Saturday, September 30, 2017

Tweet from Rob Jett (@thecitybirder)

Rob Jett (@thecitybirder) tweeted at 0:09 PM on Sat, Sep 30, 2017:
Blue Grosbeak in Green-Wood Cemetery above Crescent Water at Summit Ave
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/914160188210532355?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Below expectations

A north wind didn't deliver any bog numbers this morn , especially sparrows.In areas known for sparrows of southern Prospect, it was generally quiet.

Joining forces with top birder Dale Dyer ,we saw few birds save some at the Rink. A BAY-BREASTED WARBLER and two PALM WARBLERS joined with a single EASTERN PHOEBE. At West island a nice BLACK THROATED WARBLET male appeared.But sparrows weren't around.

 On a last look after Dale left,I went up to Butterfly Meadow and found the continuing handsome LINCOLN'S SPARROW perched in the BBC donor oak tree. Chris Las lucked in; later the sparrow perched over the road in full cooperative view.Dennis' BBC walk group also profited seeing the Lincoln's. Earlier I saw a flash of a flyby EASTERN TOWHEE in the same spot.

Save for Dennis's report of 10 warbler species by Duck Island,generally it was personally a nice day out for slow birding.

On the lake,a pair of PIED BILLED GREBES approached the boat ramp at Well Drive. I also saw a few RUDDY DUCKS.

Nevertheless the slow activity for me,Dennis' walk will be a better report when i receive it.

Looks like those birds had jet packs on and went whoosh yesterday


Golden season

Goldenrods near West Island

Friday, September 29, 2017

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sep 29, 2017 2:39 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:

*** Species Summary:

- Hermit Thrush (1 report)

---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County.  View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) (1)
- Reported Sep 29, 2017 12:00 by Linda Ewing
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39456321
- Comments: "FOS - native flora woodland"

***********

You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert

Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts

Fwd: Fw: GWC

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Orrin Tilevitz" <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Sep 29, 2017 11:33 AM
Subject: Fw: GWC
To: "Peter Dorosh" <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

About 1 1/2 hours in Green-wood this morning yielded the following, and I was just scratching the surface:

magnolia warbler
american redstart
palm warbler
northern paurla
black-throated blue warbler (many)
black-throated green warbler
palm warbler (a few)
common yellowthroat (many)
black and white warbler
wood thrush (a couple)
eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet
scarlet tanager (at Dell Water)
swamp sparrow (picture)
lincoln's sparrow (at Crescent Water) (picture)
chipping sparrow
song sparrow
field sparrow (at Sylvan water)
northern flicker (flock)
green heron
northern mockingbird
gray catbird (several)
mourning dove (flock at Dell Water)
American goldfinch
cedar waxwig
Canada goose (several)






 


North wind giveth

A fair birding day today with the north wind bringing in a decent infusion of birds. Most notably some sparrows in a few pockets and dispersed warbler activity with a good supplement of different quality species.

First with the sparrows, there are three locations that had a few number of birds. At the phragmite edge opposite the Wellhouse, Linda E watched SWAMP,SONG,LINCOLNS and WHITE CROWNED SPARROWS.From there,a 1000 foot rise to Butterfly Meadow, Paige L. reported a rare sparrow -CLAY-COLORED among SONG, LINCOLNS and WHITE CROWNED. Of the two spots, I was happy enough to get the smooth looking LINCOLNS on the south path bordering Butterfly Meadow on my lunch hour. Meanwhile over at Greenwood Cemetery, Orrin Tilevitz also found LINCOLNS and as well FIELD SPARROW.

Ten warbler species are in the bag  though information what is vague as I ran into Mary E, Toni and Nancy T. on the Peninsula.But none of the warblers were rare. I on my lunch hour did find a great looking NASHVILLE WARBLER on the west edge of Butterfly Meadow.

Regarding species not a sparrow or warbler, a few nice reports. Best is the MARSH WREN  seen or heard at the phragmites across from Well Drive Lamppost 249 , found by Sean Sime. Linda E 20 minutes earlier tweeted out a south bound adult BALD EAGLE over the Brooklyn Botanic Garden;Linda also reported the season's first HERMIT THRUSH, an early bird at that. I saw ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAK on a pokeweed at Butterfly Meadow.And last, Karen O Hearn spotted some distant small ducks on Prospect Lake; based on the photos showing darkish heads and bills, it likely was GREEN WINGED TEALS , 8 birds in all. 

Enjoy your weekend boiding.....

and a last note ( even its not Brooklyn and for you Yankee fans) . I just got a 3:25 text message from my NJ cousin who went to the Yankee game today. There was a Marsh Wren on the field during the game..Crazy migration, huh ?  I wondered what its batting average?

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 2:37 PM on Fri, Sep 29, 2017:
Per Sean Sime Marsh Wren in Phrags opposite lamppost 249 in Prospect Park well drive
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/913835214484459521?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)

Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 1:04 PM on Fri, Sep 29, 2017:
Whoa! Adult bald eagle flying over BBG, headed south.
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/913811615539236864?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Paige Linden Brams (@Remmibird)

Paige Linden Brams (@Remmibird) tweeted at 11:00 AM on Fri, Sep 29, 2017:
Clay colored sparrow, lincoln, & white crowned sparrows. Butterfly meadow. PP
(https://twitter.com/Remmibird/status/913780456314822657?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Prospect morn brief

At least ten warbler species according Mary,Toni and Nancy.

Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)

Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 9:02 AM on Fri, Sep 29, 2017:
Great sparrow study opportunity: song, swamp, Lincoln, WC together in grassy swath btwn phrags, across from Wellhouse (Prospect)
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/913750920739131392?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

GWCem at the moment

Orrin reports RE Warblers  " Not everywhere but in spots. 7 warbler species so far in 45 minutes, lots of btblues and i'm not trying very hard"

Lincolns sp crescent water
Field sp sylvan water

Fwd: Volunteers needed for Floyd Bennett Field Planting




-----Original Message-----
From: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
To: \\ <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Thu, Sep 28, 2017 12:06 pm
Subject: Volunteers needed for Floyd Bennett Field Planting

Dear BBC Member,
Last Saturday, volunteers from the Brooklyn Bird Club worked alongside the members of the Natural Resource Department of Gateway to clear rubble, prepare the soil, and plant holly, bayberry, and other bird-friendly species around the recently rebuilt bird blind at Floyd Bennett Field's Return-a-Gift Pond. These plantings were paid for in part by last year's BBC Birdathon proceeds, in memory of friend-of-the-club Jean Borque.

We had a very fruitful planting session and much was accomplished, but there is still much more to be done. We need more volunteers for this Saturday, September 30th, and Saturday, October 14th.

Volunteers should meet in the parking lot by the main entrance gate at 9 a.m. and a club member will be there to lead you to the work site. The NPS will provide the the tools, gloves and necessary material for the planting, as well as water. Bring lunch if you plan to stay through the early afternoon (although you are of course welcome to leave earlier--even a few hours is helpful.)

For further information, you can email info@brooklynbirdclub.org or robbate@brooklynbirdclub.org

Thank you!

Rob Bate
President,
Brooklyn Bird Club

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Tonite at bklyn public library

In Grand army plaza main library at 7 pm

Author Talk: "Birding at the Bridge: In Search of Every Bird on the Brooklyn Waterfront" with Heather Wolf

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Sep 26, 2017

BBC walk
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Roberta Manian" <roberta.manian@gmail.com>
Date: Sep 26, 2017 6:37 PM
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Sep 26, 2017
To: "Peter Dorosh" <prosbird@gmail.com>, "Rob Bate" <robsbate@gmail.com>, "Dennis Hrehowsik" <deepseagangster@gmail.com>, "Tom Stephenson" <12toms@gmail.com>
Cc: "Lenny Goldstein" <lenny.goldstein@gmail.com>, "Sheila Friedman" <waxwing100@verizon.net>, "Phil Hore" <phil.hore@gmail.com>, "Kathleen Toomey" <kathleentoomey@gmail.com>

Hi Peter,

Good seeing you today!  It was another fairly quiet day, but we had a good group of enthusiastic and sharp-eyed birders.  Most of the warblers were by the Lake and Peninsula, it got quiet as soon as we headed up to Lookout.  We checked out the new 'berm' by the ballfields, and it definitely seems like it will be a good area in the fall.   Here's a photo of our intrepid regulars at the Berm.  Big thank you to Lenny for keeping the list - see below.

Best,
Bobbi



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 5:33 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Sep 26, 2017
To: roberta.manian@gmail.com


Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Sep 26, 2017 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
Comments:     Bobbi Manian leading Brooklyn Bird Club
30 species

Mute Swan  4
Mallard  3
Pied-billed Grebe  1
Green Heron  1
Red-tailed Hawk  1
Herring Gull  1
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  X
Mourning Dove  3
Belted Kingfisher  1
Northern Flicker  2
Eastern Phoebe  2
Blue Jay  15
American Crow  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet  2
American Robin  X
Gray Catbird  5
European Starling  2
Cedar Waxwing  4
Northern Waterthrush  1
Common Yellowthroat  2
American Redstart  1
Northern Parula  4
Black-throated Green Warbler  2
Wilson's Warbler  2
Song Sparrow  3
Northern Cardinal  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak  1
Common Grackle  2
American Goldfinch  6
House Sparrow  X

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39407829

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

How far I've come with this blog

Its hard to believe that I started this blog in 2008 and 9 years later, I've recorded over one million "hits.Pretty cool , dont you think?  still tickin.....

Before the current blog format you see here, there was an older version before Google warned me to upgrade.

( someone pop the champagne for me! )


here's the stats all time page views

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Tuesday brief

A slow slow warm day according to Bobbi Manian leading the Tuesday walk.  Her report is pending receipt.

Ed Crowne reported calling COMMON RAVEN over the Long Meadow Ballfields in early afternoon.


Sunday, September 24, 2017

Ccsp at OHP

@BobbiInBrooklyn: ClayColored sparrow also at Owls🦉 Head among pines 🌲 on hill above bathroom https://t.co/0XPEMfb9Vl

m.twitter.com/BobbiInBrooklyn. Per Bobbi Manian

BBC volunteers planting corp

   
                (photo by Rob Bate)
At Floyd Bennett Field north 40 Jean Bourque bird blind. Planting plants in her memory thanks to the Brooklyn Bird Club 2016 Birdathon funding.

Famed BBC birder Ron Bourque kneels at far lower left. 

A great day for the club and conservation.

KB

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Todays hilights

On a morning of swiftness, 100s of CHIMNEY SWIFT'S patrolling above Prospect lake as reported by Dennis leading BBC. But it was the Brooklyn botanic garden with the top bird.

Mid morning Ed Crowne found two BOBOLINKS in the native garden pine barrens section. This spot seems magical for BOBOLINKS as this is the third time this species hid there. PRAIRIE WARBLER also visited the same site.

Another LINCOLN'S SPARROW hit the scene but unlike yesterday's sites,today's Lincoln was spotted on the closed lawn of Brooklyn bridge park per Daisy Paul.

A hot day tomorrow might be a slowdown.

Tweet from Daisy Paul (@daisypaulbirds)

Daisy Paul (@daisypaulbirds) tweeted at 3:53 PM on Sat, Sep 23, 2017:
Lincoln's Sparrow on closed lawn at Brooklyn Bridge Park
(https://twitter.com/daisypaulbirds/status/911680039183413249?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Ed Crowne (@ecrowne)

Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) tweeted at 11:53 AM on Sat, Sep 23, 2017:
3 bobolinks and prairie Warbler at Brooklyn botanic garden -- pine barrens/native garden
(https://twitter.com/ecrowne/status/911619508560949255?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

SW ballfields grassy knoll


The newly reopened southwest ballfields at prospect park long meadow west features a grassy mound or knoll that you should keep in mind as sparrow season descends.

I walked thru here after work and was impressed by the habitat. Blooming New England asters n boneset a thoroughwort enhances an exceptional spot for sparrows feeling secured by that ridge mound.

Keep your eyes On it. 😎

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sep 22, 2017 12:43 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:

*** Species Summary:

- White-crowned Sparrow (1 report)
- Dickcissel (1 report)

---------------------------------------------
Thank you for subscribing to the <hourly> Kings County Rare Bird Alert.The report below shows observations of rare birds in Kings County.  View or unsubscribe to this alert at http://ebird.org/ebird/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2017 06:50 by Shane Blodgett
- Owls Head Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6403687,-74.0322153&ll=40.6403687,-74.0322153
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39329816
- Comments: "Earliesh I mmature-large sparrow with distinctive light brown median crown stripe offset by darker brown lateral crown stripes-dull auricular patch with weak moustache stripe and stronger blackish brown eyeline that widens towards he nape-unmarked grayish underparts and long tail-flesh/orange bill-upright posture while on ground"

Dickcissel (Spiza americana) (1)
- Reported Sep 22, 2017 06:50 by Shane Blodgett
- Owls Head Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6403687,-74.0322153&ll=40.6403687,-74.0322153
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S39329816
- Comments: "Young bird with dull yellow supercilium and upper breast and face"

***********

You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Kings County Rare Bird Alert

Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
http://ebird.org/ebird/alerts

Friday, September 22, 2017

Autumn begins

Autumn Equinox begins at 4:02 this afternoon ( actually a half hour from now as I write... )


Summary of today's reports

Owls Head Park near Bay Ridge/Sunset Park had the front page today as a DICKCISSEL came from that region. Besides that rare report, a few LINCOLN SPARROWS and a single PHILADELPHIA VIREO took other honors.

Shane Blodgett tweeted out this mornings report that  Owls Head was birdy with passerines. The top bird --DICKCISSEL -- hung out with 40 House Sparrows as this species usually does on the slope meadow.

Meanwhile in Prospect Park, LINCOLN SPARROW are in a few spots. One reported by Ed Crowne was at the Peninsula Sumac grove bordering Well Drive; the other bird in a typical re known sparrow spot, the Sparrowbowl between the Tennis and Picnic Houses revealed itself there.Ed Crowne and separately, Linda Ewing were the birders.

Lastly, Tripper Paul found a PHILADELPHA VIREO at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden  on the north side of the Rose Garden.It sounds like the slope spot leading up to the walk above.

Tweet from Gus Keri (@BirdingGus)

Gus Keri (@BirdingGus) tweeted at 8:49 AM on Fri, Sep 22, 2017:
White-crowned and 2 Lincoln Sparrows found by Shane at Owl's Head park now.
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/911210813939159040?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Tripper (@petersownbirds)

Tripper (@petersownbirds) tweeted at 8:59 AM on Fri, Sep 22, 2017:
Philadelphia Vireo just north of rose garden BK botanic garden.
(https://twitter.com/petersownbirds/status/911213421084987392?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Gus Keri (@BirdingGus)

Gus Keri (@BirdingGus) tweeted at 9:13 AM on Fri, Sep 22, 2017:
Dickcissel at Owl's Head park. Also found by Shane. https://t.co/cCxYODDm1v
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/911216789920653313?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Ed Crowne (@ecrowne)

Ed Crowne (@ecrowne) tweeted at 11:13 AM on Fri, Sep 22, 2017:
Lincoln's sparrow sumac triangle peninsula meadow
(https://twitter.com/ecrowne/status/911246963638759425?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)

Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 7:16 AM on Fri, Sep 22, 2017:
Lincolns sparrow, back of the (still mostly dog-free at this hour) sparrow bowl, Prospect.
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/911187485350416384?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13

Owls Head park

is reported to be highly active right now at 730 am , according to Shane Blodgett

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Fwd: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Sep 21, 2017

Leading Rafael Campos

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Rafael Guillermo Campos-Ramírez <ticornis@yahoo.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>; Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Sep 21, 2017 06:07 PM
Subject: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Sep 21, 2017


 
Peter here is the checklist of the Bird Walk for the BBC that I led today instead of T.S.
The walk was quite pretty good. At least 14 sps of Warblers.  
3 sps of Vireos, the best was 1 White-eyed Vireo.
As a group, I recorded 53 sps of birds.  We missed the Lincoln's Sparrow reported early.



Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Kings, New York, US
Sep 21, 2017 7:15 AM - 1:00 PM
Protocol: Traveling
5.7 kilometer(s)
Comments:    Today, I led the bird walk for the Brooklyn Bird Club.  Eleven participants + myself as TL.  A little windy, overcast.  Lots of bird flying overhead.
53 species

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)  X
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)  4
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)  5
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)  2
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)  1
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)  1
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)  2
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) (Columba livia (Feral Pigeon))  20
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)  4
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica)  1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)  2
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)  2
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) (Colaptes auratus auratus/luteus)  6
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)  1
Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens)  1
Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)  3
White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus)  1
Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius)  1
Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus)  1
Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)  5
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)  1
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)  2
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula)  2
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)  4
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)  1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)  6
Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)  3
Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum)  1
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)  4
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)  12
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla)  2
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)  6
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)  4
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)  6
Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina)  1
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)  4
Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)  2
Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea)  1
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica)  1
Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)  3
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum)  2
Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus)  1
Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens)  2
White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)  3
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)  2
Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)  1
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)  3
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)  2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus)  3
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)  1
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)  2
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) x

Brooklyn is great birding!!


Hilights today

Scanty reported are a few quality birds in Prospect and Greenwood Cemetery.

I received tweets from Kathy Toomey first of an active warbler spot at the Rose Garden early this morning.I presumed Kathy was with the Thurs walk group. Later Kathy reported HOODED WARBLER in the Peninsula.

On my sidebar in Ebird trax, two sparrow species of note. One is CLAY COLORED SPARROW in Greenwood; the other in Prospect is WHITE CROWNED. No details provided where.

Also reported is LINCOLN SPARROW seen at the phragmites patch across from the Wellhouse with SWAMP SPARROW,

Looks like the sparrow genus is ready to pop in.


For all winter hardies

Here's the winter bird forecast just out. Here's hoping for "finchy" visitors to the NYC area.

http://www.jeaniron.ca/2017/wff17.htm


Fwd: Ron Bourque Exhibit Opening




-----Original Message-----
From: Gateway National Recreation Area <charles_markis@nps.gov>
To: info <info@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Thu, Sep 21, 2017 8:19 am
Subject: Ron Bourque Exhibit Opening

Exhibit Opening at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Please come to meet and greet the photographer at the opening.
Ron Bourque's photo exhibit, Images, will open at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge on Sunday, September 24 from 2-4 PM, with a reception for the artist.  The photographs show the serendipitous revelation of patterns and images formed by water and wind on beach sand.  On first look, these pictures appear to be finely crafted pencil or charcoal drawings, but they are fascinating photographs, inviting the viewer to perceive and imagine varied images.

Bourque says: "while I was sorting the pictures on my computer into various categories, I began to notice something about the photos of beach sand at low tide. These patterns were not apparent to me when I was took these photographs, but as these images were enlarged on my computer screen, I began to see birds, fish and landscapes emerging in my mind's eye.  When I shared some of these images, some people saw in them themes and subjects I had not noticed." 

Bourque has had a long association with Gateway NRA, beginning in 1979, when he and his late wife began birding in Floyd Bennett Field. They worked as volunteers on many projects in the park including helping to clear some 130 acres of brush, monitoring breeding grassland birds, and leading bird walks for visitors.  Bourque has also been active in NYC Audubon since 1979, served on its board and is a past president of that organization. He currently serves on the Conservation Committee, and is on the board of directors of the Salt Marsh Alliance.  

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge 175-10 Cross Bay Boulevard, Broad Channel.
Exhibit runs for two months.

 
"Kelp Forest," a photo of beach sand by Ron Bourque.
Jamaica Bay Unit | Gateway NRA | www.nps.gov/GATE
STAY CONNECTED:

Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View on Instagram
Gateway National Recreation Area, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314
Sent by charles_markis@nps.gov in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Fwd: Sage Grouse Sign On Letter & Legislative Action Alerts

Besides the sage grouse,other take action for you

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Holmer (via abcorgs list) <abcorgs+sholmer=abcbirds.org@npogroups.org>
To: abcorgs <abcorgs@npogroups.org>
Sent: Wed, Sep 20, 2017 04:51 PM
Subject: Sage Grouse Sign On Letter & Legislative Action Alerts


 

Dear Friends,

 

Wildlife is threatened like never before with dozens of bills now before Congress that weaken habitat protections and our nation's environmental laws, as well as administrative changes being proposed affecting Greater Sage-Grouse, endangered species and National Monuments.

 

Please take action by signing your organization to a letter in support of Greater Sage-Grouse conservation by this Friday, September 22.

 

There are also good bills to advance conservation that we must keep pushing to save birds and other wildlife. We are pleased to be coordinating advocacy efforts with National Audubon Society in support of the Conserving Migratory Birds of the Americas Act (NMBCA) and the Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act.

 

Please ask your activists to write a letter on each of these issues to theirs Senators and Representative using the links below:

 

Bills to Support that Advance Bird Conservation

 

Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act (NMBCA)

 

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) have introduced, S. 1537, to reauthorize the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), one of the nation's most important bird conservation laws. Now called the Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Act, the bill would provide a higher level of funding to help conserve migratory birds, many of which are in rapid decline. Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA) and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) have introduced companion legislation, H.R. 3598 in the House of Representatives. ABC recommends passage of S. 1537/H.R. 3598 and asks Senators and Representatives to please cosponsor the bill.

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-migratory-birds

 

Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act 

Reps. Mike Quigley (IL) and Morgan Griffith (VA) have reintroduced the Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act (H.R. 2542) to prevent the deaths of millions of birds by calling for each public building constructed, acquired, or significantly altered by the GSA to incorporate, to the maximum extent possible, bird-safe building materials and design features. It also calls for monitoring to identify problem buildings/locations for collisions.  ABC recommends passage of this legislation. Representatives, please cosponsor the Federal Bird-Safe Buildings Act.

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-bird-safe-buildings

 

Saving America's Pollinators Act 

H.R. 3040, the Saving America's Pollinators Act of 2017, introduced by Reps. John Conyers (MI) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), would suspend registration for neonicotinoid insecticides, or "neonics," which are causing serious harm to birds, bees, and aquatic life pending thorough review and field study of the adverse effects.   ABC recommends passage of this legislation. Representatives, please cosponsor the Saving America's Pollinators Act, H.R. 3040.

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-neonics

 

Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels Act

Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA) is expected to introduce a bill implementing the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), and we hope to see a companion bill introduced in the Senate. ACAP is a multilateral agreement which seeks to conserve albatrosses and petrels by coordinating international activity to mitigate known threats to their populations.  The U.S. is a world leader in improving bird-friendly mitigation practices to reduce accidental bycatch, and our participation in the agreement can help encourage other nations to make similar progress. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee must give its advice and consent for ACAP to move forward towards ratification.

ABC urges Congress to ratify and pass implementing legislation

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-seabirds

 

Bills to Oppose

Bills and Administration Plan Undermining Sage Grouse Conservation Plans

Additional conservation measures are needed to conservation Greater Sage-Grouse, but the administration has released report recommending changes undermining the federal resources management plans protecting grouse habitat. In addition, legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate (S. 273/H.R. 527) that would allow adoption of weaker conservation measures for managing grouse habitat, exempt the grouse from Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection for ten years, and halt the proposed mineral withdrawal for the most important grouse habitats. It is essential the federal conservation plans be kept in place and that Greater Sage-Grouse not be exempted from the ESA. ABC asks lawmakers to please oppose S. 273/HR 527 and the Interior Appropriations rider preventing ESA protection for the grouse, and for the administration to withdraw its plan to undermine grouse conservation.

 

TAKE ACTION: Organization Sign On Letter (deadline Sept. 22)

Letters to Congress: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-sage-grouse

 

Bills Weakening the Endangered Species Act

The Endangered Species Act has a demonstrated track record of success and is an essential lifeline for species sliding towards extinction. A package of harmful bills have been introduced in the House that would block federal ESA protections for gray wolves in the Great Lakes states and Wyoming, undermine the ESA listing process by removing deadlines necessary to ensure petitions are ruled on in a timely fashion, subverting the ESA's science-based requirements, strip ESA protections for species impacted by wildlife trafficking, and undercutting citizen engagement and enforcement of the ESA. ABC urges opposition to H.R. 424, H.R. 717, H.R. 1274, H.R. 2603, and H.R. 3131 that weaken protections of the Endangered Species Act or to exempt individual species such as Sec. 113 of the House Interior Appropriations bill.

 

Take Action: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-esa    

 

Bills Weakening the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

 

The State of North America's Birds 2016 report found that more than one third of our migratory bird species are in steep decline and will require concerted conservation efforts to ensure their future. They are under extreme pressure from cumulative threats—habitat loss, invasive species, window collisions, and pesticides. Doing away with or weakening the Migratory Bird Treaty Act would push many species closer to the brink, undermine the current system of wildlife management. Bills to allow for baiting of migratory birds is being considered in the House and Senate.

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-mbta

 

Endangered Birds and Federal Forests at Risk

Federal forest lands provide essential habitat for a number of threatened bird populations including the Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet. H.R. 2936 and S. 1731 would undermine sustainable forest management on public lands by weakening habitat protections provided by the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. The House bill, H.R. 2936, which may be voted on this month, also puts at risk old growth forests providing habitat for endangered species. ABC urges opposition to S. 1731 and H.R. 2936.

 

TAKE ACTION: https://abcbirds.org/action/petition-northern-spotted-owl

 

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Steve Holmer

Vice President of Policy

American Bird Conservancy &

Director, Bird Conservation Alliance

202-888-7490

sholmer@abcbirds.org

 

www.abcbirds.org, https://abcbirds.org/get-involved/bird-conservation-alliance/, ABC on Facebook, ABC Videos

 

 

 

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