A newsboard for reporting bird sightings, happenings & announcements,miscellany in north Brooklyn and the 3 main central north Brooklyn green regions : historic Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden & north half of Kings County, & Greenwood Cemetery.A service for Brooklyn birders and visitors. Also note: Conservation issues & miscellany posts.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
A roving Baltimore oriole
Earlier in the week it was seen by the West Island rustic shelter. And this bird likely is the same visiting birders Alan and Janet's feeders above Prospect Park Southwest Ave.
This species is now "rare" for the season. ( But a pintail isn't...hmmmm. 🤔)
Prospect Pintail
Ethan Dropkin found the good bird past 8 am in a pond that too doesn't see rare ducks,a hen NORTHERN PINTAIL in Upper Pool.Just a walk south from the Tennis House mansion,the small pond hosted the handsome duck as it slept with Mallards. As of 3pm, it was still present near the Ravine side of the Pool .
By my account this Pintail represents the 15th duck species of this fall. 20 duck species in a single season (carrying over to winter in a manner of speaking) is a huge longshot, unlikely unattainable but who knows what nature brings in? We just need more birders looking.
UPDATE: Based on latest photos,there's speculation over the gender,perhaps an immature / nonbreeding Drake. The bill color is the key. ( More bluish indicates male) .Non breeding drakes also have darker backs as today's bird shows.So pending more deeper looks or better photos from others. ( But it appears to be a Drake based on one photo I received on Twitter)
Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)
Northern Pintail still at Upper Pool. Head tucked, viewed to right of fallen tree trunk Ravine side
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/936326341766582273?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Gus Keri (@BirdingGus)
Female Northern Pintail among group of Mallard in the Upper pool now. #birdbk https://t.co/RaQQWtXLrV
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/936286488387555329?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Gus Keri (@BirdingGus)
A report of Northern Pintail in Prospect park this morning. #birdbk https://t.co/LWyhUVPbMQ
(https://twitter.com/BirdingGus/status/936270183731204097?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Fwd: A message from Brooklyn Bird Club President Rob Bate
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
-----Original Message-----
From: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
To: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Wed, Nov 29, 2017 07:51 PM
Subject: A message from Brooklyn Bird Club President Rob Bate
Dear Brooklyn Bird Club Members,
The time has come . After four years as president of the Brooklyn Bird Club, I will be stepping down as President effective December 31. Dennis Hrehowsik has graciously agreed to step up as President for the next two years, starting January first, and I know we can all count on him to bring new insights and ideas to the club and its activities.
During my tenure many people have stepped up to help with the activities of the club, making my job an easy one. Thanks go especially to all the chair-people who have pitched in to keep things running smoothly. Peter Dorosh puts all the trips together; Janet Schumacher has taken over the organization of the lecture series from Dennis; Ryan Goldberg, Angie Co and Tina Alleva have revitalized the Clapper Rail; Stanley Greenberg continues as our representative on the Community Committee of the Prospect Park Alliance; Janet Zinn has overseen the renovation of our website and continues to maintain the site as well as keeping track of membership; Heidi Steiner continues as treasurer; and I will keep on chairing the Conservation Committee. Thanks also to the many trip and walk leaders as well as the volunteers helping maintain the Butterfly Meadow and elsewhere.
The BBC is a club built around our shared love of birding and wildlife and I invite all of our members to help out in any way you'd like, and to offer suggestions for ways we can improve and expand. Dennis is looking into the process of gaining 501(c)3 status for the club and we look forward to a more open, welcoming and inclusive BBC in the years ahead.
Thanks everyone, it has been a pleasure and an honor to be the President of the Brooklyn Bird Club these last four years. Happy Birding!
Rob BatePresident,
Brooklyn Bird Club
Fwd: Join Us Saturday to Protest the Destruction of Pine Barrens Woodlands for Solar
Conservation issue
From: Richard Amper, Executive Director <info@pinebarrens.org>
To: prosbird <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Nov 29, 2017 3:29 pm
Subject: Join Us Saturday to Protest the Destruction of Pine Barrens Woodlands for Solar
|
|
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Wed, Nov 29, 2017 at 1:48 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
*** Species Summary:
- Red-headed Woodpecker (1 report)
- Northern Parula (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/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (1)
- Reported Nov 29, 2017 09:45 by Linda Ewing
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing in its usual spot, Cypress/Beech. When I saw it, it was dividing its time between the tall oaks and the spreading conifer (Cypress?) w feathery brown needles."
Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) (1)
- Reported Nov 29, 2017 09:33 by karen o'hearn
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Clearly seen peninsula. Lousy picture"
***********
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: First Sunday in December Prospect Bird Walk
Sent: Wed, Nov 29, 2017 11:59 am
Subject: First Sunday in December Bird Walk
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Fwd: Blue-winged teal @ PP lake
From: Rafael Guillermo Campos-RamÃrez <ticornis@yahoo.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>; Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 28, 2017 2:26 pm
Subject: Blue-winged teal @ PP lake
Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)
Rafael Campos repts the hen Blue winged Teal inside the Peninsula hand cove,with shovelers.Prospect
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/935546408349962245?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Monday, November 27, 2017
Prospect lake waterfowl
A run in with birder Brad Vardt started off with info on WOOD DUCK and RINGNECKED DUCK. Both drakes,the Wood was in the Duck Island channel by the shelter; the Ringnecked somewhere by Duck island closer to the Peninsula.
After my work day, I spotted HOODED MERGANSERS. Initially fooling me from the distance as the two drakes were in line with my vision ,I thought they were Buffleheads. But a farther walk down the lake western shore,and waning softer light enabled me to make the correct identification . A hen accompanied the males.
During this time,I could see all the NORTHEN SHOVELERS farther out and quite scattered. All of them were busy feeding,doing their swirls. It's a real phenomenon,but I'm glad to see the species making Prospect lake their winter mainstay.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Prospect weekend summary
Most needed to focus on only the west shore of Prospect Lake. Within a stretch of about 800 feet,one could find CACKLING GOOSE, BALTIMORE ORIOLE & BLUE WINGED TEAL.
The CACKLING GOOSE,one being seen as of today,hung within the Lake southwest section between West & 3 Sisters islands.
The Baltimore Oriole reappeared in the Sweetgums tree trove by West Islands rustic shelter,along the bridle trail ;This report from Kathy Toomey { note another oriole seen in Brooklyn bridge park by Heather Wolf today}
And last,the Blue winged Teal hen continues to mingle with the Shoveler flock in the Lake's northwest section,near Well Drive T- junction.
There you have it. Here's hoping for a good week.
Fwd: RH Woodpecker taken by Janet Zinn
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
-----Original Message-----
From: Janet Zinn <bkbirdr@gmail.com>
To: ProsBird <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Sun, Nov 26, 2017 05:43 PM
Subject: RH Woodpecker
Brooklyn, NY
www.janetzinnphotography.com
Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Nov 26, 2017 6:41 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Cackling Goose (1 report)
- Blue-winged Teal (1 report)
- Baltimore Oriole (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/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2017 13:10 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing, smaller bill and neck than nearby Canada Geese, boxy head"
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2017 13:10 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Found by Karen O'Hearn a few days ago, smaller than nearby shovelers, black bill, white line at base of bill, have cellphone photo"
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2017 13:10 by Kathleen Toomey
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Seen in the same area four days ago, light orange from throat to legs, brightest orange in throat area, dark wings with two white wing-bars"
***********
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: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Nov 26, 2017 3:41 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:
*** Species Summary:
- Blue-winged Teal (1 report)
- Baltimore Oriole (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/
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) (1)
- Reported Nov 26, 2017 13:16 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing with shovelers. Photos"
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Nov 26, 2017 09:55 by Heather Wolf
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Yellowish head/upperparts, white wing bars, pointed bill. Perched in Paulownia tree on Pier 1."
***********
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
Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)
Baltimore Oriole again, west side of lake between Rustic Shelter and paved bench area. Sweet gum tree
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/934850765805555713?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Tom Preston (@tpreston87)
Cackling geese at SE end of prospect lake
(https://twitter.com/tpreston87/status/934771964731936769?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Bwte
- Reported Nov 25, 2017 16:31 by Daisy Paul
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6553787,-73.9686421&ll=40.6553787,-73.9686421
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40727512
- Comments: "Continuing in the western area of the lake across from Vanderbilt playground. Noticeably smaller than Shovelers and the only duck in the group not spinning with its head in the water. Pale crescent at the front edge of the cheek, and a glimpse of green secondaries. Poor photos"
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Yesterday reports
- Reported Nov 24, 2017 10:45 by Isabel Conte
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40710904
- Comments: "Continuing birds with smaller bills than Canada geese. "
Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2017 16:00 by kristin costello
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40710673
- Comments: "Continuing hen cruising through foraging shovelers near West Island. Little dabbler, black bill, eyeliner, suggestion of crescent near bill, scaly monochromatic pattern to body. Spotted by Karen Ohearn. "
Friday, November 24, 2017
Tweet from Heather Wolf (@heatherwolf)
American Robin, #Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1. Also today: Cooper's Hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Flicker & 20 other species. #birding https://t.co/LArcpVjoLI
(https://twitter.com/heatherwolf/status/934136136749977601?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Fwd: GWC
From: "Orrin Tilevitz" <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Nov 24, 2017 1:58 PM
Subject: GWC
To: "Peter Dorosh" <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:
Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Nov 24, 2017
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Nov 24, 2017 1:49 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Nov 24, 2017
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:
Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York, US
Nov 24, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Protocol: Traveling
0.5 mile(s)
12 species
Canada Goose X
Mute Swan 7
Blue-winged Teal 1 Nw corner w shovelers,prominent white line behind black bill,absence yellow Buffy stripe to tell from greenwinged.same size as Shovelers.light cheeks slight eye ring
Northern Shoveler 75
Mallard X
American Black Duck 2
Ruddy Duck 20
Pied-billed Grebe 1
American Coot X
Ring-billed Gull X
Herring Gull X
Great Black-backed Gull 1
View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)
Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)
Blue winged Teal continue in nw prospect lake w shovelers
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/934121091408252928?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Also reports Cackling & BWTEAL
- Reported Nov 23, 2017 15:00 by Calista McRae
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40686523
- Comments: "By the lake, near the skating rink. Greyish face with white eye-ring (no other v. distinctive facial markings); yellow breast & belly; black streaks down flanks. Lively; flitting from ground to lower branches of large trees."
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Fwd: Blue-winged Teal photos
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
-----Original Message-----
From: Joshua Malbin <joshuamalbin@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Nov 23, 2017 01:34 PM
Subject: Blue-winged Teal photos
Thanksgiving birds
A top bird though was a hen BLUE WINGED TEAL. Found by Karen O'Hearn, the duck hung with the swirling Northern Shovelers in the Lake,'s northwest corner ,near Well Drive T- junction.
I heard a second hand report of one CACKLING GOOSE at the Parade Grounds. The field just east of the Tennis bubble was the feast ground.
It's all negative on the Common Gallinule,not seen since Tuesday I believe.Theres a number of birders looking but no sign of the water bird. Perhaps I'll wait for Ebird reports later.
A LAUGHING GULL was spotted on the Lake. There was a debate on its initial identity but it's safe to say it's a LAGU.
In wooded areas,a few Kinglets,Brown Creeper and some Fox Sparrows looked for their food. The Fox Sparrows visited Binnen creek just below the Three Arches bridge according to some birders I met.
Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)
Blue Winged teal hen found by Karen O with shovelers near Well & Lake drives T junction Prospect lake west
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/933752523059589125?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from Tom Preston (@tpreston87)
Greenwood red-headed woodpecker continues at cypress near beech
(https://twitter.com/tpreston87/status/933748285961048064?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Thanksgiving greetings
Enjoy your holiday!
Here are some turkey tidbits:
https://www.fws.gov/refuges/about/FunOnWildlifeRefuges/Wild_Facts_about_Turkeys.html
http://www.audubon.org/news/9-fun-facts-about-turkeys
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Tweet from Philip Ribolow (@Phil_Ribolow)
@BBCKingsbirds 2 cackling geese seen on parade grounds Wed 4:30 PM
(https://twitter.com/Phil_Ribolow/status/933483632404193281?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Bh vireos PP
- Reported Nov 22, 2017 10:30 by Will Pollard
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40661324
- Comments: "Together near Butterfly Meadow. Unmistakable"
Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)
Oriole, I think Baltimore, on lawn to side of paved bench area near West Island. Across from Reeve Place
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/933444533894905858?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
a call for CBC birders
A Thanksgiving tradition continues: Prospect feeders
AS Thanksgiving approaches, I'm delighted to report as many of you thoroughly enjoy the winter bird feeders, that this year's feeders are now up. This is likely as I have forgotten the 15th year at the usual location many of you know. For caution, the location isn't publicly revealed online: ask around the regulars or email me direct offline.
Since the feeders are contingent on charitable donations, if you like to donate seed, particularly Black oil sunflower, email me direct or email the Brooklyn Bird Club info line as I'm a recipient.
So... here's hoping another terrific season of winter birds and perhaps some really special avian visitors. So we have much to be thankful for birds and their great happy effect upon us as we enjoy them together.
--The Kingsboider
PS. If you see anything amiss, or something damaged ( or even my Squirrel nemesis). email or text me promptly.Thanks
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
COGA by Lincoln's statue
- Reported Nov 21, 2017 15:45 by Calista McRae
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6602841,-73.9689534&ll=40.6602841,-73.9689534
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S40650899
- Comments: "smaller than a coot; grayish-brown; white stripe on middle. in Prospect Lake, about one foot away from the shore near a large statue (v. close to skating rink). pointed out by another birder."
Ridgewood Reservoir close to wetland designation
A long long fight... is finality on the horizon?
http://queenstribune.com/ridgewood-reservoir-close-wetland-designation/
Cacklings, Gallinule & Tree Sparrow
CACKLING GEESE continue to hang out with the Canada Geese along the "Hammerhead Peninsula" between West and Three Sisters Islands as reported this morning by Mike Yuan and I re found. Just focus on this southwestern Lake area for the rare birds and if no Canada geese flock is present , check out the Parade grounds across from the park at Parkside Avenue.
COMMON GALLINULE reappeared today after a noted absence yesterday. An Ebird report by Marc Passman placed the bird near the Terrace Bridge along the Breeze Hill small pink beach( opposite the Peninsula's larger pink beach). Marc's report is below.
A likely first of the year AMERICAN TREE SPARROW made its appearance in the brushy Butterfly Meadow atop Lookout Hill.. Karen OHearn was the observer.Karen also saw FIELD SPARROW...somewhere.
In late afternoon,Orrin reported a Coopers hawk mobbed by bluejays on the Peninsula
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (2)
- Reported Nov 21, 2017 08:30 by Dennis Hrehowsik
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing. Much smaller than Canada particularly when swimming side by side with head raised but less evident when head is tucked in. Tiny bills, more washed out color overall. I'd guess they are Richardson's based on coloring compared to Canada and other cackling I have seen in the past. Loosely associating with lazy Canada flock near West Island."
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (2)
- Reported Nov 21, 2017 07:54 by Michael Yuan
- Prospect Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing on SW section of the lake. Small, blocky headed, with small bills. Pale breasts."
Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (2)
- Reported Nov 21, 2017 09:50 by Marc Passmann
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "2 continuing in flock of Canada geese."
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2017 09:50 by Marc Passmann
- Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/
- Comments: "Continuing near Terraces bridge opposite the pink beach."
Tweet from ko (@KarenOhearn)
American tree sparrow butterfly Meadow. PP
(https://twitter.com/KarenOhearn/status/933013675786620928?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13
Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)
Both Cackling goose with CAGO flk off left Hammerhead Peninsula close to West Isl
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/932977897215807488?s=03)
Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13