BirdCast - Bird migration forecasts in real-time

https://birdcast.info/ 

Tomorrow may not be sunny but oftentimes might be productive. Enjoy the day as a wet weekend ( at least Sunday) will be a soaker

Willow PP Spring walks

https://www.facebook.com/100063538178562/posts/138373111623961/?substory_index=0&sfnsn=mo 

COME stays

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Apr 07, 2021 09:19 by Daniel Smith
- 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/S85061366
- Comments: "Continuing spotted on water between West Island and west shore." 

Prospect Park Rough legged Hawk records

Just as I figured.

Yesterday's sighting was the eleventh record the first RLHA seen in 22 years! The last sighting was April 25 1999   (  https://ebird.org/checklist/S4111167 ) and the observer then was none other than...me! A bird I remembered well on a BBC walk  as we don't get this very rare  bird ; my sighting was a flyover over Lookout Hill heading northwest.

To the observer of yesterday's bird over the ball fields I say congrats for a fantastic sighting. It was apparently a low flyer that terrific photos were had.

Prospect Park

Kings, US-NY

DATE # OBSERVER

1999-04-25 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1970-04-14 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1969-12-28 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1945-12-15 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1945-12-02 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1945-10-26 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1937-12-09 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1936-05-01 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1917-11-07 1 NYC Bird Report Data

1915-05-26 1 NYC Bird Report Data

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) upper Pool LOWA

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 2:55 PM on Wed, Apr 07, 2021:
LOWA still at the back viewing area of the Upper Pool
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1379870360137531396?s=03)

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Tweet from Birdwatch (@BirdwatchExtra)

Birdwatch (@BirdwatchExtra) tweeted at 5:30 AM on Wed, Apr 07, 2021:
The specially designed 'skybrator' wind turbines could reduce both avian casualties and noise pollution. Find out more: https://t.co/v9Eu71siJU
(https://twitter.com/BirdwatchExtra/status/1379728166948864002?s=03)

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Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:31 PM on Wed, Apr 07, 2021:
4 low croaking Ravens over bklyn botanic garden bloomed cherry blossoms ....
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1379849290785382407?s=03)

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Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert PP ROUGH LEGGED HAWK

It has been many years since the 

Last one reported. Rare find! Ill check the reds later.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:


*** Species Summary:

- Rough-legged Hawk (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 our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit: https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully

Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) (1)
- Reported Apr 06, 2021 08:00 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/S85006476
- Comments: "Seen flying over the baseball fields of Prospect Park. Photos posted to Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nikon500F4/status/1379550369647312903"

***********

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

Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
https://ebird.org/alerts

eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/



--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Prospect briefs Rover returns

Tuesday in Prospect was highlighted by the return of Rover the eagle.

On the Hammerhead in southwest Prospect Lake, Rover was seen perched in a tree by one of my supevisors. Later Rob Bate witnessed the eagle catching a fish from the lake, a catfish. There's plenty of catfish recipes we can pass along to Rover.It flew up towards Lookout Hill with its meal.

This morning saw the return of Martins. Sorry folks not that one; namely  3 Purple Martins over the lake spotted  early morning by Dale Dyer.

The last good mention regards Louisiana Waterthushes. A few different places were scenes for the tail bobbing bird: Ravine southern weir, Upper Pool,Pagoda's Lily Pool and a late report  of south lake shore behind 3 Sisters Islands. It's that time of the year

Bird migration forecast maps - BirdCast

https://birdcast.info/migration-tools/migration-forecast-maps/ 

April 7-9th might have an uptick in birds...

PP Louisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 06, 2021 08:00 by Valerie Masten

- 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/S84959233
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "upper pool. White eye stripe, pink legs. Poor but diagnostic photos" 

Fwd: Rover

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rob Bate <robsbate@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Apr 6, 2021, 10:53 AM
Subject: Rover
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Rover caught a catfish in Prospect Park Lake today.  No Purple Martins for me though.

Monday louisiana waterthrushes

A reported two birds ,the first at Ravine South Weir; the latest at the back of upper pool from the path, a second one. Upper and Lower Pool is sources from the Fallkill Falls.

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Fwd: field sparrow, I think

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, April 5, 2021
Subject: field sparrow, I think
To: "prosbird@gmail.com" <prosbird@gmail.com>

At the Dell Water today

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Rarities in pp

Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) (1)
- Reported Apr 05, 2021 09:10 by Joe Girgente

- 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/S84854677
- Comments: "Seen on two separate occasions with pale orange rump standing out against the small flock of brilliant blue-green TRES with which it was associating. When banking towards me, the small pale patch on the forehead stood out against its darker surroundings. Couldn't obtain pics."

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 05, 2021 07:32 by Paul Sweet

- 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/S84847570
- Comments: "Pagoda pond 

Prospect gray breasted martin NEGATIVE

No reports today of Martin so far 

BBC eve program april7

https://m.facebook.com/events/289844525852623?view=permalink&id=289844535852622&sfnsn=mo 

Prospect Park, Kings County, NY, US - eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516 

74 species Sunday including red shouldered hawk,purple Finch, Iceland Gull,siskin, common Merganser,red throated loon...and some Martin people have been chasing... 😆

Patagonia effect today..many 👀a. More rare sightings....

Events for April 2021 – Brooklyn Bird Club

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/events/ 

New BBC Prospect walks. Life goes on.... 🎈

Gray breasted Martin ( pending) Prospect

Today's continuing bird focused on the outer/ Lower Lullwater,the body of water between Terrace Bridge and Peninsulas north shoreline /tip.

Most birders hung around on the pink concrete beach ( opposite the Terrace Bridge) hoping for the Martin's appearance. Behind that beach there was a tall ginkgo tree it perched at the top several times; it also perched next to the Bridge.

Early in the morning it perched over the small cove of the peninsula back hand ( the peninsula is shapes like a hand). I haven't heard it reported over the open lake or straying too far. It did disappeared for time gaps likely flying high on the wing.

If you are not successful ,there's always the Louisiana Waterthush. The walking bobbing warbler first spotted in Binnen water, worked upstream under the Nethermead Bridge where it was seen on the small weirs. I was lucky to see it-- thanks to Charles tip--on the small waterfall in the Ravine just in from Rocky Pass entrance.

Happy Easter everyone ! 🐰🐇🐣

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds). LOWA RAVINE

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 0:44 PM on Sun, Apr 04, 2021:
Louisiana waterthush still present on waterfall ravine by rocky pass entrance. Prospect
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1378750242477199363?s=03)

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Tweet from Heidi (@heidicleven)

Heidi (@heidicleven) tweeted at 9:51 PM on Sat, Apr 03, 2021:
The bird that is maybe possibly a Gray-breasted Martin in Prospect Park! https://t.co/pMNtLP7zZN
(https://twitter.com/heidicleven/status/1378525663188160514?s=03)

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Tweet from Richard Nelson (@Richard36971987) Martin progne species still present east prospect lake

Richard Nelson (@Richard36971987) tweeted at 0:44 AM on Sun, Apr 04, 2021:
Prospect Park Saturday 04/03/21
Grey Breasted Martin (confirmation pending)
Poop kept landing in water so no DNA :)
Also seen: Euro Goldfinch (2), Pine W. (1)
F. Common Merganser, Barn & Tree Swallows
all from same location @ P.P Lake
@BirdBrklyn https://t.co/KDgkrvCtqq
(https://twitter.com/Richard36971987/status/1378569084279853058?s=03)

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Mega rarity swallow details from Doug, original finder Eastern prospect lake

Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) (1)
- Reported Apr 01, 2021 07:25 by Doug Gochfeld

- 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/S84571274
- Media: 16 Photos
- Comments: "*****Potential MEGA. Very few records for the continental USA of Gray-breasted Martin or of any species in the "Snowy-bellied Martin" complex.
Changing observation now (on 04/03) from "Progne sp." to Gray-breasted, as that's what I now believe it most likely is, and it is easier for people to track through alerts when entered as a full species- these first two lists have photos for people to peruse as well. That said, I acknowledge the high level of uncertainty inherent in tropical Progne identification.

I First found this swallow from the south shore of the lake, opposite the Peninsula, as I was on my way out of the park. I was perplexed about its identity for quite a while, in part due to the dark, wet conditions, and the distance from the bird. It was starkly pale below, much like a Tree Swallow, except for an obviously dusky throat, and its upperparts were cold toned bluish, rather reminiscent of a dull Barn Swallow. It was not obviously larger than the couple of nearby Tree Swallows at first, which added to my confusion, as Purple Martins tend to impress me as dramatically larger than our other common swallows.
After ascertaining that it was indeed a Progne Martin, in large part by shape and flight style), additional views and photos cast some doubt on the null hypothesis of Purple Martin (brown flanks, apparently clean, unmarked underparts, little hint of a collar). I relocated to the Peninsula thumb, hoping for better views and photos. I did get some better views and pics. These showed that while my impressions of the underparts had been correct, it did indeed have a pale, mildly contrasting collar.

I had to leave the park after this, and was at this point waffling on the ID, and assuming this bird would prove to be part of a range of variation of Purple Martin which with I wasn't familiar. Examination of photos on a computer, and resources thereafter, and consultation with a couple of friends made me strongly suspect Caribbean Martin or another member of the Snowy-bellied Martin complex. I got the word out, and returned to the park, later, once the front passed and the light was better. This second encounter will be in a different eBird list, and this bird was last seen at least fifteen minutes after official sunset, at which point it was becoming too dark to adequately track it, so we could not ascertain whether and where it roosted. Many photos, though darkness hindered the quality. More photos and some video during the afternoon excursion.

Afternoon list:
https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S84575730" 

Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea) (1)

- Reported Apr 02, 2021 13:43 by Joseph DiCostanzo
- 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/S84633080
- Comments: "MEGA RARITY. Bird found by Doug Gochfeld yesterday. Slightly larger than Tree Swallows which were also present. Back dark bluish like Tree Swallows. Underside white like Tree Swallow except for dark grayish throat. Tail moderately forked. Bird too small for Purple Martin. Tail did not seemed forked enough for Snowy-bellied Martin complex. Gray-breasted Martin seems a better fit. Hopefully, many photos by Gochfeld and others will help resolve identification. (Changed species ID from martin sp? On April 3)"

New York Breeding Bird Atlas Checklist - 1 Apr 2021 - Prospect Park - 45 species (+4 other taxa)

https://ebird.org/atlasny/checklist/S84571274 

See details on the mega Martin find and Doug's reasons for Progne species

Consensus on Martin species prospect lake

At least one line of consensus is assured about the mystery Martin flying and perching in Prospect Lake. The NYC RBA is saying it's a tropical species one of --until further analysis --pinpoints it's true identity (if ever): Cuban,Grey breasted or of 3 snowy bellied complex species. Stay tuned.

The mega Martin spent most of the day off the Peninsula Tip ( the rustic shelter) flying with Tree Swallows or alone. At one time to my luck after a tweet it perched in a birch on Music Island .Other birders watch from the Lefrak Rink shoreline plaza as this tropical Martin stuck to the area between the rink,peninsula and duck island.

If anyone's interested there's still the hen Common Merganser and Redthroated Loon on the lake...hmm I guess not with that celebrity super mega Martin around...

Tweet from Felipe Pimentel (@Fpimentel14)

Felipe Pimentel (@Fpimentel14) tweeted at 6:58 PM on Fri, Apr 02, 2021:
Not yet identified Martin sp. (Progne sp.) Seen in Prospect Park Lake (today, 4-2-21). Brooklyn, NYC. Please, click on images. #NYbirds #NYbirding https://t.co/vCKuoYq5WN
(https://twitter.com/Fpimentel14/status/1378119733518741511?s=03)

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Tweet from Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) bald eagle surprise

Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) tweeted at 4:08 PM on Fri, Apr 02, 2021:
Unbelievable day! I watch raptors's nests for NestWatch as well as NYC wildlife unite. I found a new Red-tailed hawks' nest recently at Prospect. As a routine, I took photos of my nest for the report. Was I surprised what I saw! Rover or another Bald eagle was sitting in the nest https://t.co/NJpO17evb5
(https://twitter.com/charlesbrooklyn/status/1378076931615244291?s=03)

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https://lists.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A2=NJBIRDS%3Bfad2a240.2104&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&s=03 

Seen today frequenting with Tree Swallows off the Peninsula Tip (shelter) ..also perched on Music Island near rink side, peninsula cove trees.

Tweet from Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) ? Martin species

Charles Tang (@charlesbrooklyn) tweeted at 4:16 PM on Fri, Apr 02, 2021:
Purple Martin or whatever Martin at Prospect Park? This Martin attracted a lot of birders to Prospect park. I thought there is another Painted Bunting male around! I hope we will find out what this mystery bird is! https://t.co/ncT2GfSzz2
(https://twitter.com/charlesbrooklyn/status/1378078949050310657?s=03)

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Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) PP siskins

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 11:09 AM on Sat, Apr 03, 2021:
Two pine Siskins at last hanging thistle feeder prospect
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1378363948643278849?s=03)

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Prospect mystery martin

Asof 1039 perched in birch at northeast Music Island opp the rink entrance to restrooms

Swallow mystery

Much of the focus at Prospect Lake centered on a mystery Martin all over Prospect Lake today.

First appearing yesterday,found by Doug G, what was presumed a Purple Martin has been downgraded to an uncertain species identity. It could be an aberrant plumaged purple but suggestions are being thrown towards a tropical species possibility. These suggestions include Cuban ,Carribean or Gray breasted.

I'm very leery of posting anything here to create a wild goose chase. But if you are in the mood of chasing phantom geese, at least youll enjoy the beauty of Prospect park , then give it a shot and go for it! what's the worst if it was decided a purple? At least the pursuit was fun.

April Fools list

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec

🤗😃

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Prospect Lake swallows and morn warblers

Of the small number of swallows flying all over prospect lake,the one that stood out was Purple Martin.

Joining Tree,Barn and Northern Rough winged,the Martin was first spotted off the Peninsula by Doug G. Eventually it made its way over to West Island cove in later afternoon seen by a Mob.

Earlier when it was dreary cold, about 6 PINE WARBLERS settled in the Lullwater on both sides. I was fortunate for Linda Es tipoff to see one low male in poor light. I thought that was going to be my best look for PIWA.  Wrong. After work I sauntered down to the back road of the Pools. Just past the Lower Pool, I saw Kevin R looking at something on the ground. I figured I better get over there. And sure enough there's a bright male Pine in nice sunny light when it cleared up. My spring is made when I get my favorite warbler ( second is orange crowned).

The other highlight for me post work was the still present Red throated loon in the Lake. But what was special is that I saw the loon grab a fish! And I  enjoyed watching the loon swallow the fish as swallows flew above it. 🐟🐡🐡

I had no luck with the Martin but I avoided the mob given the circumstances ( still waiting my 2nd vax in two weeks)