Two outstanding water species were reported,one continuing the other new at the Brooklyn Army Terminal(BAT) pier 4 . Bush terminal park was a secondary location for one of those rarities.
The immature drake KING EIDER continued today at BAT pier 4. It was observed in the presence of Gadwalls and American Wigeons in the North side of the pier in the northeast corner along the break wall.Look for the brown bodied duck,white breast and yellow orange bill. Its a terrific county bird.
BAT pier had its second day rarity ,found by Doug Gochfeld. Sitting in the water in the southeast corner on the other side was the American subspecies MEW GULL. Last weeks Mew Gull was the European subspecies called Common Gull. Eventually today's Mew Gull flew north and landed in the south cove of BushTerminal Park a mile away,found by Alan Bacchiochi.
Its a great time now for both these piers and winter birding visitation will certainly increase. We hope these birds stick around for Saturdays Christmas count. They are though counted as count week birds which started today.