The convergence of Jupiter and Venus culminates on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 with a CLOSE CONJUNCTION of these planets! At their closest approach, these two planets will be SO CLOSE, only 1/3 of a degree, or 20 arcminutes apart! This is close enough to fit inside the same field of view of binoculars, or a telescope at low power! (A typical small scope at 30x can show the entire Moon, which is 30 arcminutes across, larger than the separation between the planets on this night.)...
See MoreMonday, June 26, 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Tweet from Gus Keri (@BirdingGus)
Gus Keri (@BirdingGus) tweeted at 4:39 PM on Sun, Jun 25, 2017:
Is this an Eurasian collared Dove? In Prospect park now. https://t.co/oYVIZg9XQ8
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/879076521650126848?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Update Bird since has been determined to be an escape (likely) African Collared Dove
Is this an Eurasian collared Dove? In Prospect park now. https://t.co/oYVIZg9XQ8
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/879076521650126848?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Update Bird since has been determined to be an escape (likely) African Collared Dove
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 25, 2017 10:17 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 25, 2017 07:45 by Linda Ewing
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37789076
- Comments: "Initially seen flying west from vicinity of peninsula thumb across lake and around/into big patch of phrags. Seen short while later flying between phrags on either side of long, narrow grassy area directly opposite Wellhouse. Another observer saw it fly left to right. I heard rustling in phrags on both sides of me, then saw bird fly right to left (into area rustling noise on left had been coming from). Seems very possible there were two birds."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 25, 2017 10:17 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 25, 2017 07:45 by Linda Ewing
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Initially seen flying west from vicinity of peninsula thumb across lake and around/into big patch of phrags. Seen short while later flying between phrags on either side of long, narrow grassy area directly opposite Wellhouse. Another observer saw it fly left to right. I heard rustling in phrags on both sides of me, then saw bird fly right to left (into area rustling noise on left had been coming from). Seems very possible there were two birds."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)
Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 8:14 AM on Sun, Jun 25, 2017:
Prospect least bittern just flew from península thumb into its favorite phrags. Good long look (even 1-handed).
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/878949445718724608?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Prospect least bittern just flew from península thumb into its favorite phrags. Good long look (even 1-handed).
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/878949445718724608?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 24, 2017 7:21 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 12:00 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing, duck with dark back and white spur on side."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 24, 2017 7:21 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 12:00 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing, duck with dark back and white spur on side."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Least Bittern wherabouts
According to Benjamin in his Ebird report,a bird was seen by the rink near the boat launch at about 2 pm
Correction: the actual site not rink is the well house Dr boat ramp OPP three shipping containers.
Correction: the actual site not rink is the well house Dr boat ramp OPP three shipping containers.
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 24, 2017 5:22 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (2 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 15:39 by Adelia Honeywood
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37777053
- Comments: "Continuing"
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 14:00 by Ben GC
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37777293
- Comments: "Flying between reeds near Boat launch on North side of lake"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 24, 2017 5:22 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (2 reports)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 15:39 by Adelia Honeywood
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing"
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 24, 2017 14:00 by Ben GC
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Flying between reeds near Boat launch on North side of lake"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Tweet from Rob Jett (@thecitybirder)
Rob Jett (@thecitybirder) tweeted at 9:08 AM on Sat, Jun 24, 2017:
For the first time in 25 years I saw a muskrat in Prospect Lake. How'd he get there? Q train?
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/878600604007923713?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
For the first time in 25 years I saw a muskrat in Prospect Lake. How'd he get there? Q train?
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/878600604007923713?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Rob Jett (@thecitybirder)
Rob Jett (@thecitybirder) tweeted at 8:17 AM on Sat, Jun 24, 2017:
Least Bittern just flew around the Thumb on Prospect lake heading west towards the usual spot that it's been seen
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/878587834696904704?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Least Bittern just flew around the Thumb on Prospect lake heading west towards the usual spot that it's been seen
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/878587834696904704?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Friday, June 23, 2017
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
From last night . also reported as late as 6 pm and again 630 pm by Ann Lararus and Miriam Rakowski between the two main phrags by the wooden bench
NO REPORTS TODAY.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 10:39 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Least Bittern (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 16:33 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Tripper has a picture. In the middle of the lake with a group of mallards. Dark head & back, pale sides with white spur at shoulder."
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (2)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 16:33 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "1st bird flew out of the phrags near where peninsula meadow meets Wellhouse Drive and headed into the SW corner of the park. 2nd bird seen shortly afterward from a paddle boat, perched in the edge of the phrags where peninsula meadow transitions into the woodsier area of the peninsula. Small buffy colored heron with dark cap and back, seen briefly but in full view. So bummed that my camera was at home."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2017 at 10:39 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Least Bittern (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 16:33 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Tripper has a picture. In the middle of the lake with a group of mallards. Dark head & back, pale sides with white spur at shoulder."
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (2)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 16:33 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "1st bird flew out of the phrags near where peninsula meadow meets Wellhouse Drive and headed into the SW corner of the park. 2nd bird seen shortly afterward from a paddle boat, perched in the edge of the phrags where peninsula meadow transitions into the woodsier area of the peninsula. Small buffy colored heron with dark cap and back, seen briefly but in full view. So bummed that my camera was at home."
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 22, 2017 8:40 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Least Bittern (3 reports)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 18:02 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37745992
- Comments: "I think continuing. I have a picture. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 18:02 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37745992
- Comments: "From a paddleboat! Very good looks, albeit brief, of a bird perched three quarters of the way up in the phrags just east of where the sculpture was. Classic LEBI crouch position. Buff colored bird with a dark cap and back. As I went for my camera, the bird flew west to the group of phrags nearest wellhouse drive. We had to return the boat and didn't see the bird again, or sign of a second one. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 14:02 by Sean Sime
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37746318
- Comments: "Photos. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (2)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 11:00 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37745691
- Comments: "Seen flying together over water west of Peninsula lawn. Later, one seen flying back, eventually refound by Paige, walking in phrags. In flight, small herons with buffy wing patches, dark backs, orange-ish color from breast to bill"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 22, 2017 8:40 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Ring-necked Duck (1 report)
- Least Bittern (3 reports)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 18:02 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "I think continuing. I have a picture. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 18:02 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "From a paddleboat! Very good looks, albeit brief, of a bird perched three quarters of the way up in the phrags just east of where the sculpture was. Classic LEBI crouch position. Buff colored bird with a dark cap and back. As I went for my camera, the bird flew west to the group of phrags nearest wellhouse drive. We had to return the boat and didn't see the bird again, or sign of a second one. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 14:02 by Sean Sime
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Photos. "
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (2)
- Reported Jun 22, 2017 11:00 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Seen flying together over water west of Peninsula lawn. Later, one seen flying back, eventually refound by Paige, walking in phrags. In flight, small herons with buffy wing patches, dark backs, orange-ish color from breast to bill"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Prospect Least Bittern is a double!
No sooner after I posted news of the Least Bittern update believing it was a single bird all along, a tweet from Kathy Toomey noted TWO Least Bitterns !
While waiting at the wood bench along the Peninsula shoreline, about noon time,both Kathy and Isabel Conte observed the pair flying out of the right phragmites towards the left. See my previous post with the map link.
Now the whole picture is intriguing..... will Prospect get lucky for a breeding pair? Here's hoping....
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Bittern/lifehistory
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=51
Other news :
From Gus
I missed the Least bittern twice today. the first time by 5 seconds only and the second time by a couple of minutes. I guess it wasn't to be for me today.
But I had a better luck in seeing the Acadian Flycatcher sitting in its nest above the Rock Arch bridge (near Ambergill fall)
Gus also saw RING NECKED DUCK on the Lake.
Janet Zinn's documentary Photo of this morning Least Bitterns on Facebook Brooklyn urban Birders group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrooklynUrbanBirders/?multi_permalinks=1458428334179967%2C1458289424193858¬if_t=group_activity¬if_id=1498060960828872
While waiting at the wood bench along the Peninsula shoreline, about noon time,both Kathy and Isabel Conte observed the pair flying out of the right phragmites towards the left. See my previous post with the map link.
Now the whole picture is intriguing..... will Prospect get lucky for a breeding pair? Here's hoping....
Near One PM as my lunch hour was ending, I took a look at my sibleys for the flight profile when one flew back into the right Phragmites, a back door snuck in !
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Bittern/lifehistory
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/speciesDetails_e.cfm?sid=51
Other news :
From Gus
I missed the Least bittern twice today. the first time by 5 seconds only and the second time by a couple of minutes. I guess it wasn't to be for me today.
But I had a better luck in seeing the Acadian Flycatcher sitting in its nest above the Rock Arch bridge (near Ambergill fall)
Gus also saw RING NECKED DUCK on the Lake.
Janet Zinn's documentary Photo of this morning Least Bitterns on Facebook Brooklyn urban Birders group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BrooklynUrbanBirders/?multi_permalinks=1458428334179967%2C1458289424193858¬if_t=group_activity¬if_id=1498060960828872
Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)
Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 0:13 PM on Thu, Jun 22, 2017:
Isabel Conte and I just saw TWO Least Bitterns fly across mulch beach on Peninsula from right to left
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/877922541691699200?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Isabel Conte and I just saw TWO Least Bitterns fly across mulch beach on Peninsula from right to left
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/877922541691699200?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Least Bittern flying show
Several birders spotted the flyby bittern at 7:25 am. Joshua tweeted out the report while with Mike Y and Alie R. About an hour or 2 later, Janet Zinn saw it fly by towards the right phragmite. Then as I went to see just after ten , I ran into Karen and Gus. I was hoping despite no bins on me. So I left with more work to do.About 15 minutes later, Karen tweeted out the Least Bittern flying out of the right phrag towards the Peninsula thumb Phragmites. I left 5 minutes too early as they say .. :(
To get the best chance seeing the bird, its going to be on a flyby in front of the Peninsula shore where formerly a metal sculpture sat. There's a wood bench there where in the shade one can sit patiently and wait for the flyby.
see the map link I attached. Good luck
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MT4O7Y1BmrZmOpRDyhpk93aPuMs&usp=sharing
Tweet from ko (@KarenOhearn)
ko (@KarenOhearn) tweeted at 10:36 AM on Thu, Jun 22, 2017:
Least bittern just flew from phrags to the rt.of the old sculpture spot towards the peninsula thumb. Prospect Park
(https://twitter.com/KarenOhearn/status/877898116116213765?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Least bittern just flew from phrags to the rt.of the old sculpture spot towards the peninsula thumb. Prospect Park
(https://twitter.com/KarenOhearn/status/877898116116213765?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Least Bittern update today prospect lake
Per Joshua prior 8 am,Least Bittern seen with Mike and Alie flying from patch of phrags just west of former sculpture on the peninsula to patch just east, then flew again to phrags out toward the Thumb.
Janet Zinn saw it flyby an hour ago
Janet Zinn saw it flyby an hour ago
Butterfly Meadow
The Butterfly Meadow volunteer corps, comprised of Brooklyn Bird Club members, had its final session of the season today. The meadow is already looking great with tons of milkweed blooming (more than I can recall in many years); asters are blooming now and attracting lots of butterflies, and ladybugs abound. Should look fantastic by August--get up there if you can to see what we've done. Let's hope all this milkweed attracts some Monarchs later in the season...
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 9:47 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 21, 2017 16:45 by Simon Taylor
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37730366
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Rafael Campos-Ramírez, seen taking short flights in the previously reported area, in and around the phragmites on either side of the open beach-like area bordering the lake on the southern edge of the peninsula meadow. Tiny heron seen well in flight with buffy wing patches, pale "back braces" and light orange/straw-colored neck"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, Jun 21, 2017 at 9:47 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
*** Species Summary:
- Least Bittern (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) (1)
- Reported Jun 21, 2017 16:45 by Simon Taylor
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Rafael Campos-Ramírez, seen taking short flights in the previously reported area, in and around the phragmites on either side of the open beach-like area bordering the lake on the southern edge of the peninsula meadow. Tiny heron seen well in flight with buffy wing patches, pale "back braces" and light orange/straw-colored neck"
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Ridgewood Reservoir Update
From Christina Wilkinson, at the hearing last night:
Newtown Historical Society
Juniper Park Civic Association and Newtown Historical Society submitted the following joint testimony today regarding the NYC Parks Dept's application for Critical Environmental Area status for the Ridgewood Reservoir:
"The Ridgewood Reservoir is a combination of a natural and man-made treasure that must be preserved and properly cared for. The reservoir’s important place in the history of both boroughs is undeniable, which is why we are in favor of listing the reservoir as a whole on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Although neglect is generally a bad thing, in the case of the reservoir, its neglect was fortunate in that it led to it growing into a varied and unique habitat, found nowhere else in the entire city. It is now incumbent upon us to make the most of the gift that nature has given us.
While we support a Critical Environmental Area distinction, we are also concerned that it does not go far enough. The basins contain 3 distinctive habitats – a bog, a pond and a forest which provide vast educational opportunities. However, several environmental reports have indicated that there are endangered species residing inside the forested basin, which contains a wet meadow requiring protection. In order to assure this, we respectfully ask that the DEC move forward with the necessary wetlands mapping in addition to designation of the Critical Environmental Area."
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Tweet from Simon Taylor (@alionsINspace)
Simon Taylor (@alionsINspace) tweeted at 4:59 PM on Wed, Jun 21, 2017:
Least bittern seen briefly in flight, prospect lake, same general locale. Phrags at southeastern corner of peninsula meadow
(https://twitter.com/alionsINspace/status/877632046897676288?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Least bittern seen briefly in flight, prospect lake, same general locale. Phrags at southeastern corner of peninsula meadow
(https://twitter.com/alionsINspace/status/877632046897676288?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Summer Solstice
Today is the first day of summer, solstice occurring at 12:34 this morning.
Yellow is for goldenrods, purple for asters , mature green trees and foliage under the blue sky
Yellow is for goldenrods, purple for asters , mature green trees and foliage under the blue sky
Monday, June 19, 2017
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 19, 2017 7:10 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Acadian Flycatcher (1 report)
---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) (1)
- Reported Jun 19, 2017 16:30 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S37688137
- Comments: "As I stood on the first platform up the stairs from Ambergill Falls, looking at the nest over the boulder bridge, one bird was singing behind me. There was not a bird on the nest. From what I've read, if a pair of this species, for whatever reason, abandons a nest, they "almost invariably renest, often several times if subsequent nests also fail". I don't believe that there has been a report of these birds on or using the nest Friday, but if they are regularly not being seen on the known nest site (directly above the boulder bridge), it could be worthwhile to look around the area to see if they have relocated. All of this said, my observation was very brief (one to two minutes) due to the impending storm. "
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Jun 19, 2017 7:10 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Acadian Flycatcher (1 report)
------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County. View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) (1)
- Reported Jun 19, 2017 16:30 by Peter Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "As I stood on the first platform up the stairs from Ambergill Falls, looking at the nest over the boulder bridge, one bird was singing behind me. There was not a bird on the nest. From what I've read, if a pair of this species, for whatever reason, abandons a nest, they "almost invariably renest, often several times if subsequent nests also fail". I don't believe that there has been a report of these birds on or using the nest Friday, but if they are regularly not being seen on the known nest site (directly above the boulder bridge), it could be worthwhile to look around the area to see if they have relocated. All of this said, my observation was very brief (one to two minutes) due to the impending storm. "
***********
You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert
Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts
Least Bittern details from yesterdays sighting in Prospect
A huge surprise yesterday in Propsect Park ( or Lake) with a late ( or breeding ??) LEAST BITTERN appeared flying along the Peninsula shoreline where formerly the metal sculpture was the past early spring. Rafael Campos was the lucky observer and here is his words:
Hi Peter:
I saw the bird flying along the S side of the Peninsula meadow. The exact place I saw it was where that artifact called art, was sitting. The bittern flew L-R, while I was facing the lake. It took me by surprise, but it was close enough to ID it without field glasses. It landed on the first group of phragmites, passing the big trees. And it disappeared into the vegetation. I tried to see it again, and have a photo, but no luck.
That is what I call: "being in the wrong place, wrong time but got the good bird of the month"
Rafa Campos R
The phragmite patch is well known for rails and a few bitterns, opposite the Wellhouse at the beginning of the Peninsula.
A good bird Rafael !
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017
Fwd: Announcing the new Brooklyn Bird Club Web Site!
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
-----Original Message-----
From: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
To: \\ <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Fri, Jun 16, 2017 08:46 PM
Subject: Announcing the new Brooklyn Bird Club Web Site!
Dear Club Member,
Way back in the last century—1998 to be exact—the Brooklyn Bird Club launched our original web site. It was one of the first for a local bird club, and received much kudos! But with the advent of Web 2.0 and the exploding growth of mobile computing, it became sadly out-dated. It's taken awhile, but we've finally "gotten with the times" and are excited to present to you a totally revamped site. Created completely in WordPress, it's now optimized for both desktop and mobile use, and ease of updating. A new blog/news feature will allow us to post timely updates on club and conservation news and other stories of interest to our readers.
The URL hasn't changed, we are still at www.brooklynbirdclub.org
We encourage you to explore each item in the sidebar and take a tour of the new site. (On mobile devices, click the three parallel lines on the top left to access the sidebar.)
Be sure to check out our interactive calendar for our trips and meetings schedule, which is now exportable to your Google calender or iCal supported apps. Many events link to Google maps and directions can easily be obtained on both your phone or desktop–so you can have directions in hand on your way to an event!
Our map of Birding Brooklyn hot-spots (including a little bit of coastal Queens) is now more useful than ever, with each site linking to its ebird checklist, and Google-map integration, which again makes accessing directions super easy. Choose from driving, transit, walking, or biking directions and find your way to the best birding locales.
The detailed hot-spot map of Prospect Park gives the local nicknames for birding locations often referred to on Twitter or on listserves, which you won't find on the "official" park map. Finally figure out where "Rick's Place" and "the Sparrow Bowl" are located, and which of those islands is "Duck" and which is "West."
Our beautifully redesigned Clapper Rail newsletter is also prominently featured, with archived issues available.
We hope you'll like the new site and we would love to hear your comments.
Janet Zinn
Webmaster
Way back in the last century—1998 to be exact—the Brooklyn Bird Club launched our original web site. It was one of the first for a local bird club, and received much kudos! But with the advent of Web 2.0 and the exploding growth of mobile computing, it became sadly out-dated. It's taken awhile, but we've finally "gotten with the times" and are excited to present to you a totally revamped site. Created completely in WordPress, it's now optimized for both desktop and mobile use, and ease of updating. A new blog/news feature will allow us to post timely updates on club and conservation news and other stories of interest to our readers.
The URL hasn't changed, we are still at www.brooklynbirdclub.org
We encourage you to explore each item in the sidebar and take a tour of the new site. (On mobile devices, click the three parallel lines on the top left to access the sidebar.)
Be sure to check out our interactive calendar for our trips and meetings schedule, which is now exportable to your Google calender or iCal supported apps. Many events link to Google maps and directions can easily be obtained on both your phone or desktop–so you can have directions in hand on your way to an event!
Our map of Birding Brooklyn hot-spots (including a little bit of coastal Queens) is now more useful than ever, with each site linking to its ebird checklist, and Google-map integration, which again makes accessing directions super easy. Choose from driving, transit, walking, or biking directions and find your way to the best birding locales.
The detailed hot-spot map of Prospect Park gives the local nicknames for birding locations often referred to on Twitter or on listserves, which you won't find on the "official" park map. Finally figure out where "Rick's Place" and "the Sparrow Bowl" are located, and which of those islands is "Duck" and which is "West."
Our beautifully redesigned Clapper Rail newsletter is also prominently featured, with archived issues available.
We hope you'll like the new site and we would love to hear your comments.
Janet Zinn
Webmaster
Brooklyn Bird Club
Wellhouse opens Monday
This may be a godsend for Brooklyn Bird Club trip leaders . walk participants and birders of the community.
This coming Monday the Wellhouse finally opens , rededicated at a restroom facility.No longer do birders have to run all the way to the Rink or the Picnic House when nature calls. :) WE only wished it was opened sooner when the Goshawk was in town.......
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/relief-green-latrine-planned-brooklyn-prospect-park-convert-waste-plant-fertilizer-article-1.1292144
This coming Monday the Wellhouse finally opens , rededicated at a restroom facility.No longer do birders have to run all the way to the Rink or the Picnic House when nature calls. :) WE only wished it was opened sooner when the Goshawk was in town.......
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/relief-green-latrine-planned-brooklyn-prospect-park-convert-waste-plant-fertilizer-article-1.1292144
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Prospect Acadian Flycatcher records
A good nesting report for the park of ACADIAN FLYCATCHER-rare- is taking place at the Ravine Rock Arch bridge ( first found by Isabel Conte yesterday, followed up by Kathy Toomey today) . This is not the first time for the park. The last one I recalled was by Ricks Place bridle trail years ago.
Here's what I gathered from Cornell Ebird for June records, Seems like June 2012 was the last breeding record or perhaps it was 2007. Click on the word Checklist for the birder's report.
Here's what I gathered from Cornell Ebird for June records, Seems like June 2012 was the last breeding record or perhaps it was 2007. Click on the word Checklist for the birder's report.
Prospect ParkKings, US-NY
EXPLORE HOTSPOT| DATE | # | OBSERVER | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-06-14 | 1 | Peter Paul | Checklist |
| 2017-06-14 | 1 | Kathleen Toomey | Checklist |
| 2017-06-14 | 1 | Isabel Conte | ChecklistN |
| 2017-06-08 | 1 | karen o'hearn | ChecklistN |
| 2012-06-29 | X | Kathy Drake | Checklist |
| 2012-06-24 | 1 | Keir Randall | ChecklistN |
| 2012-06-16 | 1 | Tom Preston | Checklist |
| 2012-06-08 | 1 | Alex Wilson | ChecklistN |
| 2012-06-03 | 1 | Heydi Lopes | ChecklistN |
| 2011-06-01 | 1 | Alex Wilson | ChecklistN |
| 2009-06-14 | 1 | Larry Zirlin | ChecklistN |
| 2008-06-11 | 1 | Alex Wilson | ChecklistN |
| 2007-06-29 | 2 | Sean Sime | ChecklistP |
| 2002-06-15 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | Checklist |
| 2002-06-11 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | Checklist |
| 2002-06-09 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | Checklist |
| 2002-06-08 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | Checklist |
| 2001-06-02 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | Checklist |
| 1998-06-06 | 1 | NYC Bird Report Data | ChecklistN |
Wood duck familty
From Gus Keri posted on Brooklyn Urban Birders Facebook page
"I have always thought that the Prospect park Lake is much safer than the Upper or Lower pool for ducklings.
Today, I didn't see any duckling (Wood or Mallard) in the Upper or Lower pool but there was a total of 10 ducklings (7 Wood duckling and 3 Mallard duckling) in the Lake, near the West island.
Here is a video of mama Wood Duck with her 7 ducklings."
"I have always thought that the Prospect park Lake is much safer than the Upper or Lower pool for ducklings.
Today, I didn't see any duckling (Wood or Mallard) in the Upper or Lower pool but there was a total of 10 ducklings (7 Wood duckling and 3 Mallard duckling) in the Lake, near the West island.
Here is a video of mama Wood Duck with her 7 ducklings."
Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)
Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 2:19 PM on Thu, Jun 15, 2017:
Prospect Acadian Flycatcher still building nest above Rock Arch Bridge
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/875417399071309825?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Prospect Acadian Flycatcher still building nest above Rock Arch Bridge
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/875417399071309825?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Tweet from Isabel Conte (@aredstart2)
Isabel Conte (@aredstart2) tweeted at 2:43 PM on Wed, Jun 14, 2017:
Prospect acadian seen entering nest above rock bridge. Calling while in nest. Best view from steps, first platform up.
(https://twitter.com/aredstart2/status/875061262618701828?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Prospect acadian seen entering nest above rock bridge. Calling while in nest. Best view from steps, first platform up.
(https://twitter.com/aredstart2/status/875061262618701828?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Tom Stephenson (@TomProspectBird)
Tom Stephenson (@TomProspectBird) tweeted at 8:56 AM on Wed, Jun 14, 2017:
Acadian flycatcher calling at the stairs down from Rick's place towards waterfall
(https://twitter.com/TomProspectBird/status/874973900614119426?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Acadian flycatcher calling at the stairs down from Rick's place towards waterfall
(https://twitter.com/TomProspectBird/status/874973900614119426?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Tom Stephenson (@TomProspectBird)
Tom Stephenson (@TomProspectBird) tweeted at 9:17 AM on Wed, Jun 14, 2017:
Definitely pair of Acadian flycatchers. Downstream from the falls in the bridge.
(https://twitter.com/TomProspectBird/status/874978989793849344?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Definitely pair of Acadian flycatchers. Downstream from the falls in the bridge.
(https://twitter.com/TomProspectBird/status/874978989793849344?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)