638 am peak
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Monday, March 2, 2026
Tomorrow morning lunar eclipse
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Springs woodcocks dance.
For anyone looking to experience this wonderful spring phenomenon, go for it
Best places are Floyd Bennett field. ( North 40 or the Scout camp near the sanitation complex, Marine Park salt marsh trail or even Jamaica Bay refuge .. look for field edges of hedges or thickets .
Here's a Google search
woodcocks dance for how long
+6
This video shows a male woodcock performing its unique sky dance ritual:
Key Details on Timing:
- Duration: The display, often called the "sky dance," typically lasts 30–60 minutes, with the entire ritual often continuing for hours into the night.
- Best Time to View: The best time is during civil twilight, which is about 45 minutes after sunset or before sunrise.
- Moonlight Factor: On bright, moonlit nights, the performance may last all night.
- Seasonal Duration: The courtship displays begin in mid-March and can last into June, with April and early May being prime time.
- Weather Effects: Clear skies can extend the duration of the display, while wind reduces it.
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Trumpeter swan ** continuing in Williamsburg
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 02, 2026 07:59 by Jay Gershkowitz
- 2 Northside Piers, New York US-NY 40.72015, -73.96444, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.720147,-73.964437&ll=40.720147,-73.964437
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305278701
- Comments: "Continuing bird, long all black bill"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 02, 2026 07:56 by Caroline Quinn
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing with its Mute Swan buddy swimming around at the North Williamsburg ferry dock - waved hi to them as I ran to catch my ferry to work :)."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Mar 02, 2026 07:59 by Jay Gershkowitz
- 2 Northside Piers, New York US-NY 40.72015, -73.96444, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.720147,-73.964437&ll=40.720147,-73.964437
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305278701
- Comments: "Continuing bird, long all black bill"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 02, 2026 07:56 by Caroline Quinn
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing with its Mute Swan buddy swimming around at the North Williamsburg ferry dock - waved hi to them as I ran to catch my ferry to work :)."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Sunday, March 1, 2026
Warning avian flu ( it's the same protocol everywhere)
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Trumpeter swan** in williamsburgh
Note supposedly in NYC county (per ebird)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 10:53 by landry birds
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S305007432
- Media: 1 Video, 4 Photos
- Comments: "Trumpeter swan, black bill (no yellow). Seen by many. Have photos."
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 09:50 by Tzvi Deutsch
- 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/S305039483
- Comments: "Continuing bird first spotted by Caroline Quinn on 2/2826. Large swan with long straight black bill. *photos to come"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 09:17 by Sandra Baptista
- Williamsburg Ferry, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "Very comfortable at Northside Piers Williamsburg, Brooklyn"
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 12:15 by Maureen Matthews
- N. Williamsburg Ferry Pier, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing, keeping company with a Mute Swan"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 09:17 by Sandra Baptista
- Williamsburg Ferry, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "Very comfortable at Northside Piers Williamsburg, Brooklyn"
Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 12:15 by Maureen Matthews
- N. Williamsburg Ferry Pier, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing, keeping company with a Mute Swan"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
red hook iceland gull
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 08:41 by Richard Fleming
- Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6757764,-74.018366&ll=40.6757764,-74.018366
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304961125
- Comments: "Looks like the big 1C bird from the Army Terminal, but there are comparatively lots of them around. Photos WBA."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 08:41 by Richard Fleming
- Pier 44 Waterfront Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6757764,-74.018366&ll=40.6757764,-74.018366
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304961125
- Comments: "Looks like the big 1C bird from the Army Terminal, but there are comparatively lots of them around. Photos WBA."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
A jury of common mergansers
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (12)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 09:04 by Peter Paul
- 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/S305004734
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing group - mix of males and females. Exact count
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 09:04 by Peter Paul
- 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/S305004734
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing group - mix of males and females. Exact count
"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 Trumpet Swan continues per 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: Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 7:54 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Mar 1, 2026, 7:54 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
*** Species Summary:
- Trumpeter Swan (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.
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 07:00 by Max Epstein
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304907990
- Comments: "*found yesterday by Caroline Quinn, apparent first for NYC, provenance can be a question but seems to be a pattern in late winter. Very friendly, hanging out with a resident Mute Swan, heard it honk a few times. photos"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 07:00 by MCHL ____
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304907991
- Comments: "*found yesterday by Caroline Quinn, apparent first for NYC, provenance can be a question but seems to be a pattern in late winter. Very friendly, hanging out with a resident Mute Swan, heard it honk a few times. photos"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 01, 2026 06:25 by Peter Paul
- 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/S304894479
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Notes later
(40.7201596, -73.9644862)"
***********
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/
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Continuing Swainsons HAWK AT Sims
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 14:09 by Adam Burnett
- 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/S304785312
- Comments: "Continuing! Viewed from previously reported publicly accessible spot just outside recycling center gate, at (40.66165, -74.00630). After I had been watching unsuccessfully for about 10 minutes, I spotted the hawk perched on top of a pole on one of the piers to the north. It stayed perched there, facing us, for the next hour and was still there when I left. Frequently harassed by crows, but never changed position or flew off. Distant but identifiable binocular views. Better scope views—thanks to two other birders for letting me look through theirs.
Brown head, whitish throat, yellow cere, dark bill. Reddish bib and pale belly. Fine reddish barring on belly below bib, but no dark belly band. Even when viewed from the front, looked somewhat long-tailed and long-winged, as expected."
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 14:09 by Adam Burnett
- 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/S304785312
- Comments: "Continuing! Viewed from previously reported publicly accessible spot just outside recycling center gate, at (40.66165, -74.00630). After I had been watching unsuccessfully for about 10 minutes, I spotted the hawk perched on top of a pole on one of the piers to the north. It stayed perched there, facing us, for the next hour and was still there when I left. Frequently harassed by crows, but never changed position or flew off. Distant but identifiable binocular views. Better scope views—thanks to two other birders for letting me look through theirs.
Brown head, whitish throat, yellow cere, dark bill. Reddish bib and pale belly. Fine reddish barring on belly below bib, but no dark belly band. Even when viewed from the front, looked somewhat long-tailed and long-winged, as expected."
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 13:23 by B F
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Dark brown head and bib."
-- - Reported Feb 28, 2026 13:23 by B F
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Dark brown head and bib."
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"
--Carl Sagan
[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Alert TRUMPETER SWAN **
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 17:54 by Richard Fleming
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304795741
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Amazing find by Caroline Quinn, consorting with an apparently notorious local Mute Swan under the piers between Bushwick inlet park and N4th St. The two swans were unphased by the built environment and by the people watching them from the piers above. Photos taken after sunset and boosted in post. For those concerned with such matters the bird seems unlikely to have visited Brooklyn water during my observation."
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 17:54 by Richard Fleming
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7191302,-73.9652481&ll=40.7191302,-73.9652481
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S304795741
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Amazing find by Caroline Quinn, consorting with an apparently notorious local Mute Swan under the piers between Bushwick inlet park and N4th St. The two swans were unphased by the built environment and by the people watching them from the piers above. Photos taken after sunset and boosted in post. For those concerned with such matters the bird seems unlikely to have visited Brooklyn water during my observation."
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 18:25 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "county bird for me and an epic spot by Caroline. Was not at the ferry pier when I arrived so we split up to search and then Josh spotted it a bit south at the site of the hotspot pin. we watched it drift backup to the pier where we left it around 6:50. Basically identical in size to the mute swan it was with, but slightly different shape with a longer, kinda squished breast, all black beak that made a V with the forehead, and a stubby versus a pointy tail. Bird was very tame and associating closely with the also-tame mute swan- i'm sure a behavior that will raise eyebrows and maybe provenance questions but i'll note that the trumpeters i've seen in minnesota often act the same way, especially in the twin cities."
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 17:50 by E R
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found and reported by Caroline Quinn — we first observed it right at the end of north 6th from that turf staircase jutting out over the water. Swimming alongside a Mute Swan. Very large swan with some orange staining visible in head and neck; large dark bill with dark extending behind to encompass dark. Possible first county record? For both Kings and New York counties"
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 18:25 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "county bird for me and an epic spot by Caroline. Was not at the ferry pier when I arrived so we split up to search and then Josh spotted it a bit south at the site of the hotspot pin. we watched it drift backup to the pier where we left it around 6:50. Basically identical in size to the mute swan it was with, but slightly different shape with a longer, kinda squished breast, all black beak that made a V with the forehead, and a stubby versus a pointy tail. Bird was very tame and associating closely with the also-tame mute swan- i'm sure a behavior that will raise eyebrows and maybe provenance questions but i'll note that the trumpeters i've seen in minnesota often act the same way, especially in the twin cities."
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Feb 28, 2026 17:50 by E R
- Austin Nichols House, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird found and reported by Caroline Quinn — we first observed it right at the end of north 6th from that turf staircase jutting out over the water. Swimming alongside a Mute Swan. Very large swan with some orange staining visible in head and neck; large dark bill with dark extending behind to encompass dark. Possible first county record? For both Kings and New York counties"
Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Feb 27, 2026 15:20 by Paul Saraceni
- Marsha P. Johnson SP (East River SP), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Unbanded. Accompanied by Mute Swan. Actively seeking handouts from curious park visitors. The swans were not present during my visit to the park yesterday (Feb. 26th)."
- Reported Feb 27, 2026 15:20 by Paul Saraceni
- Marsha P. Johnson SP (East River SP), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Unbanded. Accompanied by Mute Swan. Actively seeking handouts from curious park visitors. The swans were not present during my visit to the park yesterday (Feb. 26th)."
" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"
--Carl Sagan
Friday, February 27, 2026
Common mergs
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 13:03 by Marc Brawer
- 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/S304105676
- Comments: "Continuing Drake near open water at three sisters. Greenish head with reddish bill"
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 17:26 by Mike Peczynski
- 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/S304109436
- Comments: "Clear white breast vs reddish in RBME."
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 13:03 by Marc Brawer
- 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/S304105676
- Comments: "Continuing Drake near open water at three sisters. Greenish head with reddish bill"
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 17:26 by Mike Peczynski
- 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/S304109436
- Comments: "Clear white breast vs reddish in RBME."
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Feb 27, 2026 08:51 by B F
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "5 drakes and 1 hen. Two appeared to fly northwest out of the park. Drakes with green heads, long narrow red bills, black down back but otherwise bright white below. Hen with red head and neck sharply demarcated from rest of body, shaggy crest, white spot under chin, etc."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 27, 2026 08:51 by B F
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S3
- Comments: "5 drakes and 1 hen. Two appeared to fly northwest out of the park. Drakes with green heads, long narrow red bills, black down back but otherwise bright white below. Hen with red head and neck sharply demarcated from rest of body, shaggy crest, white spot under chin, etc."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Upcoming lunar eclipse
Just before sunrise Tuesday morn
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
March migration
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
sims seainson hawk continues
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 14:10 by MCHL ____
- 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/S304070631
- Comments: "Continuing! Slender hawk with dark brown bib/hood, heavily marked chest, long dark pointed wings in flight. First seen perched under the left corner of the angle-roof building. Flew from perch, chased by Red-tail, soared over grain terminal, then perched on skinny pipe in front of the grain terminal. Nice looks."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 26, 2026 14:10 by MCHL ____
- 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/S304070631
- Comments: "Continuing! Slender hawk with dark brown bib/hood, heavily marked chest, long dark pointed wings in flight. First seen perched under the left corner of the angle-roof building. Flew from perch, chased by Red-tail, soared over grain terminal, then perched on skinny pipe in front of the grain terminal. Nice looks."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
LBBGULL at btpp
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:15 by Richard Fleming
- 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/S303822686
- Comments: "Basic-plumaged adult on ruined jetty. Photos WBA"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:15 by Richard Fleming
- 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/S303822686
- Comments: "Basic-plumaged adult on ruined jetty. Photos WBA"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Long Continuing prospect conm mergs
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 09:50 by Trevor Williams
- 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/S303778448
- Comments: "Multiple males seen near Peristyle south side of Prospect Lake. Dark black/green head with thin red hooked bill."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 09:50 by Trevor Williams
- 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/S303778448
- Comments: "Multiple males seen near Peristyle south side of Prospect Lake. Dark black/green head with thin red hooked bill."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Red headed woodpecker flyover Bed Stuy
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:20 by Austin Johnson
- home, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.69072,-73.939768&ll=40.69072,-73.939768
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303777107
- Comments: "rare! and a patch bird for me. bright adult with clean white belly and boldly defined red head, white wing patches on trailing edge of wing along the body. silent but low flyover with classic bouncy woodpecker gait, failed to relocate but the bird is surely still local, will try again later."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:20 by Austin Johnson
- home, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.69072,-73.939768&ll=40.69072,-73.939768
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303777107
- Comments: "rare! and a patch bird for me. bright adult with clean white belly and boldly defined red head, white wing patches on trailing edge of wing along the body. silent but low flyover with classic bouncy woodpecker gait, failed to relocate but the bird is surely still local, will try again later."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
LBBGULL in prospect
Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:49 by MCHL ____
- 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/S303572039
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Stood out amongst ring-billed gulls. The bird struck me as odd, but I presumed it was a Herring Gull. My birding braintrust says it looks good for 1st Winter Lesser. Images for review."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:49 by MCHL ____
- 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/S303572039
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Stood out amongst ring-billed gulls. The bird struck me as odd, but I presumed it was a Herring Gull. My birding braintrust says it looks good for 1st Winter Lesser. Images for review."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Excellent article about the Great Backyard bird count profiling Tina Alleva leading the Brooklyn Bird Club.
Kudos to Tina !
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Iceland gull BATP4
Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 12:04 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/S303556088
- Comments: "cont 1cyc"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 12:04 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/S303556088
- Comments: "cont 1cyc"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Bald eagle at BTPP
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 08:40 by Adam Subel
- 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/S303515477
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Close to full adult plumage, but some mottled white in the wings. Will add a photo"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 08:40 by Adam Subel
- 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/S303515477
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Close to full adult plumage, but some mottled white in the wings. Will add a photo"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Swainsons hawk continues at Sims
Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:02 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/S303515329
- Comments: "Photos to come"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:02 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/S303515329
- Comments: "Photos to come"
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Monday, February 23, 2026
First of season local woodcock
The early bird is back.
An American Woodcock hid out in Prospect Parks Lullwater before it flew upwards towards a birder named Lane today. It landed on the ice for a few moments before taking off
This is quite an early bird, easier to see of course with a snowy backdrop ( but bad timing unless the storm bought it down most likely
Years ago it was the same scenario with a snowstorm that created a landfall of woodcocks ..I found at least 20.Greenwood Cemetery the same time had over 30 inside its 4th avenue tunnel that runs under 5th Ave..
Be on the lookout.
⛄
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Continuing PP Comm Mergs
Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Feb 23, 2026 14:37 by Jennifer Shirk
- 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/S303329643
- Comments: "On edge of ice, some in water, others on ice. Fully white on sides, dark head, narrow red bill."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 23, 2026 14:37 by Jennifer Shirk
- 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/S303329643
- Comments: "On edge of ice, some in water, others on ice. Fully white on sides, dark head, narrow red bill."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Barrows GoldenEye * at BTPP
Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 07:18 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/S302734388
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "UPDATE (2/22/2026): Updating the ID to a Barrow's based on the input of someone who knows a lot better than me. This bird was drifting south when observed on 2/21, and was not seen again and maybe the same bird seen by Jeff G at Ceasar's Bay Bazaar (https://ebird.org/checklist/S297618460) ... which may also be the same bird seen by Terry VP in Gravesend Bay and PW at Calvert Vaux. N.B. When I visited Bush on 2/22, this individual was no longer present, so it's possible that it is a bird that's ranging widely on either side of the Verrazano.
- - -
Probably just a hen Common, but adding a few photos here just in case."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 07:18 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/S302734388
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "UPDATE (2/22/2026): Updating the ID to a Barrow's based on the input of someone who knows a lot better than me. This bird was drifting south when observed on 2/21, and was not seen again and maybe the same bird seen by Jeff G at Ceasar's Bay Bazaar (https://ebird.org/checklist/S297618460) ... which may also be the same bird seen by Terry VP in Gravesend Bay and PW at Calvert Vaux. N.B. When I visited Bush on 2/22, this individual was no longer present, so it's possible that it is a bird that's ranging widely on either side of the Verrazano.
- - -
Probably just a hen Common, but adding a few photos here just in case."
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"
-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson
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
- 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
- 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."
- 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."
- 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."
***********
- 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
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