Saturday, November 30, 2013

Prospect , medium not that rare

The accepting winter birder appreciates the uncommon as well as the fact there aren't going to be a lot of birds around after the breeders left. So, the few species , especially if of quality or even for out of season birds , are welcomed sights during these cold days.

Today's birds in Prospect focuses on two medium size species regarding passerines. The better one are the RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. When I encountered Michele Dreger's noon birding group, Vinnny Falci mention the two blackbirds frequenting the Peninsula marsh spot that the Soras were in earlier in the fall. The Rusties flew off before I got on the scene.It possible those were part of a threesome by the giant Osage Orange tree by the Binnen Pool of eastern Nethermead, seen by Kathy Toomey.

The second medium sized bird, for an out of season species is GRAY CATBIRD, by the dirt mounds adjacent to Well Drive green containers. Hopefully both these species stick around for the Xmas count fast approaching in two weeks. They make good birds to report.

On the Lake, the best winter venue, 9 HOODED MERGANSERS continue to delight, 3 drakes and 6 hens  among the usual array of ducks , including a tight flock of NORTHERN SHOVELERS doing their circles next to Three Sisters Islands. Makes one dizzy looking at them.

--KB



Kathy list

observers = Kathy Toomey 
date = 2013/11/30
site = Prospect Park
Double-crested Cormorant 
Great Blue Heron 
Northern Shoveler 
Gadwall 
American Black Duck 
Canada Goose 
Hooded Merganser   seven, three males, on the Lake
Ruddy Duck 
Mallard 
Merlin   thanks to Klemens
American Coot 
Great Black-backed Gull 
Ring-billed Gull 
Herring Gull 
Mourning Dove 
Downy Woodpecker 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Blue Jay 
Tufted Titmouse 
Black-capped Chickadee 
White-breasted Nuthatch 
Carolina Wren 
American Robin 
Gray Catbird   by the dirt pile and dumpster on Wellhouse                Drive
European Starling 
White-throated Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Dark-eyed Junco 
Northern Cardinal 
Red-winged Blackbird   feeders
Rusty Blackbird   three, by the Osage Orange, Nethermead
House Finch 
American Goldfinch 
House Sparrow 


Rusty Blackbirds , taken by Klemens Gasser


Gray Catbird, also Klemens 



This week in the night sky

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance

Friday, November 29, 2013

this past week OCWA

This past Tuesday, an ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER  (OCWA) was reported at the Peninsula near the Terrace Bridge.The observer is legitimate.[source NYC Rare Bird Alert]

--kb

Fwd: First Sunday in December Bird Walk - 10 am





-----Original Message-----
From: msdreger@
Sent: Fri, Nov 29, 2013 8:49 am
Subject: First Sunday in December Bird Walk - 10 am


Wow, the first Sunday walk crept up on me.  With all the holiday preparation, I nearly forgot about it.  

We will meet at 10 am at the boathouse on Sunday December 1.  

The Prospect Park Newsletter has it listed for the earlier time.  But I am not available at 8 am to do the walk.  Beside the fact that the weather has been uncharacteristically cold for this early in the season. 

There has been some good hawk action in the past few days and an Eastern Bluebird sighting.  We will try to stay in the sun and make our way passed the feeders to Lookout.  We can take a look at the Hooded Mergansers on the lake also. 

Bring your Binoculars and see you at 10 on Sunday.

michele

Fwd: Prospect Park today





-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Fri, Nov 29, 2013 11:34 am
Subject: Prospect Park today



date = 2013/11/29  site = Prospect Park
observers = Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein  
Double-crested Cormorant   
Great Blue Heron   
Northern Shoveler   
Gadwall   two pairs, Upper Pool  
Canada Goose   
Hooded Merganser   eight, on the Lake 
 Ruddy Duck 
  Mute Swan  
 Mallard  
 Cooper's Hawk  
 Sharp-shinned Hawk  
 American Coot  
 Great Black-backed Gull  
 Ring-billed Gull 
  Herring Gull   
Mourning Dove   
Downy Woodpecker   
Red-bellied Woodpecker  
 Blue Jay   
Tufted Titmouse   
White-breasted Nuthatch   heard  
Carolina Wren   heard  
Ruby-crowned Kinglet   
American Robin   
European Starling   
White-throated Sparrow  
 Song Sparrow  
 Fox Sparrow 
  Northern Cardinal 
  Red-winged Blackbird   feeders 
 Rusty Blackbird two, in the corner of the Nethermead closest to the 
 Nethermead Arches  
House Finch   feeders 
 American Goldfinch   
House Sparrow   

Thursday, November 28, 2013

turkey facts

http://wild.enature.com/blog/whats-a-snood-a-wattle-lets-talk-turkey-about-our-favorite-bird?utm_source=eNature+Master+List&utm_campaign=c033ecdd95-On_The_Wild_Side_Thanksviging_201111_22_2011&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fdc5c25bf0-c033ecdd95-58212816

Prospect's Thanksgiving turkey trot and feasties


On this great American feast day, I will focus on eating and name the DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT as my bird for the day.(No, not the Turkey)

After seeing the perched COOPERS HAWK ( see my previous Metro Android posting) that cooperated nicely for my close cell phone shot, I turned to see the Cormorant in the Lullwater  between the pink beaches of south Breeze Hill and the Peninsula. What I saw next amazed me. The cormorant dove and came up with a very large wide bodied fish, either a Bluegill or Black Crappie fish about 6 inches wide and swallowed the whole thing ! I could see the throat of the water bird enlarged considerably, a mass that I saw  go down  even into the body. Wow !  Talk about fast eating and huge portions !  ( Which I am sure many Americans will do the same today  :) >  )


( to get an idea of the fish shape, see link  --> http://www.landbigfish.com/fish/fish.cfm?ID=14 )

or  http://www.fishingreports.com/blog/black-crappie  )

On my turkey trot to the park, a delightfully good morning, something to be thankful for ,able to enjoy the outdoors and the birds in them, particularly on a brisk sunny cold day with occasional wind gusts.

The hillside of south Lookout Hill was a feast for the eyes. And nothing so compelling than seeing , if not Wild Turkey which was missing today, then New York State's  iconic bird, a bright blue male EASTERN BLUEBIRD ! I spotted the bluebird at the top of the dense weedy section along Well drive above the Magnolia grove and the green shipping containers. As I expected , the bluebird was eating, strangely , multi flora rose berries, the red delicacies a treat for the bluebird. It stuck around abit up there until later  as I was heading home, where Klemens was waiting with his visiting Dad by the grove . No sign of the bluebird, likely because of the perched above adult COOPERS HAWK, that I have a drama story to tell soon.

The hillside here at lower Lookout Hill was terrific. Along with the bluebird, bright red NORTHERN CARDINALS and BLUE JAYS dominated the scenery, two great winter species that oftentimes are overlooked as too common species. ( Not to me, since I remembered them well from my childhood when they faithfully visited my backyard by the Bklyn Queens Expressway ).  Along with those birds, expanding the range a little along this lower hill, also seen an unexpected female PURPLE FINCH  , CAROLINA WREN, CEDAR WAXWING ( perched in the birch) , SWAMP SPARROW , SONG SPARROW ,HOUSE  FINCHES and AMERICAN  GOLDFINCHES all filled the moments, making this site the day's festive centerpiece.

The newly put up feeders held mostly HOUSE FINCHES along with WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and Goldfinches. Its still early  but certainly bird diversity will increase in the holidays ahead ( well ..every day is a holiday for the birds as winter cold tests their resolve.)

And lastly , though it was my first park day experience when I entered the park at Greenwood Ave, it was raptor clash. Just earlier, I surveyed the Lake , huddled along phragmites, a tightly knit NORTHERN SHOVELER & RUDDY DUCK flock sheltering from gusty winds almost hid from my gaze a drake WOOD DUCK .After the water views, I proceeded towards the West Island shelter when a low flying large raptor flew over me. It banked right and flew up to perch on a tall elm by my home park entrance.It was the adult COOPERS HAWK, this morning all over the place. But that large accipter ticked off the territorial adult RED-TAILED HAWK, charging hard for the accipiter, forcing it out of its perch. Turkey day dramatics !

Be sure to check out the lake. Its a  beautiful setting , particularly today with ten gorgeous HOODED MERGANSERS gracing the waters , separate individuals joining together at Three Sisters Islands, something symbolic today as family and friends gather together to celebrate thankful expressions and divine prayers to the Good Lord.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, 

--KB


Lists:

date = 2013/11/28
site = Prospect Park
Location = Feeders

Mourning Dove 1
White-throated Sparrow 5
Song Sparrow 1
House Finch 23
American Goldfinch 6
House Sparrow 

date = 2013/11/28
site = Prospect Park
Location = Lake

Pied-billed Grebe 2
Double-crested Cormorant Lullwater...my bird today !
Great Blue Heron 
Northern Shoveler ~135
Gadwall 4 yesterday
Canada Goose 32
Wood Duck drake west isl cove , along phgmites
Hooded Merganser 10, 3 drake, 9 hen Three Sisters island open water
Ruddy Duck ~90
Mute Swan 6
Mallard 
Cooper's Hawk adult, in various places, first spotted at southwest woods Greenwood Ave
Red-tailed Hawk charging at Coopers
American Coot 5
Great Black-backed Gull 2
Ring-billed Gull 
Herring Gull 
Rock Pigeon 

date = 2013/11/28
site = Prospect Park
location = Lookout Hill lower slope/Well drive

Cooper's Hawk 
Rock Pigeon 
Downy Woodpecker 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Blue Jay 5
Carolina Wren LP 249
American Robin 3
Eastern Bluebird male, bright blue bird, eating rose berries
European Starling 1
Cedar Waxwing 1, spotted by Klemens 
Swamp Sparrow 1
White-throated Sparrow 4
Song Sparrow 2
Northern Cardinal 8
Purple Finch female 
House Finch 9
American Goldfinch 4
House Sparrow 



From Vinni Falci:

Peter:
 
I looked at the list today. Besides the birds listed Eni and I had two Rusty Black Birds by the phragmities (where Sora was). Also of interest were 4 red tailed hawks flying low and calling by the Lincoln road entrance. Looked like either courtship or territorial behavior.
 
Vinnie

[KB Note : peninsula right marsh ]

Adult Coopers Hawk,Breeze Hill lullwater path

 

 

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device
Fem Purple finch same spot as still act EBluebird.green ship containers
Bright blue male EASTERN BLUEBIRD eating multiflora berries.above Well dr magnolias.Hoodies on lake.

Thanksgiving greetings



The Kingsboider wishes all a very Happy Thanksgiving ! Let us give thanks to the Divine for family,friends, and the joys of life,particularly birds.  Good feasting!









Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Reminder when viewing and reporting "sensitive" species

Recent reports are coming in of an influx of Snowy Owls in the metropolitan area which brings great excitement to birders . Unfortunately,it is also the most photographed and exposed species as attested in years past when people get too close in many coastal states this species visit.

These birds have come a very long way, exhausted and struggling daily with the harsh elements of winter. We need to give them space.

Reporting this species is a very tough dilemma.Personally, I imposed rules upon myself never to report or tweet an owl location specifics if the owl is in a very vulnerable state and easily flushed which tests its energy and  food reserves. I do feel bad not reporting this species that is a life bird for many and something that never gets old for experienced birders like myself. But the owls state of health is the critical priority.

A good suggestion for a birder wanting to see this species is simply go out and discover, hoping for lady luck and serendipity of finding one if you target those areas the Snowy Owl is often found in.Or go with a bird group which has leaders who follow ethics. (I.e. they use a scope)

Today, a Snowy Owl was seen in Floyd Bennett Field which I was alerted early on , in an incredible shot ,perched in a tree with the new Freedom Tower in the backdrop.See the Brooklyn Bird Club's web page or below.Unfortunately the owl was flushed by a NPS Police car that didn't need to go down the remote runway.Too bad.

For more information on birder's behavior with sensitive species,check the ABA code of ethics at the right side bar ,very first box.

The best of luck in seeing these majestic creatures that light up the winter landscape!
--KB
This morning's photo of Snowy Owl at Floyd Bennett Field, taken by Rob Bate

Two RedTailed Hawks in combat

I got this photo from Kathy Toomey. see her note and photo attached ,taken by her friend. ( Gosh, hope it wasn't over a Turkey wishbone )

Hi Peter,
A friend of mine who is a fireman, saw these two hawks fall out of the sky 
locked together.  This happened by the Foodtown on MacDonald Avenue.  The hawks didn't           seem to be able to separate, and the firemen somehow helped them to disentangle. They then       flew off.  [The picture was taken two days ago.]


Hanukkah greetings



Hannukkah greetings to those celebrating today.The first before Thanksgiving ( in quite awhile) and the next in 77,000 years before the American Feast day.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Fwd: Fw: Green-Wood Cemetery


From Orrin:


-----Original Message-----
From:
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Tue, Nov 26, 2013 12:06 pm
Subject: Fw: Green-Wood Cemetery


At GWC this morning:

Mallard duck
American black duck
Hooded merganser (pair)
Canada goose
Ring-billed gull (flyover)
Red-tailed hawk (pair at Dell Water)
American kestrel
Northern cardinal
Fox sparrow
White-throated sparrow
American goldfinch
Dark-eyed junco
Red-bellied woodpecker (several)
Red-winged blackbird (flyover)







Fwd: bluebird


From Elyse:
Prospect Park

-----Original Message-----
From:
To: prosbird
Sent: Tue, Nov 26, 2013 11:19 am
Subject: bluebird



Hi Peter,

After seeing you in the park this morning, I saw 1 Pipit, goldfinches, and house finches at the feeders.
After looking at the hooded mergansers by the lakeside, a bluebird flew up right near me at the lakeside near the peninsula.I love that bird, but I saw only 1.All in all it was a good bird day for me! You gave me good luck!
thanks,
Elyse

Monday, November 25, 2013

When its quiet , seek out the ducks..

When quiet bird activity descends on November, seek out the ducks.
Those early quality duck species counters the gloom of land bird paucity and add delight to the fast approaching starkness of winter-like landscape.

After seeing a high up PEREGRINE FALCON over Nethermead, I aimed for the newly put up feeders when I left work. This falcon observation was after I saw 4 GADWALL on the Upper Pool joined by the common complement of MALLARDS and a COOT. But the feeders aren't known yet to the birds in its young life, therefore the lake offered the best end of day option as descending dusk was soon approaching.

And the Lake came through: first , near Three Sisters Islands, 4 HOODED MERGANSERS spiced up the scenery. With the Hoodies sailing towards the west shore, a scan further, I spotted RING-NECKED DUCKS. Soon, a quick walk to the other side with the setting sun, soon  to show off its spectacular glory ( see previous pic post), got me full light on the ducks. It turns out  to be 3 drake RING-NECKED DUCKS, these sort of "old friends", besides a personal favorite, the Redhead,  the Ring-neckeds are a delight to see whenever nothing else is around. What we get with one nice species is all that counts for some in this hard season.

-KB

date = 2013/11/26
site = Prospect Park
observers = Peter D


Great Blue Heron f/o 
Northern Shoveler over 100 Lake
Gadwall 4 Upper Pool, 3 drake
American Black Duck 2 Lake
Canada Goose 
Ring-necked Duck 3 drake Lake
Hooded Merganser 4 Lake, 3 drake
Ruddy Duck Lake
Mute Swan 7
Mallard 
Red-tailed Hawk f/o
Peregrine Falcon circling above Nethermead
American Coot 2
Ring-billed Gull 
Herring Gull 
Rock Pigeon 
Mourning Dove 
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
American Robin 
Hermit Thrush 2
European Starling 
Song Sparrow 1 well dr
Northern Cardinal 3
Red-winged Blackbird small flocks over Nethermead and Peninsula
American Goldfinch 20 Upper Pool
House Sparrow 

A spectacular sunset tonite!

 

 

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

Feeders


Prospect Feeders are up.Note Rob Bate who helped put up & maintained. The winter tradition continues....(note sty-lish umbrella...maybe AMWO will come more often ?)

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Blustery Frigid day..stiff birds, brave birders



This bone-chiller blustery day could be summed up by a bird that epitomized the BIG CHILL: a GREAT BLUE HERON.

When Mary and I went to Greenwood Cemetery after a brave trip to Red Hook Ikea area , with waves crashing upon the piers, when we came back to GWCemetery, we walked by a frozen stiff Great Blue Heron at Dellwater. As we walked by it, it was just a mere ten feet away , standing under a Hawthorne tree, not wanting to fly when in warmer spells it would certainly flush and fly away. I just happened to spot it  out of the corner of my eye and whispered to Mary and pointed that way ( my left ).The poor thing was so cold....

That heron epitomized the type of day it was. Strong winds impacted all bird life except for the few pockets that offered shelter , like the Dell water and Crescent water, protected by high slopes and ridges. AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES dominated this area, numerous times we seeing them on the branches that touched the water, with likely air dry ness  forcing them to the water to drink. They  kept going  from spot to spot. Mary spotted a female PURPLE FINCH among the AMGO at Dellwater branches . Another very interesting moment we never saw before, a flock of about 12 RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS landing on floating leaves mass in Crescent water and bathing !  It was fascinating to watch them do this a few times.

At Dellwater, a RED-TAILED HAWK seemed to like us.A juvenile followed us all around; at one point while we stay by a crypt door out of the wind, the hawk flew towards us from the water  other side and landed on a limb above us. After 5 minutes it took off, towards us ! Then a sweeping maneuver, its showed its belly and headed for the Crescent water. Cold days brings some  great moments.

Down at Ikea Red Hook, all we could find was Mallards , Black Duck and GADWALLS and a pair of AMERICAN WIGEON. As expected ,the ducks were on the protective side of the pier /bulkhead but very interesting to see here at Ikea was that they were all sitting on large floating plastic booms. They stay out of the water with it being so rough ( as we observed whitecaps on the NY Harbor). Nothing else would be that nutty in open water.

I received only one report from Prospect, Keir's with reports of RUSTY BLACKBIRDs and BLUE-HEADED VIREO as some quality birds.

After this day, good to get out of the wind !


Keir's list

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 24, 2013 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
25 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 30
Mute Swan 3
Mallard 25
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
Northern Shoveler 20
Ruddy Duck 45
Pied-billed Grebe 1
Great Blue Heron 1
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 4
Ring-billed Gull 5
Herring Gull 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
Blue-headed Vireo 1 Presumably a continuing bird. Foraging low at the SW end of Terrace Bridge (opposite the Maryland Monument).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/11036275273/" title="Blue-headed Vireo, Prospect Park 11.24.13 by keir randall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/11036275273_cec444b3ee.jpg" alt="Blue-headed Vireo, Prospect Park 11.24.13" /></a>
Blue Jay 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
Hermit Thrush 1
American Robin 4
European Starling 1
Song Sparrow 2
White-throated Sparrow 15
Northern Cardinal 5
Rusty Blackbird
2 Together in a tree at the edge of the Nethermead near Binnen Pool.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22689183@N00/11036174674/" title="Rusty Blackbird, Prospect Park 11.24.13 by keir randall, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5545/11036174674_5bc70f2727.jpg" alt="Rusty Blackbird, Prospect Park 11.24.13" /></a>
House Finch 3
American Goldfinch 7
House Sparrow 15

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15752134

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)



Peter and Mary's list

date = 2013/11/25
site = GWC

Great Blue Heron FROZEN STIFF!
Canada Goose 
Mallard 
Ruddy Duck
Red-tailed Hawk 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 
Blue Jay 
Northern Mockingbird 
White-throated Sparrow 
Song Sparrow 
Dark-eyed Junco 
Northern Cardinal 
Red-winged Blackbird 12
Purple Finch female
American Goldfinch 25
House Sparrow 

date = 2013/11/25
site = Red Hook Ikea
observers = Peter , Mary
Bufflehead 
Gadwall 
American Black Duck 
Canada Goose 
American Wigeon Ikea
Mallard 
Great Black-backed Gull 
Ring-billed Gull 
Herring Gull 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Quiet November day

All quiet in Prospect Park except for the hi light of 2 LESSER SCAUP drakes on the west side of the Lake,first reported by Dale Dyer. Jerry Layton reported EASTERN BLUEBIRD on the Peninsula.

The usual stuff we have been seeing the last week, yet an arctic cold blast coming in tomorrow might portend good things, especially pine tree  denizens if one knows what I mean. ;-)

Dress warm !

Fwd: Fwd: bird art show( Recd to me and BBC Website)





-----Original Message-----
From: theboidmaster@aol.com
To: prosbird
Sent: Sat, Nov 23, 2013 10:35 am
Subject: Fwd: bird art show

Fyi.



-----Original Message-----
From: pieterdprall@aol.com
To: info
Sent: Thu, Nov 21, 2013 2:52 pm
Subject: bird art show

Hello,

I am in an exhibit, at a location in Brooklyn, with my sister and another relative in December. Among the three of us I am the bird-watcher.
If you don't know me by name; I am illustrator, coauthor and editor of "The Easy Bird Guide - Eastern Region"; John and Edith Bull, Gerald Gold and Pieter D. Prall; The Globe Pequot Press; 2006.

I used to go bird-watching in Prospect Park in Brooklyn quite frequently as I spent a lot of time out seaching for birds with John Yrizarry and (the late) Bernie Brennan. I had the first Swainson's Warbler in Prospect Park with (the late) Lee Cohen and once had a Bell's Vireo there too.

I am a former member of The Council of The Linnean Society too.

Anyway: My sister asked me to be in this show she arranged at St. Francis College - Callahan Center; 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, 11201. The show starts of the 3rd of December and ends on the 28th of December 2013. There will be an artist's reception there on Sundat December 15th from 2pm to 6pm and all are welcome if there are any interested bird-watchers who want to come. I will have about 10 pieces in the show.

I will have copies of The Easy Bird Guide - Eastern Region there to sell and autograph. If you are not familiar with this book it is a guidebook for beginners that John, Edith and I conceived in something like 1977. It was originally published by Macmillan Collier Books and after they went almost totally out of businesss we got the book back and resold it to The Globe Pequot Press. I rewrote sections of, reorganized and reedited the book at the time as John Bull was quit old and ill. He passed away shortly after we finished this project to get the books back out again.

If you might be able to circulate e-mail announcement on this show to your membership I would appreciate it. If you might be able to mail out pre printed and pre stamped postcard invitations on the exhibit I would appreciate it. We have the cards printed and I would provide the stamps for a mailing to your membership if anyone has the time for this. We could even have my sister take them to the Post Office as she lives in Brooklyn on Pierrepont Street.

If you want to comment on this request you can e-mail me at pieterdprall@aol.com or call me at 973-615-1258. For reference: my sister's name is Jeanie Wing and her number is 718-852-4254. She gets back to people right away. FYI she is a retired High School Art Teacher.

Regards;
Pieter Prall
973-615-1258




2 LScaup at west side Prospect lake
Dale D reported 2 Lesser Scaup Prospect Lake

Friday, November 22, 2013

Three Sisters islands

 

Three Sisters Island own fall glory in south Prospect Lake.Note in middle picture the new rink on the far shore

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

Bits and BBP/RH reports

Doug Gochfeld revised /updated his bird list which includes great pics of the Blue Headed Vireo and Black throated Green Warbler initially found by Heidi Clevens.

Here's the link  http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15725941


Delayed reports but worthy places to bird, from Bobbi Manian on her visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park and Red Hook a few days ago ( the WETA dominanted this page then)


Hi Peter, 

Here's my list from BB park yesterday.  

B

On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:41 PM, "do-not-reply@ebird.org" <do-not-reply@ebird.org> wrote:
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, US-NY
Nov 19, 2013 12:44 PM - 3:16 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
Comments:    <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.2
17 species

Gadwall  9
Bufflehead  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Ring-billed Gull  25
Herring Gull  1
Northern Flicker  1
Hermit Thrush  3
American Robin  13
Cedar Waxwing  11
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  3
Field Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
Swamp Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  14
Dark-eyed Junco  29
Red-winged Blackbird  1
American Goldfinch  1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15711615

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
**

ok, here is Red Hook! Covers a counter-clockwise loop from Valentino Pier -> Pier44 (Fairway overflow lot/Lehigh Barge) -> Fairway back patio -> Ikea Eerie Basin -> Gowanas Bay (end of Columbia St)

b.


On Wednesday, November 20, 2013 3:41 PM, "do-not-reply@ebird.org" <do-not-reply@ebird.org> wrote:
Red Hook waterway: Valentino Park <-> Gowanus Bay, Kings, US-NY
Nov 19, 2013 10:00 AM - 12:07 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.0 mile(s)
Comments:    <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.5.2
17 species (+1 other taxa)

Brant  52
Canada Goose  50
Gadwall  14
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  5
Bufflehead  5
Double-crested Cormorant  6
Ring-billed Gull  53
Herring Gull  1
Great Black-backed Gull  1
Rock Pigeon  X
crow sp.  3
Northern Mockingbird  1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)  1
American Tree Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  1
House Sparrow  X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S15710368

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)




Photo of Golden Crowned Kinglet from Barbara Christ


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Prospect negative on WETA, but "VR" and a late warbler makes it a good day nevertheless


The search for the Western Tanager (WETA) proved negative today.Despite a diligent search by a number of birders, no luck.This is the third such 1st time western species appearance in Prospect Park in 2013. I believed continental plate shift moved Prospect westward a few degrees longitude, hence why these birds all of a sudden showing up here ... ;)>

However, thru sort of a "Patagonia effect" with more eyes looking , Doug Gochfeld turned up a very rare (VR)  SNOW BUNTING flyover. See the records below as this is only the fourth such sighting in park history.

Furthermore, Heidi Clevens in her search for the rare tanager, found a late BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER by the boathouse, near the Cleft Ridge Span area as I gathered. This is a late bird, just short of the extreme Prospect record 11/24/2006 (obs Mary Eyster) .

Even with the disappointment over the tanager, but the hope its still around and not a "one day wonder", other unexpected rare sightings still makes its an exciting time in "Rarity November"

Records check

Snow Bunting      1     11/21/2013    Breeze Hill
Snow Bunting      2     1/13/2001     Three Sisters  Islands
Snow Bunting      1     11/3/1946     Prospect Park

Snow Bunting      1     2/22/1914     Prospect Park

List from Doug Gochfeld:

Location
Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US Map )
Date and Effort
Thu Nov 21, 2013 8:30 AM
Protocol:
Traveling
Party Size:
1
Duration:
4 hour(s), 45 minute(s)
Distance:
3.0 mile(s)
Observers:
Doug Gochfeld
Species
51 species total
65
Canada Goose
10
Mute Swan
6
Gadwall
Upper Pool.
Age & Sex
JuvenileImmatureAdultAge Unknown
Male3
Female3
Sex Unknown
85
Mallard
187
Northern Shoveler
71
Ruddy Duck
2
Pied-billed Grebe
2
Double-crested Cormorant
2
Great Blue Heron
3
Cooper's Hawk
4
Red-tailed Hawk
18
American Coot
90
Ring-billed Gull
225
Herring Gull
6
Great Black-backed Gull
5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
23
Mourning Dove
16
Red-bellied Woodpecker
1
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
5
Downy Woodpecker
2
Hairy Woodpecker
1
American Kestrel
1
Merlin
1
Peregrine Falcon
1
Blue-headed Vireo
*Getting late.
Foraging on island between Breeze Hill and Lakeside.
Photos.
55
Blue Jay
2
Black-capped Chickadee
10
Tufted Titmouse
3
White-breasted Nuthatch
2
Winter Wren
6
Carolina Wren
14
Hermit Thrush
115
American Robin
4
Northern Mockingbird
45
European Starling
1
American Pipit
Calling flyover at Peninsula. Heard only.
1
Snow Bunting
**Very rare in Prospect Park.
Flyby at the Nethermead, headed towards Long Meadow/Pools. I tried to take diagnostic photos, but both were out of focus. Made rattle call once, after I noticed it.
Brief but good view.
1
Chipping Sparrow
6
Fox Sparrow (Red)
12
Song Sparrow
1
Swamp Sparrow
On island between Breeze Hill and Lakeside.
Calling often, seen once.
50
White-throated Sparrow
11
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)
28
Northern Cardinal
4
Red-winged Blackbird
1
Common Grackle
Silent flyover.
Age & Sex
JuvenileImmatureAdultAge Unknown
Male1
Female
Sex Unknown
1
Brown-headed Cowbird
Feeding on concrete path behind Boathouse in the morning.
Age & Sex
JuvenileImmatureAdultAge Unknown
Male1
Female
Sex Unknown
12
House Finch
4
Purple Finch
52
American Goldfinch
95
House Sparrow