Friday, November 30, 2018

Siskin / sparrow frenzy

The Redheads of yesterday didn't bother sticking around. But what we do have is a hot zone under a sweetgum grove that was replete with Siskins and sparrows.

Karen O'Hearn ventured out to Prospect and found the sweetgums near the West Island gazebo shelter a frenzy of siskins and sparrows. Along the water edge and heavy leaf clutter she observed over twenty PINE SISKINS mixed in with seven species of sparrows. The feeding frenzy delayed her for close to two hours there, a good thing when one hopes for a good bird. I ventured over there on my late lunch hour and saw it quite active, finding though only 2 Pine Siskins. Its no surprise there with the sweetgum seed all over the place.



But a terrific highlight for me and Karen on separate occasions at that Sweetgum grove involved a juvenile RED TAILED HAWK . I was taken by surprise by a swooping Redtail that almost hugged the ground in an attempt to grab a bird , before unsuccessfully flying through the Phragmites. I assumed the same maneuver took Karen by surprise as well.

On the Lake even with the Redheads absence, a continuing ICELAND GULL still resides on the chilly waters. Karen reported the sighting.




Tweet from ko (@KarenOhearn) bird bath

ko (@KarenOhearn) tweeted at 11:27 AM on Fri, Nov 30, 2018:
20 plus Pine Siskin and 8 sparrow sp. bathing in puddles next to to Sweet gum at Greenwood Avenue entrance
(https://twitter.com/KarenOhearn/status/1068541936116686851?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from ko (@KarenOhearn) pp island gull

ko (@KarenOhearn) tweeted at 10:28 AM on Fri, Nov 30, 2018:
Iceland continues on lake Prospect Park
(https://twitter.com/KarenOhearn/status/1068527198812815360?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Fwd: prospect lake Redhead ducks


Charles Tang photo'd


Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Tang <charles.tang@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <Prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Nov 30, 2018 12:41 AM
Subject: Redhead ducks








Yesterdays Iceland Gull checklist


Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Nov 29, 2018 12:45 by Kathleen Toomey
- 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50304271
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "First winter - looks like the one we saw yesterday: all black bill, about the size of nearby Herring Gulls, pale off white coloration whole bird including wing tips. Darkish smudge around eye"

Correction on yesterdays Redheads. They were originally found by Joshua Malbin

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Fwd: BBC First Sunday Walk Dec 2nd at 10am


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tina Alleva <tinamariealleva@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Nov 28, 2018, 10:27 AM
Subject: BBC First Sunday Walk Dec 2nd at 10am
To:


Join us this Sunday December 2nd for the Brooklyn Bird Club's first Sunday walk in Prospect Park. This walk starts at 10am at the Boathouse.  Dynamic duo Angie Co and Ryan Goldberg will be leading, and have promised us Evening Grosbeaks. (just kidding but they can probably find you a Pine Siskin or two)  Bring your bins. See you then!







eBird Checklist – Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings County, New York, US – Thu Nov 29, 2018 – 6 species

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50305579

A wonderful view of close in flock of REDHEAD DUCKS ,split evenly into drakes and hens. A few RUDDY DUCKS hung with them . As the sun set,a drake BUFFLEHEAD joined the Redheads drifting towards Three Sisters islands.

While several of us viewed the uncommon ducks, the drake WOOD DUCK glided along the shore near us, entering the sun's bright reflection on the water.

A worthy and satisfying species like Redheads to see after work. Thanks to Gus Keri finding the special ducks from the morning.

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) Redhead ducks

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 3:44 PM on Thu, Nov 29, 2018:
The close 6 REDHEAD DUCKS seen well from Peninsula meadow. Rescue ladder 19 prospect lake
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1068244275027222528?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) Iceland photo

Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) Iceland gull

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 3:31 PM on Thu, Nov 29, 2018:
Iceland Gull on Prospect Lake again, in the middle
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1068241054032429057?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Overdue Redhead Ducks come to town

For Prospect Lake's large size, we would think Redhead Ducks would be more generous coming here. But they aren't common here ( just like the Northern Pintail), But I received a report from Kathy Toomey they came in this afternoon.

The report from Kathy says the REDHEADS--number not yet known -- are located between the Peninsula thumb and the meadow. More specifically towards the wood bench at the Peninsula's meadow. These are the first here since December 28th, 2015 with a single bird seen by Dennis H..Before that it was 8 years , 6 birds on Nov 27th, 2007. As soon as 330 pm strikes, I'm quickly out  of my office to see the ducks, my favorite species.

In other news , the feeders saw 5 PINE SISKINS. Nomadic birds as they are, lets hope these siskins stick around awhile. Purple Finches are also present with the usual nice numbers.


Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 3:08 PM on Thu, Nov 29, 2018:
Redheads still here. Close to Peninsula between Thumb and Least Bittern beach
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1068235197471211525?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Fwd: Eastern Phoebe


in prospect


-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Tang <charles.tang@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <Prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Nov 29, 2018 12:46 am
Subject: Eastern Phoebe

Yesterday a late Eastern Phoebe and a large flock of Cedar Waxwings.





Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Prospects Iceland gulls details

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni) (2)
- Reported Nov 28, 2018 12:40 by Sean Sime
- 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50279199
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "1st winter and likely the same 3rd winter from over the weekend."

eBird Checklist – Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings County, New York, US – Wed Nov 28, 2018 – 16 species

Fwd: Call to birders and wildlife photographers - Researchers need your help looking for marked brant!


Citizen Science project

-----Original Message-----
From: Stiller, Joshua C (DEC) <joshua.stiller@dec.ny.gov>

Sent: Wed, Nov 14, 2018 9:20 am
Subject: Call to birders and wildlife photographers - Researchers need your help looking for marked brant!

Good morning,
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is requesting your group's help resighting Atlantic brant with color markers and transmitters.  We would greatly appreciate it if you could share this note with your members.
Last year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) kicked-off a 5-year collaborative Atlantic brant migration and breeding ecology study with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Crews began marking brant with GPS transmitters and plastic colored tarsal bands with tiny geolocators attached to them. Colored bands with geolocators have a 3 digit alphanumeric code on them.  The geolocators themselves are clear, plastic electronics about the size of a "fat nickel" and are with a plastic cable lock tie.  Also, crews this winter will begin marking brant with two colored leg bands instead of one.  These colored bands will have only one number/letter instead of 3; that way they can be read from a farther distance. 
 
A Brant with a tarsal band with geolocator labeled A46 being held.
Figure 1- Colored leg band with a geolocator
A Brant with a backpack transmitterd being held by a wildlife rehabilitator
Figure 2- GPS transmitter
Figure 3- New leg bands that will be deployed this winter, one on each leg
How can you help?
Resightings and/or photographs of color banded and transmittered birds are very helpful to the study. 
  1. If you see a brant with a colored leg band(s), please report the observation to the Bird Banding Laboratory at www.reportband.gov. Under the "what" tab of the reporting form, select "Color marker only (neck collar, wing tag, colored leg band, etc.)".  After you enter the report information, the website will also give you the option of uploading photographs of the bird; if you were able to capture a picture of the bird and marker, please upload your photo!  If you observe one of the birds with two colored leg bands later this winter or in subsequent years of this project, please note the color of each band, color of the lettering, the number/letter on each band, and which leg each band was on (right or left leg of the bird).  When you complete the report, the bird banding lab will e-mail you a certificate of appreciation for your time and assistance. 
  2. If you see a bird with a transmitter, but NO color leg band, please send an e-mail to Joshua.Stiller@dec.ny.gov to report your observation.  Pictures of the bird would be greatly appreciated.
 
For more information on the study, please visit the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/115179.html
 
If you have any additional questions, please let me know.  We greatly appreciate your assistance on this research project!
Josh
Josh Stiller
Wildlife Biologist, Migratory Game Birds, Bureau of Wildlife
 
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754
P: (518) 402-8861 | F: (518) 402-8925 | Joshua.Stiller@dec.ny.gov
 
www.dec.ny.gov | cid:image002.gif@01D01928.215FD820 | cid:image001.gif@01D01927.D33C0790          
 

Two "scoops" of Iceland

 Kathy Toomey found an ICELAND GULL that found accompaniment from a second ICELAND found by Sean Sime, two "scoops' of a rare gull on this chilly day.

The Toomey bird was a 1st year whereas the Sime Gull was a 3rd year, Going by their bills, an all black bill and a dark tipped bill defined the gulls respectively. Both were in the western third of the lake about 400 feet from the western shore. Sean had a scope that clarified the Scope views. An early afternoon double dose of a good bird warms the heart ...






Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) 2 ICELAND GULLS

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:27 PM on Wed, Nov 28, 2018:
Two Iceland gulls on prospect lake best seen from west shore. 1st and 3rd year birds Id by Sean
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1067847512080482304?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) white winged gull sps

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 0:42 PM on Wed, Nov 28, 2018:
White-winged gull on Prospect Lake. Maybe Iceland
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1067836131755114499?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Fwd: Bat

Great photo of a Prospect Red Bat recently. Note the dragonfly the bat is targeting. Photo by Charles.

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Tang <charles.tang@gmail.com>
To: Peter Dorosh <Prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 27, 2018 06:51 PM
Subject: Bat


Hi Peter,
Sunday was warmer and the insects were hatching. The bats were all over the park. The photo is not sharp. But here it is. 
Charles



Fwd: new Brooklyn Bird Club Clapper Rail

For our readers courtesy of the newsletter committee and Ryan Goldberg


"Dull November brings the blast,
Then the leaves are whirling fast."


   --Sara Coleridge


feeders and lake ducks

A single PINE SISKIN continues to visit the feeders  along with a few PURPLE FINCHES.

A refill day as suet ran out and more sunflower to fill to the brim the mesh feeders. A variety of birds came, the usual suspects of Chickadee, Titmouse, Blue Jay, etc .

At the Lake southwest corner , West Island cove specifically, I found hen AMERICAN WIGEON, hen BUFFLEHEAD among the ever present Shovelers and Black Ducks. Alot of gulls but the harsh glare and absence of a scope had me forgetting about looking at the gulls.

Fwd: purple finch Sunday feeders



"Dull November brings the blast,
Then the leaves are whirling fast."

   --Sara Coleridge


-----Original Message-----
From: Lily Shih <lilyshih22@yahoo.com>
To: prosbird <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Nov 27, 2018 9:39 am
Subject: purple finch

Hi Peter, 
please see attached 2 pictures of purple finch perch on bird feeder.

Thanks,
Lily

Monday, November 26, 2018

Surprising Black Vulture

On dreary Monday, (particularly if you have to return to work after the holiday weekend), a surprising BLACK VULTURE appeared over Lookout Hill today .

Will Pollard reported a Black Vulture flyover this morning over Lookout Hill. With its diagnostic off white wingtips, this species isn't hard to identify. It's not the first time around this time of year a Black Vulture comes around; we even had a few in midwinter in recent years. But nevertheless its a rare find now.

In another highlight , one of my coworkers reported watching a park visitor released an AMERICAN WOODCOCK; I was told it was released near the Lakeside center. The woman was observed carrying a box and that aroused my coworkers suspicions. What's bizarre was the woman found the bird in Manhattan at 59th street and bought it all the way to Prospect for the release. Brooklyn must be prime Timberdoodle country ? The woodcock I was told was fine and did its iconoclastic dance after wards. Well that's good news...







Tweet from will pollard (@billmiky) BLACK VULTURE Lookout Hill Prospect

will pollard (@billmiky) tweeted at 10:04 AM on Mon, Nov 26, 2018:
Black vulture over lookout
(https://twitter.com/billmiky/status/1067071484143828992?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Sunday, November 25, 2018

Bush Terminal Park glaucous gull

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Nov 25, 2018 09:05 by Jason  Bailey
- Bush Terminal Piers Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6541609,-74.0204451&ll=40.6541609,-74.0204451
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50220949
- Comments: "Larger than Herring in foreground, lighter gray above, white wingtips, limited neck streaking."

Finch fest on feeders Sunday

About the outstanding sight for me today was seeing four species finch on one feeder. Leading the finch line was a single PINE SISKIN.

A busy Prospect feeders Sunday on a then sunny moment highlighted a single mesh feeder holding the Siskin,three Purple Finches including one bright male along with American Goldfinches and usual House Finch. A feeder over had its lid open and at one point two American Goldfinches were inside eating,using the lid as their protective cover.Another wonderful sighting had the bright raspberry colored Purple Finch perched on the suet feeder,facing the sun,an astounding illumination!

An Eastern Towhee male continues at the feeders. It would hop out from the perimeter joining a Fox Sparrow near the feeders pole. I included the list below Prospect Feeders from ebird link . I use" Prospect Feeders" pin for getting a better sense what is visiting the feeders over the years and I encourage you do it as well instead of the more general Prospect Park checklist.

The other good spot in the park is Quaker Cemetery main gate. Earlier Ryan G. reported several Pine SISKINS mingling with a goldfinch and juncos flock on the cemetery drive in. There's plenty of leaf clutter that shield the seeds of the big overshadowing Sweetgum tree, winter's food hoard. Check them all in the park whenever you can for winter finches. In 2014, Crossbills preyed on the Prospect sweetgums.

Ryan also reported eight Fox Sparrows by the cemetery gate. This area with the dense leaf clutter is exactly the double clutch sparrows like here.


Enjoy your week.

Fwd: Pine Siskins

Today ,at feeders and Quaker cemetery main gate drive

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tina Alleva <tinamariealleva@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 1:35 PM
Subject: Pine Siskins
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>





Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Nov 25, 2018


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Nov 25, 2018, 7:32 PM
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park--Feeders, Nov 25, 2018
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


Prospect Park--Feeders, Kings, New York, US
Nov 25, 2018 1:10 PM - 1:25 PM
Protocol: Stationary
13 species

Downy Woodpecker  1
Black-capped Chickadee  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
House Finch  2
Purple Finch  5
Pine Siskin  1
American Goldfinch  6
Fox Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Eastern Towhee  1
Red-winged Blackbird  1
Northern Cardinal  1
House Sparrow  2

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50220631

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

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:21 PM on Sun, Nov 25, 2018:
One prospect feeder a finch fest ,4 species : 1 pine Siskin,goldfinch,house ,purple (2)
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1066758759890984961?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Saturday, November 24, 2018

An Iceland Gull on Prospect Lake

It's the beginning of the gull season and eyes tune out to our local areas for the good winter gull.

One of the good places for a good gull would be Prospect lake. But you have to be lucky with the timing. There would be many times you won't find the rare gull on the Lake; but Sean Sime found the season's first ICELAND GULL early this afternoon. A photo shows a third winter bird in the water surrounded by thin ice.

I ventured out after three pm after returning home from family holiday in the Philadelphia area. I found almost 800 gulls in the lake middle.Ugh I said,just what I need: a needle in a haystack! I was told from my meeting minutes later with Karen she was looking for an hour and didn't succeed finding the Iceland Gull. There will be other days.

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Nov 24, 2018 13:30 by Sean Sime
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50185901
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Near adult. minimal black in wingtips. Dark bill tip. More rounded, dove like head shape than nearby HEGU. Size similar between the two species."


Friday, November 23, 2018

eBird Checklist – Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US – Fri Nov 23, 2018 – 37 species (+1 other taxa)

See Rusty Blackbird,Pine Siskin in Sime lisy


https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50158985

Over the holiday

Highlighted was an AMERICAN BITTERN seen Wednesday afternoon along prospect lake south shore. Found by Ryan Mandlebaum, the bittern was in a sort of camouflage behaviour,completely flat on the crushed reef surface near Three Sisters Island. The Bittern left overnight though despite a holiday search.

Late Eastern Phoebe's are atill being reported in the park.



Thursday, November 22, 2018

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Prospect feeders pre Thanksgiving

The Prospect feeders are getting their renown.It looks like the first Pine Siskin earlier in the midweek sent out an all points bulletin about Prospect's feeders as today birders saw an uptick in finchy numbers.

First it was "purple rain". After I added a suet cake, about 5 minutes later, 7 female PURPLE FINCHES arrived to tackle the sunflower feeders. Mostly sticking to the  feeder next to the red feeder, a male Purple Finch came later to make it eight birds. That's a good sighting !

Then mid morning as I was tending to my work task, Will Polllard tweeted out an excellent number of PINE SISKINS, five birds that later on seen in a photo posted on Facebook group Brooklyn Urban Birders, visited the thistle feeders. Come on in guys, plenty to consume!

After a second look with other birders for the siskin sighting, we lucked out as a COOPERS HAWK buzzed in trying to catch a prey. After the raptor intrusion, the feeders site became quiet for awhile.

A variety of other stuff now creates a beehive on and under the feeders. Chickadee, Nuthatch,Titmouse, Red bellied woodpecker with below ground foragers 3 FOX SPARROWS, White throat ed Sparrows, and a nice sighting of a male EASTERN TOWHEE. Its going to be a good feeder holiday tomorrow with the very cold snap fore casted.

Aside the feeders, Rob Bate reported Siskins at Quaker Cemetery. In a Sweet gum tree, with their delectable seed balls that cater to finches , a mixed flock of SISKINS and GOLDFINCHES were seen high up just inside the Cemetery main gate. Look for sweet gum trees now the hot zones for winter finches besides the feeders.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving and all the blessings the holiday brings.


Update : one of the Pine Siskins seen by Will maybe a "Green Morph"   see the link :

http://aviantendencies.blogspot.com/2009/01/variation-in-pine-siskins.html


Tweet from will pollard (@billmiky) feeder siskins

will pollard (@billmiky) tweeted at 10:13 AM on Wed, Nov 21, 2018:
5 siskins at feeder
(https://twitter.com/billmiky/status/1065261889926647810?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 8:37 AM on Wed, Nov 21, 2018:
7 female Purple Finches Prospect feeders
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1065237893990543361?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Feeders update

With a report of a lone Pine Siskin reported yesterday and the day before,its eagerly anticipated that our upcoming winter feeder season will be an exciting one. Here's hoping the siskin has texted his buddies and friends to come. We also are seeing Purple Finches that are visitors as well.

The feeders were refilled today for the Thanksgiving holidays. It should be enough seed thru Monday when I return to work.An additional thistle feeder was added and a replacement red feeder for the bigger birds ( that we hoped for finches)

Thanks to Rob Bate for his donation of Sunflower, Suet pack and thistle seed yesterday. The feeders again is contingent on your generosity to keep them going into March. Brooklyn Bird Club has a pay pal link if you are considering a donation.


Monday, November 19, 2018

Friday, November 16, 2018

Nature Walk with Brad Klein: Preparing for Winter - Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Quick look at feeders

My quick look to check the feeders to see if they were ok with all the downed tree limbs revealed by my naked eye a few birds.

When I stopped by , I found these feeder birds at Breeze Hill :  Chickadee, FOX SPARROW, Blue Jay, White Breasted Nuthatch, House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, & White Throated Sparrow. That's without the Binoculars..

Its going to be a busy birding weekend here as I lead my club on an overnight trip.

Hope for a good one !

why birding is healthy

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

This Could Be the Winter You Get Evening Grosbeaks at Your Feeder | All About Birds

Prospect Bird feeders new season



I'm delighted to announce that the Prospect Bird feeders are now up!

Just a few details and rules to relay.

The feeders are contingent on the generosity of birders and need donations for bird seed  be it black oil sunflower or thistle seed ( and occasional suet packs). I'm gratified that the Brooklyn Bird club has given me $100 to start the season for seed I purchased over the weekend. The rest is up to you ! Seed or cash donations are encouraged!  In addition, seed from outside NYC is generally cheeper than store brands here. For example: at Lowe's in Red Hook, a 40 lb bag cost $18.99. Thistle at 10 lbs is $13.49 but could be cheeper from other rural areas., especially at a warehoused stockhouse or wholesaler.

now a few rules.

Under no condition should anyone go into the feeder area. The feeders and site is maintained and refilled only by an authorized park employee ( namely me). No photographers inside the fence. The feeders are close enough for a zoom photo from the fence. Feeders will be only refilled once a week . This timetable allows for seed to be mostly consumed without wet seed left behind as weather takes its course; furthermore i have a busy work schedule. so please no contacting me when the feeders may be empty quickly. I'll get around to it Fridays .

If you see anything amiss like intrusion, kindly let the person know of the restriction; and email or text me the issue. There may be a other things like damage feeders, damaged fence or blow down limb, etc. Contact me via cell or email asap. If u don't have my info,email the Brooklyn Bird Club.

We should be grateful towards the Prospect Park Alliance for the use of the area and feeders existence every year.

Enjoy the exciting new season. Here's hoping we see rare winter finches this season!

Image result for evening grosbeak art




Monday, November 12, 2018

eBird Checklist – Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US – Mon Nov 12, 2018 – 45 species

Clay colored sparrow in GWC

Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) (1)
- Reported Nov 12, 2018 09:00 by Rafael Campos-Ramírez
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6555736,-73.9938211&ll=40.6555736,-73.9938211
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49891621
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Feeding along with Juncos, & CHSPs.  Photos taken."

Prospect lake ducks

With the sparrows now gone, birding draws down. Our approaching winter season shifts our attention to other more prominent birds like ducks.

Birding the marsh cove in the Hammerhead peninsula at southwest prospect lake,I only kicked up a Swamp Sparrow,a Song Sparrow and a RUBY CROWNED KINGLET in both the wet and dry grasses. Along the way to the east tip,I spotted 3 RING NECKED DUCKS.

Station at the tip opposite Three Sisters islands where the Ring-neckeds were, I was not expecting to see 6 HOODED MERGANSERS. The MERGANSERS only came out of islands strait momentarily. Both species had a single Drake in the mostly hen flocks. American Black Ducks reached 6 birds; 48 Ruddy and a minimal 70 Northern Shovelers could be seen from my observation post.

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 10:55 AM on Mon, Nov 12, 2018:
6 HOODED MERGANSERS + 3 RING NEVKED DUCKS north side of 3 Sisters Islands prospect lake. 1 Drake each
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1062011062848053249?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Sunday, November 11, 2018

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Red Xbill


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Nov 11, 2018, 3:29 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:


*** Species Summary:

- Red Crossbill (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 https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35645
NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated

Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) (1)
- Reported Nov 11, 2018 07:56 by Michael Yuan
- Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6523083,-73.9904281&ll=40.6523083,-73.9904281
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49862014
- Comments: "While standing at the NW end of the Dell Water, Josh, Rob, and I heard the rapid "kyiup" call, 5-6 hard downward notes. Could not visually locate the culprit."

***********

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Red Crossbill GWC

Per Mike Yuan Red crossbill heard at Dell Water Greenwood cemetery

Saturday, November 10, 2018

eBird Checklist – Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US – Sat Nov 10, 2018 – 43 species BROOKLYN BIRD CLUB WALK

Fwd: BBC Meeting Tuesday, November 13th



Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
To: membership <membership@brooklynbirdclub.org>
Sent: Sat, Nov 10, 2018 09:54 AM
Subject: BBC Meeting Tuesday, November 13th


Tuesday November 13th, 7pm

BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY, CENTRAL BRANCH AT GRAND ARMY PLAZA

BBC Evening Presentation:

John Connors Presents: Chimney Swifts and People

A Chimney Swift is an enigmatic little bird that spends almost its entire life airborne. When it lands, it can't perch—it clings to vertical walls inside chimneys or in hollow trees or caves. This species has suffered sharp declines as chimneys fall into disuse.

John Connors is a naturalist, environmental educator and one of the leaders in Wake Audubon's on-going effort to educate the public about Chimney Swifts. John recently retired from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. In his role as the Coordinator of the Naturalist Center, John lead thousands of programs for tens of thousands of children and visitors over the course of his career.

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/event/john-connors-presents-chimney-swifts-and-people/

Also, a reminder that your BBC membership expires December 31st. We will be sending out renewal notices shortly, but why not get a jump on it and renew now? You can renew quickly at our website via this link:

http://brooklynbirdclub.org/membership-info/

Thanks for your support of the Brooklyn Bird Club!

Dennis Hehowsik
Brooklyn NY

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) religious saw whet owl

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 9:10 AM on Sat, Nov 10, 2018:
NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL last night in Carroll Gardens by the church off President Street. Photo relayed to us from another taker by @bentrod. Details to follow as we get them. https://t.co/s8m42VgiSh
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/1061259874770796545?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)

Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 8:41 AM on Sat, Nov 10, 2018:
Bluebirds! (Behind Wellhouse cistern, Prospect Park.)
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/1061252503633907712?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Friday, November 9, 2018

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Events for November 2018 – Brooklyn Bird Club Saturday prospect walk Nov 10

Tweet from will pollard (@billmiky) prospect Pine SISKINS 407 pm

will pollard (@billmiky) tweeted at 4:07 PM on Thu, Nov 08, 2018:
2 pine siskins just flew from dog beach towards ball fields
(https://twitter.com/billmiky/status/1060639920136568832?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Eastern bluebirds

Per Shane B. 28 EABL just flew out of Owls Head park and headed west

Tweet from Heidi (@heidicleven) redtail watching

Heidi (@heidicleven) tweeted at 9:54 PM on Wed, Nov 07, 2018:
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk watching another RTH with great interest. Sylvan Water at Green-Wood Cemetery today. @GreenWoodHF https://t.co/rhkV1j980v
(https://twitter.com/heidicleven/status/1060364832791244801?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Fwd: GWC



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Nov 7, 2018 at 7:05 PM
Subject: GWC
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc: Chana Tilevitz <catilev@gmail.com>


Sharp-shinned hawk today off Cypress Ave.



 



--
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. 
                                 --John Muir

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

BkBrPark YBCH

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported Nov 06, 2018 15:10 by Sarang Gopalakrishnan
- 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49723995
- Comments: "pier 6, just east of the meadow; perched briefly on one of the red-leaved trees near the path. vivid deep-yellow breast, white spectacles with the bit of black, gray head and dull back; distinctly white under tail (it leaned over; we had a good, though momentary, view). considerably larger than a warbler, almost seemed chunky. hard to mistake."

Monday, November 5, 2018

Tweet from Linda Ewing (@lke313)

Linda Ewing (@lke313) tweeted at 8:25 AM on Mon, Nov 05, 2018:
Ring necked drake, SW corner of Prospect Lake, chilling w ruddy buddies.
(https://twitter.com/lke313/status/1059436630443024384?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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eBird Checklist – Prospect Park, Kings County, New York, US – Sun Nov 04, 2018 – 42 species

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49670419

Note red shouldered Hawk on 1st Sunday walk.

Bluebirds Sunday


A couple of EASTERN BLUEBIRDS appeared in the area,  early November omens.

Yesterday in Greenwood Cemetery, three birds at Oak Avenue and Ravine Path, reported by Richard Payne.Ann Murray found one Bluebird at the Sparrowbowl here in Prospect .

Friday, November 2, 2018

Fwd: 2 field sparrows



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, Nov 2, 2018 at 2:23 PM
Subject: 2 field sparrows
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>


GWC today--2 field sparrows along Cypress Ave

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:34 PM on Thu, Nov 01, 2018:
From Lenny G 122 : Vivid male dickcissel among song and white-throated sparrows at the ballfield berm near the fence ( prospect)

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S49619438

--
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1058049681215889409?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy)

Kathleen Toomey (@KingsKathy) tweeted at 0:37 PM on Thu, Nov 01, 2018:
Bluebird at small fenced in area Long Meadow PP across Meadow from Picnic House
(https://twitter.com/KingsKathy/status/1058035420938883073?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 10:15 AM on Thu, Nov 01, 2018:
EURASIAN WIGEON and hybrid American Wigeon at Bush Terminal Piers Park Pier via Gus Keri
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/1057999696998948865?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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Fwd: GWC birds

From Oct 31

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, Oct 31, 2018, 7:17 PM
Subject: today's GWC birds
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>




The ones that didn't get away.