New Year's Greetings

The Kingsboider wishes everyone special New Year greetings! Let's be gentle with ourselves and truly enjoy birding.

Furthermore,most importantly may 2018 be a terrific year for you, with hopes of good health, prosperity and great memories.

Happy New Year,everyone!

Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Dec 30, 2017

In the very slow feeder season,today was the best diversity of birds even if low numbers I've seen. Still mysterious is the absence of Chickadees and Titmouse.

The 4 Snow Geese remain,embedded with the Canada Geese flock at field 1 of the ballfields.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Dec 30, 2017 6:45 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Dec 30, 2017
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, New York, US
Dec 30, 2017 2:07 PM - 2:19 PM
Protocol: Stationary
Comments:     Light snow cover
11 species

Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Dark-eyed Junco  2
White-throated Sparrow  7
Song Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  6
House Finch  12
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  9

View this checklist online at http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41451342

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

Photo from Bobbi Manian

Iceland gull at brooklyn army terminal pier sunset Park waterfront.58th st

January Waterfowl Census

Birders

January 14th marks the first day of the official waterfowl count sponsored by the NYSDEC . To celebrate the day,Steve Nanz will lead a two hour walk in Prospect Park.

However I need volunteers most needy a driver to count the coastal sections of Dead Horse Bay,all of Rockaway peninsula west of the Marine Park Bridge. Paul Keim may do this section experienced veteran of the counts we've done the past decades. I will be out of town leading the BBC. This segment is more challenging due to extensive walking.

The second location is Bush Terminal Park to Army Terminal Pier at 58th St.

The count day can be any day for that week but the earlier the better with weather concerns.

I have the count forms with all required details to be filled and sent to the master compiler.

If interested email me.

Get Ready For The 'Super Blue Blood Moon'

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bridaineparnell/2017/12/29/get-ready-for-the-super-blue-blood-moon/#63a0cf65f5e6

What cold?

The frigid Arctic cold seems like home for our Prospect Snow Geese quartet.

Looking quite comfortable in the deep cold air,I found the Snow Geese after work along the west ballfields fence near the Tennis House. Within the friendly mob of hundreds of Canada Geese, this wintry blast is no big deal.

A short time later,I stopped by Center Drive where it curves sharply. The big Sweetgums tree there is a winter avian delight and a lifeblood. And not surprisingly,on my best count I counted twenty-two Red-winged Blackbirds voraciously plucked the Sweetgum seed balls. It's a matter of survival to replace lost body heat that can go rapidly. Taken for granted in warmer days,in winter it's nice to see these birds.

Bundle up!

Governors Island checklist

A checklist submitted by Andrew Farnsworth that touch the Kings County line of the island included two BALD EAGLES,  see eBIRD on my side bar <--------

2

Bald Eagle Andrew Farnsworth

Ferry Line Rd, New York US-NY (40.6936,-74.0147) Kings county (map)

appropriate lessons to learn

From Kimberly Kaufman's FB blog ( her husband is a famous birder , Kenn)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211691874720529&set=a.1039500595906.2007711.1477283992&type=3&theater


https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15697463_10211691874720529_5721102815138517678_n.jpg?oh=8a52d37e7a58e1a646c73aa454600082&oe=5AF6D4C7

Prospect post xmas

I happened to run into old long time friend Rob Jett whom I don't encounter very often. And together we made the most of two hours birding the Prospect lake region.

I have to say we didn't see much on our casual stroll. Rob mentioned Common Ravens perched on Lookout Hill by the chain link fence. After viewing the feeders totally dominated by House Finches,we headed for the Peninsula.A quiet place,our highlight was 6 WOOD DUCKS in a flock along the south lake shore; add a hen Hooded Merganser and about 275 Northern Shovelers in the mix.A solitary Pied Billed Grebe came into view as well. A couple we ran into mentioned seeing on the Peninsula Ruby crowned Kinglets and Hermit Thrush.

A big freeze is coming our way and perhaps this will kick some action some winter finches and higher numbers of the usual winter visitors. It's getting boring around here! 😋

West coast bklyn

From Tripper Paul:
White winged Gull - looked Glaucous by size and shape just seen flying from 52nd st and 1st ave BK toward the water. I tried to chase it in my car, but the area is full of construction etc... I’m at army terminal now. Could also be worth checking Bush if anyone’s out.

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 11:58 AM on Wed, Dec 27, 2017:
Common Raven on Lookout Hill in Prospect Park #birdbk via @thecitybirder
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/946062674051457024?s=03)

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

Christmas Greetings

The Kingsboider wishes all a blessed Christmas Day and all the days ahead of good will. May we prevail with kindness and peace to each other.

Christmas Eve birds

On this placid Christmas Eve day, it's the beauty of the stillness and the birds within the special magic this day means to us.

Four gorgeous SNOW GEESE-- all immaculate white-- slept with their heads tucked in at the Upper Pool Island. They looked serene yet a very welcomed visitor now.Meanwhile over 150 Canada Geese graced the waters with the Snows,most of them also sleeping,heads tucked in.( They must be all Santa believers)

On Prospect Lake,our good visitor the GALLINULE continues its stay, popping out occasionally along the large phragmite patch down from the Wellhouse.

That Common Gallinule has company- like people tonight celebrating Christmas Eve, with very good numbers of NORTHERN SHOVELERS. I didn't count but my estimate is easily 200 plus birds. A lone PIED BILLED GREBE glided among them. I didn't spend much time looking with errands to do. It's a quiet day,even at the feeders so haste to finish my errands.

Merry Christmas everyone,I wish you peace and good will to all.

-kb

Fwd: Four snow goose

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "gregory beltre" <gregorybeltre@yahoo.com>
Date: Dec 24, 2017 2:50 PM
Subject: Four snow goose
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>, "Prospect Park Bird Reporting" <Prosbird@aol.com>
Cc:

They're still at the upper pool now





Best regards,
Gregory Beltre

Tweet from Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds)

Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds) tweeted at 0:44 PM on Sun, Dec 24, 2017:
Common Gallinule continues behind Sora reeds, scoped from the lake's south shore #birdbk
(https://twitter.com/JoshMalbinBirds/status/944987217465937920?s=03)

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

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 2:13 PM on Sun, Dec 24, 2017:
4SNOW GEESE at Upper pool island; Comm Gallinule reprt at Well house 2nd rt phrag #birdbk via @BBCKingsbirds
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/945009444647325696?s=03)

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

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 1:31 PM on Sun, Dec 24, 2017:
Adult Red-shouldered Hawk in Green-Wood Cemetery #birdbk via @thecitybirder
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/944998909981716480?s=03)

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

Red necked Grebe close to our local shores

Heather Wolf,nee of Brooklyn Bridge Park found two RED NECKED GREBE off the Fairway ( supermarket ) pier in Red Hook yesterday Dec 22nd. ( Noted on Cornell Ebird)

I've gotten this species in the past there. Only public transportation to that area is the B61 stopping at IKEA,then a few blocks down unless the bus ends near Van Brunt Street

 Check the MTA BUS MAP.

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Dec 23, 2017 11:25 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:

*** Species Summary:

- Red-necked Grebe (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

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (2)
- Reported Dec 22, 2017 16:00 by Heather Wolf
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7017015,-73.996266&ll=40.7017015,-73.996266
- Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist/S41264726
- Comments: "Large gray and white birds with straight, pointed, yellowish bills length of head or longer.
Near Fairway jetty."

***********

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 Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 1:07 PM on Fri, Dec 22, 2017:
Common Gallinule is still here. Lake side of Sora phragmite. #birdbk via @BirdingGus https://t.co/KjdgaDn2q9
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/944268293891817472?s=03)

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

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 10:30 AM on Fri, Dec 22, 2017:
Snow geese east side Prospect ballfields. #birdbk https://t.co/bb2NSvhOvn
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/944228770591969281?s=03)

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

Brand new park

I dont or rarely plug other boroughs news, but since it falls under my conservation mantra, a brand new park opened in Staten Island. The park is Brookfield Park. Read the article link embedded. Whether it's here in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, etc,any new park is habitat and rest stop for birds.

https://ny.curbed.com/2017/12/21/16804472/staten-island-brookfield-park-landfill-photo-essay

map  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brookfield+Park/@40.5617405,-74.1623434,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x89c24b986e98af9f:0x8a28ffd3230fb73a!2sBrookfield+Park!8m2!3d40.5617405!4d-74.1601547!3m4!1s0x89c24b986e98af9f:0x8a28ffd3230fb73a!8m2!3d40.5617405!4d-74.1601547?hl=en


Thanks to Janet Zinn informing me of the news.

Today is winter solstice

Winter starts at 1138 am.

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/2015/12/15/get-ready-for-the-winter-solstice/

Latest issue of National Geographic

Jan 2018

Summary of todays Prospect birds

A few species to make Prospect interesting today from three different sources.

First the 4 SNOW GEESE remained from yesterday, seen in the enclosed ball fields at western Long Meadow.Will Pollard was the observer.

Later in the morning ,Linda Ewing reported a RING NECKED DUCK in the Lullwater.

And an afternoon Kathy Toomey report of the continual COMMON GALLINULE in the second phragmite marsh down from the Wellhouse along the lake shoreline. This was if anybody remembered known as the Sora spot. I presumed its walking along the watery edge facing the lake.The best vantage might be where the red rescue ladder is.

KB Note: the 4 Snow Geese were also reported in the southwest Prospect lake at one point per a FB post

Fwd: Re: Common Gallinule, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Lenny Goldstein" <lenny.goldstein@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 20, 2017 9:48 AM
Subject: Re: Common Gallinule, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon
To: "Peter Dorosh" <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Thanks, Peter. 

The pintail was by the gazebo near the Vanderbilt entrance. 

On Wed, Dec 20, 2017 at 8:30 AM Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com> wrote:

Where was the pintail? I like to find it.

P

On Dec 19, 2017 7:41 PM, "Lenny Goldstein" <lenny.goldstein@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Peter,

It was good seeing you yesterday.

Today in Prospect Park I saw the Common Gallinule from across the lake
where it was by the phragmites on the lake opposite the well house. I
saw it with Tripper and someone named Clemens? who had it on a scope.
White horizontal stripe on wing.

I also saw a Northern Pintail and American Wigeon, photos attached.

Lenny

--

Lenny

Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 2:41 PM on Wed, Dec 20, 2017:
Common Gallinule still on Lake side of Sora phragmites near Wellhouse
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/943567167206907904?s=03)

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

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 10:26 AM on Wed, Dec 20, 2017:
Ring-necked duck in Lullwater, Prospect Park. #birdbk via @lke313
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/943502850847584256?s=03)

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

Tweet from will pollard (@billmiky) Prospect west long mead

will pollard (@billmiky) tweeted at 9:42 AM on Wed, Dec 20, 2017:
Four snow geese at ballfields. #birdbk
(https://twitter.com/billmiky/status/943491919547715585?s=03)

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

Fwd: Common Gallinule, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Lenny Goldstein" <lenny.goldstein@gmail.com>
Date: Dec 19, 2017 7:41 PM
Subject: Common Gallinule, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Hi Peter,

It was good seeing you yesterday.

Today in Prospect Park I saw the Common Gallinule from across the lake
where it was by the phragmites on the lake opposite the well house. I
saw it with Tripper and someone named Clemens? who had it on a scope.
White horizontal stripe on wing.

I also saw a Northern Pintail and American Wigeon, photos attached.

Lenny

"snow" falling into the ballfields

My coworker David Chadwick snapped these photos yesterday ,4 SNOW GEESE mingling with the Canada Geese on Prospect ballfields at west Long Meadow.

The ballfields are now closed and that encourages birds to feel safe.

Nice to see snowy visitors in for the holidays.

Fwd: PP great blue heron, juv

Ridgewood reservoir site

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Tinsley Perky <deartinsleyperky@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <Prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, Dec 20, 2017 02:11 AM
Subject: PP great blue heron, juv


Hi Peter,
I wanted to share this photo of a young great blue heron from late
this afternoon (Tuesday), it was perched high up in a tree over
Lullwater and was perhaps trying to figure out what the ice between
itself and the fish was all about.

Note from Ridgewood Reservoir/Evergreens Cemetery: This is where all
the juncos have gone, I have been seeing maybe a dozen at a time over
the past few weeks. Also raptor regulars: 2 peregrines, 2 redtail
hawks, a merlin and a coopers hawk have been pretty constant.

Best, T

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Dec 19, 2017 5:01 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:

*** Species Summary:

- Common Gallinule (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

Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata) (1)
- Reported Dec 19, 2017 12:00 by Gus Keri
- 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/S41201486
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing bird. It seems that it is using the phragmite at the south west side of the Peninsula meadow, where the Sora once seen in the past, as its residence for the winter. Make sure to check the Lake side of the phragmite."

***********

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 Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 0:16 PM on Tue, Dec 19, 2017:
The Common Gallinule is still here. Went into phragmite where the Sora was once. Poor photo from the other side of the lake. Prospect park now. #birdbk via @BirdingGus https://t.co/p4QvphJfk2
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/943168251198046208?s=03)

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

Home | The Trust for Public Land 3x your gift pledge

https://www.tpl.org/#sm.0000hfyy1g9j2d6oxio2kfr0jshm2

Fwd: Preliminary Count Summary Kings County December 16th

Thanks to master compiler Rick Cech, atttached is the Kings County CBC results.

Peter

BBC trips chair

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick <rcech@nyc.rr.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <ProsBird@aol.com>

Sent: Mon, Dec 18, 2017 1:50 pm
Subject: Preliminary Count Summary

Peter: Here is preliminary count summary for posting. I'll send out the regular, more detailed reports later.

Let me know if any questions,

Rick

BKXMas 2017
Species	Count	Notes
Snow Goose	624
Brant	22957
Black Brant	cw
Canada Goose	3140
Mute Swan	137
Wood Duck	5	IRR
Northern Shoveler	277
Gadwall	118
Eurasian Wigeon	2	RARE
American Wigeon	88
Mallard	635
American Black Duck	742
Northern Pintail	22
Green-winged Teal	110
Greater Scaup	1560
Lesser Scaup	128
Common Eider	26	IRR
Surf Scoter	4
White-winged Scoter	64
Black Scoter	65
Scoter (sp.)	1507
Long-tailed Duck	156
Bufflehead	794
Common Goldeneye	26
Barrow's Goldeneye	cw	RARE
Hooded Merganser	111	All-time high
Common Merganser	13	IRR
Red-breasted Merganser	336
Ruddy Duck	1192
Ring-necked Pheasant	2
Pied-billed Grebe	10
Horned Grebe	102
Red-necked Grebe	3	IRR
Rock Pigeon	882
Mourning Dove	233
Common Gallinule	1	RARE (1st since 1996)
American Coot	28	10-year low
Black-bellied Plover	25
Killdeer	25	10-year high
Sanderling	300
Dunlin	115
Purple Sandpiper	6
American Woodcock	2
Greater Yellowlegs	8
Bonaparte's Gull	2
Laughing Gull	2	RARE
Ring-billed Gull	9146
Herring Gull	1656
Lesser Black-backed Gull	cw	IRR
Great Black-backed Gull	196
Red-throated Loon	134
Common Loon	160	10-year high
Northern Gannet	4915
Double-crested Cormorant	64	10-year low
Great Cormorant	35	10-year low
American Bittern	1	IRR
Great Blue Heron	19
Turkey Vulture	1	RARE
Bald Eagle	1	RARE
Northern Harrier	24
Sharp-shinned Hawk	7
Cooper's Hawk	9
Red-shouldered Hawk	2	IRR
Red-tailed Hawk	15
Rough-legged Hawk	1	IRR
Barn Owl	1	RARE
Great Horned Owl	1	IRR
Snowy Owl	1	IRR
Belted Kingfisher	2
Red-headed Woodpecker	cw	RARE
Red-bellied Woodpecker	34
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	13
Downy Woodpecker	35
Hairy Woodpecker	2
Northern Flicker	57
American Kestrel	7
Merlin	5
Peregrine Falcon	8
Monk Parakeet	5	10-year low
Blue Jay	163
American Crow	95
Fish Crow	25	IRR
Common Raven	2	IRR
Horned Lark	27	10-year low
Black-capped Chickadee	6	Low
Tufted Titmouse	3	10-year low
Red-breasted Nuthatch	1	10-year low
White-breasted Nuthatch	3	10-year low
Brown Creeper	3
House Wren	2	RARE
Marsh Wren	2	RARE
Carolina Wren	19
Golden-crowned Kinglet	7	IRR
Ruby-crowned Kinglet	6
Hermit Thrush	3	10-year low
American Robin	132
Gray Catbird	10
Brown Thrasher	1	IRR
Northern Mockingbird	85
European Starling	2148
Cedar Waxwing	2	10-year low
House Sparrow	729
American Pipit	20
House Finch	190
American Goldfinch	12	All-time low
Snow Bunting	98
Eastern Towhee	3
American Tree Sparrow	24
Chipping Sparrow	2
Field Sparrow	12
Savannah Sparrow	28
Grasshopper Sparrow	1	RARE (1st since 1962)
Fox Sparrow	14
Song Sparrow	259
Swamp Sparrow	25
White-throated Sparrow	331
Dark-eyed Junco	33	All-time low
Eastern Meadowlark	6
Baltimore Oriole	2	RARE
Red-winged Blackbird	30
Brown-headed Cowbird	cw
Common Grackle	153
Orange-crowned Warbler	6
Nashville Warbler	cw	RARE
Palm Warbler	1
Pine Warbler	1	RARE
Yellow-rumped Warbler	363
Northern Cardinal	164
Total	121
Count #	56,887
cw = Count week only