One does not know where to begin. Among so many damaged trees, and appreciated help from the National Forest Service from California cutting them up, birds of very good quality are coming in. Starting with GRASSHOPPER SPARROW, this rare bird is sticking to the same spot since it's 11/3 discovey,along its sidewalk abode , now marked by two small branches on the narrow lawn median to protect it from the many passerby , unknown to them their feet coming perilously close to a bird Prospect rarely sees.Look for it , if still present, on that lawn median/sidewalk between the fire hydrant and the west access to Lookout Hill from Center Drive opposite the east end of the QCemetery.
Secondly, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS were spottted by Rob Jett and Heydi Lopes in Greenwood Cemetery, near the Valentine Statue near Cypress and Dale Avenues in the southern end of the GWC. These birds feed on pine cone seeds, where its plentiful in that southwestern area and throughout GWC. A alert was not sent out because the sighting occurred at 346 pm, when the cemetery closes at 4 pm. See Rob's NYSBIRDS listserve post below.
PINE SISKINS are more numerous, estimates at least 100 seen or heard in Prospect. 40-70 Psiskins were seen in the sweetgum trees on the west end of the Three Arches Nethermead Bridge.
Late birds were also observed, namely a perched BROAD-WINGED HAWK juvenile by the Audubon Center boat ramp. Also late ,a RED-EYED VIREO behind the Wellhouse, also LINCOLN SPARROW at the same spot.
Regarding additional rarity, BLUE GROSBEAK, first spotted by John A, was refound by PeterD and Keir R at the Well Drive picnic area, before the grosbeak was observed flying off northward.
In the sky above the Nethermead, along with a number of Red-tailed Hawks, at least two RED-SHOULDERED HAWKS are patrolling the skies in good views and cooperatively for sustained observation..
And last , in case no one has notice, the "traditional" buildup of NORTHERN SHOVELERS has begun in Prospect Lake. From yesterday's count of 132 birds, its now 237 birds which usually peaks for the Xmas count. Also seen was GADWALL by the Terrace bridge, with PIED BILLED GREBE and a report of AMERICAN WIGEON. DOUBLE CORMORANT have taken over the boat,4 looking to steer it somehow I presume. But one of them needs the pilot's cap.
There are so much to report and write that omissions are the norm, feel free to look over the reports below.
Good birding.
--KB
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Nov 4, 2012 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Protocol: Traveling
Observer: Rafael Campos R.
2.5 kilometer(s)
Comments: The Grasshopper Sparrow, was again in the same spot that was found 03 Nov 2012. Another late bird sps was an individual of Red-eyed Vireo, at the edge of the Quaker Cemetery.
43 species
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 2 Flyovers
Gadwall (Anas strepera) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) 1 flyover Nethermead
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2
American Coot (Fulica americana) 2
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 4
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 a male flew over the Nethermead.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus [auratus Group]) 2
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 1 individual observed harrasing a RTHA, near the radio tower.
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2
Red-eyed Vireo (Red-eyed) (Vireo olivaceus olivaceus) 1 single individual observed near the same spot where we found the GRSP: edge of the Quaker Cemetery.
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1 Maryland Monument
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1 Heard calling near the Maryland Monument
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 4
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 3
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 1 juvenal, perched on the lower branches of an oak tree: Nethermead
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 6
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) X 3rd most abundant sps in the park today.
Grasshopper Sparrow (Eastern) (Ammodramus savannarum pratensis) 1 Same individual of 03 Nov 2012. Observed by multiple observers. Photos taken.
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) 3
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 2
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X Perphas the most abundant, & common sps in the park.
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis) X The 2nd most abundant sps of bird in the park today.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 4
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 1 single individual, seen near the edge of the Nethermead. Photos taken.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 1 Juvenal, Vale.
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 2 flyovers Nethermead
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 1 Nethermead
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 6
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 12 Seen feeding on a gum treen, also taking baths: Nethermead Arches bridge. Photos taken.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X a good number of individuals feeding on a gum tree, Nethermead Arches Bridge. Also Pine Siskins.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
Brooklyn is great birding!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Rob Jett post to NYSBIRDS
Subject: Brooklyn Birds Today
From: Rob Jett
Date: Sun, 4 Nov 2012 17:43:05 -0500
X-Message-Number: 18
Early this morning Heydi Lopes relocated the Grasshopper Sparrow in Prospect Park. It was still feeding on seeds along the sidewalk opposite the Quaker Cemetery at the edge of the Nethermead Meadow. Peter Dorosh reported that it was still present as of approximately 3pm.
I spent the entire day birding in Green-Wood Cemetery where there was a decent showing of birds. Juncos seemed to be just about everywhere, with smaller numbers of Chipping Sparrows. I probably don't need to mention that siskins were pervasive. The cemetery usually doesn't see many Red-winged Blackbirds, but there were many flocks moving through today with a single Rusty Blackbird seen at the Dell Water. We also spotted a single Lincoln's Sparrow and a pair of White-crowned Sparrows. The buteo flight was considerably less than yesterday, although there were still decent numbers of Red-tailed Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks moving through the area. From our hawkwatch on Battle Hill we also observed a single juvenile Bald Eagle. After lunch Heydi and I decided to focus our efforts on an area in the cemetery called "The Flats", where there is a very good concentration of mature conifers. Near "The Valentine Angel" we heard, then spotted, a flock of 30 White-winged Crossbills. They settled briefly at the top of a spruce tree, then moved across the road leap-frogging along the tops of a few other conifers. They eventually looped back to the North, where we lost sight of them.
Despite a loss of 100 or more trees from the hurricane, Green-Wood Cemetery is still the best location in the borough for healthy, mature conifers. I plan on spending a lot of time there this season looking for irruptive species. I'll keep you posted.
Good birding,
Rob
http://citybirder.blogspot.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Peters list
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 4, 2012 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
4.0 mile(s)
52 species
Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 3
Gadwall 1
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 237
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Double-crested Cormorant 4
Great Blue Heron 1
Osprey 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Broad-winged Hawk 1 small , chunky , juvenile, darkish brown head, frontal streaking spaced out on chest towards flanks. short tail, with whitish broad single band
Red-tailed Hawk 4
American Coot X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 3
Peregrine Falcon 1
Red-eyed Vireo 1 adult
Blue Jay X
Tufted Titmouse 4
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Winter Wren 3
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2
Eastern Bluebird 1
Hermit Thrush 9
American Robin X
Gray Catbird 1
European Starling X
Chipping Sparrow 4
Grasshopper Sparrow 1 seen by multiple observers, see pics www.prospectsigtings.blogspot.com
Fox Sparrow (Red) 1
Song Sparrow 3
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 wellhouse, bufffy chest , fine streaking 3 observers
Swamp Sparrow 3
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 95
Northern Cardinal 3
Blue Grosbeak 1 female seen by 3 observers
Indigo Bunting 1 juv male
Red-winged Blackbird 1
Purple Finch 2
Pine Siskin 2
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S11962828
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Keir
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 4, 2012 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
61 species (+3 other taxa)
Canada Goose 8
Mute Swan 6
Gadwall 3
Mallard 12
Northern Shoveler X
Ruddy Duck 12
Double-crested Cormorant 3
Great Blue Heron 1
Sharp-shinned Hawk 2
Sharp-shinned/Cooper's Hawk 2
Red-shouldered Hawk 2
Red-tailed Hawk 7
Ring-billed Gull 1
gull sp. X
Rock Pigeon 3
Mourning Dove 12
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3
Downy Woodpecker 3
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 4
Merlin 1
Peregrine Falcon 1
Eastern Phoebe 3
Blue-headed Vireo 2 Long Meadow nr Nellie's lawn in am and L249 in pm. Both studied well, crisp throat edging.
Red-eyed Vireo 1 Point blank views behind Wellhouse, no black whiskers! Peter Dorosh also obs.
Blue Jay 8
Black-capped Chickadee 9
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Winter Wren 2
Carolina Wren 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet 8
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 6
Eastern Bluebird 4 4 south west Nethermead and 1 later Nethermead nr arches
Hermit Thrush 30
American Robin 20
Northern Mockingbird 1
European Starling 12
Cedar Waxwing 6
Tennessee Warbler 1 Low behind fence at L249. Yellow/green above and below with whitish vent.
Pine Warbler 1 Sparrowbowl edge shrubs and also feeding on grass with a Myrtle. Quite bright, cheek demarcation and plain back seen well.
Yellow-rumped Warbler 4
Eastern Towhee 1
Chipping Sparrow 2
Grasshopper Sparrow 1 Continued in am and at 3pm at same location - the path between SW Nethermead meadow & Center Drive. Often between the two strategically placed branches on grass . Occasionally flushed to Quaker edge.
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 18
Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Point blank views in Wellhouse area, Peter Dorosh also obs.
Swamp Sparrow 8
White-throated Sparrow 65
Dark-eyed Junco 35
Northern Cardinal 6
Blue Grosbeak 1 L249. Female type, big and large billed. Observed low in weedy area and then climbing a bare tree before flying off in Nethermead direction. Peter Dorosh also obs.
Indigo Bunting 1 Nethermead horse trail near arches. Whitish throat, blue in tail. Presumably same bird seen midday with John Ascher and R. Campos and again in late pm with P. Dorosh.
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Common Grackle 8
blackbird sp. 30
Purple Finch 8
Pine Siskin 70 Including 35+ in sweetgums on Longmeadow, north of picnic house.
American Goldfinch 25
House Sparrow 20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Adam
Hi Peter
List from my & Tom's walk around the park today.
Cheers!
Adam
From:
Date: Sun, Nov 4, 2012 at 5:19 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Nov 4, 2012
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 4, 2012 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: Birded with Tom Stephenson, sometimes joined by others. Walked from Grand Army Plaza south to Lake, birded Nellie's Lawn, Midwood, Lookout, lakeshore, Sparrow Bowl, and points in between. Probable Peregrine Falcon seen on transmitter tower, too distant to be sure.
51 species
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 3
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 1
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 200 count accurate + or - 5%
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X probably more than 100, not counted carefully
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 4
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 2 Possibly more birds. At least 4 sightings over Park.
American Coot (Fulica americana) 2
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) 15
Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) X
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 3
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) 6
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 1
Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) 3 2 seen on Lookout Hill, another in Midwood. Photographed by Tom Stephenson.
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 6
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 5
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 2
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 12
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 20 Many seen scattered throughout Park.
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 35 approx count
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 15
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) X
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 2
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) 3
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 1
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) 1 Bird seen w many other observers at same location reported yesterday. Photographed by Tom Stephenson.
Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) 3
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 15
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 50
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 150 approx count. Numerous flocks of at least 20 birds each.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 1 Adult female seen by many observers, southern slope of Lookout Hill. Photographed by Tom Stephenson.
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 5
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 5
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 45 minimum count. Probably more. At least 3 separate flocks.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 20
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S11960550
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Michele Dreger, 1st Sunday walk
About 25 of us met at the Audubon, this morning. A group went straight to the Grasshopper sparrow on the Center Drive. Some of stayed back waiting for stragglers. We saw some type of falcon but we could not get a positive ID.
The Grasshopper sparrow sat right out in the open for everyone to enjoy. It was a life bird for many of us.
Sent from my iPhone!
Begin forwarded message:
From: Michele Dreger
Date: November 4, 2012 2:57:45 PM EST
To: michele dreger
Subject: November list
Palm Warbler*
Eastern Bluebird*
Red breasted nuthatch*
Black capped Chickadee*
Yellow-rumped warbler*
American Robin*
Grasshopper sparrow*
Song sparrow*
Northern Flicker*
Red Shouldered hawk*
Red-tailed hawk*
Gray Catbird*
Dark-eyed Junco*
Northern Shoveler*
American Coot*
Mallard*
Canada Goose*
American Goldfinch*
Blue headed vireo*
Eastern Phoebe*
Northern parula*
Cedar waxwing *
Blue grosbeak*
Northern Cardinal*
Blue Jay*
Carolina wren*
Common Grackle *
Ruddy duck*
Tennessee warbler*
House sparrow*
Purple finch*
Downy woodpecker*
Mourning dove*
Rock dove*
Redwing blackbird*
White breasted nuthatch*
Brown creeper*
Pine Siskin*
Herring Gull*
Ring billed gull*
Ruby crowned kinglet*
Golden crowned kinglet*
Great Black backed gull*
Mute Swan*
Chipping sparrow*
House wren*
Double crested cormorant*
Tufted titmouse*
Lincoln sparrow*
Pied-billed Grebe *
Belted Kingfisher*
Swamp sparrow*
White throated sparrow*
European starling*
Hermit thrush*
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From John Ascher
Hi Peter,
Here's my list for today
John
John S. Ascher, PhD
Research Scientist
Division of Invertebrate Zoology
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park W @ 79th St.
New York, NY 10024-5192
212-496-3447 work
917-407-0378 cell
________________________________________
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org [do-not-reply@ebird.org]
Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2012 12:58 PM
To: John Ascher
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Nov 4, 2012
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 4, 2012 10:10 AM - 1:25 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: birded Lake, base of Lookout, Wellhouse, Center Drive, Nethermead, and Quaker Cemetery perimeter
58 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) 12
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 4
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) 25
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 45
Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2 pair at Three Sisters
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 40
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) 2
Accipiter sp. (Accipiter sp.) 1
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 2
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 20
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 1
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 3
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) 1 BBG tower
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 10
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) 8
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) 6
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) 10
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) 4 Nethermead
Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) 35
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 40
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) 2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) 14
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) 6
Tennessee Warbler (Oreothlypis peregrina) 1 base of Lookout Hill steps. Seen by group. Same bird photographed on Thurs;.
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) 1 base of Lookout Hill near grill area. Seen by large group. Photos available
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) 3
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) 4
Grasshopper Sparrow (Eastern) (Ammodramus savannarum pratensis) 1 continuing bird seen by many. Photos available
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 9
Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) 1 Wellhouse. Seen well but briefly
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 33
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) 40
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 2
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) 1 base of Lookout Hill near grill area; photo; seen by large group
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) 1 Center Drive near closed path to Pools. Photos available
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 10
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 6
Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) 4
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 6
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 30
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S11958289
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Lincolns sparrow behind wellhouse
Sent from my iPhone
Blue grosbeak Tennessee warbler. Northern parula. Lookout grill area. Tenn at base of stairs. Hooded merg pair three sisters. Bluebirds nethermead
Sent from my iPhone=
