Swainsons. Continuing at rainy Sims

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 10:47 by Richard Haimes
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302463576
- Comments: "Continuing. Large hawk photos"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 15:26 by William Paquin
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302514822
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Flew from water past crane and off towards the highway.  Larger than gulls, broad buteo like wings lighter front of wings, darker head then chest with slender body,  poor photos"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Glaucous Gull also at Sims & BATP4

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 11:49 by Doug Gochfeld
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302485713
- Comments: "*presumably the continuing wintering local. Large all white immature gull sitting on the water in the channel towards Columbia St. Pier. Seen in direct comparison to a young Herring Gull, and it looked comparable in dimensions and heft. After about a minute, it took off circled low, and flew SW and out of sight behind the recycling center."

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 10:11 by Richard Haimes
- 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/S302463587
- Comments: "Large white gull with dark black and pink bill. On stack pipe  by Hugh’s Barge to the north."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

BATP4 Glaucous Gull continuing

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 09:55 by Linda Ewing
- 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/S302238563
- Comments: "On pier just north of BAT, hanging on barge-like structure (labeled "Hughes") with other gulls. Ann and Dave were on it and pointed it out. Even with head tucked, it stood out for its pale, creamy plumage. It untucked long enough for a good scope view of its bill, which was mostly pink with a black tip. I was initially puzzled by its size - it didn't look sufficiently big and menacing, instead appearing similar in size/shape to surrounding Herrings - but when it finally took flight (briefly) it was impressively big and beefy."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

iceland thayers gull at sims recycling

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 09:15 by Austin Johnson
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302211843
- Comments: "hello old friend! (details and photos later)"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

40°39'39.4"N 74°00'17.5"W

https://goo.gl/maps/GYH6Mr6PhE2R8Gxh8?g_st=am

Swainsons Hawk pin location from today at Sims a recycling plant

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Feb 19th offerings

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 9:19 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

*** Species Summary:

- Common Merganser (1 report)
- Glaucous Gull (1 report)
- Iceland 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.

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.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 06:58 by Asher Fusco
- 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/S302168215
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Two males in the open water adjacent to Three Sisters. Photos."

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 08:05 by jules w
- 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/S302156831
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing fella saying hi on my commute. noticeably massive compared to the herrings on the railing with him. pics from da boat"

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 08:46 by Jeff G
- 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/S302172003
- Comments: "Photos"

***********

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

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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/

Common mergs pplake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 11:20 by Chris Miller
- 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/S302017863
- Comments: "Long mostly white ducks with green heads and reddish bills. Continuing males in open water on the lake near east side of 3 sisters.

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Canvasback east river

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 07:33 by Greg Thornberg
- 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/S301932476
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Near Penny Bridge. Pictures."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Sims SWAINSON hawk**

Swainsons hawk continues at sims  recycling..see previous post details

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 12:45 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- 27th St, New York US-NY (40.6593,-73.9992), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.659315,-73.999218&ll=40.659315,-73.999218
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302017295
- Comments: "continuing individual who has returned since childhood to the same exact perch at the recycling center, now an adult. Brown hawk with hooded look and very long wings, was not present when i first arrived but then returned to its usual perch after a few minutes, heralded by an explosion of scared starlings. thanks nick for lending me optics, which i forgot at home, and thanks MCHL for diligently keeping lookout and alerting us of the bird's inevitable return"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 12:15 by Maureen Matthews
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302050149
- Comments: "Continuing, the 4th year visiting this site. Large brownish hawk with dark chest band. After rooftop perching for a while, it took off and circled around while being harassed by a crow, showing the long wings and pointed wing tips. Much thanks to ND and RM for locating today!
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

SWAINSON HAWK ** returns to Sims Recycling

Mike Silber reported today the return of the Swainsons Hawk likely in its 4th year gracing the Sims Recycling plant along 1st avenue by 32th?

According to Casey Ferio there,the vagrant hawk is perched on a building,a grayish structure with girders at the northwest corner,seen from 29th St and 2nd avenue.

See reports below

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 13:49 by jules w
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301792871
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "tall but slender guy reported by michael & casey &#x1faf6;&#x1f3fb;  winter rarity returning several years in a row apparently! in a standoff with the RTHA…friends? lovers? foes? perhaps all of the above? been there. or maybe they both just love to recycle. terrible pics but promise hes there :) two neighborhood lifers in one day woohoo!!!"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 12:51 by Casey Ferio
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301786032
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "***returning mega, found again by Michael Silber from inside Greenwood Cemetery for the fourth straight winter - accounting for all four Brooklyn records. Michael had recently mentioned that this bird appears on or within a few days of the same date, and that said date was approaching. When I arrived the bird was atop its rightful throne, a gray girdered building at the back of the recycling station, providing a very different impression than that of the red-tailed hawk perched nearby - a large but very slim, falconine Buteo, with very long primaries projecting to or beyond the tail. Slightly smaller than the red-tailed hawk nearby. The recycling center was verrrry busy, so I was careful not to overstay my welcome, but I did put the scope on it to appreciate its plumage, even though it was facing straight away from me - now a full-on adult after showing up as a first winter juvenile, it has a nice rufousy wash on the mantle and a bright white patch at the base of the bill. Returning rarities are a special joy, but considering this species winters in the tropics and beyond, this one is particularly improbable - why is it so intent on returning to the same building? Where is it going during the summer? Ahhh, somebody put a GPS tag on this bird. I love the Brooklyn Swainson’s hawk, but I question all of its life choices. FYI - in prior years employees at the recycling center have been very amicable towards birders, and knew the name of the bird everyone was coming to see. Please be mindful when visiting this location - it’s a very active zone with lots of trucks coming in and out, make sure you aren’t blocking anybody if you park a car and don’t go beyond the Freshdirect crossdock. Photos"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert early Eastern Phoebe in BBG

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 10:10 by Brad Mielke
- 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/S301737443
- Comments: "In bush near ground next to some feeders - very close and easy to ID." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert 10 CommMergs on PPLake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (10)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 07:59 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/S301717646
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, but more or less expected in the park this time of year. Unusually high numbers though: Nine males, one female, all in the small (but growing) patch of open water on the south side of the lake. More photos available." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Nelson's Gull at BTPP

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid) (Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 13:45 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301613240
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Initially reported as Glaucous Gull, due to partial views that were indiciative of GLGU. (See firsrt three photos.)

Edit: Later views, which I initially thought were of a different bird, strongly indicated this was Nelson's Gull, so now listing as such." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Red necked grebe at BATP4

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 07:51 by Corey Finger
- 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/S301691920
- Comments: "Photographed." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Around the nabe

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 08:51 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301408602
- Comments: "Continuing-ish bird, loafing on the eastern end of the pier (the only part exposed at high tide). Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 11:26 by Julian Elman
- Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.647158,-73.9380945&ll=40.647158,-73.9380945
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301416605
- Comments: "Adult with white head and tail circling high to the NW, maybe above prospect."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 12:12 by Indigo K
- 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/S301456445
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "will attach photo". Lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 14:23 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/S301510358
- Comments: "Continuing around unfrozen section of lake, all drakes. Photos."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 07:16 by Greg Thornberg
- 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/S301290355
- Comments: "Continuing. White back, full red/brown head/breast with slanted face and bill."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Woodcock show...spring is coming!

  Floyd Bennett one of the best places,also jbwr at the visitors center, maybe marine park salt marsh center 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

GBBC Prospect walk by BBC Feb 15th

Leader Tina Alleva

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tina Alleva <>
Date: Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 1:38 PM
Subject: GBBC
To: Peter Dorosh 

Hi Peter,

We had a great walk today for the Great Backyard Bird Count with about 35 participants. I love this time of year when the resident birds start to sing again.

Highlight today was a low flying adult Red-shouldered hawk.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S301030442

Tina

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Prospect lake Common Mergansers staying put

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 15, 2026 09:40 by Jacob Turetsky
- 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/S300900917
- Comments: "all males, white body black heads bright orange bill, large. Mixed in with ducks,coots, and gulls on the open water patch on the main lake"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Iceland gulls stays at BATP4

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 14:04 by Tom Preston
- 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/S300678242
- Comments: "Continuing bird, on the pier with ring bills.  Size of Herring Gull, all black bill. Photos


Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 08:44 by Mary Beth Kooper
- 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/S300360163
- Comments: "First year bird with black bill. Photos"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

BTPP and BATP4 Glaucous Gull continuing

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 13:45 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/S300594137
- Comments: "Continuing, very large full (a little bigger than near by herrings), pink legs, white wings, bill is black and pink"

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 12:54 by Nick Dawson
- 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/S300610041
- Comments: "An enormous white winged gull seen flying north from the pier toward Bush Terminal at 12:55 as we just walked in. I called it out and we both immediately knew that was the bird. Wasn't able to relocate on the pier so we went to Bush and found it there (see the other checklist for pics). Lifer for me (CG) on my fourth attempt"


Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 13:24 by Christine Gu
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300573821
- Comments: "We followed this gull to Bush after seeing it fly north from BAT Pier 4 at 12:55. Spotted on the ice near the rocks out from the southern part of the woods, an area it has been favoring. Huge all white gull with a bicolored bill. Left for BAT again and was spotted there around 2pm. Many pics taken!"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

COME Flock likes the lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 10:46 by Adam Subel
- 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/S300559367
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing drakes, photos"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 09:32 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/S300571439
- Comments: "A Group of 8 males together by three sisters"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 08:29 by Bennett Yates
- 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/S300591844
- Comments: "All males. Long red bill. Dark head. White body. On patch of water on the south side of the lake near sisters."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 12:26 by Birgitta RUBIN
- 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/S300593090
- Comments: "Continuing on the open are near three sisters"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count—for science! | Scientific American

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/join-the-great-backyard-bird-count-for-science/

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Around the nabe on Friday the 13th ( are you lucky?)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 12:30 by Parsley Steinweiss
- Penny Bridge, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.728089,-73.932269&ll=40.728089,-73.932269
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300091246
- Comments: "Continuing:) Bright white body with brownish red head. Mostly sleeping in the sun but popped its head up long enough to see its black sloped bill:)"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 12:30 by Michael  Lombardo
- Penny Bridge, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.728089,-73.932269&ll=40.728089,-73.932269
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300092374
- Comments: "Continuing:) Bright white body with brownish red head. Mostly sleeping in the sun but popped its head up long enough to see its black sloped bill:)"

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:52 by Austin Johnson
- 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/S300075924
- Comments: "if this is the same bird as last year then it continues to be the only glaucous gull i've seen! in large herring and great black backed flock north of the pier across the little bay. large white winged 2cyc bird with mottled messy brown splotching on belly and wings, touch of gray on mantle, large bicolored bill. photos"

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:52 by Austin Johnson
- 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/S300075924
- Comments: "1cyc in gull flock at end of the pier right as i arrived. contently foraging on the cement and then snoozed for a bit. flushed for now apparent reason to an ice floe. always a good day when you get to see an icgu :)"

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:40 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300073854
- Comments: "On the ice beyond the 48th St pier, also swimming around. Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:40 by Nick Dawson
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300073854
- Comments: "On the ice at the end of the 45th St pier, possibly the same 2cy individual I saw last time. Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (2)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 10:34 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/S300147275
- Comments: "Pair circling together. One mature with white head and tail. Poorly photographed."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:00 by Gerrit Claas Hau
- 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/S300171633
- Comments: "Swimming with other waterfowl on the lake"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 13:54 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/S300167215
- Comments: "Mature, brown body, white head and tail. Soaring high"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:00 by Gerrit Claas Hau
- 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/S300171633
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Flying high above the park"

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 13:54 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/S300167215
- Comments: "By frag near bees. Bright raspberry head and breast, colorful back."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

8 common mergs huggard report

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 07:02 by John Huggard
- 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/S299959083
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Drakes.  White body with dark green heads and red bills."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2026 11:28 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/S299829353
- Comments: "Continuing. Immature, mottled brown with a slightly white tail. Flying." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

A cool sight

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299830563

It's not often to see lots of Common Mergansers even though it's only 8 compared to other outlier locations, but heck for prospect it's grand.

A lovely winter day spurred me on to go out in the afternoon to prospect. Besides it was too late to go anywhere far so prospect had to do after morning tasks. With lots of snow on the ground and the lake 95% frozen, it was a good opportunity to see the lingering Common Mergansers. I saw eight..That's a good , erg ....a very good number. And remarkably they're all drakes! An unusual sight yet a great view within the only open water next to Three Sisters Islands east side.

Another notable observation I had was a Red tailed Hawk eating gull on the lakes middle,minding its business. Good.We need gull population reduction anyway.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback continues at Kosciuszko bridge🌉

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2026 14:34 by Rusty H
- 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/S299803377
- Comments: "Photo"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 13:55 by Greg Thornberg
- 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/S299396875
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Duck with full dark, redish head/neck. Swimming and diving in Newtown Creek along Mallards.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.

Begins tomorrow,...

Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. https://share.google/sNeThnBvy65ix1tc6

The 29th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place February 13–16, 2026. This4-day global, citizen-science event invites participants of all skill levels to watch, count, and report birds to help scientists monitor bird populations and migration patterns. Participants can join from anywhere, for as little as 15 minutes, using the eBird app or website or the Merlin Bird ID app. 

Key Details for GBBC 2026:

• Dates: Friday, February 13, to Monday, February 16, 2026.
• How to Participate: Count birds for at least 15 minutes at least once during the four days.
• Where: Anywhere—your backyard, local parks, or natural areas.
• Submission Tools: Use the eBird Mobile app, eBird website, or Merlin Bird ID app to submit data.
• Purpose: To track bird population trends and create a real-time snapshot of bird distribution.
• Tips: Free webinars are available to help beginners with bird identification. 

Participants are encouraged to share photos on social media using #GBBC. 

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback in BBP 🌉

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 10:25 by Maureen Matthews
- 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/S299595949
- Comments: "Female, swimming between Pier 5 and 6. Noticeably larger than the Black Ducks and Scaups. Long sloping head and beak, medium brown on the head and chest. Light brown and white mottled on the body. About a dozen other ducks in the waters at this time. Distant phone pic taken. Tried unsuccessfully to get a tape of its loud intermittent quacking. When I returned from checking out the Pier 6 waters, most of the ducks including the Canvasback were gone."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Common Mergansers by numbers

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 12:33 by Daniel Smith
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66575, -73.97126, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.66575,-73.971263&ll=40.66575,-73.971263
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299580967
- Comments: "Continuing presence"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 12:25 by Matt Beck
- 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/S299581068
- Comments: "Seen by many,  photos of needed"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback in greenpoint

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 09:51 by Dom Webster
- 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/S299539948
- Comments: "Photo to be added. Right under the bridge seen clearly very close up"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Nice ducks up in greenpoint

Reported by Austin, Canvasback drake.. late two common goldeneyes

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299524002

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Duckpalooza prospect lake

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299524002

Note Forrest s good fortune seeing 4 common mergansers ,2 rarer red breasted mergansers and drake lesser scaup...

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Bald eagle over Evergreen

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 17:15 by Kaelan Woodward
- Cemetery of the Evergreens, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6818476,-73.9015532&ll=40.6818476,-73.9015532
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299429428
- Comments: "Spotted flying overhead! Close and clear enough to unmistakably identify!"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

More COME

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 15:27 by Daniel Smith
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66575, -73.97126, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.66575,-73.971263&ll=40.66575,-73.971263
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299424677
- Comments: "Photos to follow"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Boathouse Rusty blackbird

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 12:11 by Ellis W
- 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/S299400136
- Comments: "Foraging with a flock of mallards at the water near the boathouse"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Bald eagle over BBP

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 09, 2026 10:00 by Matthew Wills
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.696095,-73.992607&ll=40.696095,-73.992607
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299189227
- Comments: "Not quite mature; mostly white head and tai, over East River heading westwards." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

eBird Checklist - 9 Feb 2026 - Prospect Park - 26 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299174110 

Matthew's chklist reports Continuing  Common mergs and Rusty bb

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan