Sunday, December 31, 2017

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!


Saturday, December 30, 2017

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.

Thursday, December 28, 2017

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 <--------

2Bald Eagle
Andrew Farnsworth
Ferry Line Rd, New York US-NY (40.6936,-74.0147)
Kings county (map)

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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

Sunday, December 24, 2017

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

Saturday, December 23, 2017

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

Friday, December 22, 2017

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

Thursday, December 21, 2017

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.


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

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

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

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

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