On this Halloween holiday, I got my self a treat: the prospect Dickcissel.
After hearing and reading many reports of the Dickcissel , especially those sightings at the dog beach elm enclosure, I finally got myself one in the early afternoon. It wasn't the adult male but rather the 1st winter female . But that's ok, I'm fine with that..it's still a pretty sparrow.
I had to deposit some checks and draw cash at my park slope bank so it was sensible to pass through the park and try for the Dickcissel after reading a tweet about one at ballfield #3. When I arrived at the snow fence lining that field left side,I waited out hoping to get lucky Some juncos were present but I wanted the prize. So I walked along that snow fence to the right then back the other way. About 100 feet down I stopped and looked over the fence then thought look back behind me. I see a bird, perched on top of the snow fence. When I looked thru my bins, I saw the big conical blisih bill,very slight eye ring and palish checks and head , and I know I got my bird.
The Dickcissel cooperated because it was feeding on the grasses at the base of the fence and this allowed me a good ten minutes viewing..I was very lucky because the ballfield was crowded with Lisa and their families..a good bird and a very satisfying sighting.
A later report placed the Dickcissel in the new habitat on the west side of the tennis house .
Along the way homeward I did stop by the dog beach elm Grove - what's left of it- and spotted despite back light. Lincoln Sparrow.So a double treat for me today!
In other news , an American Woodcock was reported at Greenwood cemetery Fern and Atlantic Avenues.Common Raven did aerials over the main arch in greenwood.
Bald Eagle added excitement with a flyover prospect park towards park slope
Back in the park, an Orange crowned warbler appeared on the sparrow Bowl east of the tennis house . Pine Siskins flew over the Maryland monument, an ongoing irruption that's delighting birders .
And last, I was glad to pass by Prospect Lake and see the 3 Ring-necked Ducks that were reported on discord . Along with those three ducks were likewise Hooded Merganser hens among numerous Ruddy ducks . Pied billed grebe , northern shovelers and a low fly by Great Blue heron made my day a memorable Halloween 🎃 👻 🐈⬛ 🧛🧟😱
"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
— George Eliot
--
