Fwd: Sunday's GWC Two Michelle's BBC walk

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: michelle
Date: Sun, May 17, 2026, 7:19 PM
Subject: Sunday's GWC Two Michelle's walk
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc

Hi Peter,

Michelle and I had a beautiful spring Sunday leading the BBC walk. We were joined by several BBC first-timers and out-of-town guests.

We observed 68 wonderful species in total. Birding highlights included both tanagers, several warblers as expected, and a Yellow-breasted Chat that provided excellent views while foraging in the open. We also witnessed Baltimore Orioles, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and a Downy Woodpecker nest-building. Other sightings included fresh goslings in Sylvan Water, a fledgling Starling being fed, a young groundhog, and a small lizard.

Special thanks to Val for volunteering to compile the eBird list, which can be found here: 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S341071023

See you outside,

The Michelle's

More chat details in GWC Sylvan water South low slope

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 09:35 by Laura Silverstein
- 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/S341198381
- Comments: "By the Sylvan Pond. Very showy on the ground and the bench. Took photos, others near us have better ones but can provide:"

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 07:14 by Barbara S
- 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/S341234497
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Found by Michele. Unmistakable, but behaving very unlike a chat, out in the open and feeding in the grass, not disturbed by the excited group of observers. Photos."

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 06:55 by Susie Dippel
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S341198814
- Media: 1 Video
- Comments: "Bright yellow throat and chest, spectacle eyes. Perhaps a first year bird, did not mind giving looks or having a crowd admire it. Found by Michele 

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 10:59 by Xinyi Z
- 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/S341320276
- Comments: "Flagged: rare, especially in spring. Great find by the Michelles’ Brooklyn Bird Club walk earlier, and a remarkably cooperative  individual, sometimes moving out onto the grass in the open like a robin. At S end of Sylvan. Photos."

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 15:12 by Coco D
- Green-Wood Cemetery--Sylvan Water, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6537472,-73.9986235&ll=40.6537472,-73.9986235
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S341353711
- Comments: "Continuing individual; re-found by me at SW of Sylvan Water. Unmistakable; medium sized (between a redstart and a robin), yellow breast, dark eye stripe with white around the eye."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

If it's on the front page of the Brooklyn Eagle, it must be big news ! 😆

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Cooperative chat

Base is south Sylvan pond ( below ridge)

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 17, 2026 07:41 by Anonymous eBirder
- Green-Wood Cemetery--Sylvan Water, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6537472,-73.9986235&ll=40.6537472,-73.9986235
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S340856667
- Comments: "ID’ed with Brooklyn birding club."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert time for flycatchers

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) (1)
- Reported May 16, 2026 11:59 by Rusty H
- 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/S340263239
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "complete eyering; hanging out by termite hatchout

In native flora section

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

GWC MOWA

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported May 16, 2026 08:51 by Elizabeth Monson
- 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/S340471400
- Comments: "Spotting by Elizabeth M. Larger, skulky, dark blue-grey hood, pale pink beak yellow underparts. Spotted near portapotty on landscape and vista."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Pursuing those common warblers

In a weird twist, I'm missing many of the common warblers this season despite getting rare ones ( like Swainsons, hooded, yellow throated,and Prothonotary).My free time available hasn't been fruitful with cold weather impacting my off time birding plus family obligations as well as supervising volunteer groups three times a week keeps me grounded . So this morning was my first full weekend morning other than the Clove trip I led the bird club May 8th.

Again it was very slow as I ventured thru Greenwood Cemetery. It's tough with all the leaf out plus the bright sunny glare makes it difficult spotting birds. If only I could pick up three new warbler species...

Well I got my wish. Three it was after a very long walk. First along the road near Crescent Water , I spotted luckily a male American Redstart in a pin oak. I was happy as I missed this bird in Staten Island Great Kills park , a bird near my feet as I was looking straight into the brush..

After running into friends Alan and Janet who informed me they had a small pocket of warblers by Dell water, I calmly sauntered over there and ...nope ..they took off. Darn it.

  

It wasn't until I got to Sylvan Water South low slope that I picked up two in one shot . A group of birders were there already, one birder pointing to a small tree that I figure had a warbler. Yep, there was but another distracted me and that bird a little upslope was a Chestnut sided warbler. And right away in front of me too close for my bins, a male Wilson's Warbler.. I was happy as a lark . The Wilsons continued to entertain us as it visited various young trees  likely newly planted in front of us. Upon hearing there was a Canada Warbler on the north shore in the birch grove I naturally pursued that. No luck but I can't get greedy. There's still migration time for another 2 weeks.

Greenwood was a good spot today . Other birders reported a few things.Most surprisingly , a late appearance of two drake Common Mergansers flew over Grape Ave. Black billed Cuckoo got the same birders attention at Dell water takes to a photo he took . A different birder reported Olive sided Flycatcher along Greenbough Ave . some flyover Black Vultures added suspense 

Meanwhile over at Prospect where the half marathon impacted plans, a reported Mourning Warbler popped up near the Boathouse while behind the Well house , ass a Lincoln Sparrow 

In other green preserves, namely the Botanic Garden and Fort Greene Park, the Native Flora section was a site of a termite hatch out where Rusty reported lots of warblers and vireos . In Fort Greene Park,  an adult Blue Grosbeak was found at the north lawn.

🐦

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Forecast Maps – BirdCast

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

The latest

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Don Riepe ( Amer littoral society) walk for horseshoe crabs

10th Annual HORSESHOE CRAB FESTIVAL, Sunday, May 17th (10am-1pm).  Come join me at the ball field beach at the south end of Broad Channel. (West 22nd street just before the bridge to Rockaway).  Bring kids to see the ancient 'crabs' come ashore to lay their eggs. Free. For more info contact: don@littoralsociety.org

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Bird List - Prospect Park, Kings, New York, United States - eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L109516/bird-list

Prospects week

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Prospect Swainsons Warbler general area

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DibaAZbXbH8AVzB4A?g_st=am


Bird reportedly moved a little south but moving or expanding its original area ..

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Swainsons Warbler general area

At the red pin 

 

Swainsons Warbler continues today at midslope Western Lookout Hill

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 15, 2026 08:03 by Chen Lei
- 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/S339454954
- Comments: "Continuing at (40.6574622, -73.9727108). Brown warbler with long bill and dark eyeline. Foraging on the ground and went up in the tree for a brief moment to give some good looks."

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 15, 2026 08:17 by Anna Ho
- 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/S339234036
- Comments: "Seem and heard by many of us"

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 15, 2026 07:21 by A S
- 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/S339239763
- Comments: "Ongoing bird on lookout hill. Viewed with many others. Vocalized once."

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 15, 2026 07:10 by Gab C
- 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/S339269514
- Comments: "Continuing on lookout hill, observed with many other birders. Small, yellowy beige warbler with brown cap and brown line behind eye, mostly hiding in the understory, but jumping up and singing every few minutes to birders’ delights."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Fwd: Thursday Spring Migration Walk

Leaders Chris Miller and Michelle

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Chris Miller <cmnyc79@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, May 14, 2026, 5:37 PM
Subject: Thursday Spring Migration Walk
To: prosbird@gmail.com <Prosbird@gmail.com>, Tom Stephenson <12toms@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

Despite the rainy weather forecast, Michele and I had a nice group of people today. The park was very birdy with highlights including Blackburnian Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Canada Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and Swainson's Warbler. Migration felt near its peak with 21 warbler species on our list!

We had 67 species total.

Mute Swan 
Wood Duck 
Mallard 
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Chimney Swift 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 
Laughing Gull 
Double-crested Cormorant 
Green Heron 
Red-tailed Hawk 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Downy Woodpecker 
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 
Great Crested Flycatcher 
Eastern Kingbird 
Blue-headed Vireo 
Eastern Warbling Vireo 
Red-eyed Vireo 
Blue Jay 
American Crow 
Fish Crow 
Tufted Titmouse 
Northern Rough-winged Swallow 
Barn Swallow 
Northern House Wren 
European Starling 
Gray Catbird 
Northern Mockingbird 
Veery 
Swainson's Thrush 
American Robin 
Cedar Waxwing 
House Sparrow 
American Goldfinch 
Song Sparrow 
Orchard Oriole 
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird 
Common Grackle 
Ovenbird 
Northern Waterthrush 
Black-and-white Warbler 
Swainson's Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Kentucky Warbler 
Common Yellowthroat 
Hooded Warbler 
American Redstart 
Cape May Warbler
Northern Parula 
Magnolia Warbler 
Bay-breasted Warbler 
Blackburnian Warbler 
Northern Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler 
Blackpoll Warbler 
Black-throated Blue Warbler 
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 
Black-throated Green Warbler 
Canada Warbler 
Summer Tanager 
Scarlet Tanager 
Northern Cardinal 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak 
Indigo Bunting

Best,
Chris Miller
instagram.com/otrodios

Swainsons and Kentucky reports

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 06:12 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/S338794231
- Comments: "Flagged for rare: Continuing Jeff G find, still skulking around the exact same area as yesterday, and today even harder to see in the low light, though I glimpsed it once, and it sang a few times during my 20 or so minutes in the area: To me most like a Louisiana Waterthrush song—loud and emphatic and with long, mostly descending bends—but without the jumbled explosion at the end. (Or a little like Hooded, but again, mostly descending.) I might have some audio but the singing kept being when I was between recordings or someone (often me) was talking."

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 09:27 by Randy Maharaj
- 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/S338793967
- Comments: "It was feeding on the ground and posed a lot. I was about to write in the discord that it was pretty cooperative then it flew into the bushes."

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 06:12 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/S338794231
- Comments: "Flagged as rare: An annual overshoot. Great find by Josh M. Heard singing regularly just south and downhill of the Butterfly Meadow and above the path that’s uphill from the Well House, and seen once or twice in that same area. Audio."

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 09:27 by Randy Maharaj
- 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/S338793967
- Comments: "Got the audio"

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Swanson warbler continues 310

Seen as usual mid slope West side lookout hill dirt trail.. Thanks to Sean S getting me on the bird as it moved slowly...a hard bird to see with the matching color leaves..

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Lookout Hill South upper slope Kentucky Warbler ,

Seen from mid slope path in line with three green shipping containers

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 06:55 by Julian Elman
- 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/S338688764
- Comments: "Found by Josh, galloping song around (40.6575985, -73.9711357) on lookout slope"

Kentucky Warbler (Geothlypis formosa) (1)
- Reported May 14, 2026 05:52 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/S338671954
- Comments: "Southern slope of Lookout, behind Well House. Drab spectacles, olive back yellow underside."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Prospect Swainsons Warbler location and snapshot of spot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y5j2L3kygMvaBRhy8

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

20 plus reports this one. Below swainson warbler photos

Western slope lookout hill, seen from mid slope runners dirt track

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 09:00 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/S338404375
- Media: 9 Photos
- Comments: "Great find by Josh M. *photo to come"

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

The Swainsons Warbler whisperer

Three consecutive years a Swainsons Warbler has appeared incredibly in Kings County.Two of them were found by Jeff Gramm, an amazing feat and incredible luck for the same birder hitting lighting twice. And the lucky spot in Prospect park ? The western upper slope of Lookout Hill.

Initially , it was a Bicknells Thrush that led to the Swainsons. While this bird was being observed, Jeff spotted the Swainsons Warbler earning him the moniker of "Whisperer." 

This Swainsons of course bought in the mob and many were fortunate seeing this skulking bird that at times hopped up on a branch. I was told that it hung around alot by a blue reflective trash wrapper stuck at a shrubs base .But it moved around.

Accompanying the Swainsons was the Bicknells Thrush , more cooperative and easily seen if you confirmed its call. ( I was one of the forunate ones with help by a fellow birder who confirmed its identity to me as we watched it very closely)

Both birds settled in the slope above the runners dirt track thru Lookout Hills Western mid slope ( above the adjoining bridle trail). 

Lookout was the hot spot today. A third rarity--  Redheaded Woodpecker --visited the North woods below Butterfly Meadow near the curve of the path .

Exciting times in Prospect! It's already a legendary park and it draws in not only great birds but also the hordes of birders finding them.

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Mega bird Swainsons Warbler ** + Bicknells thrush upper West slope Lookout hill

Side along bridle trail Swainsons with Bicknells thrush

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 09:40 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/S338307702
- Comments: "First seen earlier this morning, gray cheeked type thrush with yellow lower mandible, heard it sing once."

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 09:00 by Cailyn Hansen
- 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/S338303410
- Comments: "First reported by Ant when it sang on west side of Lookout Hill. Walked over with Eli where we met a group of folks there including Jeff, Marleny, Chris, and others. Seen repeatedly in the brush and out on the path. Many folks got great photos. Thrush with yellowish mandible with predominantly grey body. After about 90 minutes, Forrest heard it sing and I finally got a recording of it. That audio to be attached."

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 07:32 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/S338296182
- Comments: "Nice! My first one since 2023. Jumped out in front of me on the western path of Lookout, instantly gave the visual impression of a Bicknell’s Thrush (mostly due to extensive yellow in the lower mandible), and fortunately I didn’t have to wait long for it to vocalize. It sang a lot, with distinct rising note at end, although it sang rather quietly, and at a couple points, I could not hear the last note of the song. Friendly reminder to all that this bird is only truly identifiable by its song—Merlin consistently thought its call note was a Gray-cheeked. Photos, audio."

Bicknell's Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 06:15 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/S338304455
- Comments: "Flagged: rare—a scarce and difficult to identify migrant, for which hearing the bird’s song (mostly descending but then rising at the end) is crucial. Great find by Ant just a few minutes earlier, and when I showed up it was calling frequently and then sang almost immediately. It then bopped around that area for quite a while, as folks looked for the Swainson’s Warbler, and sang again faintly just a little bit later. Audio, photos."

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 07:32 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/S338296182
- Comments: "Very late, near Carousel. Thanks Gab for the heads up. Photo."



Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 10:51 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/S338289483
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Jeff G, the Swainson’s Warbler Whisperer, does it again! Right in the same spot as the BITH on the lower path on the western edge of Lookout. Very, very skulky as expected—a real pain in the ass, but amazing patch bird. Temp BOC photo."

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 09:40 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/S338307702
- Comments: "Brown backed warbler with buffy supercilium and dark eye stripe. Extremely skulky and hard to see, others have photos"

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 09:00 by Cailyn Hansen
- 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/S338303410
- Comments: "First seen by Jeff G (while we were searching for Bicknell's - I pointed out a Bicknell's candidate in the brush to which Jeff said "that's not a thrush". We quickly cleared up the confusion of seeing different birds and then he exclaimed "I think that was a Swainson's warbler!"). Shortly refound by Josh M further along the path. Seen repeatedly for about an hour in the brush along the west side hill down from Butterfly Meadow towards the road. Drab ground warbler with visible white ish supercilium. Initially an IDable photo by Chris. Later photos by various others as it made repeat appearances."

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 06:15 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/S338304455
- Comments: "Flagged: rare in New York, north of its regular Southeastern breeding range, though somehow this is the second (!) found by Jeff Gramm in Brooklyn, and with thanks to Josh M for quickly refinding and confirming. Right near where the Bicknell’s Thrush has been, on the West side of Lookout Hill, albeit generally uphill from that low mulch path, skulking around in the undergrowth, as this species tends to do, walking, generally quite slowly, on the ground. Seen with many others, and I don’t think I got photos, but: Very drab, plain, skulky, olive-brown warbler, with dark eyeline and plain creamy underside. Long-desired patch bird!"

***********

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"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

A Redheaded in Prospect

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (1)
- Reported May 13, 2026 07:41 by Alec Regitsky
- 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/S338228615
- Comments: "Flew over pedestrian walkway on lookout hill"

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Thru the cracks

While reading thru reports, I notes some quality birds that slipped thru the cracks

In Greenwood Cemetery, a bright male Blue Grosbeak appeared at valley water near the Meadowlark spot 

On Prospect lake South shore between the Hammerhead and three sisters Islands, a White crowned Sparrow was noted.

And last, seen on the Peninsula thumb, Lincoln Sparrow is the good spot there 

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Forecast Maps – BirdCast

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

Heads up..good migration potential 🐦

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Eastern Meadowlark GWC update

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 07:05 by Z .
- 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/S337889353
- Comments: "kicked up from wildflower meadow late in the checklist, bold white tail sides, mottled yellow/brown body, pointy out front."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Acadian FC Prospect

Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 05:57 by Max Epstein
- 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/S337761678
- Comments: "empid flycatcher identified by voice. singing distinct song along West Drive near the picnic house. flagged rare, maybe slightly early but has bred in the park. managed audio recording of one call."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Bird Guide | Princeton University Press

https://press.princeton.edu/news/bird-guide


Looks like a cool looking guide...
Coming out in March 2027 

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Eastern Meadowlark in GWC

 Reported on Central Ave close to Bay Ave originally

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 07:47 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- 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/S337912598
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Starling-like bird with yellow belly and flittering wing beats, bright white tail sides, yellow restricted to throat with none on malar. photos."

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 11:23 by MCHL ____
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S337951681
- Comments: "Flagged for date. Reported by Ryan M. in the area this morning. Flushed from wildflower meadow. Medium sized, brown speckled back, white on sides of trunk seen in flight. Two sighting. Counting as one individual."

Fwd: Tuesday BBC walk recap

Leader Ryan Goldberg

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ryan Goldberg <ryan.goldberg@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, May 12, 2026, 5:43 PM
Subject: Tuesday walk recap
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

We had a fun outing today with the largest group I can remember for a Tuesday walk, over 60 people. The birds didn't disappoint. Black cherry trees were warbler magnets all over the park, including one near your recently-planted white oak; that tree alone had eight or 10 species, including several Bay-breasted and a Tennessee that came lower than any I can recall in spring. Thanks to Karen for the tip on that. 

Other highlights include a calling Acadian Flycatcher in the woods north of the maintenance yard, several Canada Warblers seen up close, and a Scarlet Tanager bathing in the Picnic House creek. A few people from our group saw the Mourning Warbler by the Vanderbilt Playground before the walk started and after breaking off mid-morning.

Here's our list: https://ebird.org/checklist/S337869497. We observed 72 species on the day, among them 18 warbler species, not counting the Mourning.

Thanks to Angie, Megan, and the many other experienced birders who pitched in today. We have two more weeks left in the season!

Ryan

--

Ryan Goldberg (he/him)

ryangoldberg.net

(908) 489-7220

continuing Mourning Warbler at Vanderbilt PG area ( Oval median)

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 12:31 by Rusty H
- 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/S337819903
- Comments: "Photo, singing"

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 11:40 by Oliver Lieber
- 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/S337824999
- Comments: "Flying by the tree with white flowers near Vanderbilt playground"

Mourning Warbler (Geothlypis philadelphia) (1)
- Reported May 12, 2026 09:58 by E R
- 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/S337813558
- Comments: "Continuing by Vanderbilt playground. Heard it singing churree-churree song close by soon after I arrived, which it did five or six times. Several partially obscured views as it moved behind large leaves in nearby trees, bright yellow chunky warbler with bib visible to the naked eye"

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

brewster photos

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid) (Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)) (1)
- Reported May 11, 2026 07:00 by Leo Traub
- 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/S337208093
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Warbler with black eyeline, yellow cap, gray cheek, grayish back, two whitish wingbars, whitish-yellow belly. On Lookout Hill, in the big tree at south end of Butterfly Meadow. Seen with a group of 5 other birders. Attaching photos."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Second chat villa woods

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 11, 2026 06:50 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/S337228568
- Comments: "Same location as yesterday, around Litchfield Mansion.  vocalizing - scolding call at around 7:15 AM. have recording."

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Four top warblers

Four quality warbler species topped the day_- a rare hybrid and Chat among the foursome along with  two Peninsula "residents" .

The morning started when I arrived atop Lookout Hills Butterfly Meadow where a number of birders gathered found a rare Brewster's Warbler in the northwest pin oak. I had the unlucky difficulty trying to find the obscure bird inside those full sized leaves. I was only lucky getting a Parula warbler. Soon after Anthony R spotted a Yellow breasted chat on a ash sapling in the meadow. It pays to be patient and lucky.

During the day, alerts went out for both Hooded and Prothonotary warblers on the Peninsula. The Hooded focused on the center area whereas the Prothonotary stuck to the water edge of the thumb towards peninsula point. I was fortunate  thanks to Kathy Toomeys tip on the Hooded I finally saw my seasons first after work ended at 4 pm..A hyperactive bird which I saw initially 2 seconds, after a half hour search, found the bird again for more fleeting looks. It stayed West of the path fork, these woods it's safe harbor .

Another 20 minutes later a fellow birder Max found the Prothonotary entering the Hooded's wooded domain.

In other news , an Olive sided Flycatcher was reported on Prospects Hammerhead;look for snags for this bird to perch openly. A Gray cheeked Thrush at Upper Pool and a Worm eating Warbler at the Picnic House trickle pool (opposite Winners cafe, at the broken water fountain ) filled out noteworthy bird sightings .

I happen to see Swainsons thrush and a few Veeries around. Yes, not a big deal but for this busybody worker, I'll take them as part of my spring migration experience 

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

butterfly meadow gems

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported May 11, 2026 06:49 by Anthony Russo
- 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/S337298862
- Comments: "Robinish sized bird, white eyering, bright yellow throat and breast with a brown back and wings. Perched in lower branch of sapling within the butterfly meadow at lookout"

Brewster's Warbler (hybrid) (Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F1 hybrid)) (1)
- Reported May 11, 2026 06:49 by Anthony Russo
- 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/S337298862
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Black eye stripe, Yellow crown, gray body. In large oak at butterfly meadow on lookout"

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th










   

Peninsula hooded warbler

Hooded Warbler continues in center area of prospects peninsula, between and before road fork 

"There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for spring." — Rachel Carson


"Everyone likes birds. What wild creature is more accessible to our eyes and ears, as close to us and everyone in the world, as universal as a bird?"

David Attenborough
100 years old May 8th