Rusty

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 11:00 by matt bourke
- 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/S308116843
- Comments: "in the vale, seen by others. looked like a male - pointed bill and a pale yellow eye"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Where does the name Timberdoodle come from ?

If you are wondering about the American Woodcock other nickname here it is:

The American Woodcock is nicknamed "timberdoodle" due to its habitat in young forests/woodlands ("timber") and its, at times, silly or ditsy, rocking, "doodle"-like movement while searching for food. The term originated in the mid-19th century, with one of the first recorded uses appearing in an 1839

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Wills chklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S307961391

Note both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls 

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

COME stick around

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Mar 10, 2026 07:53 by Connor Krist
- 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/S307924768
- Comments: "Distinct white side and black top with gray tail and orange beak"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Continuing Trumpeter

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 10, 2026 08:28 by Greg Thornberg
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307919362
- Media: 1 Video, 2 Photos
- Comments: "YES! Continuing. Large swan with thick all black bill. Along shore of N5 Pier with Mute Swan and CAGO."

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 10, 2026 08:01 by Caroline Quinn
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307905830
- Comments: "Continuing, preening on the sand in the inlet by the North Williamsburg ferry pier with its Mute Swan partner in crime. Not even a crappy cell phone pic this morning as was running so late to catch my ferry but you know the drill by now - big all white swan with an entirely black sloping bill and black facial skin with straight borders."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Cackling goose report Prospect lake

Putting it out there ..

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (2)
- Reported Mar 10, 2026 07:53 by Connor Krist
- 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/S307924768
- Comments: "Size, neck length, mixed with Canada geese"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

fos tree swallow prospect

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) (3)
- Reported Mar 09, 2026 09:47 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/S307632020
- Comments: "Early-ish; compact white-bellied swallows with slightly notched tails together very high over Nethermead."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Rusty blackbird pplake

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (2)
- Reported Mar 09, 2026 09:45 by RenX MC
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.65644, -73.96905, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.656443,-73.969053&ll=40.656443,-73.969053
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307604176
- Comments: "Sharp beak and light eyering. Foraging at edge of prospect park lake"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

COME south Prospect lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Mar 09, 2026 08:02 by Eleanor Kagan
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307596995
- Comments: "Continuing. South side of the lake. At least four males and one or two females. Photos available.

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Cackling goose congress

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 10:49 by E R
- Congress Street, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6891943,-73.9969754&ll=40.6891943,-73.9969754
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307395106
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Having had flyover candidates before that were probably just small Canadas, I'm a little wary, but I think this one looks better -- small-bodied and small-headed and billed, with head looking pretty blocky. Was watching it in real time and trying to get photos, which seem to confirm the impression"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Around the nabe

Interesting stuff to report today briefly .

Both Glaucous and Iceland gulls were at Bush Terminal Pier park before each separately flew off south towards Brooklyn army terminal ,likely to the pier there.

Also at BT Pier park, a Green winged teal floated off at one of the piers.

To the north at Sims Recycling,the SWAINSON Hawk continues its presence.

The Trumpeter Swan sticks around at its favorite Pier North 5th ferry in Williamsburg.

In Prospect Park, a reported Boat- tailed Grackle visited the West shore area of Prospect Lake .This is a rare species account so hopefully it sticks around 

A deceased American Woodcock was found yesterday in Prospect so this species is coming through,one of the earliest special birds of spring .

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Really ducky at greenwood cemetery

After Sunday services and breakfast, we always take a ride through Greenwood to see the "country" . It's a good way to view from the car as my mom doesn't walk too well. But this late morning i noticed how ducky it was.

Passing first by crescent water, it was all hooded.. 6 Hooded Mergansers got the pond for themselves, 3 drakes and 3 hens for the right romantic moment.

Later Sylvan water did better with diversity.Joining more hooded  now 12 so far i counted was a lone Red breasted merganser drake. I read later a Common merganser put in and that's pretty rare for 3 merg species especially for greenwood! Add wood ducks, a bufflehead, a ruddy and the usual mallard and black, we have a great collection! 

You have to love this time of year as migration heats up..🦆

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

both whitewinged gulls at BATP4

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 14:54 by Ryan McGrady
- 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/S307340261
- Comments: "Giant all ivory gull, conveniently right near a less giant all white gull"

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 14:54 by Ryan McGrady
- 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/S307340261
- Comments: "Big all ivory gull, conveniently right near an even bigger all white gull"

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 13:11 by Asher Fusco
- 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/S307341930
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing among ring-billed and herring gulls on the pier, originally found/reported by Casey. First-cycle bird, overall light-colored with all-dark bill. Smaller than nearby American Herring Gulls. Photos

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Triple merganser in GWC!

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 11:20 by Daisy Paul
- 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/S307340102
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "All three mergansers on one checklist in GWC! If not a first, exceedingly rare. Male and female flyover, northbound over Hill of Graves."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

That time of year for Rusty Blackbirds

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (2)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 12:38 by Anonymous eBirder
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.652439,-73.970243&ll=40.652439,-73.970243
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307319238
- Comments: "One juvenile and one adult male on lookout hil"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

eBird Checklist - 8 Mar 2026 - North 5th Street Pier and Park - 5 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S307354733

Well, I finally got around getting the darn Boid...

After over two weeks hearing and reading about that trumpeter swan in upper East River , specifically Greenpoint and Williamsburgh,I figure that I didn't want to torture myself any long for an easy new county bird. So I hopped aboard the F train. The G would've been easier for me but it stops at Court Square with ongoing weekend track maintenance. So it was the F train the long way into NYC then the L train to Bedford Ave;then a long walk.

When I arrived at the North 5th St Pier, I really got lucky.The trumpeter was immediate and on spot..count my lucky stars!

It stuck with a Mute Swan staying close adjacent to the ferry Pier and settling in by the beach with extremely close observation..

It's not often I get after a long birding career a new county life bird.

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
   

Trumpeter update

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 11:01 by landry birds
- Marsha P. Johnson SP (East River SP), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7214782,-73.9620551&ll=40.7214782,-73.9620551
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S307217931
- Comments: "Continuing with his mute swan friend"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

First spring phoebe

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Mar 08, 2026 08:33 by Peter Paul
- 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/S307190409
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Slightly early - Sylvan. Yay! Gray and white flycatcher, tail pumping."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Pufi in pp

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) (1)
- Reported Mar 07, 2026 12:42 by Chris Miller
- 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/S306897662
- Comments: "Heard it first, then saw it. Stockier finch with slight crest on raspberry colored head. Raspberry colored chest with white belly. Adult male singing in a tree here: (40.6691123, -73.9663513)"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Come update

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Mar 07, 2026 10:27 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/S306925620
- Comments: "Continuing"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Trumpeter update

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 07, 2026 09:29 by Elias Kotsis
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306792457
- Comments: "Part of continuing pair with Mute Swan"

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 07, 2026 09:22 by Caroline Quinn
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306772842
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing with its Mute Swan pal in inlet by North Williamsburg ferry dock. Once again being fed bread by very well-meaning people :( - don't miss your chance to educate folks about angel wing today, fellow kids! Crappy cell phone pic as I was heading for the ferry."


Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 07, 2026 14:05 by Kerri McDonald 🐤
- Wallabout Channel, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7050865,-73.9697951&ll=40.7050865,-73.9697951
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306987312
- Comments: "Ongoing trumpeter swan hanging out with mute swan."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Bluejays are the Oak builders.

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Trumpeter update

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 06, 2026 11:11 by Melissa Ainley
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306479858
- Comments: "Continuing with its Mute Swan companion at the end of N.5th street. Unfortunately someone dumped a TON of bread in the water today, people are constantly feeding them. Can a "Don't feed the waterfowl" sign be made and put here? My heart is breaking as I watch the Canadian Geese and Swans gobble it all up."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Lake mergansers

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Mar 06, 2026 09:07 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/S306463025
- Comments: "On the main lake, mixed among gulls and ducks. large, white body, crisp transition to a dark head and neck."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Mar 06, 2026 08:03 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/S306451891
- Comments: "Continuing males on the S side of the lake. More photos available."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Bald eagles prospect lake jollies

Immature bald eagle landed on Prospect lake ice briefly,took off ,flew over circling Hammerhead  and was attacked by an adult bald eagle! Pretty cool.now I'm heading for lunch from my park job.🦅

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

addition to last post Mt Prospect Park skate park , specs

https://www.brooklyncb8.org/docs/260303_MPP_PrelimDesign_CB8_Final.pdf?zlinkid=73194c8c-f344-458b-a786-1c777e912666

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

new proposed skatepark in Mount Prospect Park (adjacent to Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Eastern Parkway side

https://www.curbed.com/article/tony-hawk-skate-park-mount-prospect-green-space.html

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Wallabout Trumpeter

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 05, 2026 11:31 by Austin Johnson
- Wallabout Channel, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7050865,-73.9697951&ll=40.7050865,-73.9697951
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S306235271
- Comments: "continuing mega, at the terminus of the channel when i arrived but slowly paddled directly beneath the dead end of division ave for great looks"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Swainsons hawk update

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Mar 04, 2026 12:30 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/S305992398
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing long-winged, dark hawk. Photos"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Trumpeter Swan update today

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 04, 2026 13:48 by Hazel Court
- Wallabout Channel, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7050865,-73.9697951&ll=40.7050865,-73.9697951
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305948606
- Comments: "Continuing, hanging out with the mute swan. Floated in from Wallabout Bay and proceeded to sip of the street runoff pipe. Straight black wedge bill with teeny pink line. Photos."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Springs show

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Events for April 2026 – Brooklyn Bird Club

https://brooklynbirdclub.org/events/2026-04/ 

Schedule for spring prospect walks,tradition continues

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Come on Prospect lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Mar 03, 2026 16:27 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/S305708808
- Comments: "Continuing in open water at South part of Prospect Lake."

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

March 3 wallabout trumpeter

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 03, 2026 08:59 by Sameer Ajmani
- Wallabout Channel, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7050865,-73.9697951&ll=40.7050865,-73.9697951
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305581190
- Comments: "Continuing huge white swan with entirely black bill extending to eyes"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

It's beginning......

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan