GRASSHOPPER SPARROW continues to defy logic, puzzlingly sticking to the same area for the third day, something about the patch of lawn median along Center Drive that it refuses to leave. The bird must be a programmed addict ! But reasonably, if a bird is exhausted and hungry, it makes sense if food is plentiful ( grass seeds), to continue its opportunity at one spot. Refer to previous post for exact directions in Prospect. (observers : SBlodgett, Rafael Campos, SNanz, HSteiner)
Over at Greenwood Cemetery , abound with countless-- likely 5000 +-- DARK-EYED JUNCOS , one stood out species, the winter finch female WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL was seen feeding from a pine cone at the tree top, which this species thrive on pine cones, adjcent to Atlantic Ave ( that's in the cemetery) by the "Jasmine Path " , this area about 1000 feet west of the Hillside Mausoleum. See the side menu for Greenwood 's website & map. Also, PINE SISKINS are numerous here, 75 seen in a sweet gum, and some on the road below, a small sample of this species no doubt much more in higher numbers unreported. Also seen were RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES (2); Rob Bate reporting.
For winter finches best odds, GWCemetery fits the bill for your opportunities with Xbills and Siskins, and perhaps even Evening Grosbeaks. Its not far for Prospect birders. Information from Rob Jett points to the southwest Quadrant the pines along Cypress , Sassafras Avenues are best for these winter finches, spreading out in the general area closer to the western fence boundary. Also, besides Atlantic and Ocean Avenues, the pines around Dewitt Clinton grave , quite close to Battle Hill or Minerva Statue are good spots as well. Conifers abound in the cemetery so it's best to spend the morning walking the whole grounds. Remember on weekdays, only the main entrance at 25th street and 5th ave is open besides the 4th avenue and 39th entrance. On weekends, all entrances are open.Also, forewarning, there are many toppled trees and limbs, be careful where you walk; yes Sandy got this spot a pretty good whopping since GWC is the highest point in Brooklyn .
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Rafael report:
Peter: After I got your text-mes about the GRSP that was again in the same area of the 2 previous days, we went there around 1 hr later. We found the bird, I took more pictures, and this was a lifer for JRZ. It was amazing to see this individual practically ignoring the people walking by, cars, bicycles. We left the area almost 30 minutes later, and the bird was still there. Pine Siskins still around the Park, mixed with AMGOs. I took some pics of 1 RBNU, and PUFIs.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Nov 5, 2012 12:30 PM
Protocol: Incidental
Observers: Rafael Campos R & Jane R Zucker
Comments: This the third consecutive day that the Grasshopper Sparrow is found in the same area of the 2 previous days. Photos taken.
21 species
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 1
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 2
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) 1 photos taken
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis) X
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 2
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
Brooklyn is great birding!!!!
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From Orrin , birding GWCemetery
Many pine siskins, apparently newly-arrived (north end) (picture attached), feeding on the ground with goldfinches, at least 3 red-tails overhead, and an absolute flood--vast numbers--of juncos. Probably some rarities too but I didn't have the time to sort through them all. Also, a couple of newly-arrived palm warblers.
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Rob Bate list
Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, US-NY
Nov 5, 2012 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
32 species
Canada Goose X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 2
Ruddy Duck 3
Red-tailed Hawk X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Northern Flicker X
Eastern Phoebe X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Brown Creeper X
Golden-crowned Kinglet X
Eastern Bluebird X
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
Northern Mockingbird X
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow X
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow 100
Dark-eyed Junco 5000 observed fallout
Purple Finch 2
White-winged Crossbill 1 female
Pine Siskin 75 conservative #, far more
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S11970835
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
