Fwd: Prospect Park today

Note 5 woodpecker species day

-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Mon, Mar 31, 2014 5:26 pm
Subject: Prospect Park today

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 31, 2014 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
43 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  35
Mute Swan  5
Wood Duck  11
American Black Duck  2
Mallard  55
American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid)  1
Northern Shoveler  3
Ring-necked Duck  2
Hooded Merganser  14
Red-breasted Merganser  5
Ruddy Duck  20
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Red-necked Grebe  1     Continuing on Lake, moving from the area of the Three Sisters Is. to the middle of the Lake near the round buoy
American Coot  15
Ring-billed Gull  17
Herring Gull  3
Mourning Dove  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  7
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  2
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  1
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  11
Blue Jay  6
Black-capped Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  7     In the Ravine and Lullwater
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  70
Brown Thrasher  1     Continuing, Binnenwater
European Starling  20
Cedar Waxwing  5
Yellow-rumped Warbler  2     Ravine
Fox Sparrow  1
Song Sparrow  15
White-throated Sparrow  8
Dark-eyed Junco  4
Northern Cardinal  12
Red-winged Blackbird  14
Common Grackle  10
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  10

I'm also pretty sure I saw a Common Raven when we were in the Midwood.

Canada Goose neck band reported in

#NA03

Dear Peter Dorosh,

Thank you for submitting your encounter information for a bird with a marker(s).

The fact that you have received this email confirms that we have your data in our database.

INFORMATION YOU ENTERED: About your Band/Bird

Band number: Unknown

Marker info: NECK COLLAR: NA03 BLACK ON YELLOW
Species: Canada Goose
How obtained: Sight record: identified by color band, marked plumage or marker other than standard, numbered metal band.
Status of Bird/Band: Alive - Unknown/Left On Bird
Remarks: Lake

Date of recovery: Mar 31, 2014
Location of recovery: Coordinates: Lat/Lon 40.6626 -73.96903 Prospect Park , Kings County, New York, United States

A little warm spell,more birds

Nothing like a slight warm spell to dispel the morning gloom and see early signs of spring birds. And a species like LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (LOWA) is a good start.

Bobbi Manian reported the water thrush at the Ravine creek mid afternoon as warmth settled in compared to the morning. But as I got there, the warbler pulled a disappearing act, taking off towards the Three Arches Bridge.A search along the watercourse by me,Bobbi and Kathy Toomey was in vain as no sign of the warbler surfaced.

 But not all hope was lost as other nice to see species appeared. For example: GOLDEN CROWNED KINGLET in the Ravine,hyperactive as always; several CEDAR WAXWINGS fly catching along the Binnen Creek, above the Pagoda Bridge and near the Three Arches; OSPREY spotted first over the Lull water, then over the Lake

RUSTY BLACKBIRD was seen ,a single bird in Binnen Creek. Speaking of blackbirds, in the ball fields and Long Meadow west, I spotted grackles with Brown headed Cowbirds, the latter's tails erect. (So were the courting RUDDY DUCKS)

On the Lake this afternoon, RED NECKED GREBE amazingly continues, starting its third week residency..sooner or later, it has to migrate....spring is here.

LOWA Quick photo by Bobbi... 

Peters sightings

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Mar 31, 2014
 Protocol: Incidental 37 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 6
Wood Duck 11 9 upper pool,2 binnen pool
American Black Duck X
Mallard X
 American Black Duck x Mallard (hybrid) X
 Northern Shoveler 1
 Hooded Merganser 14 3 sisters islands
 Red-breasted Merganser 3 Lake
Ruddy Duck 53 Lake
Pied-billed Grebe 2 Lake
Red-necked Grebe 1 Still continuing,3rd week
Double-crested Cormorant 1 Lake
Great Blue Heron 1 3 sisters isl
Osprey 1 Flyover Lullwater
Red-tailed Hawk 1
American Coot 5
 Ring-billed Gull X
 Herring Gull X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 ravine
Downy Woodpecker 1
Hairy Woodpecker 1 Raviine
 Eastern Phoebe 14 Parkwide
 Blue Jay 2
Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Raviine
Hermit Thrush 3 -1 southwest woods,2 Payne hill
American Robin X
European Starling X
Cedar Waxwing 5 Binnen pool area
Song Sparrow 6
White-throated Sparrow 3
Dark-eyed Junco 1
 Northern Cardinal 6
Red-winged Blackbird X
Common Grackle X
Brown-headed Cowbird X
 American Goldfinch 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17686972

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

Wintry like gloomy day

The weather remains gloomy and cold, but the RED-NECKED GREBE remains on Prospect Lake. Solitary in the lake middle, most times it sleeps but occasionally pops its head out. Guess its that cold.

On the lake perimeter , 52 RUDDY DUCKS, 2 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, & 9 HOODED Mergansers are filling those areas.

The Binnen Pool has some new visitors, species I haven't seen awhile at that spot in a long time. A pair of WOOD DUCK snuck under the Silky Dogwood bush branches hanging over the shoreline.The ducks are sharing the area with a BLUE JAY, & several COMMON GRACKLES.

Over at Upper Pool, I saw on the island 9 WOOD DUCKS as I passed by in my work vehicle.

Some early spring passerines I saw this morning as well . Upon entering the park entrance at 16th street, a HERMIT THRUSH popped up upon a branch. EASTERN PHOEBES alighted on phragmite reeds at the north lake shore; one more at the Midwood.

I forgot to mention that on Friday (3/21) , at the pink Peninsula beach, an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW was hiding in a fallen limb at the fence line.

Hoping for warmer weather soon.....

KB

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

Report from Bobbi Manian

Hi Peter,

Good seeing you today.  Hope the new fencing helps!!

Here is my list from Greenwood. I did not see anything new but once the sun came out the birds that were there got very active. Of note I passed by all four lakes but did not see the redheads. I did not see the redheaded woodpeckers either but I didn't bird in the areas where I have previously seen them

Best 

Bobbi

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
Date: March 31, 2014 at 2:16:12 PM EDT
To: bobbi.manian@
Subject: eBird Report - Green-Wood Cemetery, Mar 31, 2014

Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, US-NY
Mar 31, 2014 11:40 AM - 1:45 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     <br />Submitted from BirdLog NA for iOS, version 1.7.1
16 species

Canada Goose  6
Wood Duck  1
Mallard  4
Great Blue Heron  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)  8
Monk Parakeet  4
Eastern Phoebe  5
Blue Jay  6
Hermit Thrush  1
American Robin  200
Northern Mockingbird  4
European Starling  X
Song Sparrow  21
White-throated Sparrow  1
Dark-eyed Junco  17
Northern Cardinal  4

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17682511

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

Ridgewood Reservoir Redheads

Tinsley Perky sent me yesterday's report that showed rare Redhead Ducks , reported at ten birds in the middle watery basin of three ( #1, #3 are natural habitat , drained when decommissioned years ago)

This endangered habitat showing rare ducks using this location is significant

From Tinsley

Sunday about 4pm. the redhead ducks totaled about 10, maybe more. They have been joined by about as many ringnecked ducks and about 30 Canada Geese for a water-weed feast  at the center basin, viewable from both the north and south sides

To view the spot , go to the north side of the basin , nearest the Jackie Robinson Parkway. Theres an old Pumphouse to mark the side ... See the Save Ridgewood Reservoir blog ,link  now on my side menu under the title "Brooklyn Birding"

Nearest train Line is the "J" 

--KB

Stiff winds

The wind is cold coming off Prospect Lake and my intention was the grebe. Its still there,our REDNECKED celebre along with the usual PIED BILLED. With no refuge from the gusty wind,I didn't stay long nor travel far with overcast gloomy skies.

The second merganser species of the three these past weeks is likely gone.No Red breasted after the Common left.Only HOODED remain, some 12 birds left. Same goes for few NORTHERN SHOVELERS.

The wind is a bugger, so the GREAT BLUE HERON is out of it staying aground on one of Three Sister Islands.

Not a great day to bird,but birds try their best to show up.

raw rainy day after the good birds

By now, REDNECKED GREBE must be 'old news" but still it should be reported in case someone wants to see it. And as I went to check Prospect Lake  for the records, Trish came by and it was her first Prospect sighting. The 5 RED BREASTED MERGANSERS were closer to the shore at the northwest corner whereas the grebe at its usual spot at Three Sisters Islands where a perched high GREAT BLUE HERON looked down. Commons Merganser apparently are gone.Well,they had to leave sometime.....

But "new "news regards a water thrush species seen at the Ambergill Falls (Ravine). Stephen Blacklocks emailed me about a quick flyby at this falls 10 am; but its very likely the Louisiana; they are coming in and soon enough to rid this winter gloom feeling for birders (well,its still cold).

Over at Greenwood Cemetery,in the public lot next to the columbarium by the main entrance, Mary Eyster reported AMERICAN WOODCOCK and a very nice specimen in female RUSTY BLACKBIRD walking on the lawn.

All this --Prospect and Greenwood--before the cold rain came down much harder.When is spring coming ?

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, US-NY Mar 29, 2014 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Observer: Rafael G Campos R. Protocol: Traveling 2.0 kilometer(s)
Comments: It started to rain a little after 9:30 am. No signs of the Red-necked Grebe, but I saw 1 Pied-billed. And the largest number of Wood Ducks, mostly at the Upper Pool: 24 (7 f, 17 m). 34 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) X

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) 6
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) 24

American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) 2
 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) X
 Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 4
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) 2

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) 8
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) 5
 Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) 4
Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) 1
American Coot (Fulica americana) 3
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) X
Herring Gull (American) (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Domestic type)) X
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) 5
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) 4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) 1
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) 1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) 4

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) 2
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) 2
 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) X
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) X
 Fox Sparrow (Red) (Passerella iliaca iliaca/zaboria) 7
 Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) 15
 Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) 1
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) 8
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) 8
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) 10
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) 12
 Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) 2
 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) X

Brooklyn is great birding!!

Ridge wood Reservoir letter from Assemblyman Mike Miller

Letter posted here from Assemblyman Mike Miller in that district to NY State Dept of Conservation director Joseph Martens: ">

Ridgewood Reservoir update

The latest illogical attempt by NYC Parks regarding this precious valuable birding preserve

Open the link


http://ridgewoodreservoir.blogspot.com/


A letter went out yesterday from assemblyman Mike Miller to Joseph Martens, Director of NYSDEC to label it protected wetland.

Of urgent concern for this endangered preserve targeted by the NYC Parks department and the need to publicize this wonderful spot, bird sightings will henceforth be posted on this blog. Please send your reports to me if u bird Ridgewood Reservoir.

Yesterday,Tinsley Perky reported rare REDHEAD DUCKS, 4 birds in the middle basin. Though fenced off, the water can be seen from the north side, by the pump house as I recalled. I will remember when I lead the trip there in middle May.See the photo on BBC Facebook

Fwd: Prospect Park today

-----Original Message-----
From: kathleentoomey@
To: Peter Dorosh
Sent: Fri, Mar 28, 2014 2:21 pm
Subject: Prospect Park today

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 28, 2014 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
44 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  15
Mute Swan  6
Wood Duck  11     Four were easily visible in the Upper Pool. At least 11 were on the Lake, and took off in the direction of the Pools almost immediately
Mallard  20
Northern Shoveler  16
Ring-necked Duck  4     Two on the Upper Pool and two in the Lullwater
Hooded Merganser  9
Red-breasted Merganser  4
Ruddy Duck  15
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Red-necked Grebe  1     Continuing, near Three Sisters Is.
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  8
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  9
Great Black-backed Gull  3
Mourning Dove  2
Red-bellied Woodpecker  3
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Eastern Phoebe  5     There were probably more, several were very active near Terrace Bridge
Blue Jay  8
crow sp.  1
Black-capped Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  2
Brown Creeper  1
Carolina Wren  2
Golden-crowned Kinglet  1     Lullwater, near the pines by Terrace Bridge
American Robin  X
Brown Thrasher  1     Continuing, SW of the Three Arches Bridge
European Starling  X
Yellow-rumped Warbler  1     Lullwater, near the pines by Terrace Bridge
American Tree Sparrow  1
Fox Sparrow  2
Song Sparrow  10
White-throated Sparrow  10
Northern Cardinal  6
Red-winged Blackbird  15
Rusty Blackbird  2     Feeding with other blackbirds by the Osage Orange tree
Common Grackle  X
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  X

Warbler blog

If you are an admirer of warblers ( well who isn't ?), here's a worthy blog to look at,with fun facts and and basic information .

http://warblerwatch.blogspot.com/

Ring-necked ducks

from Sean Zimmer

Hi Peter,

Here's a picture of the Ring-Necked Duck pair currently on the Upper Pool. 

Taken at aprox. 9:15am this morning.

Best,

-Sean

Prospect morning NYCAS; RTHA video

From Tom Stephenson.

Hi Peter,

Today we had a walk for NYC Audubon in the Park. It was actually really nice out, not too cold, and we just beat the rain.

Here's our list. Highlights were:

Red-necked Grebe near 3 sisters, Rusty Blackbird in ravine, Yellow-rumped Warbler in lullwater area, over 20 Wood Duck, nice pair of Ring-necked Ducks, Eastern Phoebe, at least 6 Hooded Mergansers....

Best regards,

Tom

Pied-billed Grebe

Red-necked Grebe

Canada Goose

Mute Swan

Wood Duck

Mallard

Northern Shoveler

Ring-necked Duck

Hooded Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Ruddy Duck

Red-tailed Hawk

American Coot

Killdeer

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Black-capped Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

White-breasted Nuthatch

Carolina Wren

American Robin

European Starling

Cedar Waxwing

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Fox Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Northern Cardinal

Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Rusty Blackbird

American Goldfinch

House Sparrow *********************************** From Mike Elliot, phone pics  video of Red Tailed Hawk ( zoomed in ) https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ntvpikqinzhy0lk/yrriamaEEr

Weekend Rain forecast

Doesn't seem like a good birding weekend......

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/brooklyn-ny/11210/weather-forecast/334651

Prospect Lake

hilights

RED NECKED GREBE
3 COMMON MERGANSER
RED BREASTED MERGANSER 5
Ring Necked Duck 2

HOOD MERGANGERS13

most at Duckisland

Brooklyn Bird Club meeting tonight

From the Listserve:

http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm

Subject: BBC program reminder
From: Dennis Hrehowsik 
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 12:49:03 -0400
X-Message-Number: 2

Reminder: Please join the Brooklyn Bird Club tonight

 Thursday March 
27th 6:30 PM at the Litchfield Villa for:

 The American South West Utah and Nevada.

Speakers Steve Nanz, Heidi Nanz

Get Smart Crows

Apologies for stealing the title of an old spoof comedy 1960s show;here's an interesting link that may change your perception of those noisy crows.

http://earthsky.org/earth/video-smart-crow


Move over, Raven.....

Windy windy

Gusty winds buffeted Prospect Lake birds, particularly the steady as it goes RED-NECKED GREBE.After a morning report, the grebe was moving all around the lake this afternoon.A lone drake COMMON MERGANSER,at least 15 HOODED MERGANSERS and the remaining 17 NORTHERN SHOVELERS round out the wind battered bunch. There was a DOUBLE CRESTED CORMORANT that flew in, in very nice breeding plumage, and two crested tufts.

One SWAMP SPARROW stayed within the protective cover of phragmites across from the Lamppost 249 tables,while 3 SONG SPARROWS elected to stay out in the open.

The breeding plumaged female RUSTY BLACKBIRD worked the Binnen Creek,seen well from atop Nethermead Bridge.

Hold down the hatches,its very windy out there.

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Mar 26, 2014 Protocol: Incidental 15 species

All Lake otherwise noted

Canada Goose 35
 Mute Swan 6
 Northern Shoveler 17
 Ring-necked Duck 1
Hooded Merganser 15
 Common Merganser 1
 Ruddy Duck 21
Red-necked Grebe 1
 Double-crested Cormorant 1
 Song Sparrow 3
Swamp Sparrow 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Rusty Blackbird 1 Binnen creek 3 arches
Common Grackle 10
American Goldfinch 1

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17612034

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

Fwd: The Birdathon: Saturday, May 10, 2014

From the Brooklyn Bird club :



-----Original Message-----
From: membership@brooklynbirdclub.org
To: ""
Sent: Wed, Mar 26, 2014 9:44 am
Subject: The Birdathon: Saturday, May 10, 2014

Dear BBC Member,

May 10th is International Migratory Bird Day, and this year’s Brooklyn Bird Club Birdathon will be dedicated to habitat protection in Prospect Park. The goal is to implement fencing along a long-neglected portion of the Peninsula shoreline and woodlands.  Bitterns, Connecticut Warbler and other rarities have been seen in this area and with fencing, we could see much more bird activity in coming years.

Our goal is to raise $1500 for the Peninsula Fence Project.  As we did last year, we will work in concert with the Prospect Park Alliance, who will set up a special fund.  Checks can be made out to Prospect Park Alliance with a note in the memo field "Peninsula Fence Project".  Donations are tax deductible and acknowledgment of your donation will come directly from the PPA.

Anyone can participate by organizing a team, joining a team, or pledging to a team. Team members wil l solicit pledges from friends and family, either an amount per bird or a flat amount. The team spends the day birding in Brooklyn and seeking a high number of species during peak spring migration.

Bobbi Manian will again be acting as coordinator for the Birdathon and would be happy to hook you up with a team or help you organize one of your own. No need to devote the full day--if you can only do a few hours, Bobbi will match you up with a like-minded team. Please email her at roberta.manian@yahoo.com to join or form a team, or to pledge your support.  Feel free to also write Rob Bate robsbate@gmail.com if you have any questions or have any suggestions or comments.

May 10th is a great day to make a special contribution to Prospect Park and, at the same time, enjoy our friends and fellow birders and the migratory songbirds.  ; Let’s hope for fall-out conditions on all fronts!


Rob Bate
President, Brooklyn Bird Club

Rockaway Piping Plovers

http://tinyurl.com/rockpipeplver

New stamps coming out

Songbird series from the US postal Service,on sale  April 5th

http://uspsstamps.com/stamps/songbirds

Fwd: Early morning Prospect Report

 

 

Sent from my MetroPCS 4G Android device

 

 

 

------ Original Message ------
From: Sean Zimmer
Date: 3/26/2014 10:11 AM
To: Peter Dorosh;
Subject: Early morning Prospect Report

 

Hi Peter,

There was good variety on the Upper Pool this morning at around 7:30. 

Mallards, Black Ducks, Shovelers, Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, and Ring-necked ducks were all present. 

The Red-necked Grebe was still on the Lake, around Three Sisters islands. 

Best,

-Sean

Iceland Gull photo

Thanks to Klemens Gasser who was able to get the Prospect Lake gull at 6:15 ,with a photo.

Dark bill,steep forehead for this white winged species.

It appears to be a 1st winter/year juvenile kumlieni . You have my email address for civilized inquiries.

This marks the 3rd visit of this species since Dec 26th.

Good birding....

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Matthew Wills post to EBirds Yahoo

There was a Red-necked Grebe fishing between Piers 5 and 6 this afternoon at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The bird is showing a touch of breeding color at the top of its neck.

There will be a pic on my blog… soonish.

Cheers,
Matthew

http://matthewwills.com

"waterworld' GREAT BIRDS.

Prospect's waters made a bit of a splash, with reports of rare to quality birds to report this mid afternoon when I left my job at the Tennis House. If it weren't for the unexpected ICELAND GULL, the record setting number of WOOD DUCKS would have taken top billing for headlines.

First , about the Wood Ducks to report. The Upper Pool is filled with the revelry of this species, the bulk of the flock occupying the back channel of the small island. On a good count with the ducks spread out, 30 were seen. Later, as I surveyed the lake, two more Wood Duck were sailing by Three Sisters Islands, 32 WOOD DUCKS for an astounding number for the park.Today's number bested last weeks then record 27 birds.

4 RING NECK DUCKS took up temporary residency in the Upper Pool, and two more in the Lake.

Also at the pools, the Lower one, a single RUSTY BLACKBIRD walking along the isthmus shoreline.Then at the usual winter spot for this species-Binnen Creek/3 Arches, I found two more Rusties working the shore of Binnen Pool, under the protective dense cover of Silky Dogwood.

But its Prospect Lake that's been making a big splash for rare birds. And thus on my last stop before home near Park Circle, I found the persistent RED NECKED GREBE in the lake center; a farther walk along the west shore and another check of the gull flock got me my reward : immature ICELAND GULL. The gull stayed in the center as well, with the grebe and a single COMMON MERGANSER all seen in the same view.

I could say I had a terrific late afternoon.

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Mar 25, 2014 3:35 PM - 4:50 PM Protocol: Traveling 1.5 mile(s) 29 species

Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 4
Wood Duck 32-- 30 upper pool;2 three sisters islands
American Black Duck 3 Lake
Mallard X
Northern Shoveler 21 Lake
Ring-necked Duck 6 4 upper pool;2 lake
Hooded Merganser 8 Lake
Common Merganser 3 Lake, continuing species
Red-breasted Merganser 3 Lake
Ruddy Duck 25 Lake
Pied-billed Grebe 1 Lake
Red-necked Grebe 1 Still continuing Lake 9th day
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
 Iceland Gull 1 Lake
 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) X
Mourning Dove X
Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Binnen creek
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1 Binnen creek
 Eastern Phoebe 2 Binnen creek; lullwater
 Brown Creeper 1
Winter Wren 1 Binnen creek
American Robin 55
Song Sparrow 4
White-throated Sparrow 3
 Dark-eyed Junco 3
Rusty Blackbird 3 -1 Lower pool, 2 binnen pool
Brown-headed Cowbird 4 Ballfields

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17597609

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

ICELAND GULL imm Prospect Lake center,nearby REDNECKED GREBE

2 Rusty Blackbirds under water edge silky dogwood BinnenPool

Rusty Blackbird Lower Pool isthmus shoreline

30 WOOD DUCKS Upper pool,most at island channel.Prospect

BBC program Thursday evening March 27th

Thursday evening (630) at the Litchfield Villa the snow postponed February re-sheduled American Southwest presentation by Steve and Heidi Nanz takes place

see the link ---->  http://www.brooklynbirdclub.org/meetings.htm

Binnen Creek, Lake grebe; GWC

Prospect

This morning, while doing a work assignment in the area, I did see one RUSTY BLACKBIRD fly to a tree perch. Also present , at eye level , in a Osage Orange along the fence, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER worked the trunk and moments later a BROWN CREEPER visited the same tree.These sightings were at Binnen Creek/3 Arches.

Note early spring migrants as seen in Keir's report, besides our Creeper, WINTER WREN, KINGLET,NUTHATCH...

I received a report from Linda Ewing that the RED-NECKED GREBE was still present on the lake, prolonging this species already historic stay in Prospect.

But of interest from Linda yesterday afternoon, she might have flushed a Wilson's Snipe from one of the phragmite marshes along the Lake west shore.The fly out occurred very quickly. So, be on lookout for this species that likes to settle in marshy wet areas.(hence their camouflage)

Over in Greenwood Cemetery, Orrin reports the still ongoing REDHEAD pair at Valley Water .

that's for now....later maybe more news.

-KB

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

Post from Keir Randall :

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 25, 2014 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
38 species 

Mute Swan 3 

Wood Duck 17 Upper Pool 

American Black Duck 1 

Mallard 25

Northern Shoveler 3 

Ring-necked Duck 2 Upper Pool 

Hooded Merganser 1

Common Merganser 3 At least 2 males and 1 female continue on lake
Red-breasted Merganser 3 

Ruddy Duck 43

Double-crested Cormorant 1 

Great Blue Heron 1

American Coot 7

Ring-billed Gull 300 

Herring Gull 12

Great Black-backed Gull 1

Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 2 

Mourning Dove 3 

American Kestrel 1 Carousel 

Eastern Phoebe 5 

Blue Jay 5 

American Crow 2 

Black-capped Chickadee 3 

Tufted Titmouse 1 

Brown Creeper 2 

Winter Wren 1 Just upstream from Nethermead Arches 

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Ravine 

Hermit Thrush 1 Ravine 

American Robin 30 

European Starling 20 

Song Sparrow 4 

White-throated Sparrow 4 

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored) 8 

Northern Cardinal 5 

Rusty Blackbird 1 Below Nethermead Arches 

Common Grackle 18 

American Goldfinch 2 

House Sparrow 8 

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17591665

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

Greenwood Cemetery , report and pics from Orrin

Redhead (mixed pair, Valley Water, picture below)

Ring-necked duck (female, 2, Valley Water) 

Canada goose

Mallard duck 

Eastern phoebe (3, Crescent Water, picture below) 

Fox sparrow (2) 

Song sparrow (many) 

American goldfinch 

Northern cardinal 

Northern mockingbird 

American robin 

European starling
Mourning dove

Dark-eyed junco

phoebe

Redheads

One Rusty BB w Brown creep,Yb Sapsucker Binnen Crk 3 arches

Redhead ducks still present Valley Water Grnwood Cemetery per Orrin

Prospect, Sunset, Rustiness, Lake-necked

Just about the gorgeous looking RUSTY BLACKBIRD I've seen thus far, a bird walking  and waddling in the water at Binnen Creek. A bird I thought in transition with beautiful grayish hues and specks of rustiness, but further research reveals the bird to be a female in summer plumage ! For once today ( personally), another bird species overshadowed the long continuing Lake RED-NECKED GREBE.

( closest online match,Rusty BB photo by Lloyd Spitanik. http://blog.allaboutbirds.org/files/2014/02/LloydSpitalnikRUBLfemale4May08.jpg. )

The rare grebe, now having set the longest stay in Prospect  with over a week under its "bill" ( I meant to say belt), was quite close to the Peninsula meadow shore, close to the red mooring ball . I had great looks.

And there's a little bit of drama at the ball fields (Long meadow) around high noon. An immature RED-TAILED HAWK flew away from an adult RED-TAILED HAWK homing in at the tree overlooking the Tennis House;as departed juvenile soared low over the field,an attacking MERLIN came charging in. MERLIN  harassed numerous times the low soaring Red-Tailed , for at least 35 seconds, then peeled off towards the Quaker Cemetery.

The ball field during my short lunch hour rendered some productive results. Most obvious, 2 KILLDEER in the center of the field, surrounded by numerous AMERICAN ROBIN. An EASTERN PHOEBE on one of the fences, 4 BROWN COWBIRDS, and GRACKLES pumped up the list

COMMON GRACKLE also dominated the fields , but at the northeast section of the Nethermead. And just to the east , at the Binnen Creek, where Rusty Blackbirds twosome checked out the creek, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, FOX SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and loud bird singing (I think its grackles, given the numbers)enhanced this active spot.

Last news for Prospect, get over to the Upper Pool , where 23 WOOD DUCKS are in a courtship festive mood.Out in the open, the tight flock seemed happy to show off with the few hens.Three nearby RING NECKED DUCKS paid no mind.

Going outside the park, to Sunset Park to the west, Mary Eyster , a resident of the area, checked out the park this afternoon and saw KILLDEER, AMERICAN KESTREL and TURKEY VULTURES. But the best sighting, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK flew over. Its a small park with sparse habitat but in spontaneous times, nice species are found. I was told that Woodcock are sometimes seen here as well.

Spring about to blossom ?  Warm temperatures coming this end of the week.

List

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY
Mar 24, 2014
Protocol: Incidental
33 species

Canada Goose  X
Mute Swan  X
Wood Duck  23     Upper Pool, 3 hens
Mallard  X
Northern Shoveler  3
Ring-necked Duck  3     upper Pool
Hooded Merganser  12     Lake
Common Merganser  4     lake, all week
Red-breasted Merganser  1     lake
Ruddy Duck  28
Pied-billed Grebe  1     lake
Red-necked Grebe  1     lake, over a week stay
Red-tailed Hawk  2     Tennis House
American Coot  X
Killdeer  2     Ballfields
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  X
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     Binnen Creek
Merlin  1     ballfield, attacked RTHA juv
Eastern Phoebe  1     ballfield
Blue Jay  2
American Robin  45     ballfields, elsewhere
European Starling  X
Fox Sparrow  1     binnen creek
Song Sparrow  3     nethermead
White-throated Sparrow  4
Dark-eyed Junco  15     Ballfields horse loop
Northern Cardinal  2
Red-winged Blackbird  X
Rusty Blackbird  2     Binnen Creek
Common Grackle  35     nethermead

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17585816

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

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

From Rob Bate

I did a short walk into the Lullwater and near Terrace Bridge there were at least 3 Phoebes, perhaps 6.  I was moving slow so they might have been playing leapfrog.

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

More news. An omit...PINE WARBLER in Prospect the first spring report seen by Ed Crowne along the Quaker Cemetery perimeter fence.

Red neck grebe continues Prospect lake

"grayish"Rusty Blackbird in Binnen creek south side nethermead br.gorgeous look bird.

Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Mar 23, 2014

Red-necked Grebe continues to steal the show,its week long presence overshadowing the likes of Common Merganser,Red Breasted Merganser,Ring Necked Duck in Prospect Lake.In normal years, the latter three species would suffice for good birds for the Prospect birder.

The RED NECKED GREBE stuck loyally to the Three Sisters Islands area,either to the east or most times in front of the islands strait. Later on my way back home, I saw the PIED BILLED GREBE near it.

Of interest, just above the rarer grebe, a kettle of 5 TURKEY VULTURES materialized.

Its great now watching the merganser courtship display.Two of the Red breasted Merganser drakes would take turns, erecting their necks straight up,then dip downward.

Yellow Rumped Warbler made its appearance at the Terrace Bridge,the first spring warbler sighting with 2 birds (obs . Bobbi Manian)

Across from park, in the Parade Grounds, I watched 3 KILLDEER hang around a second base puddle, one bathing in it.This field was the one closest to Park side Ave and Parade Place.

The other interesting report today is at Prospect's neighbor green, Greenwood Cemetery.The Winter long RED HEADED WOODPECKER from the first location, Bay side and Arbor Aves ,by the main gate at 25th, was seen by Mary Eyster.The woodpecker shows far more red now.



-----Original Message-----
From: do-not-reply@ebird.org
To: prosbird
Sent: Sun, Mar 23, 2014 11:13 am
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Mar 23, 2014

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY  Mar 23, 2014 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM  Protocol: Traveling  3.5 mile(s)  33 species   

 Canada Goose  87 

 Mute Swan  3 

 Wood Duck  2 pair at Duck Isl

 Mallard  X 

 Northern Shoveler  11 

 Ring-necked Duck  4     West isl 

 Hooded Merganser  12     Lake 

 Common Merganser  5     Lake 

 Red-breasted Merganser  4     Lake 

 Ruddy Duck  37 

 Pied-billed Grebe  1 

 Red-necked Grebe  1 

 Turkey Vulture  5     Kettle over Lake

 Red-tailed Hawk  2     Over cemetery 

 American Coot  X 

 Killdeer  3     Parade grounds 

 Ring-billed Gull  X 

 Herring Gull  X 

 Great Black-backed Gull  4 

 Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X  

Mourning Dove  X 

 Red-bellied Woodpecker  1 

 Blue Jay  1 

 Black-capped Chickadee  2     Feeders  

American Robin  X 

 European Starling  X 

 Song Sparrow  4 

 White-throated Sparrow  3 

 Northern Cardinal  2 

 Red-winged Blackbird  12  

Common Grackle  10  

American Goldfinch  1 

 House Sparrow  X   

 View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S17566497    This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)  

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

From Kathy Toomey:

Prospect Park, Kings, US-NY Mar 23, 2014 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Protocol: Traveling 3.0 mile(s) Comments: Kathy Toomey and Emily Goldstein 45 species

Canada Goose X 

Mute Swan 6 

Wood Duck 11 

Mallard 22 

Northern Shoveler 20 

Ring-necked Duck 7 

Hooded Merganser 2 

Common Merganser 5 Continuing 

Red-breasted Merganser 3 

Ruddy Duck 26 

Red-necked Grebe 1 Continuing 

American Coot 7 

Ring-billed Gull 80 

Herring Gull 11 

Great Black-backed Gull 4 

Mourning Dove 8 

Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1

 Downy Woodpecker 6 

Hairy Woodpecker 1 

Eastern Phoebe 3 Two in ravine, one in the Lullwater 

Blue Jay 10 

American Crow 2 

Black-capped Chickadee 5 

Tufted Titmouse 1 

White-breasted Nuthatch 1 

Brown Creeper 4 

Carolina Wren 2 

Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 In the Ravine 

Hermit Thrush 1 

American Robin 50 

European Starling X 

Yellow-rumped Warbler 1 Possibly two, near Terrace Bridge 

Eastern Towhee 1 Female, near Three Arches Bridge 

Fox Sparrow 3 

Song Sparrow 15 

White-throated Sparrow 20 

Dark-eyed Junco 25 Many in the Ravine 

Northern Cardinal 12 

Red-winged Blackbird 10 

Rusty Blackbird 2 Continuing, walking along the edge of the stream coming out of the Three Arches Bridge 

Common Grackle X 

House Finch 9 

American Goldfinch 8 

House Sparrow X

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

Sean Sime post

Prospect Park, Kings county additions...





Sun Mar 23, 2014 2:56 pm (PDT) . Posted by:

"Sean Sime" 







Just a few additional sightings from the park this afternoon worth mentioning.


5 Phoebes (4 in view at once near the outflow of the Lullwater (opposite the peninsula). Two birds were fighting to use a buoy in the water as a perch.
4 Rusty Blackbirds continue near the Nethermead Arches and are very vocal now.
1 Golden-crowned Kinglet was just above the Nethermead Arches.
3 Brown Creeper in various locations.
1 Merlin perched overlooking Nethermead.
18 Wood Duck on the pools.

Good Birding,

Sean Sime
Brooklyn, NY