Sunday, February 22, 2026

Before the big snow ..

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 22, 2026 08:22 by Brett Graham
- 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/S303028713
- Comments: "SE Prospect Lake. In unfrozen water. Among shovelers and mallards. Continue from yesterday."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 22, 2026 10:33 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/S303030672
- Comments: "Continuing. Looking west, perched on the light fixture attached to the building on left."


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Saturday, February 21, 2026

More local Rarities including Swainsons hawk


Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:11 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/S302743096

- Comments: "Poor photos."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:45 by Al Duvall
- Penny Bridge, Newtown Creek, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7281443,-73.9322459&ll=40.7281443,-73.9322459
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302771596
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Male, continuing alongside Greater Scaup. Photos. Rusty head with sloping forehead. White wings and back."


Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:11 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/S302743096
- Comments: "Poor photos."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:24 by Will D
- 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/S302755873
- Comments: "Perched on conduit beneath row of pigeons that are on the roof of the recycling plant"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:20 by Sameer Ajmani
- 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/S302764812
- Comments: "Continuing. Perched inside the opening of the building. Dark brown mantle, head, and neck down to the upper chest. Orange lower breast and belly, white throat and undertail."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:04 by Angela Panetta
- 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/S302750990
- Comments: "Continuing"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:00 by Slim Jim McManus
- 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/S302754396
- Comments: "Dark bib, white face"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:57 by Nate L-S
- 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/S302758725
- Comments: "Back again! Photos"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:27 by Hazel Court
- 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/S302768580
- Comments: "Bad photo. Continuing red and black-bibbed long tailed hawk. Saw with a crowd of other birders. Perched just under the large building opening on some kind of conduit between two industrial light fixtures."

***********


"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 multiple reports




"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: Sat, Feb 21, 2026, 11:36 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Common Merganser (4 reports)
- Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (1 report)
- Swainson's Hawk (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.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by D K
- 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/S302728823
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Ant Tab
- 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/S302728814
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Joe Weisbord
- 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/S302728821
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Forrest Wickman
- 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/S302728812
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 08:15 by Elle Auklet
- South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6603108,-74.0112605&ll=40.6603108,-74.0112605
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302710088
- Comments: "All-white gull with narrow wings and black bill. Looks to be a 1st winter individual."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:53 by Corey Finger
- 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/S302723537
- Comments: "Continuing. Poorly phonescoped. Mob."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:41 by D K
- 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/S302709609
- Comments: "Welcome back, my friend."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:41 by Joe Weisbord
- 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/S302709608
- Comments: "Welcome back, my friend."

***********

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/

Huggard Prospect chklist




Note flock common Mergansers 


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Natural habitats

 

The "ugly" brush pile in your corner is saving lives.


Right now — late February — here's who's using it:


🐰 RABBITS

Building nests for babies due in 2-3 weeks.

The pile is predator-proof shelter.


🐦 SPARROWS & WRENS

Roosting inside at night.

Surviving single-digit temps because of your "mess."


🦨 SKUNKS

Maybe denning at the base.

Yes, that's why you smell them.


🐿️ CHIPMUNKS

Still in torpor, but the pile protects their burrow entrance.


🐛 INSECTS

Overwintering in the decay.

These become bird food in spring.


🐍 SNAKES (in a few weeks)

Will emerge from hibernation and shelter here.


WHAT YOU SEE: A pile of sticks and branches that looks messy.

WHAT WILDLIFE SEES: An apartment complex with security.


IF YOU REMOVE IT NOW:

- You evict pregnant rabbits

- You expose roosting birds to predators

- You destroy overwintering insects

- You eliminate spring shelter for emerging reptiles


LEAVE IT UNTIL LATE MAY.

Or better yet — leave it forever.


Brush piles are habitat.

Not mess.


#BrushPile #WildlifeHabitat #LeaveTheMess #BackyardEcosystem

Friday, February 20, 2026

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














   

Thursday, February 19, 2026

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

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/

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

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














   

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

Monday, February 16, 2026

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

Sunday, February 15, 2026

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.


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














   

Saturday, February 14, 2026

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














   

Friday, February 13, 2026

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