BeautifulNativePlants: Winter Food for Birds

http://beautifulnativeplants.blogspot.com/2017/02/winter-food-for-birds.html 

Happy New Year greetings

The Kingsboider wishes everyone a Happy and prosperous New Year!

This year promises to be totally 2020 vision for good boids!

PABU continues

Report came out via today's Ebird that the Brooklyn Bridge Park PAINTED BUNTING (likely female) is hanging out on the grassy hillside with sparrows behind or above the Pier 5 dock.

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)- Reported Dec 31, 2019 09:35 by Calista McRae
- 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/S62810260
- Comments: "continuing, pointed out by other birders, in the tall grasses by pier 5. Female. Finch beak, fairly bright greenish-yellow."

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)- Reported Dec 31, 2019 09:35 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/S62810251
- Comments: "continuing, pointed out by other birders, in the tall grasses by pier 5. Female. Finch beak, fairly bright greenish-yellow."

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)- Reported Dec 31, 2019 08:05 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S62808260
- Comments: "Continuing at Pier 5 uplands. At one point perched on top of Ample Hills with House Sparrows!"

ReplyForward

More details PABU

Subject: Painted Bunting, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Date: Mon Dec 30 2019 6:53 am
From: mjyuan AT gmail.com
 
Continues in upland area east of the marina between Piers 3 and 5. Feeding on tall grasses on the north end of the hill.

Mike Yuan
Brooklyn, NY 

BkBrPk PABU details

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Dec 30, 2019 15:52 by Sam Meigs
- Brooklyn Bridge Park--Pier 5, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6944557,-74.0004804&ll=40.6944557,-74.0004804
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S62787354
- Comments: "Bright green songbird, lighter breast.  Seen where reported at 12pm on the grass hill by pier 5. Hanging out with sparrows." 

Painted Bunting movements

Today's Paint Bunting at the Brooklyn Bridge Park decided to move around abit.

Reports from Mike Yuan mentioned the bird in the morning found in Pier 4 area before it moved back to Pier 5 about lunchtime. So, if you are aiming for it, heads up!

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

Varies Thrush reported on Ravine behind Upper Pool. See report below

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Mon, Dec 30, 2019, 1:38 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Eastern Phoebe (1 report)
- Varied Thrush (1 report)

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

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Dec 30, 2019 11:13 by Theodore Muth
- 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S62776387
- Comments: "See at bridge across from bird feeders and beneath the Memorial pillar. Perched a few feet off ground and flicking tail."

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Dec 30, 2019 11:13 by Theodore Muth
- 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S62776387
- Comments: "Behind dog pond at top of ravine. Large thrush with characteristic breast patterning. Perched about 8 ft off ground. Flew across path to the north and dog pond. Poor quality photo available."

***********

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

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

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) NYD Prospect walk

Brooklyn Bird Club (@BklynBirdClub) tweeted at 10:35 PM on Sun, Dec 29, 2019:
Pop Up New Years Day Walk led by Karen Ohearn! Meet 9AM @ Breeze Hill Feeders.

https://t.co/6A116pxC8W
(https://twitter.com/BklynBirdClub/status/1211491036205404160?s=03)

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

Painted Bunting 4.jpg (2078×1169)

Charles Tang's photo of Brooklyn Bridge Park Painted Bunting today

Painted Bunting details Brooklyn Bridge Park

Heather Wolf observer.photos in checklist

at pier 5, Take the path going upland that is across from the Soccer Field - the path will take you along the berm.

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) (1)
- Reported Dec 29, 2019 11:47 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: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S62739574
- Comments: "Olive yellow back, brighter underparts, thick bill, eating seeds with field sparrows. Pier 5. Have photos

Varied Thrush details and photos ( in checklist link)

Original observer report

Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) (1)
- Reported Dec 29, 2019 09:13 by Brad Luckhardt
- 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/S62739686
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Orange chest and throat with brown chest band. White belly. Orangey-white eyebrow and wing bars. Brown head, longish bill. Seen low in bushes in a tangle. Flew to nearby tree and then across the creek between the Neathermead and the Center Drive bridge." 

Local holiday mega rarity treats

There's a folklore saying that says lighting doesn't strike the same spot twice. I googled that and it said:

TRUTH: The old saying that 'lightning never strikes the same placetwice' is another myth that any veteran storm observer or researcher has seen nature defy. Lightning can strike any location more than once. In fact, given enough time, it is actually inevitable.

The reason for my analogy is that today a Mega rarity VARIED THRUSH was found in the exact same general area as the last Varied Thrush not long ago. That bird, ironically found by a visiting Washington state birder hung around the Nethermead (3Arches) Bridge. Weird,huh?

Today's Varied Thrush found by Brad Luckhardt who showed his photo to local birding maestro Rob Jett late morning , appeared within the Binnen pool woods on the Nethermead Bridge south border. I presumed it was along the creek that runs parallel to the bridle trail was its territory. Rob had to search for the bird and found it in the same area,perched high in a locust tree. I'll find out more later.

If a Varied Thrush isn't enough on the same day, theres a second strike,another mega rarity showed up in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Local patch bird Heather Wolf pulled off a terrific find with a female PAINTED BUNTING a real " greenie" at Pier 5; later Charles Tang refound the bird on a back path on the edge of pier 5. 

Two great birds on the same day! That's stupendous!

On a lesser note ,still rare anywhere,an ORANGE CROWNED WARBLER was observed atop the Lefrak Rink greenroof. Bob Oneill reported it near the Zamboni steam pipe ,surrounded by a short steel fence. ( The southern chimney we call it affectionately the French fries pipe)

Tweet from Heather Wolf (@heatherwolf) female PAINTED BUNTING bklyn bridge park pier 5

Heather Wolf (@heatherwolf) tweeted at 2:45 PM on Sun, Dec 29, 2019:
Painted Bunting, my 164th patch bird!  Today at #Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5. #nyc #birding #birds https://t.co/wKB21I0Yjc
(https://twitter.com/heatherwolf/status/1211372614532444161?s=03)

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

Prospect MEGA VARIED THRUSH

being seen in the Binnen Pool area towards three arches Nethermead bridge. I presume the back woods of the pond along the bridle trail.

Look for birders.

Binnen Pool lies at the East north fringe of the Nethermead.

The megararity was originally found by Brad Luckhardt.

More details later

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) Rink OCWA

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 11:44 AM on Sun, Dec 29, 2019:
Bob Oneill reports Orange crowned warbler on Lefrak rink greenroof by Zamboni steam pipe ( with iron fence). Also a Carolina wren
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/1211327030563880963?s=03)

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

A wandering pheasant?

I read a report today of a Ring  necked Pheasant found in an unlikely place, particularly a relatively new park:Bush Terminal Pier Park.

This park even at 62 acres likely has only 25 acres tops in my view what is brushy habitat. So how the heck did a pheasant get there into an isolated coastal park in a highly commercial industrial area?

An entertaining thought of an odd sighting but nevertheless the emphasis on the critical value of green coastal spaces.

A good one for BushTPP

Post Xmas notables

On this day after Christmas, it's a gull standout and the same warbler we been hearing so much about ( and still no luck for me 😕)

At Bush Terminal Park, a first winter Iceland Gull was reported. Found this morning by Tripper Paul, the gull stationed itself on the rocks near the osprey nest. It didn't stay for long based on another birders later report.

The hardy Wilson's warbler still entertains lucky birders , seen at its usual location by Well Drive shipping containers. I of course stopped by and still found zilch. I was told by a lucky birder who saw it several times that the Warbler pops out fleetingly before hunkering in.

That's the breaks I guess.

Bush terminal checklist ( note also high # lesser scaup for site)

https://ebird.org/checklist/S62650376

Help wanted : waterfowl counter

The upcoming waterfowl count on Jan 18th thru 26th will be conducted by a few birders covering Kings  different areas west of Flatbush ave. I'll be covered my area done for at least 40 years.

Because of a long time birder's retirement I'm ( as default coordinator) in need of another birder a Waterfowl expert to cover the coast from Sunset Park army terminal pier 4 ,bush terminal park into the red hook region.

The count can be done any day between the 18th to 26th but best early to preclude bad weather

Email me if interested.

Christmas Day Wilsons

To the lucky few,how many can boast seeing a Wilson's Warbler on Christmas Day?

Several birders submitted on Ebird reporting this bright male bird  continuing its remarkable run,sticking true to the slope behind the Well Drive shipping containers. Now that's a stocking stuffer!

Fwd: Christmas Greetings from a Cooper's Hawk

Photo Sent by Orrin T, this Cooper s Hawk on Greenwood Cemetery Crescent Water apparently forgot to bring its skates 😄. Photo from yesterday. 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Orrin Tilevitz <tilevitzo@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 24, 2019, 5:10 PM
Subject: Christmas Greetings from a Cooper's Hawk
To: prosbird@gmail.com <prosbird@gmail.com>

Christmas greetings

The Kingsboider wishes all a Merry Christmas and a joyful festive holiday with family and friends. Joyeux Noel!

Christmas Eve birding

On this Christmas Eve,an hour or so birding does the mind and spirit good. So, even when it's a quiet day, I hopped over to Prospect.

A still mostly frozen lake wouldn't have many ducks. Nevertheless, I spotted the four Wood ducks in the lake center, obviously overwhelmed by numerous Northern Shovelers. A quick check of the gulls revealed nothing unusual. Finding something rare requires great luck so my Christmas stocking remains empty.

Speaking of an empty stocking,I'm still striking out with the Wilson's warbler. Having gone at least ten times visiting the three container spot,it was reported an hour before my arrival. Debbie,another birder and i waited for at least twenty minutes. I should ask NORAD which is tracking Santa now for some help.,🎅

The feeders was my next stop. Not expecting much in this off year for winter finches, I found the feeders dominated by House finches and red winged blackbirds.

There's hope though as Winter just started. You need to have the right spirit and hope the new day brings some goodies our way.

By the way, there was a reported flyby Glaucous Gull at Bush Terminal Park observed by Jonathan Perez; Kathy Toomey had the continuing Eastern Phoebe at Greenwood Cemetery; and last,Linda Labella saw the Orangecrowned watbler at Lefrak's rink green roof. Those are prized goodies for starters.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Wilson Warbler sticks around Prospect Well Dr

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) (1)
- Reported Dec 23, 2019 12:50 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/S62568386
- Comments: "Continuing, by the Wellhouse Drive shipping containers. Bright yellow with distinct black cap.  Looking active and healthy"
 

From Janet Zinn :"it's a crazy longshot but if any of my Prospect Park birder friends happen to come across my Nikon lens hood in the park, please pick it up :) Got home today and realized it was missing! Ran out and retraced our steps but didn't find it. We were on Breeze Hill, Quaker Hill by the pools, along the Lullwater, and spots in between. It has brown camo material on it which doesn't help finding it in the leaves :( $65 to replace, ug! 😫

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10218757846929336&id=1594815900&ref=m_notif&notif_t=group_activity 

Email me prosbird@aol.com if someone finds.

Kb

Tweet from Mike Elfassy (@mikelfassy) PP VESPER sparrow

Reported at the North section of the Nethermead,photo attached in Twitter link

Mike Elfassy (@mikelfassy) tweeted at 6:16 PM on Sun, Dec 22, 2019:
I think I spotted a Vesper Sparrow in @prospect_park at the North end of Neathermead. @BirdBrklyn https://t.co/EMLtZp64Ma
(https://twitter.com/mikelfassy/status/1208889133009133569?s=03)

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

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

 Continuing-- remarkably --Wilson's & Orange crowned warblers plus Eastern Phoebe,all rare for the date.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Sun, Dec 22, 2019, 3:15 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:

*** Species Summary:

- Eastern Phoebe (1 report)
- Orange-crowned Warbler (1 report)
- Wilson's Warbler (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

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Dec 22, 2019 09:00 by Al Duvall
- 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/S62536615
- Comments: "Lakeside near Well House"

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 22, 2019 09:00 by Al Duvall
- 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/S62536615
- Comments: "In Rose Garden 9:15 AM"

Wilson's Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) (1)
- Reported Dec 22, 2019 09:00 by Al Duvall
- 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/S62536615
- Comments: "By Well House approx. 12:00"

***********

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

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

Hannukah greetings

Winter starts tonight 11:19 Whoo-hoo!

https://scontent.fewr1-
.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/79907214_10157450533606075_5759964156581117952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=o1dkYZ7IP6kAQmJxlU6jZJBUTpzkk8LThHqz0fzGXUs3Jp6sMfTT8_gbQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fewr1-5.fna&oh=eb28e460f3b35b2a34e772b162a035a1&oe=5E7C1508

Latest NYC BIRD ALERT ( excerpt of Kings) highest count for last weekend among 4 tallies

Last Sunday the Brooklyn Christmas Count recorded a nice 129 species , with
their highlights including ICELAND and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, BLACK
SKIMMER, 11 AMERICAN WOODCOCKS, NORTHERN GOSHAWK, EASTERN PHOEBE, HOUSE
WREN, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, LINCOLN'S and VESPER SPARROWS, BALTIMORE ORIOLE,
and, among the WARBLERS, OVENBIRD, BLACK-AND-WHITE, ORANGE-CROWNED,
NASHVILLE, and WILSON'S.

A Georgia family found an owl hiding in their Christmas tree - CNN

It wasn't a partridge in a pear tree ( just some screech)

https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/18/us/owl-christmas-tree-found-trnd/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1YCI8xKBKavoK_6Tv8CNf2neaTXSJRUOvtTd2E96eEgrmnsxI0rznv8Qo

Fwd: Iceland Gull

Should stick around..great to have the park there.. the army terminal about 1/2 mile west also good spot ( pier to the right of the bush terminal army entrance or where the seastreak ferry docks. Even farther west is the owls head Bay ridge Ave pier..

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rob Bate <robsbate@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Dec 18, 2019, 12:53 PM
Subject: Iceland Gull
To: Peter Dorosh <prosbird@gmail.com>

At Bush Terminal Park this morning.

What we do ( or should do) as birders

Tweet from Heather Wolf (@heatherwolf). Field Sparrow

Heather Wolf (@heatherwolf) tweeted at 7:58 AM on Tue, Dec 17, 2019:
Field Sparrow, #Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5. #nyc #birding #birds https://t.co/l13qMaYfOz
(https://twitter.com/heatherwolf/status/1206921620000034817?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Eandroid%7Ctwgr%5Egmail%7Ctwcon%5E7090%7Ctwterm%5E3)

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

Fwd: Thank you for your Correspondence

Sample letter I used from the Safina Center. Dec 21st is the deadline to create a marine safe protection zone for marine and bird life in Long Island Sound which borders long island's North shore ,the Bronx east shore and Connecticut.

Let's be active conservationists!

-----Original Message-----
From: Governor Cuomo <Governor.Cuomo@exec.ny.gov>
To: prosbird <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Tue, Dec 17, 2019 10:25 AM
Subject: Thank you for your Correspondence

Thank you for your email. To build a stronger, better New York, we need the participation of citizens like you – sharing your ideas, comments, and concerns. Your input is invaluable to our mission to create a government that works for its people, and I appreciate you taking the time to contribute your feedback.
 
I want to assure you that your letter has been received and that it will be read and shared with the appropriate members of my staff.
 
I encourage you to visit my website, www.governor.ny.gov, where you can review my Administration's initiatives and familiarize yourself with my office and your state government. You can also follow us on Twitter at @NYGovCuomo and Facebook at www.facebook.com/GovernorAndrewCuomo for the latest updates.
 
Thank you again for sharing your perspective and for joining in the effort to build a new New York.
 
Sincerely,
 
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Ocean Issues - The Safina Center petition for Long Island Sound protection

http://safinacenter.org/ocean-issues/?fbclid=IwAR23lKmBsJ0EtR9v_R-C7wNGVZ3yKxnyhBDnwStyRtDWSTtHWOH6heXXP2M#Plum

Brooklyn bird-lovers take part in Christmas Bird Count - Brooklyn Paper

https://www.brooklynpaper.com/130062-christmas-bird-count-brooklyn/

Fwd: NYC Designer Launches GBT Line

Launched by Brooklyn bird club members Tina and Angie ,it's a vital conservation movement to save critical grassland habitats. 

"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape — the loneliness of it; the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show."

- Andrew Wyeth, American painter

-----Original Message-----
From: Grassland Bird Trust <info@grasslandbirdtrust.org>
To: prosbird <prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Mon, Dec 16, 2019 09:29 AM
Subject: NYC Designer Launches GBT Line

12/16/2019 eNews View this email in your browser NYC CLOTHING DESIGNER LAUNCHES NEW GBT LINE North America has lost 3 Billion Birds in the last 50 years. Tina Alleva and Angie Co recently launched The Bird Collective, an apparel company featuring eco-friendly clothes and accessories, to help fund projects that can reverse that decline and create a better future for birds and wildlife.  They chose GBT as the first conservation organization the Bird Collective will support!   GBT will receive 15% of sales through the next six months.  The funds will support the land trust's work to conserve  critical habitat for endangered and at-risk grassland birds.  GBT will continue to receive 15% on all sales in the GBT line.  SHOP THE COLLECTION Copyright © 2019 Grassland Bird Trust, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or gave us permission to contact you. Our mailing address is: Grassland Bird Trust P.O. Box 82 Fort Edward, NY 12828 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  Facebook Twitter Instagram Website

YB CHAT Rose Garden sunday

Reported by Al Duvall with a photo. I posted the checklist below

Wilson's warbler continue s at the Wellhouse to shipping containers slope range

Orange crowned completes the warbler trifecta with it's continuing presence at the Vale of Cashmere as of yesterday.

Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) (1)
- Reported Dec 15, 2019 09:00 by Al Duvall

- 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/S62340791
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In Rose Garden"