Urgent call for conservation :Mount Prospect Park skateboard Park proposal

Letter from Lisa Curtiss affiliated with FRIENDS OF MOUNT PROSPECT PARK calling for support opposing the skateboard park and giving notice to this coming Thursdays COMMUNITY BOARD HEARING.

Hello friends -

There is a proposed plan in Brooklyn to pave about 20,000 

square feet of Mount Prospect Park to create a sports facility. 

I think this not a good site, and hope an already-paved site can

 be found to avoid destroying green space. The proposal is for 

a skate “park.” With over $11 million of tax-payer money budgeted, 

including funds for plantings, this project should create green space

—not destroy it.

Mount Prospect Park is a neighborhood park between the Brooklyn

 Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Library. It includes the second

 highest point in Brooklyn. Walking up the steps and entering it

 feels like discovering a hidden attic room of trees just off Eastern 

Parkway.

The extensive hardscape would represent a area of over four NBA-size 

basketball courts in the center of this small park - it would dominate it.

 Local residents rely on the park for a wide range of activities—informal

sports, picnics, unstructured play, dog walking, etc—particularly for families,

seniors, and local daycares. Preserving this flexible green area is essential for 

community well-being and accessibility. 

There are also many environmental concerns. Replacing natural green space

 with concrete contributes to increased urban heat, worsens flooding and

 stormwater runoff, and undermines climate resilience efforts. In New York 

City, even small patches of green space provide outsized benefits - their rarity 

amplifies their value. The conversion of living, absorptive soil into hardscape is 

not just a visual change — it fundamentally alters the function of the land.

Additionally there are environmental equity issues about how and which 

Council Districts and Community Boards have had any opportunity to weigh

 in on the site of this project. There really has been extremely little to no 

chance for the community to select this site.

And, from my point of view as a bird lover—at a time when North America 

has lost nearly ONE-THIRD of its bird populations—it is impossible to justify 

punnecessary reductions in urban habitat. Many of the birds we see are

 migratory - they stop here in critical need of food and habitat on their 

incredible journeys.

Importantly, this issue is not about opposing skateboarding. It’s about not 

paving green space. Most people who are concerned about this support the 

creation of new and improved skate facilities. However, they advocate for a 

win-win solution: investing in underutilized or already-paved areas nearby.

 Several alternative locations—such as large paved spaces or existing skate 

parks in need of upgrades are in close proximity —have been identified as 

viable options that would allow for high-quality skate facilities without 

sacrificing green parkland. 

Here are two important and quick actions - would be phenomenal if you

 could do!

Write to Community Board 8 - by April 8th - to ask them to vote against 

this project. brooklyncb8@gmail.com

Write to the Mayor asking him to halt this project and find an already-paved

 site instead of Mount Prospect Park’s green space. 

https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/contact-the-mayor?zlinkid=4bdde813-2557-420d-adec-5cdbbd17d6f9

Please visit https://www.friendsofmountprospectpark.org/take-action 

tpo sign up to get updates on this, to donate, etc. 

Thank you,
Lisa Curtiss

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Louisiana water thrush Prospect SW lake shore

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (1)
- Reported Apr 05, 2026 10:13 by Johan Alexandersson
- 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/S317363123
- Comments: "Waterthrush with bold white eyebrow. Clean flanks and bib. On the south west edge of the lake."

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

GWC American Bittern

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) (1)
- Reported Apr 04, 2026 09:30 by terry VP
- 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/S316959246
- Comments: "large brown streaky heron, very still"

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Continuing WCSP Gambles at GWC

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) (1)
- Reported Apr 02, 2026 11:50 by David 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/S316098171
- Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing bird, doing its hide and seek routine by Sylvan water hedgerows.  Originally found by Michael S. a week or two ago."

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Iceland at BATP4

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Apr 02, 2026 18:18 by Casey Ferio
- 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/S316069508
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "*continuing first cycle bird out in the channel northwest of the pier with other gulls for a while, occasionally picking up to fly around and dive back into various feeding scrums. Eventually they were roused by the NY Langone ferry and the Iceland gull got up high and soared around for a bit, settling on a streetlight and eventually, for a while, the pier. Very aggressive, attacking the herring gulls around it, but ignoring ring-bills. Eventually it was flushed by people and flew off to somewhere. Didn’t have my camera so I was forced to revert to my roots and digibin it."

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Pine is the prize

Late last week Kathy T got me on a Pine Warbler..But I wasn't satisfied with the underside quick look at the bird above me at Rocky Pass fork. Today on a second chance search for my favorite warbler, I hit the ringer thanks to my friend Chris.

After work, I headed for the back pools area where Pine Warblers are usually reliable. Water seems to be the key. So, in a slow search from the Esdale bridge towards Rocky Pass no luck,until I ran into Chris at Upper Pool. We exchanged pleasantries and I relayed information to him about the Black throated Green warbler here at the spot and yesterday's Snipe. But I really wanted to see a Pine Warbler .

Chris mentioned , why yes I just saw a Pine just now and a moment later theres a single bird low down before the open view of Upper Pool and despite the sun behind the warbler, I had such a great view of this yellow bird . Having it low and long staying ( maybe 30 seconds) was a beautiful moment  I'm happy.

While at it ,add another warbler! I spotted a Palm Warbler in the same spot.

Meanwhile on the Upper Pool, a drake Ring-necked Duck graced the water along with a pair of nearby Shovelers.

The joys of spring: you can't beat it .

🐤

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Silber GWC checklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S315281639

note confinuing Gambles WCSparrow and Blue gray gnatcatcher

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Brooklyn Bridge Park spring walks

Led by Mike Yuan per his request

Wednesdays, April 22nd to May 20th.

Meet at the Visitors Center near the entrance to Pier 1 at the corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1gWAWJqpWkPSHTnj6
7:15-9:15 am

No registration necessary.

Note: all walks posted on the Brooklyn Bird Club calendar

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

BTGWarbler continues back Upper pool per FW

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Mar 31, 2026 07:42 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/S315134227
- Comments: "Continuing at the back of the Upper Pool, and still very early. Singing frequently, and briefly came down to show its yellow-green head and all black throat. More photos available."

“Lines Written in Early Spring” (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Lower Pool snipe

Today's hilight was a Wilson's Snipe on the Lower Pool. This rare visitor offers à delightful look at its marsh qualities for anyone lucky enough to see it.

Give credit to Forrest W for spotting the snipe this morning on the Lower Pool near the exiting weir. It happened to be out in the open at the time lest when hidden would be hard to spot .

I happen to run in Kathy T after the end of my workday. She took me to the north side of the Lower Pool where branch tangles hung over a small mudflat. We looked hard and Kathy comes thru with a sleeping snipe along the shore under the tangles. It was good enough for me..it all comes down to timing and luck to see a rare bird out in the open .

In other news a very early Black Throated Green warbler was also spotted by Forrest in the same general area. In his description , Forrest reported the green in the Ravine just north of Nethermead Three Arches Bridge,a high up bird . According To Forrest, it's only the 2 nd records in NY for March..

For your information regarding Prospects locations, Upper Pool empties into Lower Pool, its water sourced by Falkill Falls which appears on maps and Google map.

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

very early Black throated Green warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1)
- Reported Mar 30, 2026 11:21 by Joshua Multer
- 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/S314819043
- Comments: "Really early, first spotted by Forrest, in the high canopy just before the entrance to the ravine. Unmistakable dark streaks on white flanks and yellow wash on vent clearly visible"

Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Mar 30, 2026 08:52 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/S314806613
- Media: 10 Photos, 1 Audio
- Comments: "Flagged for date: Very early. I'm told it's only the second ever March record for New York state in eBird, while New Jersey has zero March records. It was singing repeatedly in the ravine, north of Center Drive above the Nethermead Arch, and eventually came closer for some photos and a little audio recording."

***********

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Why birds migrate at night

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

A little quiet...

Notany reports coming in today but those I read are these observations:

Common Mergansers still occupied Prospect lake though in small number ranging from one to three based on birder reports.

The Gambles White crowned Sparrow of Greenwood Cemetery Sylvan West hedgerows got a lot of attention from birders today.

And over Greenwood in her airspace was a Black Vultures now this species making passage.

Pine warblers, winter wren and Merlin are species now appearing during this time ,birds seen today in both Prospect and Greenwood.

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Timing of Spring Migration - BSBO

https://www.bsbo.org/timing-of-spring-migration.html?fbclid=Iwb21leAQ2bFBjbGNrBDZsMGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvsktOklmppS1QAZWH0zFwi8h3KPKDhaO4MfaMZreFcyAFZgq3STovoEqTBi_aem_E7I8GI9Ld5Xj1gJOtD-hng

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Gambles WCSPArrow

Greenwood Cemetery Gambles White crowned Sparrow continues in Sylvan water West hedges, in central area West of midsection

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Gambles White crowned sparrow GWC

Greenwood Cemetery Gambles White crowned Sparrow continues in Sylvan water West hedges, in central area West of midsection

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Gwc

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) (1)
- Reported Mar 27, 2026 12:07 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/S313703592
- Comments: "Continuing in hedgerows West of Sylvan Water."

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (1)
- Reported Mar 27, 2026 14:36 by Mai Maki
- Green-wood Cemetery, New York US-NY 40.65807, -73.99446, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.65807,-73.994463&ll=40.65807,-73.994463
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S313684868
- Comments: "Seen foraging in the mud and trash along Sylvan Water (by Lake Ave.). A more experienced birder with long no lense told me about it being there and she had photos"

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Re: Wood Ducks in breeding at Prospect Upper Pool island today

.

On Fri, Mar 27, 2026 at 4:00 PM Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com> wrote:

Video taken by Gus Keri forwarded to me by Erik.

Great to see this despite the box on the ground .( Should be elevated)

Note : on Twitter/ X Brooklyn Bird Alert

https://x.com/i/status/2037303231722734015

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Wood Ducks in breeding phase at Prospect Upper Pool island today

Video taken by Gus Keri forwarded to me by Erik.

Great to see this despite the box on the ground .( Should be elevated)

Note : on Twitter/ X Brooklyn Bird Alert

https://x.com/i/status/2037303231722734015

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Rare Iceland gull at GWC

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 24, 2026 13:24 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/S312815054
- Media: 10 Photos
- Comments: "Circling West of Sylvan Water with a large group of gulls. White gull, similar in size to nearby larus gulls. Appears too small/slender for Glaucous Gull."

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Reports

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 26, 2026 14:41 by Casey Ferio
- 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/S313400574
- Comments: "*continuing presence of first cycle birds here and really citywide. Sitting on the water north of the pier among ring-billed gulls. Photos"

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) (1)
- Reported Mar 26, 2026 13:56 by John Huggard
- 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/S313411195
- Comments: "Continuing." ( Sylvan Water West hedges)

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Prospect today

click on date of chklist  for observer details

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

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Trumpeter

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 22, 2026 09:31 by Sarah Roberts
- Bushwick Inlet Park (btwn Quay St.-N 9th St.), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7239903,-73.9602041&ll=40.7239903,-73.9602041
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S313321017
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing along the NBK waterfront; photo to be added"

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Forecast Maps – BirdCast

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

Nothing major yet but a warm day tomorrow forebodes potential...with early migrants  ( like pine warblers, Louisiana WT, BG gnatcatcher,etc)

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Rusty Blackbirds around the place in Prospect

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 10:48 by Johan Alexandersson
- 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/S312924329
- Comments: "Dark brownish blackbird with distinct light iris. Picking amongst the leaves at the south side of the lake."

Rusty BB reported at Lower Pool and LIly Pool as well...

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

What Birdwatching Can Do for Your Brain | Psychology Today Canada

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-modern-brain/202603/what-birdwatching-can-do-for-your-brain

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Plenty nice ducks and other stuff seen by others

It's that time of year instead of going directly home from work to slow down and take a little time birding . Of hearing about an early Louisiana waterthush, it was my incentive.

After checking a quiet pools , I headed along the brook from 3 Arches whereas still no luck I eventually ran into an acquaintance Chris-- at Terrace Bridge-- who mentioned when I asked about Pine Warbler were seen along the lullwater . "They were here just minute ago, he says, but flew down the lullwater."

 Since this bridge was where the Louisiana was reported this morning, I tried my luck. And after 15 minutes I had no luck..But as a second prize I saw three species ducks in close proximity: 3 Hooded Mergansers,a pair of Shovelers and likewise Ring-necked Ducks..I did see my fos Eastern Phoebe.

With info that the Louisiana was down the peninsula,I opted out pursuing it as it was getting late. But a quick stop at the lake edge revealed a pair of Common Mergansers and also the two Lesser Scaup by 3 Sisters. A Pied Billed Grebe was closer towards West Island .

So despite missing out my target warblers, I wound up with a nice collection of ducks .

In other quick news: The Trumpeter Swan persists at Williamsburg North 5th St Pier; Iceland Gull at Bush Terminal Pier park broken Pier; A handsome Rusty Blackbird at Prospects Lily pool by the Binnen Falls; and the Gambles White crowned Sparrow continues at Greenwood Cemetery Sylvan water Western hedgerows.

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Wickman prospect chklist

Note Louisiana water thrush, lesser scaup , Rusty blackbird and bald eagle

https://ebird.org/checklist/S312695652

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

First of season (FOS) Louisiana WT prospect

Location not reported but bird the running streams or water edges ..kb

Louisiana Waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) (1)
- Reported Mar 24, 2026 07:56 by Sameer Ajmani
- 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/S312673223
- Comments: "Flared white supercilium, dingier flanks, pink legs"

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Killdeer landed in Prospect Park

Killdeer were reported yesterday on the closed off Ballfields at west end Long Meadow, situated between Fields 4 and 5 at the south side of the baseball complex.

On another note yesterday the Gambel's White crowned sparrow persists at the hedges west of Greenwood Cemetery Sylvan Water....itsa hide and seek game...

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Continuing COME

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Mar 23, 2026 13:10 by B F
- 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/S312499528
- Comments: "3 drakes 1 hen"

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Likely Sylvan Water West hedges

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) (1)
- Reported Mar 23, 2026 09:26 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/S312490945
- Comments: "Continuing rarity found by Michael S. *Photos to come"

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

Prospect Park Esdale Bridge closed down

For your information to birders:

The Esdale Bridge , the north entrance to the Ravine from Long Meadow will be closed indefinitely for construction starting April 13th  ( replacement ) likely for 6 months...

🌉

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Reports today

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 18:51 by Matthew Miller
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311667250
- Comments: "The famous visiting trumpeter swan"

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 18:43 by Caroline Corwin
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311667793
- Comments: "Continuing at the ferry launch"

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) (1)
- Reported Mar 15, 2026 15:28 by Cece Shen
- North 5th Street Pier and Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7201139,-73.9643432&ll=40.7201139,-73.9643432
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311659757
- Comments: "Vagrant"

Gadwall (Common) (Mareca strepera strepera) (14)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 17:54 by Ethan Kang
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 1, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7021612,-73.996524&ll=40.7021612,-73.996524
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311657003
- Comments: "Including one perched!"



Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 16:31 by Z L
- 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/S311650469
- Comments: "Continuing pair of males"

Common Merganser (North American) (Mergus merganser americanus) (2)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 18:27 by Terra Dock
- 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/S311661401
- Comments: "2 males"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 15:47 by Joseph Trezza
- 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/S311650666
- Comments: "Continuing 6 drakes and 1 female on the lake."

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 15:22 by Kathleen Toomey
- 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/S311670890
- Comments: "Photo and details, later"

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 15:22 by Kathleen Toomey
- 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/S311670890
- Comments: "Photo and details later"

White-crowned Sparrow (Gambel's) (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 14:05 by Kathleen Toomey
- 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/S311668910
- Comments: "Continuing.  Photo"

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 14:52 by Terra Dock
- 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/S311657023
- Comments: "3 light streaks down head separated by brown bars. Foraging at bottom of tree by bushes"

Common Grackle (Florida/Purple) (Quiscalus quiscula quiscula/stonei) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 17:54 by Ethan Kang
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 1, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7021612,-73.996524&ll=40.7021612,-73.996524
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311657003

Common Grackle (Bronzed) (Quiscalus quiscula versicolor) (1)
- Reported Mar 21, 2026 17:54 by Ethan Kang
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 1, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7021612,-73.996524&ll=40.7021612,-73.996524
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S311657003

***********

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

Results of Spring BBC walk Prospect Park March 21

Leader Linda Ewing

"Lines Written in Early Spring" (excerpt)

I heard a thousand interwoven notes of birdsong while I lay in a grove, where I was enjoying the kind of mood in which happy thoughts remind you of sad ones.

Nature connected my soul to all the beautiful creatures around me—and I felt terribly sad to think about what humanity has done to itself.

poet William Wordsworth

for full poem , see link below:

https://www.litcharts.com/poetry/william-wordsworth/lines-written-in-early-spring













   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Linda Ewing <>
Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2026, 2:51 PM
Subject: Great walk this morning!
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

We had around 20-25 people join the walk, saw 42 species, and had a lot of fun. The participants were a good mix of old hands (I especially appreciated Rusty's keen eyes) and relative newcomers; several birds were lifers for some, and the osprey (ospreys? seen twice, but most likely the same bird) were FOY for most of us.

Thanks for the opportunity to lead! The list is posted on eBird here:

eBird Checklist - 21 Mar 2026 - Prospect Park - 42 species ebird.org

Let me know if you'd like me to share it with you.

Linda 

Sent from my iPhone