The Upper Pool continues to harbor GADWALL, but previously a reported two doubled to four.On the lake, no sign of the previously reported Red breasted Merganser but it's possible it went into south Lullwater where I didn't go. I was too puckered after today..
Of note if one is looking for scarcity was a single CHIPPING SPARROW on Breeze Hill. To the right of the feeders upper slope trail , along the lawn in front of lamppost m150 ( if i remembered correctly) was the lonesome "Chippie".
Earlier, as I was watching Rob Bate fix the feeders , on that same slope trail head , I happened to flush a female PURPLE FINCH.Rob mentioned RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, I forget where. So, lets hope for these birds to stick around not only thru the CBC count but thru most of winter.
Just one other note I forgot to mention from the other day. While checking out an area along the horse trail just on the south side of the Nethermead, several sparrows popped out along the slope , among them a male EASTERN TOWHEE. This is a nice bird for winter seasons.
Prospect isn't known as a spectacular winter location that usually is reserved for coastal areas, but we do get those nice birds to mitigate winters gloom. ( A premise that I never find winter ever so dreary as I am winter's advocate; its the most beautiful and serene of seasons , better than summer for me). Later , a photo of me in the Daily News many years ago, about the Xmas count. Soon.
--KB
Addendum : Karen got back to me with more details about the phoebe. She mentioned tail wagging among some field marks, therefore,an EASTERN PHOEBE. Again, good bird right now for its tardiness..stick around fellas !
date = 2013/12/05
site = Prospect Park
observers = PeterD
Pied-billed Grebe 2 Lake Double-crested Cormorant Lake Great Blue Heron Lake shore Peninsula, didn't even budge Northern Shoveler many Lake Gadwall 4 Upper Pool Canada Goose Lake 63 Ruddy Duck numerous Lake Mute Swan 7 Duck Island Mallard Cooper's Hawk perched in pine southwest Nethermead Red-tailed Hawk American Coot 3 Lake Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Mourning Dove Downy Woodpecker feeders Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet reported by Rob Bate Hermit Thrush Peninsula sumacs Chipping Sparrow Breeze Hill east of feeders White-throated Sparrow several Eastern Towhee male seen Monday horse trail south of Nethermead Bridge
Northern Cardinal 2
Purple Finch east of feeders top trail, female
House Sparrow
