Fwd: Third NY Breeding Bird Atlas has Begun -- Participate Today!

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: New York Breeding Bird Atlas <nybba3@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2020, 10:30 AM
Subject: Third NY Breeding Bird Atlas has Begun -- Participate Today!
To: NY BBA III <nybba3@gmail.com>

Do you know that the third NY Breeding Bird Atlas has started? As an active eBirder, there are only a few additional steps you need to take to participate in this historic survey.

 

Atlas Essentials

1. Follow the block system
2. Learn how to use breeding behavior codes
3. Use the NY Breeding Bird Atlas portal to submit your observations

 

That's it. No new technology, just use the atlas portal and make a few extra clicks to add breeding codes to your checklists and you can help us document where birds breed across the state. The information gathered in this five-year project will be critical for conservation and you can make a difference.

 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed.

 

Happy atlasing!

Julie Hart, Project Coordinator

--

NEW YORK BREEDING BIRD ATLAS III

PARTICIPATE  Website | Newsletter

FOLLOW  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

SUPPORT  Store | Donate

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert VATH continuing

South of nethermead arches bridge presumably along Creek under brush

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2020, 4:34 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Varied Thrush (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 22, 2020 10:40 by Shai Mitra
- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S65053867
- Comments: "**very rare; continuing; will add ph."

***********

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Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
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Tweet from Jen Kepler (@JenKepler) RE: Plastic dangers to birds

Jen Kepler (@JenKepler) tweeted at 7:46 AM on Tue, Feb 25, 2020:
For every person who is upset about the ONE common merganser w/a plastic ring around its bill keeping it from eating in Central Park:
Instead of just sending your hope toward ONE bird... do MILLIONS of animals (humans included) a favor: stop buying plastic items. (When you can)
(https://twitter.com/JenKepler/status/1232285759413112832?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13 

eBird Checklist - 24 Feb 2020 - Prospect Park - 24 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S65028841 

Note  3 Golden crowned kinglets indicating early spring migration . Sapsucker,white breasted nuthatches,hermit thrush (one at feeders Friday last), creeper,etc typical early March birds.

Re: today's birds

with "warm" Feb,we should be seeing the early migrants soon maybe pine warbler...

P

On Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 8:55 PM Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com> wrote:

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 7:29 PM
Subject: today's birds
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Continuing eastern phoebe at Crescent Water, and a second one showed up at the Sylvan Water.  And a hermit thrush at the new boardwalk, likely the same one I saw at the Dell Water a few weeks ago.

Fwd: today's GWC birds

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2020, 7:29 PM
Subject: today's birds
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Continuing eastern phoebe at Crescent Water, and a second one showed up at the Sylvan Water.  And a hermit thrush at the new boardwalk, likely the same one I saw at the Dell Water a few weeks ago.

Home - Native Plants Finder. Convert your lawn!

https://www.nwf.org/nativeplantfinder/ 

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

An Orange Crowned Warbler was reported according to the coordinate Vale of Cashmere area.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, Feb 24, 2020 at 11:37 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Orange-crowned Warbler (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2020 09:57 by Matt Erdosy
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66928, -73.96716, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.669285,-73.967163&ll=40.669285,-73.967163
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64948832
- Comments: "Second time seen this winter, first time a definite ID was made"

***********

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Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
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--

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. 
                                 --John Muir

A bat in our belfry:

We captured a Little Brown Bat at lunch time in our Prospect Park Tennis House office .. It was on a jacket next to mine on the hall way coat rack before it alighted and flew around in the stairway hall. Pretty cool. We netted it and released it outside... 🦇

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert today's PABU

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Feb 23, 2020, 5:31 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Painted Bunting (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Feb 23, 2020 13:45 by Meredith Mann
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 5, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6944557,-74.0004804&ll=40.6944557,-74.0004804
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64916535
- Comments: "Mostly in the tall grasses eating away. Will add pictures later"

***********

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Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
https://ebird.org/alerts

Welcome bugs into your yard. You might just save the world. - The Washington Post

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/welcome-bugs-into-your-yard-you-might-just-save-the-world/2020/02/20/62b0a12c-4d18-11ea-b721-9f4cdc90bc1c_story.html 

Varied thrush today

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 22, 2020 12:15 by Noah Strycker
- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64868343
- Comments: "Continuing rarity, seen just southeast of the Nethermead bridge on the east side of the creek. Very skulky, a couple of good looks deep in brush but no photos." 

Fwd: Photos of Oystercatcher, Peregrine and GBH

I received this email. If you have, contact Max

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Schnaufer, Maxfield J (PARKS) <Maxfield.Schnaufer@parks.ny.gov>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020, 4:53 PM
Subject: Photos of Oystercatcher, Peregrine and GBH
To: Prosbird@gmail.com <Prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi,

 

We are collecting photos for an exhibit planned for our new park in Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn NY.  We were wondering if you have any photos, which you could share, and be potentially used in the exhibit, + photo credit?

 

In particular we need images of Oystercatchers, Peregrine falcons and Great Blue herons.  Let us know, these don't need to have been taken in Jamaica Bay, but of course this helps.

 

Best,

 

Max

 

Maxfield Schnaufer, RA

Senior Architect

 

New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

163 West 125^th Street, 17^th Floor

New York, NY 10027

office:  212-866-2694 | cell: 917-597-0581 | fax: 212-866-3186

email: Maxfield.Schnaufer@parks.ny.gov 

www.NYSParks.com

 

 

Fwd: phoebe

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, Feb 21, 2020, 4:27 PM
Subject: phoebe
To: prosbird@gmail.com <prosbird@gmail.com>

VATH didn't show up while I was there, but phoebe was vocalizing between the lake and the Maryland Monument

Spring migration 2020: Key West migration goes viral (and this is just the beginning!) : BirdCast

More about the Key West migration ,from the good folks at Cornell

https://birdcast.info/scientific-discussion/spring-migration-2020-key-west-migration-goes-viral-and-this-is-just-the-beginning/ 

Connecticut Audubon calls for a ban on horseshoe crab fishing - Connecticut Audubon Society

If we want to save the Red Knot plus more shorebirds...

https://www.ctaudubon.org/2020/02/connecticut-audubon-calls-for-a-ban-on-horseshoe-crab-fishing/ 

Blackbird feederfeast

"Sing a song of sixpence a pocket full of rye, Four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie. When the pie was opened the birds began to sing, Oh wasn't that a dainty dish to set before the king?"



My Prospect feeders are like a feast table, an actual pie for blackbirds bursting upon the scene:hence an analogy to the famous nursery rhyme often told to us when we were toddlers.

I refilled the feeders this morning as usual for the weekend. It took me about ten minutes and I didn't see much;of course I really wasnt looking well. When I left with one of the empty feeders to my work vehicle to fill from a very heavy bag, I turned around towards the feeders and lo and behold there's at least 45 Red-winged Blackbirds that invaded the feeders. Up on the feeders and many on the ground, these birds were stealthy and sneaky behind my back :)

Thanks to Rob Bate for donating more seed for me a 60 lb bag. That along with my 80 lbs should be able to make it to the final days of winter.

Have a good weekend. The Painted Bunting and Varied Thrush still remain on their long held wintering spots. Check the previous posts for locations.

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert PABU 2/20

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2020, 12:23 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Painted Bunting (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2020 09:34 by Patrick Markee
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 5, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6944557,-74.0004804&ll=40.6944557,-74.0004804
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64784896
- Comments: "Continuing bird. Up-close views at Pier 5, alongside a Field Sparrow. Will add photos."

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Note VATH locations

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 18, 2020 13:28 by Shane Blodgett

- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64761281
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing associating with large number of WTSP and some AMRO/NOCA along creek behind Music Pagoda and above horse trail just north of creek" 

Fight for Sunlight Petition - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

https://www.bbg.org/petition/index.html?fbclid=IwAR03EooUUJnq7zZ2lV6t_E5EsoJpKHYIY4SYIjvOmWQBocYtEeAM7rg-9NA 

VATH update

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 18, 2020 15:31 by Patrick Markee
- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64726466
- Comments: "Continuing bird. Seen near the Nethermeade Arches perched on a branch and later amidst a flock of American Robins." 

Spring boids are coming: ARE YOU READY?

https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/02/17/weather-service-radar-captures-massive-bird-migration-over-key-west/ 

Internal memo shows city knew of dangers development poses to Brooklyn Botanic Garden for months - Brooklyn Paper

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/mayors-support-of-mega-development-near-brooklyn-botanic-garden/ 

Escape the city with a winter walk around Shirley Chisholm State Park

https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2020/01/08/escape-the-city-with-a-winter-walk-around-shirley-chisholm-state-park/ 

Continuing VATH in PP

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2020 12:08 by Daisy 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64671816
- Comments: "Continuing rarity. Seen from the ravine bridal path, south east of the Neathermead arches deep in its favorite tangle of branches. Orange wingbars, orange chest and eyebrow."
 

Continuing PABU at BkBrPk

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2020 11:09 by Catherine Quayle
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64655758
- Comments: "Continuing beauty at Pier 3. Bright yellow front, bright green back."

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)

- Reported Feb 17, 2020 15:22 by Jennifer Kepler
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 5, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6944557,-74.0004804&ll=40.6944557,-74.0004804
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64671872
- Comments: "Photos, previously reported by others. Berm behind bathrooms on pier 4"

Upcoming Events – Brooklyn Bird Club TONIGHT HOW TO TAKE BETTER BIRD PHOTOS

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/events/category/meetings/list/ 

Tweet from Czechthebird (@radka_o) varied thrush continues

Czechthebird (@radka_o) tweeted at 9:11 PM on Sun, Feb 16, 2020:
VARIED THRUSH in Prospect Park today. As I was leaving, I looked to my left, and there he was sitting on a branch. #birdbk https://t.co/ME17eeihao
(https://twitter.com/radka_o/status/1229226805640548352?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13 

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, Feb 14, 2020 at 8:19 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Black-headed Gull (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2020 16:49 by Mickey Ryan
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64480207
- Comments: "Resting on pier 1 piling. Thin reddish bill and legs. Dot behind the eye."

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--

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. 
                                 --John Muir

Today is the Great Backyard Bird Count!

Today is day 1. Take part and count the birds!

https://gbbc.birdcount.org/

https://www.audubon.org/conservation/about-great-backyard-bird-count


my first reports

feeders (refilled)

https://ebird.org/gbbc/checklist/S64459022

Lake

https://ebird.org/gbbc/checklist/S64459515

Varied thrush report

yesterdays

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2020 12:25 by Caroline Corwin
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6676337,-73.9707608&ll=40.6676337,-73.9707608
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64428139
- Comments: "This neat little guy has been sighted frequently since January in the same location I saw it today, at the nethermead in prospect park. The orange streak across its head immediately made it stand out to me among the mob of blue jays and white throated sparrows. Unfortunately, I only got to watch it for about 15 seconds before I lost it in the crowd and it flew off back into the woods. Not really surprised at how well it's been doing out here since the weather has felt eerily like the pacific northwest lately."

phone out of commission and weekend out

Readers

Im getting a new phone as my old one tapped out...hopefully I still have the connections and contacts afterwards...so the weekend off with no tweets/alerts if anything good.

additionally it'll be a busy weekend as Im going on the annual winter Bklyn Bird club trip (led by Ryan Goldberg ) to Central Jersey),

Enjoy winter boiding!

KB

wet hoodies

On this raw crappy day especially after lunch by pelting raindrops, only the lake was worth checking out.

A scan and a sweep of Prospect Lake revealed nothing much except for a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS.The mixed pair looked miserable I think as the drake was still and not in the mood to court the hen. Well, with the sour mood of the rain, I cant blame him.

Two CAGO bird bands reported

Well better late than never as too busy of late

two Canada Geese I found with Neck bands were reported today,,When I get the certificates, Ill post their origins.

https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/bblretrv/WEP_submit_mob.cfm

Dear Peter Dorosh,

   

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for a bird with a marker(s).

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED:

About your Band/Bird

Federal band number: -

Marker info: NECK COLLAR: X3A9 WHITE ON ORANGE

Species: CANADA GOOSE

How obtained: Saw or photographed neck collar, color band, or other marker (not federal band) while bird was free

Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Released/Left On Bird

Remarks: Prospect Park Lake near Duck Island  with Cago bird banded Y3T4

Date of recovery: Jan 19, 2020

Location of recovery:

Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.66260 -73.96903

Prospect Park

, Kings County, New York, United States

Dear Peter Dorosh,

   

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for a bird with a marker(s).

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED:

About your Band/Bird

Federal band number: -

Marker info: NECK COLLAR: Y3T4 WHITE ON ORANGE

Species: CANADA GOOSE

How obtained: Saw or photographed neck collar, color band, or other marker (not federal band) while bird was free

Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Released/Left On Bird

Remarks: with Bird banded X3A9  Prospect Lake near Duck island

Date of recovery: Jan 19, 2020

Location of recovery:

Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.66260 -73.96903

Prospect Park

, Kings County, New York, United States

Brooklyn Bridge Park PABU

Painted Bunting continues today.. (most times its elusive so...good luck)

Painted Bunting (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2020 09:50 by Linda Ewing
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64418596
- Comments: "Continuing in its usual area. Got good looks from all sides as it perched cooperatively in a bare tree, but was unable to see the blue plumage coming in that others have observed. Light wasn’t the greatest (dark & drizzly)."

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Very early spring in Greenwood Cemetery

A warm spot opened in Greeenwood Cemetery today with several species obviously early -- I say very early--spring migrants. ( I'm  Not ready for winter to move on).

First to say is definitely a spring bird is an American Woodcock. It was reported by Rob Bate along with two Eastern Phones. Of the latter one may be the overwintering Phoebe. The former the woodcock was found up from Cypress Ave near Vine Ave.

More spring signs in midwinter in the form of Chipping Sparrows and Palm Warbler also were observed. Daisy Paul reported a flock with the Chippies and a single Palm.

Another overwintering PP Bird

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2020 15:30 by Radka Osickova

- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64376562
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing Bird between Wellhouse and Peninsula. Dipping it's tail down." 

Birding With Benefits: How Nature Improves Our Mental Mindsets | Audubon

https://www.audubon.org/magazine/winter-2019/birding-benefits-how-nature-improves-our-mental 

Very early or overwintering traveling Pine Warbler

Hard to tell which in regards but it's extremely early for a migrating bird. Pine warblers are know to overwinter particular ly with the warm winter we are having. Good bird for the park now.  -kb

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2020 14:00 by Gregor Tims
- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64374743
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Young female, see photo attached" 

Fwd: BBC Meeting Tuesday, February 18th

If you truly love nature ,you will find beauty everywhere

             --Vincent Van Gogh, 19th C. impressionist artist

-----Original Message-----
From: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
To: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Tue, Feb 11, 2020 11:18 AM
Subject: BBC Meeting Tuesday, February 18th

How to Take Better Photos of Birds: Presented by Tom Stephenson and August Onsgard

February 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, Grand Army Plaza

Birds make beautiful pictures. And photos can be useful in making tough IDs and also serve as memories of great experiences. But birds can be very difficult to photograph well.

This workshop covers everything you need to know to make great, sharp bird photos. We will cover camera basics, how to set up for different conditions, advanced tips and tricks for the field; and also the importance of post-processing and how to make a good photo look professional.

Tom Stephenson's articles and photographs are in museums and many publications including Birding, Birdwatcher's Digest, Handbook of the Birds of the World, Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Birds of Madagascar, and Guide to the Birds of SE Brazil. He holds the US record for a photo big day and is the co-author of The Warbler Guide book and app.

 

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/event/how-to-take-better-photos-of-birds/

Around the nabe

Here are some brief news:

-- A very early AMERICAN WOODCOCK was reported in Greenwood cemetery yesterday.

-- The RINGNECKED DUCK Drake was seen in Prospect Lake this afternoon in the southwest section

-- and the PAINTED BUNTING hun near pier 5. Generally the main pedestrian Thruway path behind pier 3 to 5 is its abode. Even pier three grass borders are prime spots. Find the grass,hope for PABU.

-- Posted  last reported Sunday

   Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Feb 09, 2020 14:35 by Ryan Zucker
- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64338333
- Comments: "Continuing female-type by the Nethermead Arch. Plump thrush with slaty-bluish upperparts, orange underparts, supercilium, and wingbars. Showed up in the trees in the fading light, then flew off into the Ravine after a few minutes. Photos."

How to Take Part in the Great Backyard Bird Count - GBBC| Audubon starting this Friday thru Monday

https://www.audubon.org/news/how-take-part-great-backyard-bird-count 

Just a minimum of 15 minutes is all it takes,or hours in a park,greenspace,beach etc.

Take part! It's fun.

The Varied Thrush keeps chugging on

As long as warm weather sticks around, there is little reason for the Prospect Varies Thrush to leave.it's entertaining too many birders!

 Today's sightings remains unchanged for the location: Binnen Creek on the south side of Nethermead 3 Arches Bridge. One report placed the thrush at the binnen pool far side. So generally in this area from the Osage orange tree to the bridge corner slope to the creek and it's tangle remain the gist of it.Even white throated sparrows are a help to which the thrush hangs out with.

A nice bird reported though uncommon in Prospect  this winter was a Merlin.

Meanwhile another winter long rarity likes the warm temperatures:The Brooklyn bridge park Painted Bunting. Reports center on the back edge of pier 3 and the main path behind it before the pier entrance.

Tweet from Heidi (@heidicleven) cardinal video

Heidi (@heidicleven) tweeted at 7:10 PM on Thu, Feb 06, 2020:
Its almost as if this Northern Cardinal is admiring his own reflection saying "who IS that good looking guy? Oh, it's ME"! 😁 Prospect Park. https://t.co/QWMQznouaX
(https://twitter.com/heidicleven/status/1225572602363760641?s=03)

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Fwd: You're Invited: Public Meeting about Shirley Chisholm State Park, Phase 2, Feb 11

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

From: Lauren Cosgrove <lcosgrove@npca.org>
Date: Fri, Feb 7, 2020 at 3:34 PM
Subject: You're Invited: Public Meeting about Shirley Chisholm State Park, Phase 2, Feb 11
To: <robsbate@gmail.com>

What: Public Meeting on Phase 2 of Shirley Chisholm State Park Where: Brooklyn Sports Club, Aspen Suite (Lower Level) 1540 Van Siclen Avenue, Brooklyn When: Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 7:00pm - 8:30pm This event is brought to you by the Friends of Shirley Chisholm State Park and NYS Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Questions? Contact Lauren Cosgrove at lcosgrove@npca.org or 212-244-6083 ‌ ‌ ‌

National Parks Conservation Association | 256 W. 36th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Unsubscribe robsbate@gmail.com Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by lcosgrove@npca.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) lake ducks

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 10:14 AM on Fri, Feb 07, 2020:
7 duck species prospect lake on this dreary day inc: Drake's Ringnecked (peninsula cove) & Bufflehead at 3 sisters,pair Amer Wigeon West island.wonder where dat Wood duck for 8 ?
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1225799979601715201?s=03)

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Full Snow Moon Will Appear Larger in Night Sky - Videos from The Weather Channel | weather.com

Night of Feb 8th ( hope it's clear)

Best effect is go to a clear view of Eastern horizon and watch moonrise

https://weather.com/science/space/video/full-snow-moon-will-appear-larger-in-night-sky 

Perched Turkey Vulture? What goes??

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) (1)
- Reported Feb 03, 2020 15:14 by Doug Gochfeld

- 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: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64156562
- Comments: "Perched in a tree!" 

Tweet from Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) VATH

Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) tweeted at 4:10 PM on Wed, Feb 05, 2020:
Found the Varied Thrush 4 times with unobstructed view. Best of all is that I got 3 people who never have seen the bird to see it! Near the same place, the orange tree at Nethermead and the 3 Arches bridge, PP. It's time to go for it, the VT may not show up again for a few years. https://t.co/rcJajyWJ66
(https://twitter.com/charlesbrooklyn/status/1225164753108115457?s=03)

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Vath Osage lover

The VARIED THRUSH continues its remarkable run, staying true today in its favorite tree.

For most of the day the Varied Thrush into its second month, took refuge in the old Osage Orange tree sited at the Nethermead's northeast corner. This tree--an iron bar holding both trunks-- is just south of the Nethermead Bridge, with  and where the paths split. it was reported by Charles Tang and at particular times, the thrush was on the ground. Borrowing Charles bins, I was lucky to see it well enough up near the top of the Osage but it did come down a little bit for me to see the gorgeous breast orange and striking face markings.

Four HOODED MERGANSERS spiced up mid winter on Prospect Lake. All drakes, they waded with some Shovelers in the lake middle.


There's not alot going on, but on this heavy dreary overcast day, a Varied thrush does brighten up the day.

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) lake hoodies

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:38 PM on Wed, Feb 05, 2020:
A nice midwinter sight for Prospect Lake: 4 Drake Hooded Mergansers
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1225126606424899586?s=03)

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GWC today

Reported by Orrin in greenwood cemetery  Eastern phoebe, hermit thrush, and golden-crowned kinglet .

Bk Br Ok PABU hangs on

Reported today east of pier 4  restrooms, in yellow grasses next to pines  back path

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Feb 04, 2020 14:00 by Adelia Honeywood
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 4 Beach, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6965784,-73.9990045&ll=40.6965784,-73.9990045
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S64128935
- Comments: "Continuing. Pic to follow" 

Fwd: First Sunday Walk -- The Most "Super" Walk

Saturday beginners walk in Prospect.

If you truly love nature ,you will find beauty everywhere

             --Vincent Van Gogh, 19th C. impressionist artist

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Laskowski <celaskowski@yahoo.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>; Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>; Tina Alleva <tinamariealleva@gmail.com>
Sent: Sun, Feb 2, 2020 05:15 PM
Subject: First Sunday Walk -- The Most "Super" Walk

Hi Peter,

Tina and I had fun leading the first Sunday walk -- about 20 participants.  Super Sunday with some super birds.  Varied Trush, Turkey Vulture and a Sharpie were our touchdowns.  Also, Monica Berger was along, great to see old friends.

Here's the list

eBird Checklist - 2 Feb 2020 - Prospect Park - 28 species

eBird Checklist - 2 Feb 2020 - Prospect Park - 28 species Submitted by The Big Laskowski.