Around the nabe

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 08:51 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/S301408602
- Comments: "Continuing-ish bird, loafing on the eastern end of the pier (the only part exposed at high tide). Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 11:26 by Julian Elman
- Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.647158,-73.9380945&ll=40.647158,-73.9380945
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301416605
- Comments: "Adult with white head and tail circling high to the NW, maybe above prospect."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 12:12 by Indigo K
- 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/S301456445
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "will attach photo". Lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 14:23 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/S301510358
- Comments: "Continuing around unfrozen section of lake, all drakes. Photos."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 07:16 by Greg Thornberg
- 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/S301290355
- Comments: "Continuing. White back, full red/brown head/breast with slanted face and bill."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Woodcock show...spring is coming!

  Floyd Bennett one of the best places,also jbwr at the visitors center, maybe marine park salt marsh center 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

GBBC Prospect walk by BBC Feb 15th

Leader Tina Alleva

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tina Alleva <>
Date: Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 1:38 PM
Subject: GBBC
To: Peter Dorosh 

Hi Peter,

We had a great walk today for the Great Backyard Bird Count with about 35 participants. I love this time of year when the resident birds start to sing again.

Highlight today was a low flying adult Red-shouldered hawk.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S301030442

Tina

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Prospect lake Common Mergansers staying put

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 15, 2026 09:40 by Jacob Turetsky
- 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/S300900917
- Comments: "all males, white body black heads bright orange bill, large. Mixed in with ducks,coots, and gulls on the open water patch on the main lake"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Iceland gulls stays at BATP4

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 14:04 by Tom Preston
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300678242
- Comments: "Continuing bird, on the pier with ring bills.  Size of Herring Gull, all black bill. Photos


Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 08:44 by Mary Beth Kooper
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300360163
- Comments: "First year bird with black bill. Photos"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

BTPP and BATP4 Glaucous Gull continuing

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 13:45 by Anonymous eBirder
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300594137
- Comments: "Continuing, very large full (a little bigger than near by herrings), pink legs, white wings, bill is black and pink"

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 12:54 by Nick Dawson
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300610041
- Comments: "An enormous white winged gull seen flying north from the pier toward Bush Terminal at 12:55 as we just walked in. I called it out and we both immediately knew that was the bird. Wasn't able to relocate on the pier so we went to Bush and found it there (see the other checklist for pics). Lifer for me (CG) on my fourth attempt"


Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 13:24 by Christine Gu
- 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/S300573821
- Comments: "We followed this gull to Bush after seeing it fly north from BAT Pier 4 at 12:55. Spotted on the ice near the rocks out from the southern part of the woods, an area it has been favoring. Huge all white gull with a bicolored bill. Left for BAT again and was spotted there around 2pm. Many pics taken!"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

COME Flock likes the lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 10:46 by Adam Subel
- 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/S300559367
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing drakes, photos"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 09:32 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/S300571439
- Comments: "A Group of 8 males together by three sisters"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 08:29 by Bennett Yates
- 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/S300591844
- Comments: "All males. Long red bill. Dark head. White body. On patch of water on the south side of the lake near sisters."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 14, 2026 12:26 by Birgitta RUBIN
- 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/checklist/S300593090
- Comments: "Continuing on the open are near three sisters"

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Join the Great Backyard Bird Count—for science! | Scientific American

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/join-the-great-backyard-bird-count-for-science/

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Around the nabe on Friday the 13th ( are you lucky?)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 12:30 by Parsley Steinweiss
- Penny Bridge, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.728089,-73.932269&ll=40.728089,-73.932269
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300091246
- Comments: "Continuing:) Bright white body with brownish red head. Mostly sleeping in the sun but popped its head up long enough to see its black sloped bill:)"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 12:30 by Michael  Lombardo
- Penny Bridge, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.728089,-73.932269&ll=40.728089,-73.932269
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300092374
- Comments: "Continuing:) Bright white body with brownish red head. Mostly sleeping in the sun but popped its head up long enough to see its black sloped bill:)"

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:52 by Austin Johnson
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300075924
- Comments: "if this is the same bird as last year then it continues to be the only glaucous gull i've seen! in large herring and great black backed flock north of the pier across the little bay. large white winged 2cyc bird with mottled messy brown splotching on belly and wings, touch of gray on mantle, large bicolored bill. photos"

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:52 by Austin Johnson
- Brooklyn Army Terminal Pier 4, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.646519,-74.026074&ll=40.646519,-74.026074
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S300075924
- Comments: "1cyc in gull flock at end of the pier right as i arrived. contently foraging on the cement and then snoozed for a bit. flushed for now apparent reason to an ice floe. always a good day when you get to see an icgu :)"

Iceland Gull (kumlieni) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:40 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/S300073854
- Comments: "On the ice beyond the 48th St pier, also swimming around. Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:40 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/S300073854
- Comments: "On the ice at the end of the 45th St pier, possibly the same 2cy individual I saw last time. Photos."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (2)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 10:34 by MCHL ____
- 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/S300147275
- Comments: "Pair circling together. One mature with white head and tail. Poorly photographed."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:00 by Gerrit Claas Hau
- 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/S300171633
- Comments: "Swimming with other waterfowl on the lake"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 13:54 by Susie Dippel
- 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/S300167215
- Comments: "Mature, brown body, white head and tail. Soaring high"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 11:00 by Gerrit Claas Hau
- 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/S300171633
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Flying high above the park"

Purple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 13:54 by Susie Dippel
- 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/S300167215
- Comments: "By frag near bees. Bright raspberry head and breast, colorful back."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

8 common mergs huggard report

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (8)
- Reported Feb 13, 2026 07:02 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/S299959083
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Drakes.  White body with dark green heads and red bills."

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2026 11:28 by Susie Dippel
- 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/S299829353
- Comments: "Continuing. Immature, mottled brown with a slightly white tail. Flying." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

A cool sight

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299830563

It's not often to see lots of Common Mergansers even though it's only 8 compared to other outlier locations, but heck for prospect it's grand.

A lovely winter day spurred me on to go out in the afternoon to prospect. Besides it was too late to go anywhere far so prospect had to do after morning tasks. With lots of snow on the ground and the lake 95% frozen, it was a good opportunity to see the lingering Common Mergansers. I saw eight..That's a good , erg ....a very good number. And remarkably they're all drakes! An unusual sight yet a great view within the only open water next to Three Sisters Islands east side.

Another notable observation I had was a Red tailed Hawk eating gull on the lakes middle,minding its business. Good.We need gull population reduction anyway.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback continues at Kosciuszko bridge🌉

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 12, 2026 14:34 by Rusty H
- 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/S299803377
- Comments: "Photo"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 13:55 by Greg Thornberg
- 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/S299396875
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Duck with full dark, redish head/neck. Swimming and diving in Newtown Creek along Mallards.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds.

Begins tomorrow,...

Great Backyard Bird Count – Join us each February when the world comes together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds. https://share.google/sNeThnBvy65ix1tc6

The 29th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place February 13–16, 2026. This4-day global, citizen-science event invites participants of all skill levels to watch, count, and report birds to help scientists monitor bird populations and migration patterns. Participants can join from anywhere, for as little as 15 minutes, using the eBird app or website or the Merlin Bird ID app. 

Key Details for GBBC 2026:

• Dates: Friday, February 13, to Monday, February 16, 2026.
• How to Participate: Count birds for at least 15 minutes at least once during the four days.
• Where: Anywhere—your backyard, local parks, or natural areas.
• Submission Tools: Use the eBird Mobile app, eBird website, or Merlin Bird ID app to submit data.
• Purpose: To track bird population trends and create a real-time snapshot of bird distribution.
• Tips: Free webinars are available to help beginners with bird identification. 

Participants are encouraged to share photos on social media using #GBBC. 

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback in BBP 🌉

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 10:25 by Maureen Matthews
- 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/S299595949
- Comments: "Female, swimming between Pier 5 and 6. Noticeably larger than the Black Ducks and Scaups. Long sloping head and beak, medium brown on the head and chest. Light brown and white mottled on the body. About a dozen other ducks in the waters at this time. Distant phone pic taken. Tried unsuccessfully to get a tape of its loud intermittent quacking. When I returned from checking out the Pier 6 waters, most of the ducks including the Canvasback were gone."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Common Mergansers by numbers

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 12:33 by Daniel Smith
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66575, -73.97126, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.66575,-73.971263&ll=40.66575,-73.971263
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299580967
- Comments: "Continuing presence"

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (7)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 12:25 by Matt Beck
- 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/checklist/S299581068
- Comments: "Seen by many,  photos of needed"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Canvasback in greenpoint

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2026 09:51 by Dom Webster
- 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/S299539948
- Comments: "Photo to be added. Right under the bridge seen clearly very close up"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Nice ducks up in greenpoint

Reported by Austin, Canvasback drake.. late two common goldeneyes

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299524002

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Duckpalooza prospect lake

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299524002

Note Forrest s good fortune seeing 4 common mergansers ,2 rarer red breasted mergansers and drake lesser scaup...

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Bald eagle over Evergreen

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 17:15 by Kaelan Woodward
- Cemetery of the Evergreens, Brooklyn, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6818476,-73.9015532&ll=40.6818476,-73.9015532
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299429428
- Comments: "Spotted flying overhead! Close and clear enough to unmistakably identify!"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

More COME

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 15:27 by Daniel Smith
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66575, -73.97126, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.66575,-73.971263&ll=40.66575,-73.971263
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299424677
- Comments: "Photos to follow"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Boathouse Rusty blackbird

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 10, 2026 12:11 by Ellis W
- 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/S299400136
- Comments: "Foraging with a flock of mallards at the water near the boathouse"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Bald eagle over BBP

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 09, 2026 10:00 by Matthew Wills
- Brooklyn Bridge Park, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.696095,-73.992607&ll=40.696095,-73.992607
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S299189227
- Comments: "Not quite mature; mostly white head and tai, over East River heading westwards." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

eBird Checklist - 9 Feb 2026 - Prospect Park - 26 species

https://ebird.org/checklist/S299174110 

Matthew's chklist reports Continuing  Common mergs and Rusty bb

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Ice floe eagle

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 09, 2026 07:46 by Sameer Ajmani
- 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/S299118643
- Comments: "Juvenile out on the river ice. Huge brown bird, hooked bill transitioning to yellow. Photos TBA.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Prospect lake common mergs up 1

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (3)
- Reported Feb 08, 2026 13:52 by Matthew Miller
- 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/checklist/S298974008
- Comments: "All males, with green heads and red bills. Distinct slender merganser shape and coloration. Swimming in the last patch of unfrozen water with many other birds

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

A cold walk for birds

Yesterday I needed a break from watching the Winter Olympics. So just for an hour or so going out in gusty arctic blasted cold, I went to my patch of woods, Prospect park.

Not wanting to spend too much time in challenging conditions, I set my target the pair of drake Common Mergansers seen next to 3 Sisters Islands. Trudging along on packed down bumpy snow,careful not to fall, I made my way to the viewing area on south shore. At first I didn't see the mergansers among the horde of Canada geese,despite their bright white plumages. But before long,I spotted one merganser; shortly afterwards, the second drake appeared .Furthermore, I was also delighted to see the drake Ring necked Duck very close to me,diving along the open water edge.In fact, given both species' wild disposition, both species were close ,a wonderful view I had. I thought I was satisfied, having accomplished my trip outdoors .

But then, I sort of got greedy.I thought about the American Tree Sparrow I haven't seen yet..So off I went since it was in a homeward direction for me, I headed for the Hammerhead .

While on the Hammerhead, I scoured carefully all the phragmites and recorded zilch. I even waited along the section by the pedestrian path when I saw a few cardinals and white white throated sparrows,hoping maybe the tree sparrow would accompany them,while I was getting buffeted by the strong winds. Then I had a hunch ,and that helped extended my search by heading for the sweetgum grove near the West Island rustic shelter.

From my search of the lake under the shelter, looking at the gulls was fruitless as the gulls were far off, I changed course and searched the phragmites there. 

Patience is a virtue and during my wait I spotted a few white throated sparrows feeding upon the sweetgum seeds on the ice within the phragmites. Even a single dark eyed junco showed up and I thought I was glad to see something . But before I decided to take off, I see a bird to my left- on the ice -come out of the phragmites and I got my mini nemesis bird : the American Tree Sparrow. It sure is a beaut, with the nice buffish flanks , and subtle rustic colors on its uppers, a welcome sight in this winter landscape 

I watched the Tree sparrow as long as I could ,mindful of my cold fingers in my cheep gloves. I was blessed getting at least 5 minutes looking at this handsome sparrow chasing seeds before it scampered back into the phragmites again. So from the Hammerhead to the shelter area, I realized now that birds fly 😂

Now I got to figure out how and when I can get that local Red- shouldered hawk..

-kb

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Amer tree sparrow

American tree sparrow with WT sparrows below sweetgum trees ,within phragmites just south of West Island rustic shelter Prospect lake southwest

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

GWC Bald eagle presence

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 07, 2026 08:09 by Elle Auklet
- 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/S298610028
- Comments: "Unmistakable. Large raptor with brown body, white head, and white tail. Will add photos."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

COME continues at PPLake 3 Sisters

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 07, 2026 08:00 by John Gavrity
- 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/S298588258
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "In open water east of Three Sisters. Photos."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

The beauty of dead tree snags

Note the multiple woodpecker holes.  dead trees harbor wood borers and other insects inside that offer critical food sources for winter birds ( like woodpeckers,nuthatches,creepers, especially titmice and chickadees among others)

🪶

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Photographer chases owl around field and refuses to stop. This is why we need to talk more about wildlife photography ethics | Digital Camera World

https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/photography/nature-and-wildlife-photography/photographer-chases-owl-around-field-and-refuses-to-stop-this-is-why-we-need-to-talk-more-about-wildlife-photography-ethics


Although not in NYC, good story 

Hence why there is a silent code among birders ( at least in brooklyn)....about owl locations.

Unfortunately bad behavior has consequences..

-kb

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Hammerhead american tree sparrow

One was reported by John H seen in the phragmites on west hammerhead which is opposite prospect lake west island.

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <bald eagles gwc

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2026 16:38 by Angela Panetta
- 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/S298476001
- Comments: "Adult perched"

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2026 12:31 by MCHL ____
- 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/S298473351
- Comments: "Distant, but massive bird. Large wings and significant head projection."

*********** 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Boathouse Rusty

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2026 09:20 by The Big Laskowski
- 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/S298436272
- Comments: "Continuing by boat house, yellow eye with rusty coloring, short tail and bill vs grackle."

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Come to prospect lake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 06, 2026 10:00 by Walter Somerville
- 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/S298440320
- Comments: "Males"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Prospect Canvasback details and photos

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author


Not seen today or this morning...😕

only the likely 14th record for Prospect Park

1958,1960,1989,1997,1998 *(2x) ,2007,2013,2015,2016,2017,2022,2024,2026

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2026, 9:05 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>

*** Species Summary:

- Canvasback (16 reports)
- Rusty Blackbird (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.

eBird encourages safe, responsible birding. Some reports may be from private property. Respect access restrictions and follow the rules wherever you bird. For more information, visit the eBird and Merlin Community Guidelines: https://ebird.org/community-guidelines. Stay connected to the global birding community with eBird Updates: https://mailchi.mp/cornell/ebird-updates-sign-up-page.

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 16:34 by Peter Paul
- 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/S298295209
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Pretty uncommon in the park these days. Long awaited park bird :) And apparently the first I've seen anywhere in the county in 7 years."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 16:20 by Sean Krepski
- 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/S298286928
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "First lifer of 2026!"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 15:20 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/checklist/S298307664
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Drake."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 14:30 by terry VP
- 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/S298299305
- Media: 1 Photo

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 14:00 by Ryan McGrady
- 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/S298278010

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 12:45 by Z .
- 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/S298278645
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Nice surprise crammed in the open water moshpit of the lake. Curious whether this might be the same one from last winter (Mid-Dec 2024)"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 12:11 by MCHL ____
- 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/S298258718
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing! Reported by Forrest W. this morning."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 12:03 by David S-
- 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/S298331181
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Lifer. Hat tip to Forrest Wickman for the alert!"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 11:30 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/S298267836

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 11:27 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/S298263664
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Thx Forest for the alert!"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 10:30 by Anonymous eBirder
- 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/S298240689

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 10:26 by E R
- 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/S298237800
- Comments: "Nice male, continuing by three sisters. Only my second in Brooklyn, after one here in 2022. Surprised it doesn't flag"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 08:50 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/S298248890
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Photos.  Male.  Spotted by another eagle-eyed birder whose name I didn't get (but thank you!) curled up behind a Mute Swan at Three Sisters near the little patch of open water.  We were discussing Redhead vs. Canvasback ID while waiting for it to reveal its head, and it looks like a redhead would have a darker back."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 08:19 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/S298228287
- Comments: "Rare in Brooklyn, though not flagged as such: This seems to be the first eBirded in Brooklyn since almost exactly a year ago. (Apparently they used to be more common.) Hanging around the small pool of open water just east of Three Sisters. Photos. Pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U319pXvaJpLAiKCm8?g_st=ic"

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 12:40 by Daniel Smith
- Prospect Park, New York US-NY 40.66575, -73.97126, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.66575,-73.971263&ll=40.66575,-73.971263
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S298266430

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 15:30 by Matt Beck
- 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/checklist/S298282524

Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) (1)
- Reported Feb 06, 2026 06:49 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/S298377292
- Comments: "Rusty blackbird bright eye.  Photo"

***********

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A canvasback visits prospect lake

A most surprising find this morning,Forrest W found a drake Canvasback in the vincinity of Three Sisters Islands, the central South shore islands on Prospect Lake.

Several people saw this rarity ,including one whose snapshot of the duck showed it very close to shore,sitting on ice with so little open water.

Really a out of the blue discovery, rare for kings county.

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Bald eagles over Gowanus...🦅

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 05, 2026 07:15 by matt bourke
- gowanus waterfront, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6623966,-73.9966309&ll=40.6623966,-73.9966309
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S298259234
- Comments: "immature , white  head and a tail, guessing maybe a 3rd or 4th year . still some dark immature feathers. flew north east from Gowanus Bay over my house heading towards Prospect Park"

"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it."

--John Burroughs, conservationist and author















   

Lesser black backed gull at BBP

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 04, 2026 15:44 by MCHL ____
- 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/S298137527
- Comments: "Medium sized gull with dark back and light head, spotted by Mike Y. in the water a bit past the Marina."

***********

--

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Bald eagles all over the place!

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 04, 2026 09:26 by Joseph Trezza
- 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/S298049445
- Comments: "Adult. Low flying between sylvan and valley."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (4)
- Reported Feb 04, 2026 10:17 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/S298061720
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Soaring overhead at the flatbush ave entrance."

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (2)
- Reported Feb 04, 2026 09:27 by Jeff G
- 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/S298106367
- Comments: "One adult one immature. Photos. First bird spotted by Josh M"

--Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 04, 2026 14:28 by Susie Dippel
- 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/S298134556
- Comments: "Adult, white head and tail."

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan