Tuesday, December 23, 2025

LBBG @BATP4


Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Dec 23, 2025 12:07 by Casey Ferio
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289867768
- Comments: "*probably the same adult I sometimes see from the bay ridge pier, in basically the same place. Small: dark-backed Larus, particularly heavily marked face on this individual"
--
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Monday, December 22, 2025

Rusty Blackbird in Vale cashmere

Rusty. Blackbird in Vale of Cashmere today

Something to think about for the New year:

What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!

Ralph Waldo Emerson
















   

Two COME on Prospect Lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Dec 22, 2025 10:16 by Marleny Rafferty
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289702020
- Comments: "I spotted this pair on the lake while searching for the Thayer's Gull.  Juan Salas was there to help confirm ID, (thank you Juan). A pair of adult female common mergansers.  Sharp, clean break of brown head and body.  Unfortunately, only got 2 pics before they flew off heading west towards Green-wood Cemetery.  Will post my 2 pics."

Something to think about for the New year:

What is success?
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!

Ralph Waldo Emerson
















   

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Last night Christmas bird count dinner tally

 At the prospect park boathouse, a large gathering.


The preliminary count is 130 species from 13 different Kings county circle ..a great count !










“If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually.” - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm

Winter Begins

Winter Solstice occured at 9:03 this morning.

Happy Winter ! 

🐧🌨️☃️❄️🌬️🥶☃️❄️🐧🌨️🌬️


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Prospect Baltimore

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Dec 20, 2025 14:13 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/S289444450
- Comments: "Flagged: very late. I went to the lake to look for the Ant's Gull, took 100 photographer's of a rather Thayer's-y gull    that threatened to spark a civil war at the count dinner (it may just be the world's most Thayer's-y Herring Gull?), and, while gulling from the west side of the lake, heard a rattle call from overhead. I immediately thought, "oriole?!" and looked up to see this bird, which I suppose is technically a rarer species—Prospect's rarest for the day—even if it's a common breeder here in the summer, and not nearly so rare as that subspecies.  It then flew off to the west and out of the park, perhaps never to be seen again. Photos."



"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Bald eagle ( also seen prospect park just prior)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Dec 20, 2025 08:20 by Ryan Goldberg
- 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/S289376541
- Comments: "Adult, large raptor with dark wings, white head and white tail, gliding high westbound over the south side of the cemetery at 12:45."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Japanese pond path

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 20, 2025 10:11 by Tina Alleva
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289357157
- Comments: "Will add pics"



"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Friday, December 19, 2025

Tomorrow is the 126th CBC

 Kings county bird count is conducted on the first Saturday within the December 14th -Jan 5th period .

History and details

https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count

https://nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/community-science-bird-surveys/audubon-christmas-bird-count


Audubon Christmas Bird Count | Audubon


Tomorrow is the Kings county Count

And the 126th
Audubon Christmas Bird Count | Audubon https://share.google/cC8YXXwtOheBmpl7y

Get out and Boid!


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Come lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 19, 2025 13:06 by Joseph Trezza
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289222213
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Female. Photo"


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Thayer's continuing

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 19, 2025 13:06 by Joseph Trezza
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S289222213
- Comments: "Cont. photo"


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Thayers continues


Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 18, 2025 10:36 by Kathleen Toomey
- 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/S289123357
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found a few days ago by Ant.    A gull larger than nearby Ring billed gulls and a bit smaller than nearby Herring gulls.  First noticed because of its size, rounded head and bill - that was smaller than a Herring gull's bill - with the small red dot on its lower mandible. Richard F and Jeff G both got photos of its wingtips to clinch the ID. Back of camera photos from Jeff."
--
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert


Thayer's gull reports

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, Dec 17, 2025, 12:30 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (3 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.

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 17, 2025 08:38 by B F
- 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/S288964952
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird found (refound) by Ant T. earlier this week.  Photos.  Just a little smaller than a Herring Gull, with darker eye, slimmer bill with small red gonys spot (very modest gonydeal angle), and slightly more pink legs.

Insanely dumb luck, having told myself I didn't feel like scanning through the gulls today in favor of searching for other things, I took a quick break from sparrows to glance at the lake and it was like the fourth bird I looked at. Glad I was able to triangulate with other birders via phone across the lake to get them on it."

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 17, 2025 08:28 by chel sea
- 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/S288975534
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Amazing find by Ant earlier this week on 12/14! Such a difficult ID to make, and hundreds of gulls to comb through. Continuing on lake ice with larger herring and smaller ring-billed nearby.

Very pink legs that stood out even at a distance, via scope. Smudging around eye, mostly yellow bill with red marking on lower mandible (gonys). Low hanging rear compared to nearby gulls.

Big shout out to Ant and those who followed up with observations, and to MCHL for combing through the gulls to help find it on our FBC Winter Solstice Warm Up!

Ant's write up of the bird can be found here, with documentation to support this is probably a returning bird! https://ebird.org/checklist/S288605219"

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 17, 2025 08:28 by MCHL ____
- 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/S288975535
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Amazing find by Ant T. earlier this week on 12/14! Such a difficult ID to make, and hundreds of gulls to comb through. Continuing on lake ice with larger herring and smaller ring-billed nearby.

Very pink legs that stood out even at a distance, via scope. Smudging around eye, mostly yellow bill with red marking on lower mandible (gonys). Low hanging rear (?) compared to nearby gulls.

Big shout out to Ant and those who followed up with observations, and to MCHL for combing through the gulls to help find it for the group! Everyone was able to have a look through the scope.

Ant T.'s  write up of the bird can be found here https://ebird.org/checklist/S288605219
With documentation to support this is probably a returning bird, based on plumage progression, and first observed by Josh M in 2021 and found subsequently by Ant the last few years."

***********

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/

prospect thayers contimnues


Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 17, 2025 09:05 by Sameer Ajmani
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S288954743
- Comments: "Continuing on lake. Dark eye, deep pink legs, light grey under wing tip, cute head, thinner bill a little greenish underneath. Thanks to Brian Fox and Forrest Wickman for getting me on the bird. Photos. Lifer!"
--
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Wickman prospect chklist



Note lone snow goose lake and tree sparrow. Details in link above

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

One COME

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Dec 16, 2025 09:34 by Austin Johnson
- 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/S288852041
- Comments: "lone male doing circles above the lake, photos"


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Nice flock of Common Mergansers on prospect lake


A rare sight for numbers , record breaker 19 seen by Forrest

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (19) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 08:00 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/S288778581
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Flagged: Somewhat rare in Brooklyn, and indeed this is an all-time high count for the park, per eBird, surpassing the 15 that I had (along with Sameer) in January. I first watched 10 fly east over the lake and away as I was walking to the park. Then, when I reached the lake, there were another nine (all female/immature) all diving on the water. Photos of nearly all of these birds to be added. Will also note that this experience also immediately reminded me of the 30-40 birds I saw flying high west over the lake yesterday, though at that time my camera was in my bag and I didn't feel confident enough to call it, given the terrible visibility in the snowstorm. Still, clearly this species is moving in big numbers with the cold snap and all the water freezing over." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Monday, December 15, 2025

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert **THAYER'S gull reports




"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2025, 4:23 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (4 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.

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 15:00 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- 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/S288747197
- Comments: "medium size gull barely larger than ring billed. no markings on greenish beak, eye darker than adult AHGU. photos and spread wing. thanks ant for finding and austin for getting me on it"

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 14:01 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/S288745404
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing, and appropriately refound by Case F, my good friend who is partially responsible for the development of my terminal gull obsession. I'm so happy this bird was finally chaseable for others to enjoy!!!"

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 13:42 by Sean Sime
- 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/S288746113
- Media: 1 Video, 3 Photos
- Comments: "Originally found by Ant yesterday and tracked down by Case today. Beautiful adult bird, dark eye, smudgy collar, pale yellow bill. Underside of primaries pale. Black markings on primary tips present from P10-P5. While eyes looked totally dark in life, in photos the left eye isn't completely dark. No close images of the right eye were obtained."

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 13:15 by Linda Ewing
- 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/S288746767
- Comments: "Found yesterday by Ant, who'd been patiently searching for this bird to return (they'd had it last year). Very challenging to ID; I benefited from KZ's knowledge (and scope). Best field marks, for me, were the bright pink legs & feet (deep pink, almost red); dark eye; and pale underwing (seen well just once). More round-headed than herrings. Seen variously on ice, in water, and in flight."

***********

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/

Thayer's ( Iceland ) gull continuing prospect lake today

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2025 12:58 by MCHL ____
- 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/S288744215
- Comments: "Amazing find by Ant T. (again) and big thanks to Case F. for refinding and sharing today. Challenging to identify. Medium sized, between herring and ring-billed, round-head, yellow bill, bright pink legs, much lighter underwing than herring.


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert


Thayer  gull ** on prospect lake


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Dec 14, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (2 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.

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 14, 2025 12:39 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/S288605219
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Reunited with the bestie for the fourth winter in a row &#x1f642; back of camera photos for now."

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Dec 14, 2025 12:39 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/S288605221
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Reunited with the bestie for the fourth winter in a row &#x1f642; back of camera photos for now."

***********

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/


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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Friday, December 12, 2025

Flyover gwc bald eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Dec 12, 2025 12:20 by Eliot townsend
- 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/S288310609
- Comments: "Juvenile. Mostly brown, flew over the hill of graves. Brown bird with white parts of head."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

A guide to five native plants to feed birds in winter | Homes and Gardens

https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/native-plants-to-feed-birds-in-winter

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Bald eagle sit on prospect lake

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Dec 11, 2025 08:09 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/S288137691
- Comments: "Flagged for date, though they've been known to visit the Prospect Park Lake in the winter, especially when the lake is frozen and there are lots of gulls on the ice to terrorize, which is what this one was doing. Adult male, so huge raptor with all white head, all white tail, and dark brown body, first sitting on the ice and then flying off over the N side of the lake when I lost it."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Lincoln at BBP

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) (1)
- Reported Dec 10, 2025 16:10 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S288133282
- Comments: "**rare for the date. One perched up in a tree on the P2 uplands at 16:54, fluffing and drying off, either from the earlier rain, or from taking a bath. Poor but diagnostic digibinned video (and a photo)."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Brown Pelican incursion

With an invasion of pelicans reported on the south Brooklyn coast the past month, it's impossible to get them up  into northern Brooklyn. Of course , you need coastal views .

Today that happened:Gabriel Willow found 10 flyby in NY harbor from his Bush Terminal Park, the pellys flying south . So if you happen to be along shore parkway in Sunset Park towards Bay ridge and Gravesend ,you might luck in...


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

LBBG annual at BBP 🌉

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Dec 08, 2025 16:27 by Doug Gochfeld
- 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/S288063545
- Comments: "2nd winter bird on the pilings. Apparently the same individual I saw last week when it was to dark to be sure of the species ID. Poor digiscoped photos and video


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Around the nabe

In Prospect park , especially the lake, an adult Bald Eagle perched on the Hammerhead, the southwest corner while a late Laughing Gull sat in the lake.

Over in Brooklyn botanic garden, an uncommon American Tree Sparrow appeared with juncos outside the native flora section, adjoining the Rose Garden.


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Flyover eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Dec 09, 2025 09:20 by E Nichols
- 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/S287930582
- Comments: "Giant, white tail"


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Late northern waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 09, 2025 08:45 by B F
- 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/S287924532
- Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Probably the continuing bird Forrest has been seeing, between Terrace Bridge and the Peninsula.  Some audio of the loud metallic chips as it appeared to be scared off by a Coop had attempted snag it, taking off towards the Peninsula sumacs."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Sunday, December 7, 2025

BBC First Sunday walk

Led by Ryan Goldberg 


Highlight Orange crowned warbler


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Bbg yellow warblers

Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 10:21 by Marleny Rafferty
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287696836
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Female. All yellow warbler with plain face, pale legs and pale-edged wing feathers. Seen foraging in plant bed in Shakespeare Garden here: (40.6685683, -73.9623672) *photo to come"


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

OC warbler on Peninsula point

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 10:00 by Sam Goodson
- 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/S287686174
- Comments: "In the pines on the peninsula; confirmed by other birders"

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 09:50 by Ryan Goldberg
- 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/S287692619
- Comments: "Rare but regular overwinterer. Spotted by Taylor and seen up close in a pine at the Peninsula tip: a small pointy-billed warbler with gray head and broken white eye-arcs, blurry olive streaks on pale yellow breast, and brighter yellow undertail coverts. Several people got photos."

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 08:00 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/S287689231
- Comments: "Flagged for date: Found by Pedro in the phrags along the W side of the lake Judy N of West Island. Was mostly skulking in there, esp after a raptor came through and scared everything, but a warbler that was mostly a cold greenish yellow, with no wing bars, yellow under the tail, a gray head, and an eyeline (not an eyering). Terrible photo available."


"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey

’Tis the Season for the Christmas Bird Count | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

'Tis the Season for the Christmas Bird Count | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service https://share.google/W6siGl4RA2yooai7s

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Devout( or devour?) Catholics ? 😆

Both Peregrines perched on my Catholic church cross.. looks like a Preying duo . 🙏🤗

It's a regular perch for Peregrines and red tailed hawks..

Pretty cool and happy they picked my church...



Photo taken by Ryan G. from his apartment which looks northwest to the church.



"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Ravine OCWarbler

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 06, 2025 10:51 by Paul Merle
- 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/S287551049
- Comments: "In with a flock on juncos on the hill behind upper pool. Overall yellow wash. Split eye ring. Grayish head. Yellow undertail coverts the brightest"

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Friday, December 5, 2025

EVGR** Photos click on chklists

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 13:13 by Michael Sand
- 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/S287422664
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Two females continuing off Center Drive NW of Nethermead, nibbling on Box-Elder seeds. Large gray and yellow finches with hefty ivory colored beaks and bold wing-patches in flight. Flew off to the SW, then circled back ten minutes later. Mostly silent but heard their 'house sparrow on steroids' "CHIEW" calls when they flew in the second time."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:10 by C N
- 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/S287419894
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen on center drive. See photo."


Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 14:00 by Z L
- 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/S287412205
- Comments: "Continuing birds from the morning. Pleased to see this bird for the 2nd time in my life. Went back to the Quaker cemetery. Calling Kleerr notes just before and during flight. Perched on the box elder and very casually eating. Large ivory bills. Photos tba."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Evgr photo

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:28 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/S287413318
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Thanks to Brian for the find and Gabriel for the refind. Females. Bad pic attached."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Eve grosbeak 130


Evening grosbeak base of Lookout Hill path across from Quaker cemetery main gate prospect park thx to birders and Toby




Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:30 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/S287392108
- Comments: "Was alerted by Discord.  South end of Nethermead up in a Box Elder tree eating seeds.  Giving decent looks.  Will post pics."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 10:28 by Alexandra Tey
- 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/S287390594
- Comments: "found this morning by Brian Fox. two females shredding box elder seeds. big chunky beaks, gray-brown bodies, powdery yellow around neck"

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 10:27 by Joseph Trezza
- 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/S287387062
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Cont. photo - center drive 2 fem types"





"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Quaker Cemetery EVENING GROSBEAKS**

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 07:41 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/S287375727
- Comments: "Rare/irruptive, and seems like a good winter for them—this is the third and fourth documented in the park in the past couple of months. Great find by B F, who's been scouring the park for them and heard one or both fly out of the Quaker Cemetery to feed in the boxelder, loaded with samaras, on the W side of the Nethermead. I hustled over and got to watch them chomp down on those seeds for a few minutes, before they flew back to the Quaker Cemetery, making their way gradually east along Center Dr, where we finally lost them. Wouldn't be surprised if they return back to that original tree tho. Photos." 
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Garden tip

Winter is a tough time for birds. With insects and berries gone, they rely on native plants for food.

Goldfinches love dried coneflower heads, while juncos and sparrows dig for goldenrod seeds under the snow. Chickadees search native grasses for leftovers.

Cleaning gardens too early removes crucial winter food sources. Leaving dried plants can help keep our feathered friends alive! 🐦❤️🌾




"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

High fly SANDHILL CRANES **

At 327 this afternoon, Gabriel Willow for the second time within the past three weeks spotted 6 high flying Sandhill Cranes over sunset park nabe 

The flock ,distinguished thru a photo taken, were flying northwest ,seen over 4th Ave approaching 25th Street. Some alerted birders with help from discord, spotted the flock from Greenwood Cemetery .They then reversed course,later seen from the Kosciusko Bridge.

Keep your eyes Up! 

And great spotting Gabriel!

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 15:22 by Gabriel Willow
- 475 41st Apt, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.650361,-74.005257&ll=40.650361,-74.005257
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287306908
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Observed from 3:27pm-3:39pm. High, flying from NE to SW, initially high over Green-Wood then roughly over 4th Ave. They eventually circled to the NW and flew over Redhook and possibly lower Manhattan. Large, slow-flapping, with extended necks and legs. Photos."

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6)
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 16:07 by Kenny Barone
- Kosciuszko Bridge (Kings Co.), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7275027,-73.929401&ll=40.7275027,-73.929401
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287307334
- Comments: "Seen flying overhead on the K bridge headed southwest"

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6)
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 14:46 by Andrea Trigueros
- 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/S287313653
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "W/NW bound flock high up. Long straight neck. Digiscope photo."


"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Prospect Park announced as a Blue Belt Storm mitigation site

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Prospect quality

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Dec 03, 2025 10:00 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/S287192857
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "adult male. photo"

also:  reported at Lefrak Rink brushy area south side Orange Crowned Warbler seen by Forrest...

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Mich GWC checklist



note Wilson's Snipe and Baltimore Oriole
--
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan