Fwd: GBT Going National

Plugging for grassland habitats, a critical need...

"Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature."   --Friedrich Nietzsche

-----Original Message-----
From: Grassland Bird Trust <info@grasslandbirdtrust.org>
To: Peter <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 19, 2019 9:37 am
Subject: GBT Going National

11/19/2019 eNews View this email in your browser NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS - VISION & TAKEAWAYS FROM RALLY 2019 RALLY is the annual National Land Trust Conference, held this year in Raleigh, N.C., where Land Trust staff and board members from across the U.S. gather to learn about diverse topics, share their knowledge and gain the skills they need to grow their mission. Grasslands are the fastest disappearing habitat in the U.S. Yet they are second only to forests in their ability to capture and store carbon. We need to conserve and restore 1.7 million acres of grassland a year to achieve the carbon limits set by the Paris Climate Agreement. That's why GBT is embarking on an ambitious plan to greatly expand grassland conservation across the U.S. by forging strategic partnerships with government agencies, other land trusts, organizations and stakeholders across the country. "We're working to build a national coalition for grassland conservation," said Laurie LaFond, GBT's Executive Director. "We spoke to potential partners at RALLY and there's a lot of interest. We're already scheduling meetings." She said GBT plans to continue to acquire and permanently protect more critical grassland habitat. They are also developing new conservation tools for landowners and companies who want to help conserve birds. PHOTO: GBT Board Member Paloma Spina (left), Board Secretary Scott Pulver (middle) and Executive Director Laurie LaFond (right) joined nearly 2,000 of their colleagues at RALLY in October. They came away inspired to take GBT's conservation program to the next level! Special thanks to Connie Hasko for donating air miles and hotel points so Scott could attend, and to Paloma for donating her air miles to GBT!   3 BILLION BIRDS LOST   The U.S. and Canada have lost more than 2.9 billion birds since 1970, according to a Cornell Lab of Ornithology and American Bird Conservancy report. Grassland bird species suffered the steepest declines, losing 53% of their population, or more than 720 million birds!   Widespread loss and degradation of habitat from agricultural intensification and urbanization caused the largest declines.  Feral and free-roaming domestic cats kill 2 billion birds a year, while collisions with glass, buildings and other structures and widespread use of pesticides kill hundreds of millions more.  "The story is not over," said coauthor Michael Parr, president of American Bird Conservancy.  "There are so many ways to help save birds."  Parr said policy decisions such as strengthening the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are needed.  "We can also work to ban harmful pesticides and properly fund effective bird conservation programs.  Each of us can make a difference with everyday actions that together can save the lives of millions of birds... like making windows safer for birds, keeping cats indoors and protecting habitat." LEARN MORE HERE Your donation of $25 or more will automatically renew your membership for the year.  Benefits include FREE guided bird walks, owl tours and discounted admission to Winter Raptor Fest! UPCOMING EVENTS BUY ONE GET ONE Winter Raptor Fest VIP Passes!! Makes a great holiday gift for family and friends! Friday, 11/29 & Monday, 12/2 ONLINE ONLY          Be on the lookout for a special e-blast with a link to this great deal the week of Thanksgiving!! GBT joins the 2nd Annual Adirondack Christkindlmarkt Friday December 6th: 3pm-9pm Saturday December 7th: 11am - 9pm Sunday December 8th: 10am - 4pm Come find our booth and decorate owl ornaments at this family fun outdoor European styled Christmas Market.  Featuring close to 50 vendors to shop from, horse drawn carriage rides, Mr.& Mrs. Claus, entertainment, children's activities, food vendors and traditional hot gluhwein (hot mulled wine).      LEARN MORE HERE Facebook Twitter Instagram Website Copyright © 2019 Grassland Bird Trust, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or gave us permission to contact you. Our mailing address is: Grassland Bird Trust P.O. Box 82 Fort Edward, NY 12828 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

reportedly Very late NOWA in PP

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) (1)
- Reported Nov 18, 2019 11:07 by Oliver Flory
- Prospect Park--Zoo, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6654767,-73.9654144&ll=40.6654767,-73.9654144
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S61554404
- Comments: "Almost certain northern waterthrush, investigating the line of the pond in Prospect Park zoo"

Fwd: Sunday Morning (CBS) interview with David Sibley

Subject: Sunday Morning (CBS) interview with David Sibley

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/for-the-birds-illustrator-david-sibley/

--

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

Brooklyn Bird Club evening presentation Tomorrow

Change Cover

NOV19

BBC Evening Presentation: Bird Friendly Coffee with Lily Mleczko

Public

 · Hosted by Brooklyn Bird Club

InterestedGoing

Share

• clock

  Tomorrow at 7 PM – 9 PM Tomorrow · 39–52°F Partly Cloudy

• pin	Prospect Park Zoo 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11225 Hide Map

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Park
  

  ---

  (718) 399-7339
• 
  

PP Wilson Warbler continues

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 17, 2019 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/view/checklist/S61531760
- Media: 3 Photos

NY Breeding Bird Atlas III Workshop Tickets, Tue, Nov 19, 2019 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ny-breeding-bird-atlas-iii-workshop-tickets-68477563235

Of you are interested in breeding bird census, read the attached link.

CBS News: Illustrator David Sibley's bestselling field guides for birdwatchers cover more than 800 species

CBS News: Illustrator David Sibley's bestselling field guides for birdwatchers cover more than 800 species.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/for-the-birds-illustrator-david-sibley/?ftag=CNM-00-10aag7e

NESP details

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast) (Ammospiza nelsoni subvirgata) (1)
- Reported Nov 16, 2019 08:09 by Matt Hunter
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7017015,-73.996266&ll=40.7017015,-73.996266
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S61497699
- Comments: "*&#x1f534; rare; continuing bird found yesterday by Heather in the Pier 3 lawn, feeding largely apart from other sparrows and faithful to the same patch of grassy lawn (approx: 40.697836, -73.999699). Smaller sparrow than surrounding species, overall gray with white streaking on back, dull yellow face and breast patterning. HCW photos."

Nelson's continues

Brooklyn bridge park Nelson's Sparrow continued into today reported still at Pier 3 along the southeast corner lawn.

A late Eastern Phoebe at Greenwood cemetery Dellwater was the highlight. I happened to go there only to see about 30 sparrows mixed with juncos and Chippings all curiously fluttering above the water surface covered by leaf cluttering. My assumption was seeds trapped on that covering. A fun thing to watch for little else going on other than Sycamore Avenue on the Chapels east slope hot with soarrows.

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 9:44 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast) (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

Nelson's Sparrow (Atlantic Coast) (Ammospiza nelsoni subvirgata) (1)
- Reported Nov 15, 2019 07:04 by Heather Wolf
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7017015,-73.996266&ll=40.7017015,-73.996266
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S61463350
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Diffuse streaking. Matches Sibley's "Adult Atlantic"
Pier 3 giant lawn (not uplands) and perimeter."

***********

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

Nelson sparrow at BBrP

A subvirgatus form Nelson's Sparrow reported today at Brooklyn Bridge Park pier 3 lawn area by Heather Wolf.
It's the Atlantic coast species
See her Twitter account

Venus & Jupiter very close conjunction

Watch on Nov 23rd and 24th ( fingers x for clear sky)

Saturday, November 23Venus’ relentless push higher into the early evening sky coupled with Jupiter’s inexorable fall brings the brilliant planets together after sunset tonight and tomorrow night. The gap between the two worlds stands at 1.5° both evenings — tonight, Jupiter lies above Venus; tomorrow night, Venus appears to the left and slightly below its partner. The best views of this magnificent conjunction will come with the naked eye or binoculars. A telescope at low power can just capture the two in a single field, but the pair’s low altitude means you likely won’t see much detail on either planet.

The Moon reaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit around Earth, at 2:41 a.m. EST. It then lies 227,867 miles (366,716 kilometers) away from us.

A spectacular evening conjunction

Brilliant Venus appears 1.5° south of Jupiter on the evenings of both November 23 and 24, though the two planets make a pretty pair all week.

Request for CBC birders

This years CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT falls on December 14th (Saturday). My area i always cover is the south Prospect Park area.  (Paul Keim covers North Prospect)

If you are interested in being on my team that I will cap at 12 with at least two good sharp eyed birders, send me word.

Prosbird@aol.com

If you desire to participate in the Kings county birding, as there are 10 other teams, contact CBC Coordinator / organizer Bobbi Manian. See detail below.

120TH KINGS COUNTY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

DECEMBER 14

http://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

The great annual winter event that champions citizen science. It is the longest voluntary bird census on the North American continent. Started in 1909 as a protest against the “holiday side hunts” for the largest kill collection by hunters, ornithologist Frank K. Chapman organized the census with twenty-seven of his friends and volunteers to count birds; twenty-five Christmas Bird Counts were held that day, tallying 90 species and garnering much media attention. Since then the Christmas Bird Count has become a best loved event, encompassing tens of thousands of birders of all skill levels, going out in all sorts of weather to count birds to the great benefit of science.

Please contact the teams organizer, Bobbi Manian, if you would like to join in.

Compilers: Chris Laskowski celaskowski@yahoo.com ; Mike Yuan mjyuan@gmail.com; assisted by Paul Keim

Teams organizer: Bobbi Manian, email roberta.manian@gmail.com

Dinner Venue: Pot-luck dinner is held for participants at the Prospect Park Boathouse.

Slow November

A slow November week as the transition shifts graudally from fall into winter birds.

With no reports this week of anything real quality, I took a look at the latest checklist for Prospect.  There are a few quality birds to watch for: RING NECKED DUCK, MERLIN,WOOD DUCK but otherwise it appears a only a few birders been out. Have a good weekend with hold the cold spell might bring stuff in.

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516

Mercury's moment (Veterans Day)

A successful view for me of Mercury's transit of the sun thru members' telescopes ( with solar filters)like of the Amateur Astronomers Association NYC at Floyd Bennett field community garden. Nice guys to talk to. I'm glad I was aware of this event and clear skies a gift this morn. The next Mercury transit won't pass in this region until 2046! By the way u know how fast it travels? Almost 106,000 miles per hour!

eBird Checklist - 9 Nov 2019 - Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn - 20 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61305777

Note late blue headed vireo

BBG eastern parkway entrance debuts with a blue bang

I read from yesterday's report of the Brooklyn botanic garden eastern parkway entrance reopening starts off with a bang. A bird bang more like it: 6 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS.

As a coincidence both the entrance and the bluebirds shared a common name as Bradley Klein's first Sundays walk came through with these bluebirds spotted by Danielle Gustafson.

It looks like the entrance that I haven't visited since reopening might have added enrichment to habitat changes the garden had been undertaking these last five years. And that's good news.

Well drive pp wiwa

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 09, 2019 13:15 by Linda  LaBella
- Prospect Park--Lookout Hill, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6582555,-73.9711404&ll=40.6582555,-73.9711404
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S61318003
- Comments: "Was seen about an hour earlier by a birder names Kathy (?) and has been reported as being around for a couple of weeks , in the area of the dirt pile and the picnic tables.  Deep Yellow warbler with a black toupee"

Local notables

In our area:

1. The Wilson's Warbler continues in prospect exact location unspecified

2.Vesper Sparrow though was reported at Greenwood Cemetery Dellwater

3.A late House wren was observed in Brooklyn bridge park

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert late PP BTGWarbler

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, Nov 8, 2019, 1:53 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Black-throated Green Warbler (1 report)

---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County.  View or unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Nov 08, 2019 08:50 by Tina Alleva
- 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/view/checklist/S61270163
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Late, at lullwater cove. Photo."

***********

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

What do wildlife need in winter? Plants! | The Humane Society of the United States

https://www.humanesociety.org/news/what-do-wildlife-need-winter-plants

eBird Checklist - 4 Nov 2019 - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake - 27 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61188116

Note late house wren

Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) redtaileds vs ravens

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 11:48 AM on Mon, Nov 04, 2019:
Three Red-tails and two ravens interacting in the sky over Lookout
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1191396919429468161?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

eBird Checklist - 3 Nov 2019 - Prospect Park - 41 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61147753

First Sunday PP Walk. Note continuing BLUE HEADED VIREO ( one also reported in Greenwood cemetery)

Continuing WIWA inPP

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 03, 2019 06:30 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/view/checklist/S61139860
- Comments: "Teeny bright yellow warbler with a black cap near the lakeside bathrooms"

Fwd: Saturday BBC bird walk in Prospect Park

From leader Ed Crowne

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ed Crowne <erc310@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Nov 2, 2019, 6:18 PM
Subject: Saturday bird walk in Prospect Park
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi, Peter

It was a sunny, cool day in the park today. Many birds, including flocks migrating overhead. Eight participants, we saw over 40 species of birds, including three Buffleheads on the lake, lingering Blue-headed Vireos and Northern Waterthrush (at Three Sisters). Next to the container on Wellhouse Drive, we saw very briefly what I think was probably a Nashville Warbler. See checklist attached for details. 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61125855

Best regards, Ed

" invasion ' of Blue headed Vireos

For the late date, an invasion of Blue headed Vireos marked the day at Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery. Supplement to the Vireo number ,a few late Warblers added fall spice.

From Steve Nanz's library

On today's walk by Ed Crowne leading the BBC two Blue headed Vireos were reported. I also read independent reports of perhaps more in other areas of Prospect. Then from Tom Preston birding in Greenwood, a really good number of four BHVireos in different locations . So there's a late surge and fall mini phenomenon today.

Then late Warblers provided more autumn day spice. Best were these: Northern waterthrush on the BBC Walk; Magnolia warbler in the botanic garden across Flatbush reported by Sean Sime; Northern Parula in Prospect; and an alleged report of Louisiana waterthrush which is very late; Black&white warbler in Quaker Cemetery. These follow yesterday's reports of American Redstart and prized Wilson Warbler at the Wellhouse area.

We are also seeing winter transitory species .Both kinglet species, winter wren,and yellow bellied sapsucker makes field walks interesting.

My time in the park, casually focused on ducks and sparrows. In that spirit, I observed the three BUFFLEHEADS,two Drake's and a hen by Three Sisters island; later on my return trip they were off the Peninsula thumb on the Lake.

For Sparrows at the Sparrowbowl a hunkered down Field Sparrow led the several song,white throated and Chipping. After an untimely disturbance by off leash dogs in early afternoon I left knowing it'll be awhile before those sparrows come back. ( And I wondered why birders go to quieter Greenwood 😕)

eBird Checklist - 2 Nov 2019 - Prospect Park - 37 species. BBC WALK

https://ebird.org/checklist/S61114435

Brooklyn bird club preliminary report, walk Led by Ed Crowne

More late PP warblers

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) (1)
- Reported Nov 01, 2019 15:47 by Michael Silber

- 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/view/checklist/S61098168
- Comments: "Mossy back. Yellow throat. Dark back. Chestnut band on chest. Observed at close proximity.  In and out of Quaker cemetery"

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Nov 01, 2019 15:47 by Michael Silber

- 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/view/checklist/S61098168
- Comments: "Olive-yellow head and back. Striped flanks. Line across eye. Observed multiple times at close proximity. In and out of Quaker cemetery"

Hey Vesper ,The world series is over!

Field 2 continues to host a VESPER SPARROW at Prospect 's long meadow western end. Someone should tell the bird the baseball season is over....

Three BUFFLEHEAD Ducks were reported on Prospect Lake. The report came from Karen Ohearn.

And last , the MERLIN is liking the ballfields aplenty. Vesper Sparrow, you better be on your way!

Also a Karen report: late American Redstart and Northern Parula

see the ebird details

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) (1)- Reported Nov 01, 2019 08:50 by karen o'hearn
- 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/view/checklist/S61092230
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "continuing"

American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 01, 2019 08:50 by karen o'hearn
- 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/view/checklist/S61092230
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "pic"

Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) (1)
- Reported Nov 01, 2019 08:50 by karen o'hearn
- 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/view/checklist/S61092230
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "pic"


If you are looking for trends or common birds, check the latest PP checklist
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516

Have a good weekend!