Brown Pelican incursion

With an invasion of pelicans reported on the south Brooklyn coast the past month, it's impossible to get them up  into northern Brooklyn. Of course , you need coastal views .

Today that happened:Gabriel Willow found 10 flyby in NY harbor from his Bush Terminal Park, the pellys flying south . So if you happen to be along shore parkway in Sunset Park towards Bay ridge and Gravesend ,you might luck in...

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

LBBG annual at BBP 🌉

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Dec 08, 2025 16:27 by Doug Gochfeld
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S288063545
- Comments: "2nd winter bird on the pilings. Apparently the same individual I saw last week when it was to dark to be sure of the species ID. Poor digiscoped photos and video

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Around the nabe

In Prospect park , especially the lake, an adult Bald Eagle perched on the Hammerhead, the southwest corner while a late Laughing Gull sat in the lake.

Over in Brooklyn botanic garden, an uncommon American Tree Sparrow appeared with juncos outside the native flora section, adjoining the Rose Garden.

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Flyover eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Dec 09, 2025 09:20 by E Nichols
- 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/checklist/S287930582
- Comments: "Giant, white tail"

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Late northern waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 09, 2025 08:45 by B F
- 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/checklist/S287924532
- Media: 1 Audio
- Comments: "Probably the continuing bird Forrest has been seeing, between Terrace Bridge and the Peninsula.  Some audio of the loud metallic chips as it appeared to be scared off by a Coop had attempted snag it, taking off towards the Peninsula sumacs."

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

BBC First Sunday walk

Led by Ryan Goldberg 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S287692619

Highlight Orange crowned warbler

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

Bbg yellow warblers

Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 10:21 by Marleny Rafferty
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287696836
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Female. All yellow warbler with plain face, pale legs and pale-edged wing feathers. Seen foraging in plant bed in Shakespeare Garden here: (40.6685683, -73.9623672) *photo to come"

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey
Robbins bio:
https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

OC warbler on Peninsula point

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 10:00 by Sam Goodson
- 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/checklist/S287686174
- Comments: "In the pines on the peninsula; confirmed by other birders"

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 09:50 by Ryan Goldberg
- 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/checklist/S287692619
- Comments: "Rare but regular overwinterer. Spotted by Taylor and seen up close in a pine at the Peninsula tip: a small pointy-billed warbler with gray head and broken white eye-arcs, blurry olive streaks on pale yellow breast, and brighter yellow undertail coverts. Several people got photos."

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 07, 2025 08:00 by Forrest Wickman
- 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/checklist/S287689231
- Comments: "Flagged for date: Found by Pedro in the phrags along the W side of the lake Judy N of West Island. Was mostly skulking in there, esp after a raptor came through and scared everything, but a warbler that was mostly a cold greenish yellow, with no wing bars, yellow under the tail, a gray head, and an eyeline (not an eyering). Terrible photo available."

"If we had not had a Christmas Bird Count in those early years, we would not have as strong an understanding of long term bird trends. Many of these changes take place gradually." - Chan Robbins, legendary biologist, retired USFWS employee, and creator of the North American Breeding Bird Survey

https://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/robbins/index.cfm















   

’Tis the Season for the Christmas Bird Count | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

'Tis the Season for the Christmas Bird Count | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service https://share.google/W6siGl4RA2yooai7s

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Devout( or devour?) Catholics ? 😆

Both Peregrines perched on my Catholic church cross.. looks like a Preying duo . 🙏🤗

It's a regular perch for Peregrines and red tailed hawks..

Pretty cool and happy they picked my church...

Photo taken by Ryan G. from his apartment which looks northwest to the church.

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Ravine OCWarbler

Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) (1)
- Reported Dec 06, 2025 10:51 by Paul Merle
- 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/checklist/S287551049
- Comments: "In with a flock on juncos on the hill behind upper pool. Overall yellow wash. Split eye ring. Grayish head. Yellow undertail coverts the brightest"

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

EVGR** Photos click on chklists

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 13:13 by Michael Sand
- 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/checklist/S287422664
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Two females continuing off Center Drive NW of Nethermead, nibbling on Box-Elder seeds. Large gray and yellow finches with hefty ivory colored beaks and bold wing-patches in flight. Flew off to the SW, then circled back ten minutes later. Mostly silent but heard their 'house sparrow on steroids' "CHIEW" calls when they flew in the second time."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:10 by C N
- 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/checklist/S287419894
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Seen on center drive. See photo."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)

- Reported Dec 05, 2025 14:00 by Z L

- 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/checklist/S287412205

- Comments: "Continuing birds from the morning. Pleased to see this bird for the 2nd time in my life. Went back to the Quaker cemetery. Calling Kleerr notes just before and during flight. Perched on the box elder and very casually eating. Large ivory bills. Photos tba."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Evgr photo

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:28 by Susie Dippel
- 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/checklist/S287413318
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Thanks to Brian for the find and Gabriel for the refind. Females. Bad pic attached."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Eve grosbeak 130

Evening grosbeak base of Lookout Hill path across from Quaker cemetery main gate prospect park thx to birders and Toby

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 12:30 by Marleny Rafferty
- 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/checklist/S287392108
- Comments: "Was alerted by Discord.  South end of Nethermead up in a Box Elder tree eating seeds.  Giving decent looks.  Will post pics."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 10:28 by Alexandra Tey
- 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/checklist/S287390594
- Comments: "found this morning by Brian Fox. two females shredding box elder seeds. big chunky beaks, gray-brown bodies, powdery yellow around neck"

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 10:27 by Joseph Trezza
- 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/checklist/S287387062
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Cont. photo - center drive 2 fem types"

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Quaker Cemetery EVENING GROSBEAKS**

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (2)
- Reported Dec 05, 2025 07:41 by Forrest Wickman
- 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/checklist/S287375727
- Comments: "Rare/irruptive, and seems like a good winter for them—this is the third and fourth documented in the park in the past couple of months. Great find by B F, who's been scouring the park for them and heard one or both fly out of the Quaker Cemetery to feed in the boxelder, loaded with samaras, on the W side of the Nethermead. I hustled over and got to watch them chomp down on those seeds for a few minutes, before they flew back to the Quaker Cemetery, making their way gradually east along Center Dr, where we finally lost them. Wouldn't be surprised if they return back to that original tree tho. Photos." 

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Garden tip

Winter is a tough time for birds. With insects and berries gone, they rely on native plants for food.

Goldfinches love dried coneflower heads, while juncos and sparrows dig for goldenrod seeds under the snow. Chickadees search native grasses for leftovers.

Cleaning gardens too early removes crucial winter food sources. Leaving dried plants can help keep our feathered friends alive! 🐦❤️🌾

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

High fly SANDHILL CRANES **

At 327 this afternoon, Gabriel Willow for the second time within the past three weeks spotted 6 high flying Sandhill Cranes over sunset park nabe 

The flock ,distinguished thru a photo taken, were flying northwest ,seen over 4th Ave approaching 25th Street. Some alerted birders with help from discord, spotted the flock from Greenwood Cemetery .They then reversed course,later seen from the Kosciusko Bridge.

Keep your eyes Up! 

And great spotting Gabriel!

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6) CONFIRMED
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 15:22 by Gabriel Willow
- 475 41st Apt, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.650361,-74.005257&ll=40.650361,-74.005257
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287306908
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Observed from 3:27pm-3:39pm. High, flying from NE to SW, initially high over Green-Wood then roughly over 4th Ave. They eventually circled to the NW and flew over Redhook and possibly lower Manhattan. Large, slow-flapping, with extended necks and legs. Photos."

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6)
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 16:07 by Kenny Barone
- Kosciuszko Bridge (Kings Co.), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7275027,-73.929401&ll=40.7275027,-73.929401
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S287307334
- Comments: "Seen flying overhead on the K bridge headed southwest"

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) (6)
- Reported Dec 04, 2025 14:46 by Andrea Trigueros
- 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/checklist/S287313653
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "W/NW bound flock high up. Long straight neck. Digiscope photo."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Prospect Park announced as a Blue Belt Storm mitigation site

• News 12: Brooklyn to receive $68M to alleviate flooding to Prospect Park, surrounding areas
• CBS 4: Brooklyn's Prospect Park to receive $50 million in flood-mitigation improvements
• Brooklyn Paper: City to build build 'nature-based' flash flood protections in Prospect Park
• BK Reader: New Bluebelt in Prospect Park Poised to Tackle Brooklyn Flooding
• Gothamist: NYC wants Prospect Park to drain more of Central Brooklyn's floodwater

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Prospect quality

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Dec 03, 2025 10:00 by Stephan Nance
- 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/checklist/S287192857
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "adult male. photo"

also:  reported at Lefrak Rink brushy area south side Orange Crowned Warbler seen by Forrest...

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Mich GWC checklist

https://ebird.org/checklist/S287196982

note Wilson's Snipe and Baltimore Oriole

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Balt oriole gwc

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) (1)
- Reported Nov 30, 2025 09:05 by Brad Vatrt
- 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/checklist/S286823042
- Comments: "Continuing bird at Yerkes monument. Found with Rob. Fairly bright orange tinge, dark wings, white wing-bar and an oriole's pointy bill. Unusual for this time of year, but individuals seem to be sticking around longer with milder winters."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Bald eagle flyover

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Nov 29, 2025 09:20 by Paul Merle
- 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/checklist/S286662261
- Comments: "Juv soaring over lulwater"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Nov 29, 2025 10:46 by Brooke Holman
- Prospect Park--Feeders Only, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6580479,-73.9676857&ll=40.6580479,-73.9676857
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S286668538
- Comments: "Juvenile soaring overhead, observed by the leader of the Brooklyn Bird Club walk. She said she could tell because of the straight wings."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

**Black headed Gull Prospect lake

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) (1)
- Reported Nov 28, 2025 13:24 by Ant Tab
- 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/checklist/S286530163
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Yes!!! One of my top Prospect targets. I'd been scanning the gulls from the west side of the lake for about half an hour with nothing but RBGU and AHGU and decided to make my way back towards Nethermead. Took one last glance at the gulls from the north side and noticed a possible LBBG candidate. Snapped some distant photos that revealed just a dark-mantled AHGU, but in the background of the photo was a blurry blob resembling a small Chroicocephalus gull. I ran back around towards SW side of lake and got a better look of the bird, its red bill, and black patch behind ear. The bird sat and bathed on lake for a bit until a pair of RTHA came in and terrorized the gull flock. I last saw the bird circling high over the lake, slowly heading south out of the park. Hopefully it returns!"

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Tend a real winter garden this year - New Jersey Conservation Foundation

https://www.njconservation.org/winter-garden/

Important read for preservation of creatures and ecology

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Lincolns BBP

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) (1)
- Reported Nov 27, 2025 09:55 by Heather Wolf
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S286364345
- Comments: "Sparrow with thin, dainty streaking on breast and peachy cinnamon wash on upper breast. Pier 2 uplands."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Thanksgiving greetings

The Kingsboider wishes everyone Happy Thanksgiving 🦃.

May your day be festive, enjoyable and time well spent with family ,friends or birds. 🙏

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Treves BBG Chklist

Note BH Vireo and late yellow warbler

https://ebird.org/checklist/S286226115

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Lincolns at BBP Pier 2

Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) (1)
- Reported Nov 25, 2025 08:45 by Catherine Quayle
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S286094642
- Comments: "Pier 2 uplands. Eye ring, gray face, some buffiness on malar stripes. Faint, thin streaking across breast and sides."

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Winter Finch Forecast Update - FINCH RESEARCH NETWORK

https://finchnetwork.org/here-come-the-finches

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

its a whole new ballgame! Prospect feeders are up

  Its a new season... Enjoy!

( please as a rule never enter the premises beyond the fence..If anything is amiss, send me an email or contact Brooklyn Bird Club webpage...)

as always , donations welcome ( and thanks to Steve Nanz for his seed and suet gift to start off)

-kb

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Ash throated FC at Bush Terminal park

Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) (1)
- Reported Nov 23, 2025 11:15 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/checklist/S285820140
- Comments: "Rufous patches on wing, crest, no eyering, a little smaller than great crested in terms of size"

Reported feeding along a fenceline

Specifically (40.6537138, -74.0207586)

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

My golden year concludes

In a fun way to celebrate my golden anniversary this year, pursuing  bird species with "gold" in their names, I set out to find 8 of them on Brooklyn Bird Club theme walks. Yesterday's walk for American Goldfinch was the last one and it ended well. I got the boid.

The day didn't look good due to the rain. Nevertheless, I had faith I'll find my goldfinch.With three of us in happy pursuit, it was Sameer who hit paydirt. When we arrived at the Esdale Bridge, Sameer heard the species.Well ,at least we have it. It was only moments later, Sameer spotted them--20 of them! The flock was feeding right above us ,on birch seeds just before the Rocky Pass fork juncture.

I'm indebted  to owning Sameer a beer now one of these days in gratitude .

Of my 8 happy pursuits beginning in January , I achieved 4 successful ventures.That means as my friend Ryan puts it: I'm batting .500 -- better than Ted Williams!

Here were the year's discoveries: Common Goldeneye in February at Floyd Bennett; Golden crowned kinglet in March at Prospect Park; Golden Swamp Warbler (the old name for Prothonotary Warbler ) on the May overnight to NJ Michael Huber Prairie Woods Preserve; and yesterday's American Goldfinch.

The misses :January's Barrow Goldeneye ( That i missed by one location ,the trip shortened and called due to high winds on LI north shore); Golden winged Warbler in Sterling Forest; American Golden Plover at the NJ sod farms and Golden Eagle on the overnight Hawk Mountain last month.

Nature plays her own cards, we're at her mercy. It's lucky I found 4 species! Nevertheless,  despite the misses we found other good birds on these trips.For example: Red headed woodpecker at Sunken meadow state Park and last month's  Mega rarity Lecontes Sparrow in Alpha Grasslands in the least  likely locale I was only going to spent "no more than 20 minutes". That's the beauty of nature. 

So, I'm going to take this Golden opportunity to thank everyone for helping me get my targets-- seen or missed --and i had a ball of it looking for them. It was indeed a celebration of birding and the people who took part in those trips and walks.. Now I'm looking forward to my 100th year birds in the future. Stick around!🐦🦅🦉🦩🦃🪶🦚

--the Kingsboider😎

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Evening Grosbeak - Species Map - eBird

https://ebird.org/map/evegro 

Less than 5 records is prospects total history,  last sighting in April 2023 after today's Maryland monument observation.

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert - **EVENING GROSBEAK at Maryland monument

bird."

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 10:16 by John Huggard
- 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/checklist/S285641179
- Comments: "Female.  Great views  Maryland monument"

Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 10:02 by Radka Osickova
- 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/checklist/S285638146
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Large finch, Female, grayish with white wings. A small group of us stayed after the beginners walk; lucky us!"
 

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Warbs Around the nabe

Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 09:58 by Ryan Treves
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S285604097
- Comments: "Continuing in japanese garden"

Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 10:00 by Catherine Quayle
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6996104,-73.9973745&ll=40.6996104,-73.9973745
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S285619575
- Comments: "Continuing in pier 2 water park."

Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 11:39 by Nick Dawson
- 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/checklist/S285619389
- Comments: "Late. Poor photos."

Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 22, 2025 10:35 by Linda Ewing
- 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/checklist/S285628767
- Comments: "Late. Gray head, white eye ring, bright yellow breast; foraging in plantings behind Lefrak (path leading up from arbor/trellis)"

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

The conclusion to a golden year: American Goldfinch claims Prospect Park as Lucky “Golden Bird” #8 in a celebratory year November 22

Leader : Peter Dorosh. 

With Sameer and Nolan

https://ebird.org/checklist/S285664015

My conclusion to my golden year , achieving success with American Goldfinch ,the 8th and final gold bird. Thanks to Sameer hearing and spotting 20 goldfinches low over the path just before the Rocky Park fork..

"Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize."

Mary Ann Evans ( pen name George Eliot) 18th c author














   

Late warblers

Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2025 10:58 by Indigo Goodson
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6680222,-73.96367&ll=40.6680222,-73.96367
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S285487673
- Comments: "Late"

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) (1)
- Reported Nov 21, 2025 08:29 by Maha Katnani
- 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/checklist/S285484003
- Comments: "Heard but not seen between hammerhead and 3 sisters where one used to be earlier. Forrest Wickham had it there too."

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky














   

cool article about Greenwood Cemetery with reference to Brooklyn Bird Club.

https://www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-life/green-wood-cemetery-urban-grasslands-native-plants/

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Grasshopper sparrow continuing at BTPP + Nashville Warbler at GWC

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (1)
- Reported Nov 20, 2025 09:36 by Chris Miller
- 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/checklist/S285311287
- Comments: "Continuing bird found by Richard. *photo to come."

Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla) (1)
- Reported Nov 20, 2025 08:04 by Adam Subel
- 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/checklist/S285313233
- Comments: "Continuing wildflower meadow. With orange crowned. Will add photos"

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky














   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare alert **Grasshopper sparrow at BTPP

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) (1)
- Reported Nov 19, 2025 15:21 by MCHL ____
- 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/checklist/S285227936
- Comments: "Great find by Richard F! Delicate sparrow with dark striped back, ochre tinge to chest and face. 

Also

https://ebird.org/checklist/S285247553

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

fascinating read

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/18/climate/washington-birds-habitat-health.html?unlocked_article_code=1.2U8.icvu.UJVYGeTnvsiw&smid=url-share

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Flyover Cackling Goose Cobble Hill section

Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) (1)
- Reported Nov 18, 2025 14:45 by E R
- Congress Street, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6891943,-73.9969754&ll=40.6891943,-73.9969754
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S285101468
- Media: 4 Photos
- Comments: "Went back and forth a bit on this bird -- it popped out super obviously as smaller than the others when this flock flew by in front me westbound, giving prolonged views. Shorter neck also stood out. Looking at photos, the head looks blockier/squarish, forehead to bill angle looks steeper, and white cheek patch seems to curl up around the eye more like a Cackling. Bill doesn't quite look "stubby" enough, which gives me pause, but it is clearly shorter when I compare to the birds on either side. Body also looks smaller. I am open to revising this back to a slash or other, though!

--

" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Juncos everywhere

Currently Im seeing the Western Nethermead filled with juncos lots of them on the lawn..

Pretty cool ...

"I hope I can be the autumn leaf, who looked at the sky and lived. And when it was time to leave, gracefully it knew life was a gift." — Dodinsky














   

Fwd: Two hundred fifty miles and counting…

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Natural Areas Conservancy <info@naturalareasnyc.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 18, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Subject: Two hundred fifty miles and counting…

Access to nature is a fundamental right.

͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌    ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

We believe access to nature is a fundamental right. The Natural Areas Conservancy celebrated the completion of New York City's 250-mile trail network in June. With volunteers, community members, and partners, we:  🗺️ Installed 10,000 blazes to aid wayfinding 🔨 Built 59 trail structures to improve safety and accessibility  🤝 Engaged 600 volunteers who logged over 3,100 hours to boost forest health 💡 Launched a campaign to improve awareness of NYC's nature trails Celebrate 250 miles—Give $250 Today! It's been five years since we launched the Strategic Trails Plan for New York City, and that milestone feels more important than ever. Now everyone can explore a world-class trail system without leaving the five boroughs! This effort was made possible by over 150 dedicated volunteers – our Pathkeepers – alongside our partners at NYC Parks. Together, we've nurtured these spaces so that New Yorkers can access nature and build community in one of the world's busiest cities. Our work doesn't stop here. Give now to help us blaze a bold path forward and ensure these 250 miles of trails remain accessible and vibrant for generations to come. Thank you for being a part of this journey. See you on the trails! Donate to Support NYC Trails View in browser Copyright (C) 2025 Natural Areas Conservancy. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Natural Areas Conservancy 1 Whitehall Street 17th Floor New York, NY 10004 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe