Friday, February 28, 2014

Fwd: Prospect Park today



-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Fri, Feb 28, 2014 1:38 pm
Subject: Prospect Park today



e
Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Feb 28, 2014 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
30 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  4
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  12
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  20
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  3
Mourning Dove  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Blue Jay  8
American Crow  1
Black-capped Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  X    large flocks in several locations
Brown Thrasher  1     SE of Nethermead Bridge, continuing bird
European Starling  6
American Tree Sparrow  1
Fox Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  2
White-throated Sparrow  X
Dark-eyed Junco  3
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  30
Rusty Blackbird  7     SE of Nethermead Bridge
House Finch  4
American Goldfinch  3
House Sparrow  X

Fwd: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Feb 28, 2014




Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device


------ Original Message ------
From: Rafael Guillermo Campos-Ramírez
Date: 2/28/2014 4:54 PM
To: Peter Dorosh;
Subject: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Feb 28, 2014

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Feb 28, 2014 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Observer: Rafael G Campos R
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    The big news was a small flock of Rusty Blackbirds (6) near the Nethermead Arches.
29 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  5
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)  2
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  X
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)  2
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  4
American Coot (Fulica americana)  X
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Domestic type))  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  3
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  2
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  4
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  5
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)  1
American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea)  2    feeders -Breezy Hill-
Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria)  2    feeders -Breezy Hill-
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  X
Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) (Junco hyemalis hyemalis/carolinensis)  3
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  2
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  20
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)  6    six individuals, some of them vocalizing, and some forraging on the ground, near the Nethermead Arches
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  2
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  X

Brooklyn is great birding!!!


@robsbate: 5 wood ducks between upper and lower pools m.twitter.com/robsbate
@robsbate: 5 wood ducks between upper and lower pools m.twitter.com/robsbate

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Wood Ducks; Thursday photo gallery

9 WOOD DUCKS still seen in the Lower Pool weir, some jumped up upon land.

Below Wood Duck photos from Sean Zimmer



Photo of Cedar Waxwing taken by Mary Keerbauch


Photos from Paul Chung ,Merganser species Red breasted and Common




Paul's flicker gallery




Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Snow flurries and waxwings.

Snow flurries falling upon crabapples and waxwings is just about the coolest thing to see. In the front of the Lichtfield Villa, at the park entrance, up to 15 CEDAR WAXWINGS shared the feast with AMERICAN ROBINS,gobbling away at the delectable fruits.Its a critical time and food like this is welcomed, making this location the hotspots now if you like waxwings.

Waxwings were also reported by Sean Zimmer at the Upper Pool. And speaking of this location,its a hot spot for WOOD DUCKS. Sean reported eleven this morning.On my post work walk home, I found a lucky 13 ! The wary flock were congregated at the Lower Pool's weir,where the Upper flows into.Bird from a safe distance to avoid spooking this gorgeous species so close to the fence.

Other winter sights were seen in Prospect worth appreciating. Two Merganser species still reside in the Lake open water,Common hen and drake Red Breasted. A MERLIN reported by Sean. I followed with another falcon species, a PEREGRINE that flew over the Tennis House as I exited work. SWAMP SPARROW in the phragmite marsh across from the Well Drive picnic tables is another worthy sighting.

And a late afternoon report of a quality corvid. Bobbi Manian said she saw a COMMON RAVEN lake flyover.I posted her note below.

So, as winter draws to a close :-( ( I'm gonna miss it though), the action heats up in small numbers of quality birds.

Photo below of Cedar Waxwings ,© Mary Keerbauch, taken yesterday afternoon


********************************

Raven note from Bobbi:

Hi Peter,

I'm not sure if Ravens are noteworthy any more, they seem to be popping up everywhere. But i did have one fly over by the lake today, calling in flight. it headed south, maybe towards Greenwood.

Best, Bobbi

p.s. I missed the wood ducks!
13 Wood ducks open water lower pool at weir. Prospect.

Fwd: Upper pools this a.m.




Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device


------ Original Message ------
From: Sean Zimmer
Date: 2/26/2014 9:10 AM
To: Peter Dorosh;
Subject: Upper pools this a.m.
Good morning Peter,

The Upper pools have some good birding this morning. I counted 11 Wood Ducks in the outlet stream just below the dog beach area, as well as several Mallards. A large mixed flock of Robins and Cedar Waxwings could be seen on the shore close to the waterfall. Finally, a Merlin was busy eating what looked like a Junco, perched on a lookout tree between the two pools.
Best,

-Sean

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

JBWR West Pond petition

A petition is circulating calling upon the Department of Interior head Sally Jewell to repair the long delayed West Pond breach caused by Tropical storm Sandy.Whether it has any effect, nevertheless here is the link to that petition if you are interested.

http://www.change.org/petitions/sally-jewel-restore-the-west-pond-at-jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge-new-york?share_id=dvjmATFceS&utm_campaign=share_button_action_box&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition


the listserve posting

Subject: Help us restore the West Pond at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge...
From: Andrew Baksh 
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 16:19:43 -0500
X-Message-Number: 5

With permission from the list serve owner.

Dear Members:
Please show your support for the restoration of the West Pond at Jamaica
Bay Wildlife Refuge by signing the online petition (
http://www.change.org/petitions/sally-jewel-restore-the-west-pond-at-jamaica-bay-wildlife-refuge-new-york
)


In doing so, you will be joining the Birders' Coalition for Gateway (New
York City Audubon, New York State Ornithological Association, Linnaean
Society of New York, Brooklyn Bird Club, Queens County Bird Club,
Protectors of Pine Oak Woods,  and American Littoral Society, North East
Chapter) in its petition that the West Pond in the Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge, part of the National Park Service's Gateway National Recreation
Area in Queens County, New York, be restored promptly to its original
freshwater state, so that its value to wildlife and the viewing public is
preserved in this urban environment for current and future generations.

More information is available from the petition.  Please feel free to share
with as many people as you can as we work to try and save this important
fresh water ecosystem which is vital to wildlife.

Thank You.

Andrew Baksh
www.birdingdude.blogspot.com

***************

Linnanean Society website page

http://linnaeannewyork.org/officers-committees-consv/conservation.html

Prospect Robin frenzy, winter showups

My work day began and ended with a frenzy of AMERICAN ROBIN.As I walked from the picnic house parking lot where I parked my car, I was greeted by a wave of robins coming up slope of the Sparrow bowl. Before  I left work,when I parked my work vehicle inside the Tennis House area, robins were busy, frenzily feeding and flipping up the leaf clutter on the south side fence. So I guess spring is making small movements, most noted in its robin migration.

While watching the days end robin gluttony festival, I was delighted seeing a BROWN CREEPER on one of the trees, hyper though going to different trees ,like it wants to outdo the robins eating frenzy.

The creeper is one of those late winter transients , and some movement of chickadees,titmouse, and nuthatch were noted in a small number, these species mostly absent most of prospect's winter ,puzzlingly.

However great with robins, creepers and chickadees, 5 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS is the best quality species for today; Rob Bate spotted 5 at east Nethermead Osage tree with the bar. Later, after hearing his report, I got over here and searched but didn't find them right away.But I did eventually, at least 4 of them in their typical gait ,feeding along the back shore of the Binnen Pool under the lone Austrian pine.They are showing their wonderful spring plumage, blacker with rusty tinges.

The lake continues to hold its hi light, but three merganser species at the same time is a rare trio to watch.COMMON ,RED BREASTED and HOODED MERGANSERs together makes it a pursuit worth getting out in the cold blast...but spring isn't too far off.

Of course, from my coworker's day end report of 30 CEDAR WAXWINGS with those robins again, in the berry laden Hawthorne tree in front of the Litchfield Villa, I would definitely go see that!

NYC Bird Report

date = 2014/02/25
site = Prospect Park observers = PeterD

Northern Shoveler
American Black Duck
 Canada Goose 107
Red-breasted Merganser drake lake
Hooded Merganser mix pair lake
Common Merganser hen lake
 Ruddy Duck 7 lake
Mute Swan 6
 Mallard over 85 lake
Red-tailed Hawk Butterfly meadow
 American Coot 15 lake
Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull
Rock Pigeon
 Mourning Dove Blue Jay 4 Binnen pool
Brown Creeper tennis house south fence
American Robin easily 65 south slope tennis house
Cedar Waxwing 30 lichfield villa,mary keerbauch
White-throated Sparrow 4 feeders
Song Sparrow 2 feeders
 Fox Sparrow feeders
 Northern Cardinal 5 quaker cemetery
 Red-winged Blackbird 3 feeders
 Common Grackle 4 parade grounds
 Rusty Blackbird 5 binnen pool,showing more breeding plmg
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow 2 feeders

**********
From Rob Bate

I walked from GAP through to Lakeside. The Vale area had a large flock of Robins, many were drinking at a patch of water in the Vale. The 5 continuing Rusty Blackbirds at the woods around the Osage Orange Tree in the Nethermead are getting blacker as they molt for spring. There was a large flock of Red-wings on Breeze Hill. Song Sparrows, Cardinals, Red-wings were all singing today.

29 species

Canada Goose X
Mallard 25
Red-tailed Hawk 2
 Ring-billed Gull X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) X
Mourning Dove 6
 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
 Downy Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 1
Blue Jay 6
Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Carolina Wren 1
 American Robin 100
European Starling 10
Cedar Waxwing 1
Fox Sparrow 1
 Song Sparrow 5
 White-throated Sparrow 5
Dark-eyed Junco 4
Northern Cardinal 10
Red-winged Blackbird 60
Rusty Blackbird 5 Our continuing group, molting into their blacker plumage
 Common Grackle 3 House Finch 1
American Goldfinch 8
House Sparrow X

Fwd: cedar waxwings in front of Villa


Seen by Mary Keerbauch 4 pm in front of litchfield villa with robins

4 of 5 reptd Rusty Blackbirds back shore Binnen Pool under Austrian pine.east nethermead earlier osage
Rare same view trifecta Merganser species Prospect Lake

Monday, February 24, 2014

Fwd: Prospect Park today


-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Mon, Feb 24, 2014 1:19 pm
Subject: Prospect Park today



Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Feb 24, 2014 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
34 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose  9
Mute Swan  5
Wood Duck  10     three pairs seen in stream that leads out of the Upper               Pool, two pairs in ravine pool
Mallard  X
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Northern Shoveler  15
Hooded Merganser  2     male and female, on Lake
Common Merganser  1    female with white chin, continuing bird, seen by many
Red-breasted Merganser  1     male, by the Boathouse
Ruddy Duck  5
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  16
gull sp.  25     mostly ring-billed gulls
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  5
Mourning Dove  8
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Downy Woodpecker  3
Blue Jay  2
American Crow  9
Black-capped Chickadee  4
Tufted Titmouse  2
American Robin  1
Brown Thrasher  1     SE of Nethermead Bridge, where it's been seen by several people in the past few days
  

Rescheduled BBC evening Program

The cancelled February 13th evening program due to snowstorm has been rescheduled.

March 27th is the new date for Steve and Heidi Nanz American West topic. see the link  http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm

PLEASE NOTE: There are now two March BBC eve Programs..The first one is March 12th at the Brooklyn Public Library.The Link has details.

Peter

What the open water yields

A quick look at Prospect Lake after work did yield some noted ducks. First, the HOODED MERGANSER pair was out in the open.Then as I crept closer to shore, the hen COMMON MERGANSER got spooked and flushed, flying into open view,landing in the water.Then last, as I was unable to see with the sun in front of me,  I moved to my right, a pair of WOOD DUCKS waddle on the ice ,then back and forth; it appears some courtship ritual is going on.

Nature news: A salamander in Greenwood Cemetery

The warm weather "false spring" day of this past Sunday not only was good for birds feeling the warmth, so was a new nature discovery for me , the first time I saw this species and most particularly in a local green spot.

In the area of the Crescent /Dell water in Greenwood Cemetery, we discovered a salamander hibernating under leaves, what I believed is a RED-BACKED SALAMANDER.[ CONFIRMED]  Below are photos I took with the phone and a link to the species profile. Spring like warmth is good for discoveries and a lifer for me....




http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/red-backed_salamander.htm

Merganser a sailing

Below is a photo taken by Sean Zimmer, of two merganser species (Common & Hooded) seen on Prospect Lake yesterday


Sunday, February 23, 2014

Transition of late winter towards spring

The bird of the day is RED-NECKED GREBE.From two locations barely birded much, two birds at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and three at Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier were grebe territory.

Tweets from Mike Yuan came from the Brooklyn Bridge park, the grebes between piers 2&3,4&5 were the early reports; later I and Mary E, at pier 4 (58th St) found three on the west side of the pier, one alongside the pier edge at one point.

Also on this side, a notable GREATER SCAUP flock with one LESSER in the mix. GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON and COMMON GOLDENEYE in single numbers continues to make this pier a winter hotspot.

This transition phase as grebes and ducks gather in late winter points to the next season, noted today in Greenwood Cemetery. From Ocean Hill ridge, over the Hill of Graves gently rolling slope, waves and waves of AMERICAN ROBINs came through.Many settled down unto the ground, in impressive numbers,an early omen of spring as it felt like it today.It's a false spring of course, but who cares? Some of us enjoyed this weather. And seeing a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER at the Hill of Graves among those robins made it feel like spring is here.

KB addendum: reports from the NYSBirds listserve reported 2 Red necked grebes along the Columbia Street pier to along the waterfront at IKEA as well in Red Hook. BROOKLYN Public transportation to this area pretty much is the pits. You are better off taking the yellow Water taxi from South Street Seaport  which  is free that I know of, financed by IKEA. Check the appropriate websites or google search this perk.

*************

From Cindy Cage

Hi Peter,

I took a ride through Greenwood Cemetery between 4:00 and 5:00 today. Not a lot of activity until I got over by the 20th Street side in the Elm, Atlantic and Grove Avenue area. There were at least 50 robins pulling worms from the ground, 25 Canada Geese, a Downy Woodpecker, 3 House Finches, and the surprise 10+ Cedar Waxwings in a tall, wide stand of evergreens between Elm and Atlantic Avenues. The cemetery was closing so I was rushed and the denseness of the bush made it hard to tell exactly how many of them there were. But I saw a few coming and going and there were more among the greeness.

Cindy Cage


************

From Marisa Wohl, pier 4

Hi Peter and Mary: So good to see you! When the interesting birds started dissipating on the north side of the pier, I scanned southward and thought I saw the grebe in the distance near the next pier, the same lousy look I had from Ikea. Patience rewarded me because one individual landed near the pier and swam closer, giving me great looks. Best wishes, Marisa
Red necked Grebe Pier 4 tip @ 58th st.
@themeowking: A second red-necked grebe between Piers five and six m.twitter.com/themeowking
@themeowking: Red-necked grebe between Piers 2&3 at Brooklyn Bridge Park m.twitter.com/themeowking

Peregrines at St Paul's

Kind of cool to see Peregrines liking the Catholic church of my Baptism.In downtown Brooklyn,Cobble Hill section.Post from Matthew Wills

http://matthewwills.com/2014/02/22/peregrines/#comment-21896

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Fwd: Prospect Park today



-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Sat, Feb 22, 2014 2:24 pm
Subject: Prospect Park today



date = 2014/02/23  site = Prospect Park  observers = Kathy Toomey   


Northern Shoveler   
American Black Duck  
 Canada Goose   
Red-breasted Merganser   open water by Audubon, male  
Hooded Merganser   Lake, male & female  
Common Merganser   Lake, 2 females  
Ruddy Duck   
Mute Swan  
 Mallard   
Red-tailed Hawk  
 American Coot  
 Great Black-backed Gull   
Ring-billed Gull   
Herring Gull  
 Mourning Dove   
Downy Woodpecker 
  Red-bellied Woodpecker  
 Blue Jay  
 Tufted Titmouse   heard 
 Black-capped Chickadee   
White-breasted Nuthatch   heard  
American Robin   
European Starling 
  White-throated Sparrow  
 Song Sparrow  
 Fox Sparrow  
 Eastern Towhee   male, near Nethermead Arches,            horsetrail side  
Northern Cardinal   
Red-winged Blackbird  
 House Finch   
American Goldfinch  
 House Sparrow   

Fwd: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Feb 21, 2014


-----Original Message-----
From: ticornis@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Sat, Feb 22, 2014 4:13 am
Subject: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Feb 21, 2014



Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY
Feb 21, 2014 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Observer: Rafael G Campos R
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments:    The entire park was practically frozen.  The only area of water open was a small section on the N side of the lake.  Foggy conditions during the entire walk.  It was restricted to the areas open for traffic (pedestrian & cars).  The feeders were almost empty. I found 1 Ring-billed Gull with a wing tag (no numbers or letters), kind of orange color.
26 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  4
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  5
American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)  8
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  X
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)  26
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)  2
American Coot (Fulica americana)  16
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)  X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)  X
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Domestic type))  X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  4
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  4
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  5
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus auratus/luteus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  5
Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  2
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  X
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  5
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  5
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)  6
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)  1
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)  3
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)  6

Brooklyn is great birding, even its grounds are covered by snow!!!


Thursday, February 20, 2014

Children & Nature

From renown author on nature on connecting children with nature, heres a terrific piece

http://blog.childrenandnature.org/2014/02/19/how-do-we-fight-nature-blindness/

Pier 4 at 58th ( Bklyn Army Terminal /owls Head )

This winter's Hotspot, see the latest, an incredible number of RED-NECKED GREBEs with 20 at the pier plus 5 more eastward along the Brooklyn coast.

From the NYS Birds listserve :

Subject: Northern Brooklyn/ 25 Red-necked Grebes
From: Shane Blodgett <shaneblodgett@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 20:40:49 -0500
X-Message-Number: 1

With an eye on scouting for a more thorough survey of the entire Brooklyn 
coastline tomorrow with Doug Gochfeld and Sean Sime, I birded along the Brooklyn 
coast from just south of the cruise terminal in Red Hook to the Veteran's 
Memorial Pier between 9:30-1:30 today.

Doug had suggested we see how many Red-necked Grebes (RNGR) we could find and 
stated-at least half-jokingly-that 20 should be the goal.

Imagine my surprise when I totaled 25 RNGR, with the bulk being a group of 20 
off the 58th street pier. 
My previous daily high in Brooklyn is was 8.

There were also 2 behind IKEA, 2 behind the Home Depot on Hamilton Avenue, and 
one at the foot of 32nd Street. As there are a lot of areas that are 
inaccessible in that area due to private businesses on the waterfront there 
could have been a few more.

Here's to 50 tomorrow!

Best regards,
Shane Blodgett
Brooklyn NY

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

mid afternoon notables

Common Merganser hen on the lake

adult Coopers Hawk perched on the snag behind Well Drive picnic tables (LP 249)

Eurasian Wigeon prospect records

It turns out it wasn't so long ago  for this species....But first reported in 1995, last record in November 2007  last fridays bird the 16th record



Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/4/07     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/4/07     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/4/07     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/3/07     Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/2/07     Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/31/07    Upper Pool


Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/31/07    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/29/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/29/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/29/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/29/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/29/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/28/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/28/07    Upper Pool
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/27/03     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/2/01      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/1/01      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/31/01     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/15/01     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/11/01     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/9/00     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     10/19/00    Lullwater
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/21/00     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/17/00     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/13/00     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/12/00     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/9/00      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/2/00      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/1/00      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/24/99    Three Sisters  Islands
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/5/99     Three Sisters  Islands
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/28/99    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     11/27/99    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/30/99     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/26/98    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/1/98      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/17/97    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/14/97    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/6/97     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     1/25/97     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/25/96    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/18/96    Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/17/96     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/15/96     Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     2/9/96      Prospect Lake
Eurasian Wigeon   1     12/7/95     Prospect Lake

Eurasian Wigeon   2     9/24/95     Prospect Lake

Tuesday's pickings

Photo from Peter Lengyel of RED-HEADED WOODPECKER in Greenwood Cemetery over the weekend






**************************************

From Adam Welz, reporting answered inquiries on bird bands reported over the weekend.See previous post below species list

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <bbl_encounters@usgs.gov>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2014 at 10:01 PM
Subject: Thank you for reporting Band Number 107827352

Dear Adam Welz,

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for bird band number 1078-27352.

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database. Please do not report the band number again.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED:
About your Band/Bird

Band number: 1078-27352
Species: Canada Goose
How obtained: Sight record: band read by telescope or other means while bird was free.
Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Unknown/Left On Bird
Remarks: Read via binoculars at close range while bird was being fed by members of the public at Prospect Lake, Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
Date of recovery: Feb 17, 2014
Location of recovery:
Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.65629 -73.96881
11.9 miles WNW from Inwood, Nassau County, New York, United States

INFORMATION FROM OUR FILES:
Species: CANADA GOOSE
Date banded: 06/27/2011
Banding Location: WOLFEBORO, MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, USA
Age: WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2011
Sex: MALE


Thanks again for reporting bird bands.

There is no need to respond to this email. If you have any questions, comments, or changes please send an e-mail to 
bandreports@usgs.gov.  Be sure to include the band number and any necessary details.

Thanks!

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Bird Banding Laboratory, 
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl

****

Dear Adam Welz,

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for bird band number 1078-14416.

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database. Please do not report the band number again.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED:
About your Band/Bird

Band number: 1078-14416
Species: Canada Goose
How obtained: Sight record: band read by telescope or other means while bird was free.
Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Unknown/Left On Bird
Remarks: Read via binoculars at close range while bird was being fed by members of the public at Prospect Lake, Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
Date of recovery: Feb 17, 2014
Location of recovery:
Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.65626 -73.9686
11.9 miles WNW from Inwood, Nassau County, New York, United States

INFORMATION FROM OUR FILES:
Species: CANADA GOOSE
Date banded: 07/02/2013
Banding Location: VARENNES, QUEBEC, CANADA
Age: WAS TOO YOUNG TO FLY WHEN BANDED IN 2013
Sex: MALE


Thanks again for reporting bird bands.

There is no need to respond to this email. If you have any questions, comments, or changes please send an e-mail to 
bandreports@usgs.gov.  Be sure to include the band number and any necessary details.

Thanks!

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Bird Banding Laboratory, 
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl


******
From: <bbl_encounters@usgs.gov>
Date: Mon, Feb 17, 2014 at 10:17 PM
Subject: Thank you for reporting Band Number 192743285

Dear Adam Welz,

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for bird band number 1927-43285.

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database. Please do not report the band number again.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED:
About your Band/Bird

Band number: 1927-43285
Species: Mallard
How obtained: Sight record: band read by telescope or other means while bird was free.
Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Unknown/Left On Bird
Remarks: Read via binoculars at close range while bird was being fed by members of the public at Prospect Lake, Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY
Date of recovery: Feb 17, 2014
Location of recovery:
Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.65613 -73.96885
11.9 miles WNW from Inwood, Nassau County, New York, United States

INFORMATION FROM OUR FILES:
Species: MALLARD
Date banded: 09/19/2012
Banding Location: 8 MILES SE OF  DUNELLEN, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, USA
Age: HATCHED IN 2011 OR EARLIER
Sex: MALE


Thanks again for reporting bird bands.

There is no need to respond to this email. If you have any questions, comments, or changes please send an e-mail to 
bandreports@usgs.gov.  Be sure to include the band number and any necessary details.

Thanks!

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Bird Banding Laboratory, 
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl


*********************

From Monica Berger

hi Peter: I did my backyard bird count on Monday. The weather was beautiful and I went to the Vale of Cashmere, the Audubon Center, Lullwater, Breeze Hill and the lake. 

The Vale was birdless until I waited at the north end for a few minutes and then what seemed to be every bird in the Vale came out, suspecting I was one of the regulars bringing bird seed. 

The two hen Common Mergansers were at the Audubon Center open water area as well as a sole Rusty Blackbird. There was one American Tree Sparrow on the Lullwater and one at the feeders. 

There were only three Ruddy ducks on the lake and one hen Hooded Merganser. 

Canada Goose
Mute Swan
American Black Duck
Mallard
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)
Northern Shoveler
Hooded Merganser  1     hen
Common Merganser  2     2 females in Audubon Center "waterhole"
Ruddy Duck
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Robin
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird  1     Audubon Center "waterhole" proximity. 

House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow  




Monday, February 17, 2014

weekend prospect reports

Back from a weekend trip to the Bear Mountain area for winter recreation. Got 6 species woodpecker, inc Pileated outside the inn, over 8 Bald Eagles.

Here below are reports recd for prospect

From Dennis Hrehowsik on the BBC walk date:

took a four hour walk on my own in beautiful winter conditions this morning in prospect park.

Birds could be found where conditions allowed them to forage. Highlights included a winter wren near Dungan oak monument. Eight rusty black birds and a brown thrasher eating seed near the Audubon center. merganser hat trick with two common near Audubon, a red breasted and four hoodies on lake. Day was capped off with five woodpeckers when I heard a flicker atop lookout hill before heading home. All in all a nice day in the park.

See you in the field,

Dennis

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org Date: February 16, 2014 at 1:17:58 PM EST To: Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 16, 2014

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Feb 16, 2014 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: GBBC 41 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose 65
Mute Swan 6
 American Black Duck 5
Mallard 75
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 2
Northern Shoveler 35
Hooded Merganser 4
 Common Merganser 2 Females by Audubon
Red-breasted Merganser 1
Ruddy Duck 3
Red-tailed Hawk 3
 American Coot 7
Ring-billed Gull 300
Herring Gull 25
Great Black-backed Gull 3
 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 20
Mourning Dove 35
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Downy Woodpecker 5
 Hairy Woodpecker 1
 Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) 1
 Merlin 1
Blue Jay 30
 Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 1
Winter Wren 1
Carolina Wren 1
American Robin 25
 Brown Thrasher 1Eating seed on path behind Audubon ct
 European Starling 50
 Fox Sparrow (Red) 3
Song Sparrow 9
White-throated Sparrow 25
 Dark-eyed Junco 2
Northern Cardinal 15
Red-winged Blackbird 12
 Rusty Blackbird 8 Seen at one time eating seed near Audubon center
House Finch 2
 American Goldfinch 3
House Sparrow 40

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S16988228

*****************************

From Joshua Malbin

Observer: joshuamalbin 2014-02-17 10:31 Prospect Park

Protocol: Traveling 1 Miles 190 Minutes Observers: 1
35 Canada Goose
 2 Mute Swan
 1 American Black Duck
 135 Mallard
25 Northern Shoveler
 2 Hooded Merganser
4 Common Merganser female, on small patch of open water, upper pool. 1 female on small patch of open water by boathouse, w a group of mallards. 2 females on lake.
7 Ruddy Duck
1 Red-tailed Hawk
 15 American Coot
 250 Ring-billed Gull
 10 Herring Gull X Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)
 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker
 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
 1 Downy Woodpecker
 1 Hairy Woodpecker
 3 Blue Jay
7 American Crow
 1 Black-capped Chickadee
 2 Tufted Titmouse
 2 White-breasted Nuthatch
1 American Tree Sparrow feeders.
1 Fox Sparrow
 3 Song Sparrow
 15 White-throated Sparrow
3 Dark-eyed Junco
10 Northern Cardinal
15 Red-winged Blackbird
7 House Finch
3 American Goldfinch
 X House Sparrow

This report was created and sent using BirdsEye BirdLog (http://birdseyebirding.com/)

*******************

Kathy Toomey:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Feb 17, 2014 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: Most of the birds were located on Prospect Lake or at the feeders 28 species (+2 other taxa)

Canada Goose 20
Mute Swan 3
 American Black Duck 2
Mallard 45
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) 1
 Northern Shoveler 26
Hooded Merganser 2
Common Merganser 2 females, both had contrasting white chins, and reddish head color cleanly contrasting with greyish neck. Seen by several birders
 Ruddy Duck 4
 American Coot 13
gull sp. 160 Those close to shore seemed to be mostly Ring-billed Gulls
Mourning Dove 4
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1
 Downy Woodpecker 3
 Blue Jay 1
 Black-capped Chickadee 1
Tufted Titmouse 1
Brown Creeper 1
 Hermit Thrush 1
 American Robin 1
European Starling 3
 American Tree Sparrow 2
 Song Sparrow 5
White-throated Sparrow 16
Dark-eyed Junco 1
Northern Cardinal 12
 Red-winged Blackbird 5
House Finch 6
American Goldfinch 2
House Sparrow 9

********************************

Adam Welz

Hey Peter

Here's my list for today. Had a good time in a sunny park. Hung out with Rob Bate for a while. Was awesome to watch an imm Red-tail harrying the waterfowl on the Lake.

I'd like to encourage other park birders to check out the legs of waterfowl at the feeding sites for metal bands. It's a fun challenge to try to read them all around while the birds are out of the water, and makes a real contribution to science when you report the numbers on the Bird Banding Lab website (they'll send you a certificate of appreciation if you request it).

Today I managed to read 2 Canada Goose band numbers: 1078-27352 and 1078-14416 and one complete Mallard band: 1927-43285 and one incomplete Mallard band: xx67-46094

Cheers!

Adam

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Feb 17, 2014 11:10 AM - 2:10 PM Protocol: Traveling 2.0 mile(s) Comments: Lullwater, feeders, Lake 29 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X dozens, inc 2 metal-banded birds (#s reported to Bird Banding Lab)
 Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) X
 American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X 100+, inc. at least 2 metal-banded bands (1 was fully read & reported to Bird Banding Lab)
 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) (Anas rubripes x platyrhynchos) 1
 Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) X tens
 Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 2
 Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) 2 Seen well & close on Lake and later near Boathouse (Lullwater). Seen by many other observers.
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 3
 Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) 1 Made several passes over massed ducks in hole in ice on Prospect Lake
American Coot (Fulica americana) 22 Prospect Lake
 Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Domestic type)) 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) 1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 3 American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 1 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 2
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) 15
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) 3 1 feeders, 1 lower Lullwater, 1 Lake near Peninsula lawn
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 4
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) X tens
 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 8
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) X
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) X
 American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) 3
 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17057834

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


******************
Matthew Wills

Subject: 55 Water St. Peregrine, Brooklyn Cooper's Date: Mon Feb 17 2014 12:25 pm From: matthewwills

From Brooklyn Bridge Park, I can see -- with my bins and telephoto, anyway -- into the Peregrine scrape location across the East River at 55 Water St. On 2/11 I spotted a Peregrine perched there. Yesterday, I saw a Peregrine there as well. And today, again. Both yesterday and today, the bird was tucked into the little bit of late morning shade in the left hand corner for at least 45 minutes. Today I saw the bird move into the sun right in front of the scrape itself before taking off.

Today around 10:30 I also saw a large Cooper's Hawk fly to a high tree on Clinton St. just north of Pacific St., then make a swoop on a passerine on the other side of the street. The bird, which looked like a young (subadult) female, missed, perched briefly at eye-level in an evergreen, and then flew off north. About an hour and a half later, the pigeons above the BQE/Atlantic Avenue bridge -- five blocks from the first location -- were in turmoil as a Cooper's swooped though them. I believe this was the same bird. She riled up two other flocks before I lost track of her towards Henry St. (which is where I live, a block from a fancy pigeon coop raptor-magnet).

Matthew http://matthewwills.com