A very brief look at the lake which now has opened quite abit , about 75 % of the main body , saw the returning and loyal RED-BREASTED MERGANSER drake; A few HOODEDS , 17 NORTHERN SHOVELERS and 27 AMERICAN COOTS obviously are all happy for wide open water. Some ice remain along the south sector of the lake but just a surprisingly small group of gulls. Nothing special . Its another day for the good one.
Chris Holden dropped a line tonight regarding Ravens, and he saw one flyover over Maimonides Hospital , just as "far as the crow flies " ( pun) from Greenwood Cemetery down Ft Hamilton Parkway. Winter time: raptors, corvids and winter finches..can beat the winter blues that way....
--KB
Thursday, January 31, 2013
wildlife survey at Queens County Farm
email from Rob Jett:
see attached for details:
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2013/01/wildlife-survey-request.html
see attached for details:
http://citybirder.blogspot.com/2013/01/wildlife-survey-request.html
Congrats , new baby
Keir Randall and Linda had a baby girl born yesterday. Her name is Marley Jane Randall.
Congrats to Keir and Linda !
--KB
Congrats to Keir and Linda !
--KB
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Downtown aerial battle
Over the intersection of Atlantic Ave and Court Street, an aerial battle was taking place between a RED-TAILED HAWK and what I presumed is a feisty guy, an AMERICAN KESTREL ( usually I would expect an audacious Merlin, but in this case, good to see a Kestrel showing courage)
The lucky observer and reporting it was Dennis Hrehowsik.
So..lately, a Red-tailed versus a Raven,now a Red-tailed versus a Kestrel..whats next ? Red Bat ? ( judging by body size decrease)
--KB
The lucky observer and reporting it was Dennis Hrehowsik.
So..lately, a Red-tailed versus a Raven,now a Red-tailed versus a Kestrel..whats next ? Red Bat ? ( judging by body size decrease)
--KB
Ravens everywhere ?
Like an Edgar Allan Poe mystery, the mystery for today is whether there are two COMMON RAVENs in the area.
At 1009, Matthew Wills texted me of a COMMON RAVEN over the southeast corner of Prospect Lake.
Moments later, a text from Bobbi Manian informed me that a Greenwood Cemetery COMMON RAVEN was heading Prospect's way. Unless one bird is Flash Gordon, it looks like two Common Ravens are patrolling the skies around here. Like Matthew says: Keep watching the skies !
--KB
At 1009, Matthew Wills texted me of a COMMON RAVEN over the southeast corner of Prospect Lake.
Moments later, a text from Bobbi Manian informed me that a Greenwood Cemetery COMMON RAVEN was heading Prospect's way. Unless one bird is Flash Gordon, it looks like two Common Ravens are patrolling the skies around here. Like Matthew says: Keep watching the skies !
--KB
Bald Eagle photos at Marine Park 1/29
Making an exception for an out of region report, here below are "had to show" photos taken by Bobbi Manian at Marine Park's Salt Marsh Trail, which has been a boon for birding for nice birds when surprise happens:
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Prospect Jan 29th, the good corvid flying around
Coming back from an early afternoon Brooklyn Botanic Garden seminar, I ran into Karen and then Bobbi Manian at Lamppost #249 along Well Drive. In the ensuing conversation with Bobbi, she mentioned her great find of a low flying BALD EAGLE in Marine Park, from the salt marsh trail, the big eagle coming from behind her and passing in front of her.
While a few minutes went by, my attention caught on of a large sized corvid over us and I watched it for about 10 seconds before I realized what it was, exclaiming "RAVEN ! ". A calling COMMON RAVEN in low flight with its iconic wedge shaped tail was soaring in circles over us both , which I was also able to get Karen's attention from afar and a very interested passerby as this rare corvid made several circles above. A great serendipitous find at the right moment !
Bobbi snapped some pictures which I hope I will post here later.
Just a note. I just got a new phone and twitter notifications is temporarily delayed until I figured it out..
-KB
Addendum PS. see attached pic
***************************************
From Ania Greszik:
Hi Peter,
While a few minutes went by, my attention caught on of a large sized corvid over us and I watched it for about 10 seconds before I realized what it was, exclaiming "RAVEN ! ". A calling COMMON RAVEN in low flight with its iconic wedge shaped tail was soaring in circles over us both , which I was also able to get Karen's attention from afar and a very interested passerby as this rare corvid made several circles above. A great serendipitous find at the right moment !
Bobbi snapped some pictures which I hope I will post here later.
Just a note. I just got a new phone and twitter notifications is temporarily delayed until I figured it out..
-KB
Addendum PS. see attached pic
 |
| Jan 29th Raven over LP 249, photo by Bobbi Manian |
From Ania Greszik:
Hi Peter,
I wanted to pass along that the Common Raven was still present in Greenwood Cemetery as of late this morning. It first made its presence known with low croaking from afar (music to my ears!), and as it grew nearer, so did the Red-tailed Hawk it was following. Both were quite vocal at times and performed quite the aerial display! At times they were joined by a second hawk. They were soaring and tumbling around the 9th Ave entrance, heading towards the radio tower where they rested for awhile before heading back to the cemetery. The raven flew off towards the cemetery interior, but the two RTHA stayed around the Florio Path area, one of them carrying a large twig to a fir nearby...nest building already?
Unfortunately, I didn't locate the Eastern Meadowlark.
Here are the best shots that I was able to get:
***************************************************************
From Rafael :
Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Jan 29, 2013 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
Jan 29, 2013 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
Observer: Rafael G Campos
3.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: Nice warm day, but most of the water was frozen (eg lake, pools, lullwater)
35 species
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 4
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) X
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) X
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 15
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) X
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 8
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
3.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: Nice warm day, but most of the water was frozen (eg lake, pools, lullwater)
35 species
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 4
Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) X
Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) X
Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) 1
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) 1
Winter Wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) 1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) 1
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) X
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 15
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) X
Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) 8
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X
Brooklyn is great birding!!!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Brooklyn Bird Club membership drive;eve programs
This month starts the new year for membership. For the membership price just under a movie theater ticket, you can show your support for the Brooklyn Bird Club which offers trips, a newsletter and vibrant evening programs ( check the Meetings page) and great people to hang out with!
simply go to http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/join.htm
and speaking of BBC eve programs, here is the newest scheduleof topics and the first program date 2/21 :
http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm
Good Kings County birding,
--KB
simply go to http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/join.htm
and speaking of BBC eve programs, here is the newest scheduleof topics and the first program date 2/21 :
http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm
Good Kings County birding,
--KB
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Jan 27th Greenwood Cemetery "top spot"
Greenwood Cemetery is " sizzling" with a report of EASTERN MEADOWLARK seen by Chris Holden at the Floreo ( or Floria?) Path which I recalled from last week having good birds ( pipit and eastern bluebird?) if I am not mistaken. Eastern Bluebird is another report, from Bobbi Manian, at the Myrtle and Ridge Paths; With Raven also reported today, GWC looks like the hotspot to go. -kb
PS there is an American Tree Sparrow at the Well Dr dirt mound ..
Raven versus Red Tailed Hawk
Matthew Wills reported a RedTailed Hawk and Common Raven battling over Greenwood Cemetery this morning. A rare species yet reported with increased regularity, COMMON RAVEN is about the same size as the hawk it tangled with.
**
Winter may be slow, but those special moments can be rewarded with sightings as today's. You just need the willpower to get out there and enjoy the cold.( Note: no evidence that the Raven is from Baltimore, football fans) --KB
**
post from Matthew:
Witnessed an aerial ballet/battle between a red-tailed hawk and common raven over Green-Wood Cemetery this morning at 10:35. Lasted 5-7 minutes, with the birds circling around each other and the hawk being the main aggressor, dive-bombing the raven. They worked their way south with a few vocalizations from the raven. This was my first sighting of a raven within the bounds of Brooklyn.
Matthew
http://matthewwills.com/
**
Winter may be slow, but those special moments can be rewarded with sightings as today's. You just need the willpower to get out there and enjoy the cold.( Note: no evidence that the Raven is from Baltimore, football fans) --KB
**
post from Matthew:
Witnessed an aerial ballet/battle between a red-tailed hawk and common raven over Green-Wood Cemetery this morning at 10:35. Lasted 5-7 minutes, with the birds circling around each other and the hawk being the main aggressor, dive-bombing the raven. They worked their way south with a few vocalizations from the raven. This was my first sighting of a raven within the bounds of Brooklyn.
Matthew
http://matthewwills.com/
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Prospect Jan 26th, a gorgeous winter day and its moments
Most Prospect 's winters would not be what I call exceptional except for this year. With the added element of the winter finch irruption, whatever appearances by these special visitors add to typical offerings like raptors.A triple play of three raptor species along with appearance of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS made this cold day much more enjoyable.
Ryan Bass texted me upon entering the park from Bartel Pritchard Square seeing 9 PINE SISKINS in a young Sweetgum sapling on the right side of the drive.Later, while up on Lookout Hill, along the perimeter of Butterfly Meadow, 3 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS greeted him of which he was able to snap a photo of one. See his photo on the link after this post. Also seen was uncommon WINTER WREN up in that area.
ON my part when I entered the park with intentions of refilling the feeders while Rob Bate was away, I was happy seeing three raptor species today. The first of these three was pointed out to me and Ryan at the feeders by Max, a COOPERS HAWK perched by the trail head that goes down the slope. Its the adult that has been hanging out for quite a while now , all settled in for the winter ( and that's good for us, but high anxiety for birds ); Ironically as I was explaining to Max what sort of raptor it was , that it was an accipiter and what it eats and how it hunts , just as I was finishing the sentence that "it eats birds" the COOPERS abruptly took off straight down after a Mourning Dove. I must be telepathic...
Second and third of the raptors occurred at the Nethermead,initially as I watched a soaring , circling RED-TAILED HAWK. And when I turned around, perched above the cross slope pedestrian path , on Center Drive, always my favorite, a MERLIN.This small falcon stayed perched for awhile that I observed it in my scope, the pretty bird bathed in winter light of the setting sun.
The Lake is totally frozen, except for a tiny waterhole by the west shore, only about 25 feet wide, kept open by the constantly moving ducks and coots. It would be till Monday or Tuesday when temps warm up to 40's that we might see more open water. For now, only a small contingent of Gulls get my interest ,my hoping for that good one despite the drudgery of checking gulls
The feeders by the way are active, 6 PINE SISKINS the best to watch along with the usual suspects, something to give thanks for regardless of midwinter doldrums.
A last mention that I thought was something to chirp about , a HERMIT THRUSH on Breeze Hill atop the Cleft Ridge Span, the bird hanging out with a Robin. Of course, they are thrush cousins... --KB
Ryan's Bass' photo of WWXbill --->> http://www.flickr.com/photos/87290840@N02/8417042505/in/photostream
Ryan Bass texted me upon entering the park from Bartel Pritchard Square seeing 9 PINE SISKINS in a young Sweetgum sapling on the right side of the drive.Later, while up on Lookout Hill, along the perimeter of Butterfly Meadow, 3 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS greeted him of which he was able to snap a photo of one. See his photo on the link after this post. Also seen was uncommon WINTER WREN up in that area.
ON my part when I entered the park with intentions of refilling the feeders while Rob Bate was away, I was happy seeing three raptor species today. The first of these three was pointed out to me and Ryan at the feeders by Max, a COOPERS HAWK perched by the trail head that goes down the slope. Its the adult that has been hanging out for quite a while now , all settled in for the winter ( and that's good for us, but high anxiety for birds ); Ironically as I was explaining to Max what sort of raptor it was , that it was an accipiter and what it eats and how it hunts , just as I was finishing the sentence that "it eats birds" the COOPERS abruptly took off straight down after a Mourning Dove. I must be telepathic...
Second and third of the raptors occurred at the Nethermead,initially as I watched a soaring , circling RED-TAILED HAWK. And when I turned around, perched above the cross slope pedestrian path , on Center Drive, always my favorite, a MERLIN.This small falcon stayed perched for awhile that I observed it in my scope, the pretty bird bathed in winter light of the setting sun.
The Lake is totally frozen, except for a tiny waterhole by the west shore, only about 25 feet wide, kept open by the constantly moving ducks and coots. It would be till Monday or Tuesday when temps warm up to 40's that we might see more open water. For now, only a small contingent of Gulls get my interest ,my hoping for that good one despite the drudgery of checking gulls
The feeders by the way are active, 6 PINE SISKINS the best to watch along with the usual suspects, something to give thanks for regardless of midwinter doldrums.
A last mention that I thought was something to chirp about , a HERMIT THRUSH on Breeze Hill atop the Cleft Ridge Span, the bird hanging out with a Robin. Of course, they are thrush cousins... --KB
Ryan's Bass' photo of WWXbill --->> http://www.flickr.com/photos/87290840@N02/8417042505/in/photostream
Friday, January 25, 2013
An article about Lookout Hill
From Untapped Cities online journal:
http://untappedcities.com/newyork/2013/01/24/prospect-park-the-view-from-lookout-hill/
********
http://untappedcities.com/newyork/2013/01/24/prospect-park-the-view-from-lookout-hill/
********
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Prospect Lake belated report of Canvasback
Thanks to Keir's checking up on a report submitted by Pam Lloyd to Cornell's ebird from last Friday the 18th , a photo during Keir's searching was forwarded to me last night which showed a hen CANVASBACK on Prospect Lake.
This is a rare species for the park, the last sighting on Feb 27, 2007, observed by Scott Whittle
see the photos on the links below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8867349@N08/8409124019/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8867349@N08/8394004788/in/photostream/
This is a rare species for the park, the last sighting on Feb 27, 2007, observed by Scott Whittle
see the photos on the links below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8867349@N08/8409124019/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8867349@N08/8394004788/in/photostream/
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A private winter trip
I took a private 4 day trip over the weekend to Rhode Island with Mary and Sandy. I couldn't resist showing off the fruits of our fantastic winter journey. The photos were taken by Sandy Paci
https://picasaweb.google.com/111428105717426117961/RhodeIsland#
https://picasaweb.google.com/111428105717426117961/RhodeIsland#
Prospect Jan 23rd...bbbbrrrrrrr....
Bitter cold has frozen about 80 % of Prospect Lake, leaving some open areas in the middle and one along the west shore; on the latter, 16 HOODED MERGANSERS huddled together with the Ruddy Ducks and Northern Shovelers with Canada Geese in the mix. The RED -BREASTED MERGANSER took advantage of one of the lake middle areas, a solitary figure happy I presume to have the feeding spot all to itself.
Winter's grip does not have an effect on WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, two females seen feeding in the leaves and broken small twigs in Butterfly Meadow's middle section, along with 4 PINE SISKINS, a nice sighting to watch from the warm confines of a heated work truck ( with the vents going full blast ).
One more note to mention: when looking at the sweetgums trees by the West Island shelter, all the Black-capped Chickadees took off into the phragmites ,making me wonder why. Of course, a moment later,an adult COOPER'S HAWK flew in and landed in one of the Sweetgum trees.I would take off rather than get eaten by a winter testy hawk.
--KB
Peter lists
Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 23, 2013 9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
Protocol: Stationary
15 species
Canada Goose 125
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 30
Bufflehead 4
Hooded Merganser 16
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 55
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull 500
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 23, 2013
Protocol: Incidental
9 species
Cooper's Hawk 1 west isl shelter sweetgums
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-throated Sparrow 25
Northern Cardinal 2
White-winged Crossbill 2 Butterfly Meadow
Pine Siskin 4 Butterfly Mead
American Goldfinch 2
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12709564
Winter's grip does not have an effect on WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, two females seen feeding in the leaves and broken small twigs in Butterfly Meadow's middle section, along with 4 PINE SISKINS, a nice sighting to watch from the warm confines of a heated work truck ( with the vents going full blast ).
One more note to mention: when looking at the sweetgums trees by the West Island shelter, all the Black-capped Chickadees took off into the phragmites ,making me wonder why. Of course, a moment later,an adult COOPER'S HAWK flew in and landed in one of the Sweetgum trees.I would take off rather than get eaten by a winter testy hawk.
--KB
Peter lists
Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 23, 2013 9:00 AM - 9:25 AM
Protocol: Stationary
15 species
Canada Goose 125
Mute Swan X
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 30
Bufflehead 4
Hooded Merganser 16
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 55
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull 500
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 23, 2013
Protocol: Incidental
9 species
Cooper's Hawk 1 west isl shelter sweetgums
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-throated Sparrow 25
Northern Cardinal 2
White-winged Crossbill 2 Butterfly Meadow
Pine Siskin 4 Butterfly Mead
American Goldfinch 2
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12709564
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Prospect WWXbills in the mead
Bobbi Manian reports winter's continuing delight of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, first I heard this species visiting the Butterfly Meadow on Lookout. They are on the move, true to their nomadic nature.
The other observation to note, by my own, is that this has been a very good winter for HOODED MERGANSERS on Prospect Lake, higher numbers above average, with 21 today , 9 at West Island.
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 22, 2013
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 22, 2013 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
33 species
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 2
Bufflehead 2
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 20
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Coot 10
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 20
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 5
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
American Robin 5
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 7
House Finch 15
White-winged Crossbill 5 atop Lookout in trees around Butterfly meadow and feeding in the meadow.
Pine Siskin 5
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12692810
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
The other observation to note, by my own, is that this has been a very good winter for HOODED MERGANSERS on Prospect Lake, higher numbers above average, with 21 today , 9 at West Island.
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 22, 2013
 |
| male WWXbill BUtterly Mead, photo by Bobbi Manian 1/22 |
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 22, 2013 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
33 species
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 2
Bufflehead 2
Red-breasted Merganser 3
Ruddy Duck 20
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Coot 10
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove 20
Belted Kingfisher 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 5
Black-capped Chickadee 10
Tufted Titmouse 5
Red-breasted Nuthatch 5
American Robin 5
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 4
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 7
House Finch 15
White-winged Crossbill 5 atop Lookout in trees around Butterfly meadow and feeding in the meadow.
Pine Siskin 5
American Goldfinch 10
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12692810
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Jan 21 PP report; GWC bluebird photo, rept
Just back from fantastic personal winter 4 day trip to Rhode Island
Here are reports from yesterday:
****************************
date = 2013/01/22
site = Prospect Park
observer = Kathy Toomey, short late afternoon walk
Great Blue Heron
Northern Shoveler
Bufflehead
American Black Duck
Canada Goose
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher, heard
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Pine Siskin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
*************************************************************
Bobbi Manian reported Eastern Bluebird and American Pipit in Greenwood Cemetery, previous location reported by Dennis; EASTERN BLUEBIRD photo below by Bobbi
Here are reports from yesterday:
****************************
date = 2013/01/22
site = Prospect Park
observer = Kathy Toomey, short late afternoon walk
Great Blue Heron
Northern Shoveler
Bufflehead
American Black Duck
Canada Goose
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Mute Swan
Mallard
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher, heard
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Tufted Titmouse
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Pine Siskin
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
*************************************************************
Bobbi Manian reported Eastern Bluebird and American Pipit in Greenwood Cemetery, previous location reported by Dennis; EASTERN BLUEBIRD photo below by Bobbi
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Waterfowl Counts PP & GWC jan 20th
The totals are below, thanks to Dennis Hrehowsik and Mike Yuan covering prospect park & Orrin Tilevitz covering Greenwood Cemetery.THe totals merged both locations.
Here is what we saw.
Canada Goose 163 Mute Swan 10 American Black Duck 3 Mallard 146 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 Northern Shoveler 41 Ring-necked Duck 1 Bufflehead 5 Hooded Merganser 18 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 95 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 American Coot 33 Other 4 (2 domestic ducks 2 Muscovy)
Total Birds: 525
Species : 15 + 2 other taxa
GWC Eastern Bluebird photo; lists
From Orrin Tilevitiz
*********************************************************************************
3 reports from Dennis:
A very windy afternoon at greenwood. Highlights included a lone American Pipit and turkey vulture flyover. Begin forwarded message:
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org Date: January 20, 2013 3:35:08 PM EST : eBird Report - Green-Wood Cemetery, Jan 20, 2013 Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, US-NY Jan 20, 2013 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 17 species Turkey Vulture X Red-tailed Hawk X Ring-billed Gull X Red-bellied Woodpecker X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X Blue Jay X Fish Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X Red-breasted Nuthatch X White-breasted Nuthatch X American Robin X American Pipit X Song Sparrow X White-throated Sparrow X Dark-eyed Junco X Northern Cardinal X
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After completing pp water fowl count with mike yuan a chat stakeout was rewarded with a brief glimpse of the bird in flight behind green lookout shipping containers.other highlights were common merganser hen near pink beach area of lullwater. also a trio of very vocal/active hairy woodpeckers near summit of lookout. Dennis
Begin forwarded message:
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org Date: January 20, 2013 4:15:15 PM EST : eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 20, 2013 Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Jan 20, 2013 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 42 species (+1 other taxa) Canada Goose 163 Mute Swan 10 American Black Duck 3 Mallard 146 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 Northern Shoveler 41 Ring-necked Duck 1 Bufflehead 5 Hooded Merganser 18 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 95 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 American Coot 33 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull X Rock Pigeon X Mourning Dove X Northern Saw-whet Owl X Red-bellied Woodpecker X Downy Woodpecker X Hairy Woodpecker X Blue Jay X American Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X White-breasted Nuthatch X Carolina Wren X American Robin X European Starling X Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Fox Sparrow X Song Sparrow X White-throated Sparrow X Dark-eyed Junco X Northern Cardinal X Red-winged Blackbird X House Finch X Pine Siskin X American Goldfinch X House Sparrow X
***********************************************************************************
3 reports from Dennis:
A very windy afternoon at greenwood. Highlights included a lone American Pipit and turkey vulture flyover. Begin forwarded message:
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org Date: January 20, 2013 3:35:08 PM EST : eBird Report - Green-Wood Cemetery, Jan 20, 2013 Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, US-NY Jan 20, 2013 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 17 species Turkey Vulture X Red-tailed Hawk X Ring-billed Gull X Red-bellied Woodpecker X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X Blue Jay X Fish Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X Red-breasted Nuthatch X White-breasted Nuthatch X American Robin X American Pipit X Song Sparrow X White-throated Sparrow X Dark-eyed Junco X Northern Cardinal X
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After completing pp water fowl count with mike yuan a chat stakeout was rewarded with a brief glimpse of the bird in flight behind green lookout shipping containers.other highlights were common merganser hen near pink beach area of lullwater. also a trio of very vocal/active hairy woodpeckers near summit of lookout. Dennis
Begin forwarded message:
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org Date: January 20, 2013 4:15:15 PM EST : eBird Report - Prospect Park, Jan 20, 2013 Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Jan 20, 2013 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) 42 species (+1 other taxa) Canada Goose 163 Mute Swan 10 American Black Duck 3 Mallard 146 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 Northern Shoveler 41 Ring-necked Duck 1 Bufflehead 5 Hooded Merganser 18 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 95 Pied-billed Grebe 2 Double-crested Cormorant 1 American Coot 33 Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull X Rock Pigeon X Mourning Dove X Northern Saw-whet Owl X Red-bellied Woodpecker X Downy Woodpecker X Hairy Woodpecker X Blue Jay X American Crow X Black-capped Chickadee X Tufted Titmouse X White-breasted Nuthatch X Carolina Wren X American Robin X European Starling X Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Fox Sparrow X Song Sparrow X White-throated Sparrow X Dark-eyed Junco X Northern Cardinal X Red-winged Blackbird X House Finch X Pine Siskin X American Goldfinch X House Sparrow X
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Saturday, January 19, 2013
Jan 19th quick note
Rob Jett reported EASTERN BLUEBIRDs in Greenwood Cemetery Landscape & Oak Avenues.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Jan 18th Prospect
IN WIFI android tablet format due to being away from Brooklyn ***************************************************************
From Rafael: Peter:
Despite the low temperatures, PP was more or less active. The feeders had a good number of Pine Siskins, and I got close views of the drake Red-breasted Merganser (photos taken). Two Hooded Mergansers were seen at the upper pool. And a Merlin flew over the Peninsula
***********†******†************************************************************** Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY Jan 18, 2013 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Protocol: Traveling Observer: Rafael G Campos R 2.0 kilometer(s) 34 species
******************************************************
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 2 Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2 Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 1 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X American Coot (Fulica americana) 10 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) X Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2 Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1 Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) X Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) X White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) 1 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 6 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 9 House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) X Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) X American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X Brooklyn is great birding!! ****************************************************************************
THE DAILY CHAT behind Well Drive green containers , Obsver Bobbi Manian
From Rafael: Peter:
Despite the low temperatures, PP was more or less active. The feeders had a good number of Pine Siskins, and I got close views of the drake Red-breasted Merganser (photos taken). Two Hooded Mergansers were seen at the upper pool. And a Merlin flew over the Peninsula
***********†******†************************************************************** Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY Jan 18, 2013 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Protocol: Traveling Observer: Rafael G Campos R 2.0 kilometer(s) 34 species
******************************************************
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) 2 Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2 Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 1 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) X American Coot (Fulica americana) 10 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) X Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) X Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) X Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 2 Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 2 Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1 Merlin (Falco columbarius) 1 Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) X Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) X Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) X White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 2 American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 3 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) 1 White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 6 Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 9 House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) X Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) X American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) X House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X Brooklyn is great birding!! ****************************************************************************
THE DAILY CHAT behind Well Drive green containers , Obsver Bobbi Manian
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Prospect Jan 17th
The Daily Chat : Spotted behind Well Dr green containers, Dennis Hrehowsik
**********************************
From Keir :
< Subject: PP 1/17/13 Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:08:22 +0000 Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Jan 17, 2013 8:25 AM - 9:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: Breeze Hill, east slope Lookout, west edge of lake only 34 species Canada Goose 11 Mute Swan 7 Mallard X Northern Shoveler 14 Common Merganser 1 Female continues - head bobbing, swimming around Musician's Island/rink area Red-breasted Merganser 1 Male in middle of lake Ruddy Duck 26 Great Blue Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Coot 6 Ring-billed Gull 250 Herring Gull 4 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Mourning Dove 16 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 7 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Winter Wren 1 American Robin 9 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Swamp Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 6 Red-winged Blackbird 6 House Finch 18 Pine Siskin 4 American Goldfinch 4 House Sparrow 25
**********************************
From Keir :
< Subject: PP 1/17/13 Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:08:22 +0000 Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Jan 17, 2013 8:25 AM - 9:15 AM Protocol: Traveling 1.0 mile(s) Comments: Breeze Hill, east slope Lookout, west edge of lake only 34 species Canada Goose 11 Mute Swan 7 Mallard X Northern Shoveler 14 Common Merganser 1 Female continues - head bobbing, swimming around Musician's Island/rink area Red-breasted Merganser 1 Male in middle of lake Ruddy Duck 26 Great Blue Heron 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Coot 6 Ring-billed Gull 250 Herring Gull 4 Great Black-backed Gull 1 Mourning Dove 16 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Downy Woodpecker 4 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Blue Jay 7 Black-capped Chickadee 8 Tufted Titmouse 4 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Winter Wren 1 American Robin 9 American Tree Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 2 Swamp Sparrow 1 Northern Cardinal 6 Red-winged Blackbird 6 House Finch 18 Pine Siskin 4 American Goldfinch 4 House Sparrow 25
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Prospect Jan15th late afternoon WISN
WILSON'S SNIPE along phragmites south shore Breeze Hill seen by Kristin Costello ,word from Dennis Hrehowsik.
Snipe was seen probing through the black plastic liner ( to cover phragmites) ,where there were holes.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Prospect Jan 14th
All three species Mergansers still present on the Lake (for duration "togetherness" has to be a record or something ?)
***
Report from Rafael:
***
Report from Rafael:
| Peter: The following is the birds recorded during my second visit to the park this year.
|
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Prospect Jan 12th: lake gems and redpolls, winter land species
The Daily Chat: Lamppost 249 Picnic Tables (Well Drive) , observer Matthew Rymkiewic;shipping containers , Ryan Bass
On Prospect Lake on my quick scan after todays' "Mulchfest" , COMMON MERGANSER seen diving in the West Island sector with RED-BREASTED MERGANSER drake nearby. Interestingly , no visible signs of Hooded, the most common species for the Lake. A lone BRANT was very oddly standing on the west shore.See my bad cellphone photo at the end of the post.
Good reports also noted of LESSER SCAUP, COMMON REDPOLL, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, PINE SISKIN
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From Keir :
On Prospect Lake on my quick scan after todays' "Mulchfest" , COMMON MERGANSER seen diving in the West Island sector with RED-BREASTED MERGANSER drake nearby. Interestingly , no visible signs of Hooded, the most common species for the Lake. A lone BRANT was very oddly standing on the west shore.See my bad cellphone photo at the end of the post.
Good reports also noted of LESSER SCAUP, COMMON REDPOLL, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, PINE SISKIN
**********************************
From Keir :
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Jan 12, 2013 9:12 AM - 2:21 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.1 48 species (+1 other taxa) Canada Goose 238 Mute Swan 7 American Black Duck 3 Mallard 122 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1 Northern Shoveler 5 Bufflehead 2 Hooded Merganser 5 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck 57 Pied-billed Grebe 1 Double-crested Cormorant 1 Great Blue Heron 2 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Vale Red-tailed Hawk 1 American Coot 15 Ring-billed Gull 133 Herring Gull 11 Great Black-backed Gull 5 Mourning Dove 9 Belted Kingfisher 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 4 Downy Woodpecker 5 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Merlin 1 Long Meadow, favorite snag near Tennis House Blue Jay 9 American Crow 1 Black-capped Chickadee 12 Tufted Titmouse 13 White-breasted Nuthatch 1 Brown Creeper 2 Lookout & south of Rose Garden, path to compost heap by zoo Winter Wren 1 Singing, Maryland Monument steps Carolina Wren 3 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1 South of Rose Garden, path to compost heap by zoo American Robin 23 Northern Mockingbird 1 European Starling 1 Cedar Waxwing 13 American Tree Sparrow 5 Maryland Monument steps, probably more. Fox Sparrow (Red) 2 Song Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 2 Maryland Monument steps. White-throated Sparrow 45 Northern Cardinal 24 Red-winged Blackbird 7 House Finch 12 Pine Siskin 4 American Goldfinch 22 House Sparrow 25
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From Ryan Bass:
Hi Peter,Coming in from South Slope, steps away from the Bartel-Prichard entrance, I had (30) DARK EYED JUNCO feeding beneath a Sweetgum tree. Some were actually feeding in the tree itself, which I found a little odd for this ground dweller, but perhaps not with all the pedestrian traffic. Upon further inspection, I realized there were (2) AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and (2) COMMON REDPOLL mixed in. This is an infrequently birded area in the Park... but it confirms that the CORE (and the XBills for that matter) can show up anywhere - they are truly a hit-or-miss species.The lake turned up the hen COMMON MERGANSER. It was hanging around the drake RBMERGANSER - so the size comparison was notable.By the shipping containers on Wellhouse Drive, I met up with another birder and we found the YBCHAT around 3:00 pm.The area of the lake near Wollman Rink (between Peninsula and Breeze Hill) was very productive, there were (18) HOODED MERGANSERS there, all huddled up. eBird indicates that this is a high count for this date/location. A drake LESSER SCAUP was present as well.Full list:Cheers,Ryan***********************************Brant on shoreProspect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY Jan 12, 2013 3:15 PM - 3:35 PM Protocol: Stationary 14 species (+1 other taxa) Canada Goose X Mute Swan X Mallard X American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X Northern Shoveler X Bufflehead 1 Common Merganser 1 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Ruddy Duck X Pied-billed Grebe 1 Great Blue Heron 1 American Coot X Ring-billed Gull X Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull X View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12582361
Friday, January 11, 2013
Prospect Jan 11th
To celebrate the Yellow-breasted Chat present so long in Prospect
I am introducing a new feature called " The Daily Chat"
The Daily Chat: base Lookout Hill Switchback Trail 2:20 pm Andy Biederman
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Another note is a COOPERS HAWK that I spotted streaming over from the Litchfield Villa, into the west woods bordering the park dept garage. (Note also not enough appearances to have its own DAILY) :-)
--KB
Photo by Peter Colen, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, 3 of ten seen today on the Peninsula meadow edge lake side
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Prospect and environs Jan 10th: a day for raptors
Stealing attention from the "showy " Yellow Breasted Chat and a single Common Redpoll, among Prospect's rarities recent output, raptors took the day's honors.
Most exciting in the morning was Linda Lamm's report of a flyover BALD EAGLE in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, on Flatbush Ave's east side not far from Prospect Park. Keir Randall mentioned Linda's great find.So, a note to look up as eagles do migrate during Januaries , oftentimes, water bodies freeze upstate forcing these northern resident raptors southward.
Then , as I was looking just after noon for COMMON REDPOLL (CORE) after Keir's report of a single bird (CORE) in a sweetgum along Center Drive near Quaker Cemetery, I observed a free for all chase of one MERLIN chasing a second MERLIN over the Three Arches Nethermead Bridge, going over the meadow , back towards the Ravine , then over the bridge towards the Binnen Pool. Nice to see that drama and fun to watch.
Last among the raptor "fest" ( for a winter day, not a dull moment these days), after my tweet alert regarding the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT-- seen by Bob O'Neill -- on the slope between the Lamppost 249 and 2 green shipping containers on Well Drive, Doug Gochfeld texted me of a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at that same particular spot. ( oh, another raptor the Chat has to worry about !).
I am thinking with the Chat's vibrant cooperation of relaying a simple mention of its daily whereabouts. It's too showy....and adventurous as well with the expansive ground it covers.
-KB
Most exciting in the morning was Linda Lamm's report of a flyover BALD EAGLE in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, on Flatbush Ave's east side not far from Prospect Park. Keir Randall mentioned Linda's great find.So, a note to look up as eagles do migrate during Januaries , oftentimes, water bodies freeze upstate forcing these northern resident raptors southward.
Then , as I was looking just after noon for COMMON REDPOLL (CORE) after Keir's report of a single bird (CORE) in a sweetgum along Center Drive near Quaker Cemetery, I observed a free for all chase of one MERLIN chasing a second MERLIN over the Three Arches Nethermead Bridge, going over the meadow , back towards the Ravine , then over the bridge towards the Binnen Pool. Nice to see that drama and fun to watch.
Last among the raptor "fest" ( for a winter day, not a dull moment these days), after my tweet alert regarding the YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT-- seen by Bob O'Neill -- on the slope between the Lamppost 249 and 2 green shipping containers on Well Drive, Doug Gochfeld texted me of a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at that same particular spot. ( oh, another raptor the Chat has to worry about !).
I am thinking with the Chat's vibrant cooperation of relaying a simple mention of its daily whereabouts. It's too showy....and adventurous as well with the expansive ground it covers.
-KB
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Another NAWA or this one travels?
See Doug's report of Nashville Warbler from the NYS birding list serve. Makes me wonder about the one seen at the swtchback trail...already gone ?
Subject: Brooklyn Nashville Warbler Date: Wed Jan 9 2013 15:30 pm
Adding another individual to this year's (or recent years', even) trend of wintering warblers, we just had an unexpected Nashville Warbler in our small backyard a mile south of Prospect Park. It hung around for a couple of minutes before flying to a neighbor's yard, out of sight.
Good Birding -Doug Gochfeld. Brooklyn, NY. --
Subject: Brooklyn Nashville Warbler Date: Wed Jan 9 2013 15:30 pm
Adding another individual to this year's (or recent years', even) trend of wintering warblers, we just had an unexpected Nashville Warbler in our small backyard a mile south of Prospect Park. It hung around for a couple of minutes before flying to a neighbor's yard, out of sight.
Good Birding -Doug Gochfeld. Brooklyn, NY. --
Canvasbacks video
From Keir, filmed at Brooklyn Bridge Park
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/8364825453/in/photostream/
Four Canvasbacks were a highlight this morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park between piers 4 & 5. Several visits / patience are sometimes needed for this species at this location but today they were very cooperative best Keir Randall Brooklyn
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/8364825453/in/photostream/
Four Canvasbacks were a highlight this morning at Brooklyn Bridge Park between piers 4 & 5. Several visits / patience are sometimes needed for this species at this location but today they were very cooperative best Keir Randall Brooklyn
Early good waterfowl reports; todays PP report inc YBChat
At Brooklyn Bridge Park , pier 5, a quality duck not often seen in this area though most reliably along the northern brooklyn waterfont is CANVASBACK , reported this morning by Keir Randall.
On Prospect Lake, John Ascher reports the SNOW GOOSE back. This bird is erratically on the clock.
I spotted the drake RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on the latter. No sign of the Common Merg. At least 12 HOODED MERGANSERs
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early PM report
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT resurfaced, appearing first at the base of the switchback trail but re spotted by Rob Jett around 245 pm behind the Terrace Bridge green shipping container , then moving into the lullwater north a short distance where i happened to be fixing fence, lucking in with my first sighting of my "nemesis 2013" 1st season warbler.It was seen feeding on bittersweet vine berries on the slope adjacent to the Terrace Bridge, then flying back down towards the underpass.
Winter finches still the same story , present with WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS according to Chris Elliot.
Also of note the three Mergansers are still present on the lake, the continuing saga of these three species fpr birders to enjoy.
************************
Report from Chris Elliot:
Hi Peter,
Walking in Prospect this morning, I had a number of the interesting species recently reported, continuing. There was a lot of activity, perhaps because of the warmth, especially large roaming songbird feeding flocks.
* Common (1), Red-breasted (1), and Hooded Mergansers (12! above the surface at once) - all in a group near ladder 18 and the phragmites at the base of the Peninsula, northwest corner of Prospect Lake; http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/8365558618
* White-winged Crossbills (3), which I almost didn't see because they were feeding on the ground in a large, mixed flock including dominated by White-throated Sparrows, but including Fox Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, Downy Woodpecker, and American Goldfinches, in the woods just west of and across the street from the Zoo, see photos ---->
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/8365558932
* Yellow-breasted Chat (1), where it's been seen recently at the base of Lookout Hill, visible (perching twice on snags and calling) from the base of the Switchback trail, just to the southwest
* Pine Siskins (6) along the east Lullwater path north of the feeders
* Peregrine Falcon (1) diving on gulls near the Lake, as it has been recently
Chris
On Prospect Lake, John Ascher reports the SNOW GOOSE back. This bird is erratically on the clock.
I spotted the drake RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on the latter. No sign of the Common Merg. At least 12 HOODED MERGANSERs
***********************
early PM report
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT resurfaced, appearing first at the base of the switchback trail but re spotted by Rob Jett around 245 pm behind the Terrace Bridge green shipping container , then moving into the lullwater north a short distance where i happened to be fixing fence, lucking in with my first sighting of my "nemesis 2013" 1st season warbler.It was seen feeding on bittersweet vine berries on the slope adjacent to the Terrace Bridge, then flying back down towards the underpass.
Winter finches still the same story , present with WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS according to Chris Elliot.
Also of note the three Mergansers are still present on the lake, the continuing saga of these three species fpr birders to enjoy.
************************
Report from Chris Elliot:
Hi Peter,
Walking in Prospect this morning, I had a number of the interesting species recently reported, continuing. There was a lot of activity, perhaps because of the warmth, especially large roaming songbird feeding flocks.
* Common (1), Red-breasted (1), and Hooded Mergansers (12! above the surface at once) - all in a group near ladder 18 and the phragmites at the base of the Peninsula, northwest corner of Prospect Lake; http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/8365558618
* White-winged Crossbills (3), which I almost didn't see because they were feeding on the ground in a large, mixed flock including dominated by White-throated Sparrows, but including Fox Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadees, Blue Jays, Downy Woodpecker, and American Goldfinches, in the woods just west of and across the street from the Zoo, see photos ---->
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eliotc/8365558932
* Yellow-breasted Chat (1), where it's been seen recently at the base of Lookout Hill, visible (perching twice on snags and calling) from the base of the Switchback trail, just to the southwest
* Pine Siskins (6) along the east Lullwater path north of the feeders
* Peregrine Falcon (1) diving on gulls near the Lake, as it has been recently
Chris
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
mystery warbler on Lookout Hill switchback trail
Attached are photos from Peter Colen
Slightly fuzzy shots but determinative of what we believe is NASHVILLE WARBLER. Bright yellow underparts, gray hood, eye ring.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Prospect Jan 8th, numbers down but still there is rarity
The park seems to quiet down noticeably , but quality remains high for a winter date, as three rarities were reported with the few birders out today, one of the rarities an "out of season" bird very likely resolved.
First a note regarding winter finches: this morning Janet Zinn reported up to 9 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS feeding in the sweetgum over or near the compost pile near the north fence of the zoo, this species still a hot item herein PP and great to see persistently hanging around. Janet reported some WWXbills came down to the ground to a water puddle in the compost area and bathe. Any birder cannot get enough of this species knowing that they may be back years from now. Also in the same area, Janet spotted a low flying TURKEY VULTURE, not rare because you can get occasional winter flyovers but definitely very uncommon.
On a very good note, we may have the warbler mystery solved. During the weekend, Rob Bate spotted a yellowish warbler that eluded identification at the base of southern Lookout Hill to the left of the "switchback trail" . Today, Peter Colen spotted the bird, most likely the same bird, a third of a way up the switchback trail, enabling in getting a decent photo of the bird. Showing Shane Blodgett who happened to be in the park, the "mystery warbler" was identified as a NASHVILLE WARBLER, a terrific find and a first for a winter Prospect [I am sure of it] . Its likely the bird from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden from early December , counted on the Xmas Bird Count. A rare sighting and great to see another new rarity to chase, especially a warbler. These birds keep normally quiet Winters interesting.
Oh, I should mention that COMMON MERGANSER likes where it is on Prospect Lake, as reported by Peter Colen.
More later, --KB
PS. Shane Blodgett in a late note Reports the YELLOW BREASTED CHAT on the slope above the Well drive green shipping containers , same general spot Keir reported last time.So, good news there that not only its sticking to there but also survived Cooper Hawk snacking.
First a note regarding winter finches: this morning Janet Zinn reported up to 9 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS feeding in the sweetgum over or near the compost pile near the north fence of the zoo, this species still a hot item herein PP and great to see persistently hanging around. Janet reported some WWXbills came down to the ground to a water puddle in the compost area and bathe. Any birder cannot get enough of this species knowing that they may be back years from now. Also in the same area, Janet spotted a low flying TURKEY VULTURE, not rare because you can get occasional winter flyovers but definitely very uncommon.
On a very good note, we may have the warbler mystery solved. During the weekend, Rob Bate spotted a yellowish warbler that eluded identification at the base of southern Lookout Hill to the left of the "switchback trail" . Today, Peter Colen spotted the bird, most likely the same bird, a third of a way up the switchback trail, enabling in getting a decent photo of the bird. Showing Shane Blodgett who happened to be in the park, the "mystery warbler" was identified as a NASHVILLE WARBLER, a terrific find and a first for a winter Prospect [I am sure of it] . Its likely the bird from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden from early December , counted on the Xmas Bird Count. A rare sighting and great to see another new rarity to chase, especially a warbler. These birds keep normally quiet Winters interesting.
Oh, I should mention that COMMON MERGANSER likes where it is on Prospect Lake, as reported by Peter Colen.
More later, --KB
PS. Shane Blodgett in a late note Reports the YELLOW BREASTED CHAT on the slope above the Well drive green shipping containers , same general spot Keir reported last time.So, good news there that not only its sticking to there but also survived Cooper Hawk snacking.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Terrific Loon species identification site
Attached is a link to a really great site in identifying Loon species..shortcuts to basic field marks for quick identification.
Its winter, a season for loons :)
http://www.bafrenz.com/birds/Loons.htm
http://www.bafrenz.com/birds/Loons.htm
Prospect Jan 7th now theres 2 !
Today a lull.No reports mentioned of rare birds from recent days except for the Lake. It appears perhaps a " twin sister " has come to visit the current best duck on Prospect Lake
This morning a second hen COMMON MERGANSER has joined in. Reported first by Rob Bate, I saw both COMMON MERGANSERS, each on opposite sides of the lake: along the south shore east of Three Sisters and the second diving next to the shore of the Peninsula Meadow by ladder#18. They both look quite identical.
This morning a second hen COMMON MERGANSER has joined in. Reported first by Rob Bate, I saw both COMMON MERGANSERS, each on opposite sides of the lake: along the south shore east of Three Sisters and the second diving next to the shore of the Peninsula Meadow by ladder#18. They both look quite identical.
Waterfowl Census jan 20th
Though still two weeks away, I am inquiring anyone willing to help count Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery waterfowl as well as the all day Rockaway western peninsula and Dead Horse Bay, the former severely devastated by hurricane sandy which coverage is up for determination who covers it ; issues though concerns park access permission plus likely ranger escort due to still closed parks officially and security issues, more later on this.
The target date is sunday Jan 20th.
< Sunday, January 20th, The Waterfowl count Region 10 (Long Island) Coordinator: Ron Bourque, email ron.jean11@verizon.net Focus: water birds and ducks survey of Brooklyn and Queens west locations Contact for team setup: Peter Dorosh, Email Prosbird@aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559 />
< Sunday, January 20th, The Waterfowl count Region 10 (Long Island) Coordinator: Ron Bourque, email ron.jean11@verizon.net Focus: water birds and ducks survey of Brooklyn and Queens west locations Contact for team setup: Peter Dorosh, Email Prosbird@aol.com or TEXT Message 347-622-3559 />
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Prospect January 6th: BBC walk results, rarities continue
The new year's first Brooklyn Bird Club Prospect walk is a good omen for 2013 with good birds reported, 18 participants getting looks at those rarities whether for species or for the date.52 species included among the quality birds WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL,COMMON MERGANSER, TURKEY VULTURE,PINE SISKIN & RED-SHOULDERED HAWK (awaiting photo from Peter Colen) . It was Dennis Hrehowsik's inaugural leader walk and the BBC expresses its gratitude to Dennis for his time.
Misses unfortunately for the group were other continuing great birds seen by independent birders of COMMON REDPOLL, SNOW GOOSE,and the ever expanding YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.
COMMON REDPOLLS in singles or twos were reported at the Nethermead Arches sweetgum ( Steve and Heidi Nanz, Mary Eyster), these bird high up, 7 in the Ambergill with WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs by Keir Randall, with low level looks, and a report from Peter Colen , with Monica Berger of two Redpolls seen on the ice or in the sweetgum in the Vale of Cashmere .
The SNOW GOOSE was seen in the mid afternoon between the Three Sisters Islands and Duck Island, very close to the layover COMMON MERGANSER in the overcrowded with waterfowl Lake , surrounded by 402 CANADA GEESE and abundant gulls resting on the ice ( no rarities) . Speaking of the Lake, a RING-NECKED DUCK drake is now present in the northwest sector .And yes, three merganser species today makes it a delight.
Last , regarding the elusive YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, Keir Randall spotted the warbler behind the Well Drive green shipping containers , just north of the picnic tables, in the slope scrub. This new site makes it harder to pin down this adventurous bird, making it frustrating for birders to focus on one particular spot as the Chat did over a month ago on Breeze Hill. We just have to walk more. A note to mention: a COOPER's HAWK reigns over the area, seen perched southwest of the Maryland Monument , and later flying over the Well house for another perch ; Oops, not good for a bright yellow Chat.We have to keep our fingers crossed.
From Dennis Hreshowsik, report from his BBC walk
18 birders met on an overcast morning that gave way to a beautiful sunny afternoon. highlights were ww x-bills in the midwood spotted by kevin, ring neck duck spotted by mike yuan and the continuing common merganser on prospect lake for a pp merganser sweep. we were also treated to a show of aerial acrobatics as a peregrine falcon hunted the flock of gulls huddled on the frozen lake. other notables were swamp sparrows on look out chip trail, hermit thrush where nethermead meets base of lookout and a late day turkey vulture fly over at nelly's lawn. thanks to all for a great day of birding.
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 6, 2013 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: BBC walk
52 species
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck X
Bufflehead X
Hooded Merganser X
Common Merganser 1 continues on prospect lake
Red-breasted Merganser X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Turkey Vulture 1 Flyover, Nelly's lawn. white trailing edge of wing, red head and wobbly flight clearly visible
Sharp-shinned Hawk X
Red-shouldered Hawk X Flyover Lookout Hill south
Cooper's Hawk X
Red-tailed Hawk X
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Peregrine Falcon X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper X
Winter Wren X
Carolina Wren X
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee X
Fox Sparrow X
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
House Finch X
White-winged Crossbill 12 feeding on the sweet gum in the midwood near battle pass
Pine Siskin X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12516156
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
(Note , click on the blue color links for pics)
Peter's list
Misses unfortunately for the group were other continuing great birds seen by independent birders of COMMON REDPOLL, SNOW GOOSE,and the ever expanding YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.
COMMON REDPOLLS in singles or twos were reported at the Nethermead Arches sweetgum ( Steve and Heidi Nanz, Mary Eyster), these bird high up, 7 in the Ambergill with WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs by Keir Randall, with low level looks, and a report from Peter Colen , with Monica Berger of two Redpolls seen on the ice or in the sweetgum in the Vale of Cashmere .
The SNOW GOOSE was seen in the mid afternoon between the Three Sisters Islands and Duck Island, very close to the layover COMMON MERGANSER in the overcrowded with waterfowl Lake , surrounded by 402 CANADA GEESE and abundant gulls resting on the ice ( no rarities) . Speaking of the Lake, a RING-NECKED DUCK drake is now present in the northwest sector .And yes, three merganser species today makes it a delight.
Last , regarding the elusive YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, Keir Randall spotted the warbler behind the Well Drive green shipping containers , just north of the picnic tables, in the slope scrub. This new site makes it harder to pin down this adventurous bird, making it frustrating for birders to focus on one particular spot as the Chat did over a month ago on Breeze Hill. We just have to walk more. A note to mention: a COOPER's HAWK reigns over the area, seen perched southwest of the Maryland Monument , and later flying over the Well house for another perch ; Oops, not good for a bright yellow Chat.We have to keep our fingers crossed.
From Dennis Hreshowsik, report from his BBC walk
18 birders met on an overcast morning that gave way to a beautiful sunny afternoon. highlights were ww x-bills in the midwood spotted by kevin, ring neck duck spotted by mike yuan and the continuing common merganser on prospect lake for a pp merganser sweep. we were also treated to a show of aerial acrobatics as a peregrine falcon hunted the flock of gulls huddled on the frozen lake. other notables were swamp sparrows on look out chip trail, hermit thrush where nethermead meets base of lookout and a late day turkey vulture fly over at nelly's lawn. thanks to all for a great day of birding.
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 6, 2013 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments: BBC walk
52 species
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan X
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck X
Bufflehead X
Hooded Merganser X
Common Merganser 1 continues on prospect lake
Red-breasted Merganser X
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe X
Double-crested Cormorant X
Great Blue Heron X
Turkey Vulture 1 Flyover, Nelly's lawn. white trailing edge of wing, red head and wobbly flight clearly visible
Sharp-shinned Hawk X
Red-shouldered Hawk X Flyover Lookout Hill south
Cooper's Hawk X
Red-tailed Hawk X
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull X
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker X
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Hairy Woodpecker X
Peregrine Falcon X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
Red-breasted Nuthatch X
White-breasted Nuthatch X
Brown Creeper X
Winter Wren X
Carolina Wren X
Hermit Thrush X
American Robin X
European Starling X
Eastern Towhee X
Fox Sparrow X
Song Sparrow X
Swamp Sparrow X
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco X
Northern Cardinal X
Red-winged Blackbird X
House Finch X
White-winged Crossbill 12 feeding on the sweet gum in the midwood near battle pass
Pine Siskin X
American Goldfinch X
House Sparrow X
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12516156
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
From Keir:
(Note , click on the blue color links for pics)
Yellow-breasted Chat, Prospect Park 1/6/13
 |
| Yellow-breasted Chat, photo taken by Keir Randall |
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 6, 2013 11:37 AM - 3:32 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments: <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.1
38 species
American Black Duck 6
Mallard 39
Northern Shoveler 26
Ring-necked Duck 1 Drake on lake near L249
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 15
Common Merganser 1 Hen continues on lake, peninsula side.
Ruddy Duck 38
Double-crested Cormorant 1
Red-tailed Hawk 3
American Coot 13
Ring-billed Gull 400
Herring Gull 12
Rock Pigeon 9
Mourning Dove 24
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 5
Black-capped Chickadee 16
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 4
European Starling 6
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 In scrub on Lookout Hill east slope, behind green containers on Center Drive.
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/8355814710/" title="Yellow-breasted Chat, Prospect Park 1/6/13 by keir randall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8355814710_4ded3a7592.jpg" alt="Yellow-breasted Chat, Prospect Park 1/6/13">
Song Sparrow 1
Swamp Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 8
Northern Cardinal 5
Red-winged Blackbird 2
House Finch 16
White-winged Crossbill 12 Feeding in sweetgums above Ambergill, some coming down to drink.
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/8354803485/" title="White-winged Crossbill, Prospect Park 1/6/13 by keir randall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8354803485_f43e2c8028.jpg" alt="White-winged Crossbill, Prospect Park 1/6/13">Common Redpoll 7-- 1 seen drinking from Ambergill then as I was leaving the area I heard a loud 'churr' call and found 7 feeding in a sweetgum on the north slope of the Ambergill.
href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/8354801879/" title="Common Redpolls, Prospect Park 1/6/13 by keir randall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8354801879_e696242a83.jpg" alt="Common Redpolls, Prospect Park 1/6/13">Pine Siskin 4
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow 18
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12517458
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, US-NY
Jan 6, 2013 2:14 AM - 2:49 AM
Protocol: Stationary
17 species (+1 other taxa)
Snow Goose 1
Canada Goose 402
Mute Swan 7
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
Northern Shoveler X
Ring-necked Duck 1
Bufflehead 2
Hooded Merganser 17
Common Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck X
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Cooper's Hawk 1 along Well Drive
Ring-billed Gull 1200
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 9
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S12521653
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Prospect Jan 5th,BBC walk; still good birds
Tomorrow is a Brooklyn Bird Club walk:
Sunday, January 6th, Prospect Park
Meet 8 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Trip Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
***************************
Good fortune continues to treat well birders seeing the rare same day triple merganser species spectacle of COMMON, RED-BREASTED and HOODED on Prospect Lake. COMMON MERGANSER hen was seen mostly at the east side of Three Sisters Islands, at one time diving right at the shoreline wall at the point opposite the Peninsula thumb. But it moves around abit, your best views from the south shore with the sun behind you. RED-BREASTED drake was seen mostly in the lake middle , in front of the 3 islands ( my nickname the "cookie-jar" for that spot). HOODED was seen almost anywhere but they tend to stick close to the Three Sisters.
The YELLOW BREASTED CHAT moves around alot between the Lookout Hill switchback trail and Breeze Hill , particularly today. Seen first by Ed Crowne on the Switchback trail at 10 am, it was found by Rusty Harold after noontime along the top edge of Breeze Hill opposite or across from the feeders. A further search by other birders proved futile for this elusive bird ( well,it is a CHAT)
But the best "new" sighting and potential very good bird was an unidentified warbler spotted very briefly in the woods at the bottom of the hill to the left of the switchback trail ( if you are looking up the trail)> Look for three very small pines by the lawn triangle and behind in the invasive honeysuckle growth about 50 feet from the pedestrian path , the mystery warbler, bright yellow in the brief look by Rob Bate, might be a expected Orange-crowned(possible western variety) but with strange sightings and late birds, anything is possible for a rare bird. Hopefully someone will find and text me promptly.Near this spot on the other side of the path , a WINTER WREN was observed , uncommon this time of year despite its current season name .
Other sightings include the usual WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS (8 seen by Chris Holden) working the Vale Cashmere pool area, centering around the exotic pine with the tight round cones; PINE SISKINS , around 7 at the very active feeders; PEREGRINE FALCON perched halfway down the BBgarden fire radio tower ( hiding behind the floodlight ? or antennae dish)
Gull flocks was moderately large given the ice they rest on in the Lake..Nothing unusual which I spent time scanning except for a Ring-billed with a orange round tag number 654 on its left wing; Its worth checking the flocks for this highly migratory gull period. ( You never know)
Lists later.
'
--KB
Sunday, January 6th, Prospect Park
Meet 8 am at Grand Army Plaza park entrance (Stranahan Statue)
Trip Leader: Dennis Hrehowsik
***************************
Good fortune continues to treat well birders seeing the rare same day triple merganser species spectacle of COMMON, RED-BREASTED and HOODED on Prospect Lake. COMMON MERGANSER hen was seen mostly at the east side of Three Sisters Islands, at one time diving right at the shoreline wall at the point opposite the Peninsula thumb. But it moves around abit, your best views from the south shore with the sun behind you. RED-BREASTED drake was seen mostly in the lake middle , in front of the 3 islands ( my nickname the "cookie-jar" for that spot). HOODED was seen almost anywhere but they tend to stick close to the Three Sisters.
The YELLOW BREASTED CHAT moves around alot between the Lookout Hill switchback trail and Breeze Hill , particularly today. Seen first by Ed Crowne on the Switchback trail at 10 am, it was found by Rusty Harold after noontime along the top edge of Breeze Hill opposite or across from the feeders. A further search by other birders proved futile for this elusive bird ( well,it is a CHAT)
But the best "new" sighting and potential very good bird was an unidentified warbler spotted very briefly in the woods at the bottom of the hill to the left of the switchback trail ( if you are looking up the trail)> Look for three very small pines by the lawn triangle and behind in the invasive honeysuckle growth about 50 feet from the pedestrian path , the mystery warbler, bright yellow in the brief look by Rob Bate, might be a expected Orange-crowned(possible western variety) but with strange sightings and late birds, anything is possible for a rare bird. Hopefully someone will find and text me promptly.Near this spot on the other side of the path , a WINTER WREN was observed , uncommon this time of year despite its current season name .
Other sightings include the usual WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS (8 seen by Chris Holden) working the Vale Cashmere pool area, centering around the exotic pine with the tight round cones; PINE SISKINS , around 7 at the very active feeders; PEREGRINE FALCON perched halfway down the BBgarden fire radio tower ( hiding behind the floodlight ? or antennae dish)
Gull flocks was moderately large given the ice they rest on in the Lake..Nothing unusual which I spent time scanning except for a Ring-billed with a orange round tag number 654 on its left wing; Its worth checking the flocks for this highly migratory gull period. ( You never know)
Lists later.
'
--KB
Friday, January 4, 2013
Bad phone photo of Common Merganser
I took this photo (from cheap phone) after work to show just how close the hen COMMON MERGANSER came to the west shore by ice rescue ladder #15. It was diving quite abit. Its in front and right of the white buoy , left of the Mute Swan..
Three merganser species seen today by birders. 16 HOODED MERGANSERS at least . (most of them at Three Sisters Islands)
from Chris Elliot, PHOTO COME
Three merganser species seen today by birders. 16 HOODED MERGANSERS at least . (most of them at Three Sisters Islands)
from Chris Elliot, PHOTO COME
Prospect Jan 4th, Lake specialties + good birds
The 2013 Merganser trifecta is complete. In just 4 days, all three merganser species are accounted for , so "getting those out of the way " was quick and easy. This morning Shane Blodgett reported COMMON MERGANSER (COME) , a hen seen well along the northwest shore and Peninsula meadow side.The COME was still being seen as of my lunch hour, very close to the shore, diving and feeding.
If the rare merganser wasn't enough, throw in a LESSER SCAUP too ! Russ saw the scaup with Keir near in reporting this very uncommon species along the northwest shore, with RUDDY DUCKS.
AMERICAN PIPITS are broadening their horizons, now also using the Peninsula Meadow ( Shane Blodgett), 13 birds obviously moving around.. Shane also reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs in the Ravine sweetgum along the Ambergill, and as well , 14 PINE SISKINS in the feeders.YBChat also was seen at the feeders by Russ.
A good winter day birding for some birders today.
PS. COME still present as of 4 pm. Pipits at Baseball Field #2 outside the "diamond" . See later posts.
From
Keir Randall:
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 4, 2013 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
33 species
Canada Goose 300
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 20
Northern Shoveler 45
Lesser Scaup 1 A drake sleeping with Ruddy Ducks on Prospect Lake near L249 (thanks to Russ Alderson). No white spur on side, very pointed head shape. Photos.
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 16 Counted in one sweep of lake.
Common Merganser 1 Found by Shane Blodgett. Hugging the Peninsula meadow shore of Prospect Lake. Female type - chocolate brown head with crisp demarcation to white chest, white chin patch, one big tuft on crest. Photos.
Ruddy Duck 35
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
American Robin 3
European Starling 12
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 16
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 30
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Russ Alderson:
Thanks for the ID on the Scaup, Kier.
I saw the Chat near the Breeze Hill feeders this morning around 9:30. It was actually in the big tree near the viewing area for the feeders, flew across the drive and disappeared in the brushy area.
If the rare merganser wasn't enough, throw in a LESSER SCAUP too ! Russ saw the scaup with Keir near in reporting this very uncommon species along the northwest shore, with RUDDY DUCKS.
AMERICAN PIPITS are broadening their horizons, now also using the Peninsula Meadow ( Shane Blodgett), 13 birds obviously moving around.. Shane also reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs in the Ravine sweetgum along the Ambergill, and as well , 14 PINE SISKINS in the feeders.YBChat also was seen at the feeders by Russ.
A good winter day birding for some birders today.
PS. COME still present as of 4 pm. Pipits at Baseball Field #2 outside the "diamond" . See later posts.
From
Keir Randall:
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 4, 2013 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
33 species
Canada Goose 300
Mute Swan 5
Mallard 20
Northern Shoveler 45
Lesser Scaup 1 A drake sleeping with Ruddy Ducks on Prospect Lake near L249 (thanks to Russ Alderson). No white spur on side, very pointed head shape. Photos.
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 16 Counted in one sweep of lake.
Common Merganser 1 Found by Shane Blodgett. Hugging the Peninsula meadow shore of Prospect Lake. Female type - chocolate brown head with crisp demarcation to white chest, white chin patch, one big tuft on crest. Photos.
Ruddy Duck 35
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
American Coot 12
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 4
Rock Pigeon 1
Mourning Dove 6
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 4
Blue Jay 4
Black-capped Chickadee 6
Tufted Titmouse 8
American Robin 3
European Starling 12
Song Sparrow 2
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 16
Northern Cardinal 1
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 16
Pine Siskin 1
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 30
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
From Russ Alderson:
Thanks for the ID on the Scaup, Kier.
I saw the Chat near the Breeze Hill feeders this morning around 9:30. It was actually in the big tree near the viewing area for the feeders, flew across the drive and disappeared in the brushy area.
The morning scoop Jan 4th
Shane~FWD: 13 AMPIPIT on Peninsula MeaD 11 WWXbills n Sweetgum betw Esdale and Rock Arch Br-14 PISISKIN feeders
also YB Chat at feeders
Lesser Scaup at lake with Ruddy Ducks neat Lmappost #249 ( Well drive picn tables)
also YB Chat at feeders
Lesser Scaup at lake with Ruddy Ducks neat Lmappost #249 ( Well drive picn tables)
Eastern Bluebird and American Tree Sparrow records
As promised in yesterdays report to search the records, Eastern Bluebird seen of late is the latest ever for Prospect Park.
The latest ever was 12/7/1964 seen by Olney Raymond.
The earliest was 1/28/2001 seen by Bernie Brennan, quite a legendary Brooklyn birder as well.
Those are the only two sightings ever for December or January ( no sightings in February)
**
For American Tree Sparrow, the highest total for a single day in December or January ( winter months) was 7 on 1/24/1958 Olney Raymond followed by 6 occurring 12/28/1999 in the Ravine ( Rob Jett)
The highest all time happened 3/13/1999 , 20 birds on the Nethermead ( PDorosh, Marie Dooling, Steve Nanz) followed by 19 seen 9/25/1967 , reported by Olney Raymond.
--KB
The latest ever was 12/7/1964 seen by Olney Raymond.
The earliest was 1/28/2001 seen by Bernie Brennan, quite a legendary Brooklyn birder as well.
Those are the only two sightings ever for December or January ( no sightings in February)
**
For American Tree Sparrow, the highest total for a single day in December or January ( winter months) was 7 on 1/24/1958 Olney Raymond followed by 6 occurring 12/28/1999 in the Ravine ( Rob Jett)
The highest all time happened 3/13/1999 , 20 birds on the Nethermead ( PDorosh, Marie Dooling, Steve Nanz) followed by 19 seen 9/25/1967 , reported by Olney Raymond.
--KB
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Prospect Jan 3rd, good stuff still coming along
What we have been seeing the past few months or even the last few days never gets tired for any birder to see. Pine Siskins, White-winged Crossbills, Yellow -breasted Chat, American Pipit: take your pick, any bird mentioned here makes it a GOOD day in Prospect. Given these rare species, one never know when how often they will be seen or the next time that bird appears. Take the crossbills : they irrupt only so often-- sometimes a decade or even longer between appearances. So enjoy them while they are here now. Even the Chat--a twice yearly migration bird-yet it's so furtive that they are hard to find in dense live brush , given their secretive nature. But now, with winter brush more subdued and flattened or expired, the bright yellow Chat is easily seen when it pops out.
Today, the best highlights are the AMERICAN PIPITs, here several days already on the lawns of either the Nethermead or the Ballfields on the west side of Quaker Cemetery. First reported by Mike Yuan ( with Dennis H), 12 birds on the Nethermead lawn near the Quaker Cemetery this early morning, they made a trip to the Ballfields side before seen again on the Nethermead around 115 pm. 15 birds were spotted then. I was able to spot them very close, as did other birders.
On the south slope of Lookout Hill, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDs made appearances above the Wellhouse, this species so tardy in the season for these parts. Its likely the latest ever record for this species.
Not far from the Bluebirds, the still continuing YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT sticks to the slope near the Maryland Monument. Noreen McAuliffe who reported the discovery was also fortunate finding WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in the Vale of Cashmere. See her detailed report and list below.
Feeder action is heavy with PINE SISKIN and a hoard of other winter birds making a chaotic scene. It's a great spot to watch birds in a normally dull winter period ( but not in Prospect !).
With the sparrows, there are good numbers of species around but AMERICAN TREE SPARROW is in strong force now. I spotted 5 eating grit on the path junction leading to the Lullwater cove platform, or overlook. This is along the southeast side of the Nethermead. AMTS are reported in other places as well; It looks like 7 today (assuming Mike and Dennis' 5 at Terrace Bridge is the same flock I saw later) . I think overall, this species is above average in the park now( I have to check the records). And for sparrows, what about the EASTERN TOWHEE at the feeders, a bird that has stuck around for at least a month now in that general area of Breeze Hill.
Prospect Lake is partially frozen but RED-BREASTED MERGANSER with HOODEDS and some BUFFLEHEADS are in view; many gulls rested on the Lake which I tried to find something different with my bins but a scope is better , one I don't carry around at work; perhaps I should improvise and attached a mini to my hat.
The birding is good which makes winter not so dull.
From Keir Randall:
From Mike Yuan :
With Dennis H.
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 3, 2013 7:20 AM - 8:35 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments: <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.1
25 species
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull (American) 2
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 9
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 1
European Starling 12
American Pipit 12 Nethermead meadow across from Quaker Cemetery
American Tree Sparrow 5 Terrace Bridge
Fox Sparrow (Red) 2
Swamp Sparrow 1 West of Switchback trail
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 11
Pine Siskin 3
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 3
From Noreen McAuliffe:
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 3, 2013 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
28 species
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Winter Wren 1 Near Lookout switchback trail
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 15
European Starling X
American Pipit 14 Nethermead
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Observed west of Lookout Hill switchback trail
Eastern Towhee 1 Near Breeze Hill feeders
American Tree Sparrow 2 Fenced planting in Maryland Monument meadow
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 20
Northern Cardinal X
House Finch X
White-winged Crossbill 4 in the Vale of Cashmere, 1 adult male, 2 adult females, and what looked to be 1 immature (gray with streaks, with much smaller, less distinct wing bars)
Pine Siskin 3 Breeze Hill feeders
American Goldfinch 4 1 in Vale, 3 Breeze Hill Feeders
House Sparrow X
Today, the best highlights are the AMERICAN PIPITs, here several days already on the lawns of either the Nethermead or the Ballfields on the west side of Quaker Cemetery. First reported by Mike Yuan ( with Dennis H), 12 birds on the Nethermead lawn near the Quaker Cemetery this early morning, they made a trip to the Ballfields side before seen again on the Nethermead around 115 pm. 15 birds were spotted then. I was able to spot them very close, as did other birders.
On the south slope of Lookout Hill, 2 EASTERN BLUEBIRDs made appearances above the Wellhouse, this species so tardy in the season for these parts. Its likely the latest ever record for this species.
Not far from the Bluebirds, the still continuing YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT sticks to the slope near the Maryland Monument. Noreen McAuliffe who reported the discovery was also fortunate finding WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in the Vale of Cashmere. See her detailed report and list below.
Feeder action is heavy with PINE SISKIN and a hoard of other winter birds making a chaotic scene. It's a great spot to watch birds in a normally dull winter period ( but not in Prospect !).
With the sparrows, there are good numbers of species around but AMERICAN TREE SPARROW is in strong force now. I spotted 5 eating grit on the path junction leading to the Lullwater cove platform, or overlook. This is along the southeast side of the Nethermead. AMTS are reported in other places as well; It looks like 7 today (assuming Mike and Dennis' 5 at Terrace Bridge is the same flock I saw later) . I think overall, this species is above average in the park now( I have to check the records). And for sparrows, what about the EASTERN TOWHEE at the feeders, a bird that has stuck around for at least a month now in that general area of Breeze Hill.
Prospect Lake is partially frozen but RED-BREASTED MERGANSER with HOODEDS and some BUFFLEHEADS are in view; many gulls rested on the Lake which I tried to find something different with my bins but a scope is better , one I don't carry around at work; perhaps I should improvise and attached a mini to my hat.
The birding is good which makes winter not so dull.
From Keir Randall:
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 3, 2013 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
36 species (+1 other taxa)
Canada Goose 75
Mute Swan 5
American Black Duck 1
Mallard 18
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Northern Shoveler 12
Bufflehead 1
Hooded Merganser 3
Red-breasted Merganser 2
Ruddy Duck 26
Cooper's Hawk 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 4
Ring-billed Gull 240
Herring Gull 12
Great Black-backed Gull 1
Mourning Dove 7
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Downy Woodpecker 3
Blue Jay 12
Black-capped Chickadee 12
Tufted Titmouse 7
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
Eastern Bluebird 2-- 2 males on Lookout, path above Wellhouse towards L249 end.
American Robin 4
European Starling 14
Fox Sparrow (Red) 3
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 30
Northern Cardinal 13
Red-winged Blackbird 3
House Finch 26
Pine Siskin 14-- 6 at feeders and 8+ in a sweetgum near Rick's Place
American Goldfinch 9
House Sparrow 20
From Mike Yuan :
With Dennis H.
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 3, 2013 7:20 AM - 8:35 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments: <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.1
25 species
Ring-billed Gull 3
Herring Gull (American) 2
Rock Pigeon 5
Mourning Dove 9
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 3
American Crow 2
Black-capped Chickadee 8
Tufted Titmouse 6
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
American Robin 1
European Starling 12
American Pipit 12 Nethermead meadow across from Quaker Cemetery
American Tree Sparrow 5 Terrace Bridge
Fox Sparrow (Red) 2
Swamp Sparrow 1 West of Switchback trail
White-throated Sparrow 6
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird 1
House Finch 11
Pine Siskin 3
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 3
From Noreen McAuliffe:
Hi, Peter,
When I was watching the AMERICAN PIPITS on the Nethermead, a Red-Tailed Hawk landed in a tree right above them and watched the pipits too. The pipits were unconcerned, maybe banking on the red-tail being full on rat. I hope they’re not so blasé if they see a Merlin or a Cooper’s Hawk.
YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT near the Maryland Monument, to the west of the switchback trail, where the paved path coming up from Well House Drive comes together with the path from the monument in a Y shape. The Chat started out on the uphill side of the path, near a patch of purple brambles, then flew over the trail to perch in a tree on the downhill side, then back to the purple brambles. Its yellow throat/breast looked lovely in the winter light. My chat conspiracy theory: it’s the same bird that overwintered in Bryant Park last year, but this winter has discovered the charms of Brooklyn.
Just in the small fenced planting below Maryland Monument, three sparrow species: Song (2), Fox(1), and AMERICAN TREE(2). There were other interesting-looking sparrows on the hill near the switchback trail that may have been more American Trees, but I didn’t get good looks at them.
4 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in the Vale of Cashmere, 1 adult male, 2 adult females, and what looked to be 1 immature (gray with streaks, with much smaller, less distinct wing bars). They came down to eye level in the sweetgum that hangs low over the path (near Nellie’s Lawn), then flew down to the ice.
Take care,
Noreen
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Jan 3, 2013 12:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
28 species
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Rock Pigeon X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker X
Downy Woodpecker X
Blue Jay X
Black-capped Chickadee X
Tufted Titmouse X
White-breasted Nuthatch 4
Winter Wren 1 Near Lookout switchback trail
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 15
European Starling X
American Pipit 14 Nethermead
Yellow-breasted Chat 1 Observed west of Lookout Hill switchback trail
Eastern Towhee 1 Near Breeze Hill feeders
American Tree Sparrow 2 Fenced planting in Maryland Monument meadow
Fox Sparrow 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow X
Dark-eyed Junco 20
Northern Cardinal X
House Finch X
White-winged Crossbill 4 in the Vale of Cashmere, 1 adult male, 2 adult females, and what looked to be 1 immature (gray with streaks, with much smaller, less distinct wing bars)
Pine Siskin 3 Breeze Hill feeders
American Goldfinch 4 1 in Vale, 3 Breeze Hill Feeders
House Sparrow X