Prospect Park Bird Sightings & North Brooklyn Nature News: September 2025

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Fw: Call to Action for Fort Edward Grasslands

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS MIDNIGHT Thursday night

Use the below note for your comment, copy and paste and sign for convenience. Go to the previous post 9/29 Audubon Take Action button. And paste..

Sent from AOL on Android

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: "actionalert@brooklynbirdclub.org" <actionalert@brooklynbirdclub.org>

To: "Membership" <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Sep 30, 2025 at 5:56 PM

Subject: Call to Action for Fort Edward Grasslands

Dear Brooklyn Bird Club members,

In the past, the Brooklyn Bird Club has raised money to support the conservation of grasslands in upstate New York via the Grassland Bird Trust, a not-for-profit land trust based in Washington County. The grasslands are part of an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area (IBA), and they offer critical habitat for the likes of Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and Upland Sandpipers. But the grasslands are under threat from a proposed solar project, and Grassland Bird Trust, American Bird Conservancy, and Audubon New York are asking for help in submitting comments to New York State to convince it and Boralex to fully mitigate the impacts of this project.

As the American Bird Conservancy puts it: "While renewable energy is critical to our future, this project—developed by Boralex—would destroy habitat in one of New York's most valuable grassland communities, designated as an Important Bird Area and located adjacent to protected state land.

Recent changes to state law require Boralex to provide only 0.2 acres of replacement habitat for every acre they destroy. ABC advocates for a minimum 1:1 mitigation ratio to compensate for any bird habitat loss. Anything less may threaten the long-term survival of these species in New York."

You can submit a comment about the project to the NYS Department of Public Service. American Bird Conservancy's suggested letter text is as follows:

Dear Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Administrative Law Judges,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed Fort Edward solar project, which threatens the vital Fort Edward grassland. These high-quality grasslands are a critical component of New York State's birdlife and are home to some of the state's rarest bird species, including Short-eared Owls, Upland Sandpipers, Eastern Meadowlarks, Northern Harriers, Sedge Wrens, Bobolinks, and more.

The proposed Fort Edward solar project would be situated in the heart of an Audubon Important Bird Area, NY State Grassland Bird Conservation Center, Natural Heritage Raptor Winter Concentration Area, and adjacent to a state Wildlife Management Area. In short, the project poses uncertain but potentially severe impacts to this priceless habitat and already-declining species.

Since 1970, grassland birds have experienced a 53% decline in abundance nationwide. In the Northeast, they are disappearing faster than any other group of birds. Habitat loss is the primary driver of these alarming declines, making the protection of large blocks of remaining grassland habitat a critical conservation priority.

Renewable energy is critical for our collective future. However, considering the immense ecological value of the Fort Edward grassland, I urge you to provide robust habitat mitigation measures to help conserve the bird species that will be affected. Industrial use of this rare grassland habitat demands extraordinary mitigation efforts. I ask that you observe a 1:1 ratio for any habitat loss, conserving as much habitat as is being impacted.

Thank you for considering the ecological significance of the Fort Edward grassland and for taking action to preserve New York State's declining bird populations.

Fwd: Tuesday BBC walk recap

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Sep 30, 2025, 4:18 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

We've been lucky with the Tuesday walks this season, getting good weather and some good pulses of migration on multiple occasions. Today was no exception. We had 69 species. It grew so warm that there were a few insect hatch-outs around the park, including one along the Lullwater, by Music Island, that drew in a bunch of warblers, vireos, kinglets, nuthatches, and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. At the start of the walk, a huge swarm of Chimney Swifts fed over the lake and Parkside Avenue. There were also a bunch of Scarlet Tanagers around.

Here's our eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276524153.

Thanks to Angie and Sheila for co-leading and all the participants (including one birder from Colorado!) who made it such an enjoyable outing.

Ryan

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Inc sora ,MOWA,ybfc

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Tue, Sep 30, 2025, 3:29 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

*** Species Summary:

- Sora (1 report)
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (1 report)
- Mourning 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.

eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.

Sora (Porzana carolina) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2025 11:18 by Stephan Nance
- 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/S276533779
- Comments: "short-billed rail in the phragmites to the right of the water access across the lawn from the well house"

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2025 09:55 by Chris Miller
- Prospect Park--Vale of Cashmere, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6690561,-73.9683616&ll=40.6690561,-73.9683616
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276531882
- Comments: "Smallish flycatcher with short bill and obvious yellow throat and belly. *photo to come"

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported Sep 30, 2025 09:48 by Philip Precey
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276512050
- Comments: "south east edge of Dell Water. flew into a small tree at about waist height, paused v briefly, then dropped into nearby dense shrubbery and didn't re-emerge: may have flown out the back of the bush and away.

horizontal stance, slightly larger and more pleasingly proportioned than Common Yellowthroat (several nearby, including at least two in same dense bushes) and smaller, less blocky than Connecticut Warbler (seen yesterday).

greyish olive above, greyer towards head (reminiscent of ad Tennessee Warbler colouring above), plain wings and tail, yellowish belly and undertail, more extensive yellow than eg Orange-crowned Warbler, paler/duller towards throat.

didn't get a clear look at face/head, but no noticeable dark markings, just looked plain.

pale legs."

***********

You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert

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

eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/

Deadly fake spider webbing

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Monday, September 29, 2025

early pine siskins

Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) (2)
- Reported Sep 29, 2025 07:30 by matt bourke
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276329424
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "guessing this is an early bird - maybe 4, together in the pine trees on bluff side path . very pretty birds . could not get a good picture but note notched tail"

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Great Cormorant prospect

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (1)
- Reported Sep 27, 2025 06:50 by Forrest Wickman
- 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/S275876219
- Comments: "Flagged for date: Early, and always unusual in the park, though not my first. This one is somewhat embarrassing for me as I saw the bird while ending the BBC Intro to Birdwatching walk, but only from the back, and I assumed Double-Crested Cormorant, usually a safe assumption in the park. Thankfully, Sean Krepski was on my walk and got photos, and Louis Wong about 30 minutes later photographed the same bird from the other side, noticing the white belly and the white base of the bill, and flagging it on the Discord as a possible Great Cormorant. Both Sean and Louis' photos show a Great Cormorant. Everyone makes mistakes, and most important is to admit when you were wrong 🤷🏻‍♂️"

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Fwd: [ALERT] Protect 567 Acres in the Fort Edward Grasslands

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Sep 29, 2025, 10:07 AM
Subject: Fwd: [ALERT] Protect 567 Acres in the Fort Edward Grasslands
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Maybe if you want to share on your blog.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Erin McGrath, Audubon New York <audubonconnect@audubon.org>
Date: Mon, Sep 29, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Subject: [ALERT] Protect 567 Acres in the Fort Edward Grasslands
To: Ryan Goldberg <ryangoldberg@gmail.com>

ALERT: Help Us Protect the Fort Edward Grasslands Important Bird Area!

Short-eared Owl sits on ground, camouflaging amidst dried grasses.

Dear Ryan,

Audubon's Fort Edward Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) and the vulnerable grassland birds that rely on it need your help. This IBA in Washington County contains 13,000 acres of exceptional grassland habitat that supports a diverse array of grassland birds, but it is at risk of being degraded by a proposed solar installation.

The Fort Edward Solar project would take 567 acres of habitat currently used by the state-endangered Short-eared Owl and threatened Northern Harrier in the core of the IBA. The development of renewable energy is critical, but we cannot let the urgency of our fight against climate change diminish our efforts to protect threatened and endangered species.

Urge the NYS Office of Renewable Energy to commit to protecting Audubon's Fort Edward Grasslands Important Bird Area by requiring adequate mitigation.

The project applicant, Boralex, proposes to mitigate the project's impacts by providing funding for habitat management on 216 acres of grassland on a nearby property. Providing only 216 acres of mitigation will not replace the ecological function of the 567 acres of grassland habitat being taken by this project.

Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers each require hundreds of acres of contiguous grassland for wintering and breeding habitat, and the proposed property is unlikely to support the same number of individuals.

Your support is critical. Tell NYS ORES that they must commit to protecting the grasslands and the vulnerable birds that rely on them by requiring adequate mitigation.

Thank you for speaking up in support of vulnerable grassland birds.

Sincerely,

Erin McGrath
Director of Policy

Take Action

Short-eared Owl. Photo: Boe Baty/Audubon Photography Awards

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Audubon New York
P.O Box 188, Albany, NY 12201
518-869-9731 | www.audubon.org/new-york

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BBP rarities

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 28, 2025 16:18 by Lane Theander
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 6, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6932681,-74.0011658&ll=40.6932681,-74.0011658
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276195801
- Comments: "Continuing with the house sparrows on the lawn, spizella with pale unstreaked gray nape, plain lores lacking eye line of chipping"

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) (1)
- Reported Sep 28, 2025 16:18 by Lane Theander
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 6, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6932681,-74.0011658&ll=40.6932681,-74.0011658
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276195801
- Comments: "Total surprise, was sitting with a group of house sparrows at the lawn in close proximity to people, reappeared in feeding groups of house sparrows multiple times

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Howa gwc

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 28, 2025 08:03 by Julian Elman
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S276054682
- Comments: "Vine path, full hood. Photos"

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

New nature center Randall's Island

https://newyorkyimby.com/2025/09/work-breaks-ground-on-the-nature-center-on-randalls-island.html?fbclid=IwdGRzaANGCERjbGNrA0YIOWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeKiLZZddku53yHStaIzPs1re86a9_dqU-r5hWvyb-i_PlHyKXhM0UVpBs5ts_aem_xIo3pBhzU9BQ6O2ddZ2nOA

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Magic trees in greenwood and a fallout o birds

I picked a good day to visit Greenwood because there was a fallout of warblers and birds. . Because of that two magic trees devoted my morning to them .

After I spent time at Janet's Meadow where I watched a palm and cooperative Black Throated Green Warbler, I luckily spent the next 2 hours at the first magic tree by the Caitlin Gravesite. Situated a long Landscape Ave on the West ridgeline ,a Birch had a fallout of warblers and the perimeter as well. But nursing a bum leg,I stood my ground. I must say I had at least 8 species warblers whereas others reported ten plus. But here reported by others was a Philadelphia Vireo. I wasn't lucky there but spotted later a late Warbling Vireo. Lots of Parula warblers but among my favorite : Chestnut sided and Bay breasted Warbler . It was good stuff!

Then onward to the next magic tree reported as a really hot spot. In a Cherry Birch next to Central Ave near Pine Ave Rob Jett found 15 species warblers plus the Philadelphia Vireo ( along with 3 total vireo species) It was truly a magical moment seeing all the activity including for me another Bay breasted and Black poll warbler.

Hopefully the show continues Sunday.

Other highlights on this very busy day starting in Prospect; A Mourning Warbler found first on Duck Island ,crossed the water and moved along the shoreline shrubs south of Lefrak Center . Near here on Music Island, a Marsh Wren put in an appearance.

Down the Lullwater, perhaps another Mourning Water or likely the same was spotted again . At the end of the Lullwater, near Lullwater bridge, there was a Great Cormorant.

Philly Vireo seems abundant nowadays so adding Prospect Lake shoreline as another spot . In McGolrick Park in Greenpoint, the same could be said for this species.

Heading back to Greenwood Cemetery ,more good bird reports: Connecticut and Hooded warblers though unknown where and then a Yellow Breasted Chat photographed at Linden and Grove Avenues.

Lastly , Brooklyn Bridge Park continually host the Clay colored sparrow on pier 6 lawn. Likewise,one was reported in Greenwood Cemetery on Dale Ave at the end of Southwood Ave, feeding with Chipping Sparrows.

A long report for me to write but take my word even if I didn't get all the stuff in: get yourself out there and bird as this last surge fades.

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Friday, September 26, 2025

Flyover RSHA GWC

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 10:30 by Susie Dippel
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275645009
- Comments: "Flyover Sylvan. Smaller than a Red-tailed Hawk. Orangey shoulders, dark streaks on body"

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Good birds in the nabe

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 08:04 by Heather Wolf
- 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/S275544171
- Comments: "Sparrow with chestnut crown and cheek, dark malar stripes. Have photos. Pier 6 in trees west end of flower field."

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 07:05 by Alana Whitman
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275573691
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Amongst a group of chipping sparrows. (40.6510836, -73.9936562)"

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 12:37 by Zohara Nguyen
- 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/S275623128
- Comments: "Sparrow mixed in with house sparrows on Pier 6 lawn. Grey nape, eye ring, strong "moustache", pink bill and lateral throat stripes."

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 08:00 by Michael Lombardo
- McGolrick Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7245046,-73.9433616&ll=40.7245046,-73.9433616
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275590439
- Media: 11 Photos
- Comments: "Small Vireo with yellow wash underneath, brightest under throat and under tail. Not the brightest yellow but seemed to be more yellow than a warbling. Deep lores."

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (2)
- Reported Sep 26, 2025 07:10 by Z .
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275606820
- Comments: "Fem/Imm yellow with shadow of helmet with chinstrap. Longer tail than wilson's. Big white side tail."

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Don't bag those leaves!

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Good bird in greenwood : prothonotary warbler

Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2025 13:38 by Richard Fleming
- Green-Wood Cemetery--Sylvan Water, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6537472,-73.9986235&ll=40.6537472,-73.9986235
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275445972
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Always exciting in Brooklyn, and considered rare, with a small handful of birds each spring migration, generally perceived to be overshoots. Even more unusual in fall. Working the low shrubs at the bottom of the south slope of Sylvan. A record a couple of days ago from Jeremy N. et al might suggest these are increasing as fall visitors, perhaps due to increased breeding activity north of the city as a result of climate change."

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Hooded Warbler peninsula thumb

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 25, 2025 10:56 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/S275437193
- Comments: "Peninsula thumb area. Bright yellow bird, very faint hood, white in the tail"

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

Dickcissel at BBP

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 25, 2025 12:08 by Jessica Kirk
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 1, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7021612,-73.996524&ll=40.7021612,-73.996524
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275426031
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Female. Thrilling find, following the ebird alert from Heather Wolf, as reported earlier this week. Yellow breast, larger body and with larger darker eye than HOSP, yellow marking near eyes, more russet in back feathers. Seen foraging on the grass in with 10 or more house sparrows on the lawn at the end of Pier 1. Blurry photos and short video."

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky

A woodpecker and flycatcher in GWC

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 15:09 by Karina Gee
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275307664
- Comments: "Rattle calling in oak tree next to Samuel St. John's grave on Cypress b/t Heath & Zephyr Paths. Bad light but saw its head was dark with a sharp line marking the transition to white throat/underside. Flew to oak across Cypress. Spent months earlier this year watching the resident juvie become an adult so have become familiar with this bird."

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 15:09 by Karina Gee
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275307664
- Comments: "Dark peaked head, dark vest, white strip down middle of chest. Perched upright with head smushed down on neck as it waited for bugs."

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Dickcissel at BBP

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 12:30 by Heather Wolf
- 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/S275301716
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Conical bill, yellow supercilium, yelllow on breast, and reddish-brown shoulders. Hanging out with House Sparrows on Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn near little shrub stand. Reported earlier by Jer Thorp (on Harbor View Lawn)."

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Clay moves to Sylvan

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 10:45 by Matthew Eisenson
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275271186
- Comments: "Will upload photos. Distinct medium crown stripe and lateral throat stripes. At northeast corner of Sylvan with large group of chipping sparrows."

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

good birds

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 07:15 by MI YU
- 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/S275258243
- Comments: "1st year type with muted brown face pattern with House Sparrow flock on Bridge lawn. Long tailed with obvious white edges, seen in flight."

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (3)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 11:57 by Zach Underwood
- Prospect Park Zoo, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6654767,-73.9654144&ll=40.6654767,-73.9654144
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275264480
- Comments: "Perched on fence near pond in swan enclosure"

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) (1)
- Reported Sep 24, 2025 07:15 by MI YU
- 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/S275258243
- Comments: "Immature/female type with bright yellow breast by Jer Thorp with the same House Sparrow flock on the Bridge lawn. Sadly the Lark Sparrow had already shot the craw."

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Fwd: Wednesday Migration Morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park 9-24-2025

Wednesday regular BBP walk

Led by Mike

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Mike Yuan <mjyuan@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Subject: Wednesday Migration Morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park 9-24-2025
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>, Dennis Hrehowsik <deepseagangster@gmail.com>

Good group of 17, and an excellent start to the walk as we found a LARK SPARROW on our first stop at the Bridge Lawn on Pier 1. Associating with a HOUSE SPARROW flock, it kindly gave everyone great looks but apparently did not return when the flock was spooked after we had moved on.

Warblers were scarce on a slow migration day, but we studied a few BLACKPOLL WARBLERS before getting word of a DICKCISSEL with the same Bridge Lawn flock. We had more luck than the Lark Sparrow chasers and fortunately had ample time to spend with the grassland bird.

28 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S275258243

-Mike

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Fwd: 9/23 Tuesday BBC walk recap

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Sep 23, 2025, 4:29 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

With Rosh Hashanah today, the Tuesday walk drew the largest crowd I've ever seen for it—more than 40 people, including at least a few teachers/DOE employees. So it was a lot of fun. According to Birdcast there was almost no migration overnight, but the park still had a good diversity of species, probably leftovers from last weekend's big influx.

We found 59 species, including 17 warbler species, most of which were on the south side of the lake between the Hammerhead and Three Sisters. There was also a Green-winged Teal and Gadwall on the lake. And the Picnic House "creek" drew in birds to bathe on the unseasonably warm day: a Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker were seen bathing or perched in those woods.

Here is our eBird list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275100602. Thanks to all who joined and Sheila and Angie for co-leading.

Ryan

around the nabe

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 23, 2025 07:17 by Sameer Ajmani
- Green-Wood Cemetery--Sylvan Water, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6537472,-73.9986235&ll=40.6537472,-73.9986235
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275065413
- Comments: "Off-white vireo, dark eye line, lemon yellow throat"

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported Sep 23, 2025 08:15 by Parsley Steinweiss
- McGolrick Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7245046,-73.9433616&ll=40.7245046,-73.9433616
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275064449
- Comments: "Wish I got a shot of it but didn't have my camera. I got good close looks though. 1st winter bird so no hood. However, bright yellow throughout underside, from throat to tail with brownish bib coming out from the armpits, not fully formed. Strong eye ring. More long body than common yellowthroat."

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 23, 2025 08:25 by Paul Saraceni
- Bushwick Inlet Park (btwn Quay St.-N 9th St.), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7239903,-73.9602041&ll=40.7239903,-73.9602041
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275086422
- Comments: "First observed ~8:45 AM in the tall grass in the elevated park area near the 9th/Kelly entrance. In view on the ground for ~1 minute then flew into small trees across the path to the S. Then at ~9:30 AM I observed what was surely the same individual in the park area 2 lots to the N along the fence line of elevated lawn area, including perched briefly on the fence. In view for ~ 2 minutes as it moved around, loosely near House Sparrows. Clean, Buffy underparts. Crisply marked face pattern, including buffy eyeline, pale lores, dark malars. Clean, pale gray nape which contrasted strongly with buff head face. Showed brownish (not grayish) rump when perched on fence. Small pink bill."

Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) (2)
- Reported Sep 23, 2025 07:06 by Stacy Robinson
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S275090854
- Comments: "Two or three individuals loosly associating with a couple BAOR… yellow throats, undersides, and under-tails, greenish above with two white wingbars."

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (3)
- Reported Sep 23, 2025 09:25 by Andrew Balamaci
- 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/S275089786
- Comments: "Observed with 1-2 others by three sisters on prospect park lake"

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Monday, September 22, 2025

Great Scott! Its a great cormorant in Greenwood!

Wondering if it's the first or few recs

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2025 13:00 by MCHL ____
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274962724
- Comments: "Sitting on the south shoreline at Sylvan Water. Early date and odd location. Larger cormorant with white throat and belly. Image."

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2025 09:37 by Christine Gu
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274944516
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "first spotted in Sylvan Water when I walked in around 9:40am. Huge cormorant with a white throat. I thought it looked a bit different and much larger from what I'm used to seeing, so I took some photos of it. Identified by Michael S later in the day to be a Great Cormorant. My first for the

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Happy Autumn !

Finally those skeeters are gone !

When is the autumnal equinox in 2025? In 2025 the autumnal equinox will occur on 22 September at 18.20 GMT (19.20 BST). 2;19 Eastern Time

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

--Carl Sagan

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Phillys

Pine Hill at Central Ave

Slope between Valley Water and Sylvan Water , presumably along Landscape Ave

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (2)
- Reported Sep 21, 2025 07:34 by MCHL ____
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274745532
- Comments: "Three sightings, perhaps 3 individuals. At least 2. Seemingly more numerous this year. Vireo with yellow completely underside. Soft spectacles. Dark cap and lores. Image."

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Clay colored sparrow in GWC

Reported near Valley Water

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Sep 21, 2025 07:25 by Linda Ewing
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274675197
- Comments: "Found by Michele T. Charmingly cooperative, feeding w Lincolns. Like a spiffier non-breeding Chipping w strong throat stripes and pale lores. Seen & photographed by many."

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Today party for recognition of Brooklyn Bird club volunteers banner

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Saturday BBC walk

Dennis hrehowsik leading

Hi light Philly vireo

https://ebird.org/checklist/S274548890

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Sora rail in BBP

Sora (Porzana carolina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 13:06 by Mary Beth Kooper
- 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/S274501258
- Comments: "Small rail with upturned tail, short yellowish bill. Nice find by Laura Waterbury and thanks to Michael Y. for the alert."

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert. More good bird reports

"Summer's lease hath all too short a date" – William Shakespeare

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Sat, Sep 20, 2025, 3:46 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

*** Species Summary:

- American White Pelican (3 reports)
- Philadelphia Vireo (7 reports)
- Connecticut Warbler (3 reports)
- Hooded Warbler (5 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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.

eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 08:29 by MCHL ____
- Floyd Bennett Field, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.5923453,-73.8914328&ll=40.5923453,-73.8914328
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274513068
- Comments: "flying high and W over Flatbush ave as seen from community gardens, continued way W out of sight. Likely the bird that's been around Jamaica Bay all summer taking a wider loop, or departing (?), but not so certain. photos"

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 08:29 by MI YU
- Floyd Bennett Field, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.5923453,-73.8914328&ll=40.5923453,-73.8914328
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274513069
- Comments: "flying high and W over Flatbush ave as seen from community gardens, continued way W out of sight. Likely the bird that's been around Jamaica Bay all summer taking a wider loop, or departing (?), but not so certain. photos"

American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 08:29 by Max Epstein
- Floyd Bennett Field, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.5923453,-73.8914328&ll=40.5923453,-73.8914328
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274513067
- Comments: "flying high and W over Flatbush ave as seen from community gardens, continued way W out of sight. Likely the bird that's been around Jamaica Bay all summer taking a wider loop, or departing (?), but not so certain. photos"

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 13:01 by Nelson Pascuzzi
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274508001
- Comments: "Seen alongside Dominic Ricci who got a photo. This was at a pin it was seen at earlier, east side of Sylvan Water. Squat yellow chested vireo with dark lores, and a duller back than red eyed vireo. No wingbars. More plainfaced than RedEyed, and the lores exclude Warbling."

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 09:19 by Dominic Ricci
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274514213
- Comments: "Yellow throat with lighter belly wash, dark line through eye."

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 07:05 by Annie T
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274504665
- Comments: "Low-density migrant. Seen extremely close up in a white pine on east side of Sylvan. Smallish vireo with high-contrast face, dark crown and short bill, suffused with yellow underneath and brightest in the throat."

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 09:41 by Susie Dippel
- 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/S274513224
- Comments: "Lemon yellow throat and underparts, light yellow midsection, bright undertail."

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (2)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 07:50 by Kenny Barone
- 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/S274504990
- Comments: "One down on the south end of the lake, one by the parking lot by the boathouse. Was with a group, multiple positive ID's. Distinctly yellow throat, white eyeliner"

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 07:44 by Amy Cook
- 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/S274505875
- Comments: "bright yellow throat, eye line"

Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) (2)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 07:41 by Marcela Bucci
- 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/S274510928
- Comments: "Yellow chest, black eyeliner 40°39′9″ N 73°58′13″ W"

Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 13:01 by Nelson Pascuzzi
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274508001
- Comments: "Continuing close to pin, less than 100 yards from where i saw my lifer. Photographed. Large skulking ground warbler with a lot of junk in its trunk if you know what i mean. Dirty pyrite yellow throat, dijon mustard colored above, and vibrant greenish yellow belly/vent. Complete white eyering."

Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 11:15 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274506983
- Comments: "fat all-olive ground bird with notable eye ring"

Connecticut Warbler (Oporornis agilis) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 09:19 by Dominic Ricci
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274514213
- Comments: "Chunky warbler with complete eye ring, short tail/long undertail coverts, grayish top, yellowish underside. Photo"

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 14:09 by Eleanor Kagan
- 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/S274511897
- Comments: "Did not get photos but extremely distinctive male (black hood and yellow face) and confirmed by several other birders in the Vale"

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 11:25 by Gab C
- 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/S274505661
- Comments: "Male with full hood in the Vale. Photos."

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 11:25 by Ant Tab
- 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/S274505660
- Comments: "Male with full hood in the Vale. Photos."

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Sep 16, 2025 07:30 by Annie T
- 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/S274504673
- Comments: "Continuing female in the Sumac Grove. Faint outline of a hood, constantly flicking its tail and showing white outer tail feathers. Photos."

Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) (1)
- Reported Sep 20, 2025 14:15 by Rusty H
- Prospect Park--Vale of Cashmere, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6690561,-73.9683616&ll=40.6690561,-73.9683616
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S274508354
- Comments: "Photo"

***********

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