://linnaeannewyork.org/programs.html
or visit us on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Linnaean-Society-of-New-York/335385365977?ref=ts
Hopefully many of you will be able to join us on Tuesday (no reservations
necessary) for an educational evening.
Angus Wilson
Council Member, The Linnaean Society of New York

2011-11-07T09:56:00.001-05:00

Hooded merganser @ 3 Sisters islands prospect lake

Prospect November 5th & Nov 6th BAOR

2011-11-05T23:16:00.003-04:00

Today's specialty is RUSTY BLACKBIRD. Typically a November migrant, the bird seen by Keir first was working along the watery edges , flipping over leaves in the Vale Cashmere pool.It was still there in midafternoon when I swung by.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD were found at the "sparrowbowl", two birds spotted by Elyse Taylor.Keir had one as well.

An ORIOLE species was reported at the north end of the Vale Cashmere, likely the same bird from over three weeks ago, persistent in its habits at that locale.It's likely a Baltimore but it would help if a photo of it was attained to ascertain its true identity and not some rarity from elsewhere.Keir reported the oriole.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Keir:

hi Peter

Quite a lot of FOS birds for me today and some obvious movement of robins, grackles etc in flyovers. The north end of the Vale pool brought great views of a Rusty Blackbird (skittish but if you kept still it would approach and toss leaves at close range), Purple Finches and high in the trees what presumably is the mystery oriole from 2 weeks ago. This is a note from Paul Sweet who saw the the bird with me the first time:

Hi KeirI looked at some skins the next day and found plenty of Baltimores that looked like the bird. Nothing wrong with a few pics though.Paul

So to be clear, there was nothing other than the late date (and now long staying) which made me wonder that it might not be Baltimore. Hopefully someone will get better views soon.

As fall transitions into winter, a sign of it would be PURPLE FINCHES (Keir), three birds spotted at the Vale as well along with one FOX SPARROW, today's "hot" spot.(2 Fox Sparrows also seen at Villa woods.)

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

From Keir

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NYNov 5, 2011 8:45 AM - 1:45 PM

Protocol: Traveling3.0 mile(s)

39 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 20
Mallard 10
Northern Shoveler 15
Ruddy Duck 10
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 6
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Ring-billed Gull 50
Herring Gull 20
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 2
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 10
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Eastern Bluebird 1 Long Meadow fenced in area by ballfields, flew to trees nr Sparrowbowl
Hermit Thrush 6
American Robin 40
European Starling 20
Chipping Sparrow 2
Fox Sparrow 1 Vale pool
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 30
Dark-eyed Junco 10
Northern Cardinal 4
Rusty Blackbird 1 Vale pool
Common Grackle 25
Brown-headed Cowbird 10
oriole sp. 1 Vale pool - female type, probably Baltimore but not seen well enough to rule out Bullock's
Purple Finch 3 Vale pool drinking/bathing, probably 6 birds in total
House Sparrow 30

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

From Elyse:

Hi Peter,

Right after I saw you in the park today, I went to the sparrow bowl and immediately

saw 2 bluebirds on the fence and flying into the trees.

Also a yellow rump was there.

Otherwise it was a slow day, just seeing a few hermit thrushes.

Elyse

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

From Rafael:
A very slow morning around PP, but some surprises among the 31 sps I tallied

between 8-12 am, 06 Nov 2011.

The nice one was 1 inmature Baltimore Oriole found at the Vale (seen also by

other birders later). Another surprise was 1 Green Heron seen around the lower

Lullwater.

Other sps seen today were: House Finch, Swamp Sparrow, Cooper's Hawk,

Pied-billed Grebe, Northern Shoveler (no Ruddy Ducks today!!!), Tufted Titmouse,

Hermit Thrush.

Brooklyn is good birding!!!: Rafa Campos R.

2011-11-05T14:36:00.001-04:00

RUSTY BB reptd earlierby Keir still presnt in Vale cashmere pool water section

2011-11-05T12:32:00.001-04:00

RUSTY BB ORIOLE SP FOX SPARROW_n Vale cashmere pool

November 4th Prospect : Windy day,raptor rewards

2011-11-04T16:56:00.004-04:00

Before a summary of today's sightings, Monica Berger passed me a note about WiFi in Prospect. This news is a good thing to know if those who are not on my textblast group or Twitter can check my prospect sightings blog or the local birding listserves when in the Picnic House area.

Hi Peter: You *might* want to mention on your blog
that the Picnic House now has wifi. This is very useful
to those without smart phones,data plans or cell phone
plans like myself who only have a iPod touch
and have to pay by the text on their cell.

thanks, Monica

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

A windy day under clear conditions is something to note because if you look up, good raptors may be passing over.

This morning , Mary Eyster and Russ Alderson saw an Eagle species flying over the 9th Street park entrance, in this case BALD EAGLE. There were several other distant raptors, one other likely eagle species which was too far to determine its identity ( because Golden Eagles pass thru around this time).

The next best thing is RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. This bird was spotted by me over the Boathouse East Drive area, a circling soaring bird that veered southwestward. Later , Rob Bate reported seeing a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at 12:15 pm over the Long Meadow.This likely is a second bird since the first was seen 10:47.

Other raptors on my day off include several Red-Tailed Hawks and a soaring PEREGRINE FALCON. These two species just happened to soar over me as I was lunching at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden cafe ( great food!). A Sharp-Shinned Hawk over Breeze Hill , American Kestrel at the Sparrowbowl ( Bate) added to the list of hawks for today.

Two VESPER SPARROWS, no doubt very wary of those hawks, continue their remarkable stay residing at the ballfields fence enclosure ,perched on the snow fence, reported by Russ.

On the terrestrial level,well more like aquatics sense, 5 BUFFLEHEADS --1 drake, 4 hen --sailed along on Prospect Lake, while a WOOD DUCK drake shot off over the south lakeside. About 35 RUDDY DUCKS dispersed throughout the lake. But most amusing has to be 5 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flocking on the electric tour boat canopy.It must be messy up there.

--Kingsboider

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY

Nov 4, 2011 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Protocol: Traveling

4.0 mile(s)

35 species

Canada Goose 102 Parade grounds

Mute Swan 9 lake

Wood Duck 1 lake , drake

Mallard X

Bufflehead 5, 1 drake, 4 hen Lake

Ruddy Duck 35 lake

Pied-billed Grebe 2 lake

Double-crested Cormorant 5 on Lake boat

Bald Eagle 1 west woods 9th street ent per Mary Eyster, Russ Alderson

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 breeze hill

Red-shouldered Hawk 2--one over boathouse (dorosh); 1 Long Meadow (Bate)

Red-tailed Hawk 2

American Kestrel 1 sparrowbowl per Rob Bate

Ring-billed Gull X

Herring Gull X

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon X

Mourning Dove X

Downy Woodpecker 1

Eastern Phoebe 1

Blue Jay 2

Black-capped Chickadee 1 breeze hill

Brown Creeper 1 south Lakeside

Winter Wren 1 south Lakeside

Golden-crowned Kinglet 3

Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4

American Robin X

Northern Mockingbird 1 Peninsula

European Starling X

Chipping Sparrow 1 at LP 249

Vesper Sparrow 2 baseball fields per Russ Alderson

Song Sparrow 5 breeze hill

Swamp Sparrow 1 breeze hill

White-throated Sparrow X

House Sparrow X

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, US-NY

Nov 4, 2011 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Protocol: Traveling

1.0 mile(s)

9 species

Red-tailed Hawk 1

Peregrine Falcon 1

Brown Creeper 1

Golden-crowned Kinglet 6

American Robin 45

Northern Mockingbird 1

European Starling 1

White-throated Sparrow X

House Sparrow X

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

2011-11-04T10:51:00.001-04:00

Red shouldered hawk Flyover boathouse .head southwest

2011-11-04T08:55:00.001-04:00

5 Buffleheads on Prospect Lake