Wednesday, February 25, 2026

LBBGULL at btpp

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:15 by Richard Fleming
- 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/S303822686
- Comments: "Basic-plumaged adult on ruined jetty. Photos WBA"


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Long Continuing prospect conm mergs

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (4)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 09:50 by Trevor Williams
- 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/S303778448
- Comments: "Multiple males seen near Peristyle south side of Prospect Lake. Dark black/green head with thin red hooked bill."


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Red headed woodpecker flyover Bed Stuy

Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 25, 2026 11:20 by Austin Johnson
- home, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.69072,-73.939768&ll=40.69072,-73.939768
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303777107
- Comments: "rare! and a patch bird for me. bright adult with clean white belly and boldly defined red head, white wing patches on trailing edge of wing along the body. silent but low flyover with classic bouncy woodpecker gait, failed to relocate but the bird is surely still local, will try again later."



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

LBBGULL in prospect

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:49 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/S303572039
- Media: 7 Photos
- Comments: "Stood out amongst ring-billed gulls. The bird struck me as odd, but I presumed it was a Herring Gull. My birding braintrust says it looks good for 1st Winter Lesser. Images for review."


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Excellent article about the Great Backyard bird count profiling Tina Alleva leading the Brooklyn Bird Club.


Kudos to Tina !

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24022026/todays-climate-great-backyard-bird-count-community-science/


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Iceland gull BATP4

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 12:04 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/S303556088
- Comments: "cont 1cyc"


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Bald eagle at BTPP

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 08:40 by Adam Subel
- 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/S303515477
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Close to full adult plumage, but some mottled white in the wings. Will add a photo"


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Swainsons hawk continues at Sims

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 24, 2026 11:02 by Marleny Rafferty
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303515329
- Comments: "Photos to come"


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Monday, February 23, 2026

First of season local woodcock


The early bird is back.

An American Woodcock hid out in Prospect Parks Lullwater before it flew upwards towards a birder named Lane today. It landed on the ice for a few moments before taking off

This is quite an early bird, easier to see of course with a snowy backdrop ( but bad timing unless the storm bought it down most likely 

Years ago it was the same scenario with a snowstorm that created a landfall of woodcocks ..I found at least 20.Greenwood Cemetery the same time had over 30 inside its 4th avenue tunnel that runs under 5th Ave..

Be on the lookout.


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Continuing PP Comm Mergs

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (6)
- Reported Feb 23, 2026 14:37 by Jennifer Shirk
- 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/S303329643
- Comments: "On edge of ice, some in water, others on ice. Fully white on sides, dark head, narrow red bill."



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Barrows GoldenEye * at BTPP

Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 07:18 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/S302734388
- Media: 5 Photos
- Comments: "UPDATE (2/22/2026): Updating the ID to a Barrow's based on the input of someone who knows a lot better than me. This bird was drifting south when observed on 2/21, and was not seen again and maybe the same bird seen by Jeff G at Ceasar's Bay Bazaar (https://ebird.org/checklist/S297618460) ... which may also be the same bird seen by Terry VP in Gravesend Bay and PW at Calvert Vaux. N.B. When I visited Bush on 2/22, this individual was no longer present, so it's possible that it is a bird that's ranging widely on either side of the Verrazano.
- - -
Probably just a hen Common, but adding a few photos here just in case."



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Before the big snow ..

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 22, 2026 08:22 by Brett Graham
- 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/S303028713
- Comments: "SE Prospect Lake. In unfrozen water. Among shovelers and mallards. Continue from yesterday."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 22, 2026 10:33 by Anonymous eBirder
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S303030672
- Comments: "Continuing. Looking west, perched on the light fixture attached to the building on left."


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Saturday, February 21, 2026

More local Rarities including Swainsons hawk


Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:11 by Corey Finger
- 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/S302743096

- Comments: "Poor photos."

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:45 by Al Duvall
- Penny Bridge, Newtown Creek, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7281443,-73.9322459&ll=40.7281443,-73.9322459
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302771596
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Male, continuing alongside Greater Scaup. Photos. Rusty head with sloping forehead. White wings and back."


Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:11 by Corey Finger
- 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/S302743096
- Comments: "Poor photos."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:24 by Will D
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302755873
- Comments: "Perched on conduit beneath row of pigeons that are on the roof of the recycling plant"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:20 by Sameer Ajmani
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302764812
- Comments: "Continuing. Perched inside the opening of the building. Dark brown mantle, head, and neck down to the upper chest. Orange lower breast and belly, white throat and undertail."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:04 by Angela Panetta
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302750990
- Comments: "Continuing"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 12:00 by Slim Jim McManus
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302754396
- Comments: "Dark bib, white face"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:57 by Nate L-S
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302758725
- Comments: "Back again! Photos"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 11:27 by Hazel Court
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302768580
- Comments: "Bad photo. Continuing red and black-bibbed long tailed hawk. Saw with a crowd of other birders. Perched just under the large building opening on some kind of conduit between two industrial light fixtures."

***********


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert multiple reports




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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Sat, Feb 21, 2026, 11:36 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Common Merganser (4 reports)
- Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (1 report)
- Swainson's Hawk (3 reports)

---------------------------------------------
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.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by D K
- 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/S302728823
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Ant Tab
- 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/S302728814
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Joe Weisbord
- 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/S302728821
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 10:24 by Forrest Wickman
- 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/S302728812
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, and genuinely unexpected for this location, where Red-Breasted Mergansers are way, way more likely, but Commons have been scattered around lately, presumably in connection with the freezes. Flyby male headed north up into the bay, with long reddish orange bill and clean white underside (ruling out RBME) neatly set off from all green head, with no red breast in between. Seen by a few of us who all agreed on the ID but it vanished around the corner before any of us could get photos."

Iceland Gull (kumlieni/glaucoides) (Larus glaucoides kumlieni/glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 08:15 by Elle Auklet
- South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6603108,-74.0112605&ll=40.6603108,-74.0112605
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302710088
- Comments: "All-white gull with narrow wings and black bill. Looks to be a 1st winter individual."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:53 by Corey Finger
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302723537
- Comments: "Continuing. Poorly phonescoped. Mob."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:41 by D K
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302709609
- Comments: "Welcome back, my friend."

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 21, 2026 09:41 by Joe Weisbord
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302709608
- Comments: "Welcome back, my friend."

***********

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

Manage your eBird alert subscriptions:
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eBird Alerts provide recent reports of regionally or seasonally rare species (Rarities Alerts) or species you have not yet observed (Needs Alerts) in your region of interest; both Accepted and Unreviewed observations are included. Some reports may be from private property or inaccessible to the general public. It is the responsibility of every eBirder to be aware of and respectful of access restrictions. For more information, see our Terms of Use: https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/terms-of-use/

Huggard Prospect chklist




Note flock common Mergansers 


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Natural habitats

 

The "ugly" brush pile in your corner is saving lives.


Right now — late February — here's who's using it:


🐰 RABBITS

Building nests for babies due in 2-3 weeks.

The pile is predator-proof shelter.


🐦 SPARROWS & WRENS

Roosting inside at night.

Surviving single-digit temps because of your "mess."


🦨 SKUNKS

Maybe denning at the base.

Yes, that's why you smell them.


🐿️ CHIPMUNKS

Still in torpor, but the pile protects their burrow entrance.


🐛 INSECTS

Overwintering in the decay.

These become bird food in spring.


🐍 SNAKES (in a few weeks)

Will emerge from hibernation and shelter here.


WHAT YOU SEE: A pile of sticks and branches that looks messy.

WHAT WILDLIFE SEES: An apartment complex with security.


IF YOU REMOVE IT NOW:

- You evict pregnant rabbits

- You expose roosting birds to predators

- You destroy overwintering insects

- You eliminate spring shelter for emerging reptiles


LEAVE IT UNTIL LATE MAY.

Or better yet — leave it forever.


Brush piles are habitat.

Not mess.


#BrushPile #WildlifeHabitat #LeaveTheMess #BackyardEcosystem

Friday, February 20, 2026

Swainsons. Continuing at rainy Sims

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 10:47 by Richard Haimes
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302463576
- Comments: "Continuing. Large hawk photos"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 15:26 by William Paquin
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302514822
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "Flew from water past crane and off towards the highway.  Larger than gulls, broad buteo like wings lighter front of wings, darker head then chest with slender body,  poor photos"

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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Glaucous Gull also at Sims & BATP4

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 11:49 by Doug Gochfeld
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302485713
- Comments: "*presumably the continuing wintering local. Large all white immature gull sitting on the water in the channel towards Columbia St. Pier. Seen in direct comparison to a young Herring Gull, and it looked comparable in dimensions and heft. After about a minute, it took off circled low, and flew SW and out of sight behind the recycling center."

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 20, 2026 10:11 by Richard Haimes
- 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/S302463587
- Comments: "Large white gull with dark black and pink bill. On stack pipe  by Hugh’s Barge to the north."



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Thursday, February 19, 2026

BATP4 Glaucous Gull continuing

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 09:55 by Linda Ewing
- 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/S302238563
- Comments: "On pier just north of BAT, hanging on barge-like structure (labeled "Hughes") with other gulls. Ann and Dave were on it and pointed it out. Even with head tucked, it stood out for its pale, creamy plumage. It untucked long enough for a good scope view of its bill, which was mostly pink with a black tip. I was initially puzzled by its size - it didn't look sufficiently big and menacing, instead appearing similar in size/shape to surrounding Herrings - but when it finally took flight (briefly) it was impressively big and beefy."



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

iceland thayers gull at sims recycling

Iceland Gull (Thayer's) (Larus glaucoides thayeri) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 09:15 by Austin Johnson
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302211843
- Comments: "hello old friend! (details and photos later)"



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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

40°39'39.4"N 74°00'17.5"W

https://goo.gl/maps/GYH6Mr6PhE2R8Gxh8?g_st=am

Swainsons Hawk pin location from today at Sims a recycling plant


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Feb 19th offerings




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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <ebird-alert@birds.cornell.edu>
Date: Thu, Feb 19, 2026, 9:19 AM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>


*** Species Summary:

- Common Merganser (1 report)
- Glaucous Gull (1 report)
- Iceland Gull (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.

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (2)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 06:58 by Asher Fusco
- 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/S302168215
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "Continuing. Two males in the open water adjacent to Three Sisters. Photos."

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 08:05 by jules w
- 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/S302156831
- Media: 3 Photos
- Comments: "continuing fella saying hi on my commute. noticeably massive compared to the herrings on the railing with him. pics from da boat"

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 19, 2026 08:46 by Jeff G
- 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/S302172003
- Comments: "Photos"

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Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Common mergs pplake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (5)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 11:20 by Chris Miller
- 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/S302017863
- Comments: "Long mostly white ducks with green heads and reddish bills. Continuing males in open water on the lake near east side of 3 sisters.


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Canvasback east river

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) (1)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 07:33 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/S301932476
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "Continuing. Near Penny Bridge. Pictures."


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

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Sims SWAINSON hawk**

Swainsons hawk continues at sims  recycling..see previous post details


Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 12:45 by Ryan Mandelbaum
- 27th St, New York US-NY (40.6593,-73.9992), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.659315,-73.999218&ll=40.659315,-73.999218
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302017295
- Comments: "continuing individual who has returned since childhood to the same exact perch at the recycling center, now an adult. Brown hawk with hooded look and very long wings, was not present when i first arrived but then returned to its usual perch after a few minutes, heralded by an explosion of scared starlings. thanks nick for lending me optics, which i forgot at home, and thanks MCHL for diligently keeping lookout and alerting us of the bird's inevitable return"


Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1) CONFIRMED
- Reported Feb 18, 2026 12:15 by Maureen Matthews
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S302050149
- Comments: "Continuing, the 4th year visiting this site. Large brownish hawk with dark chest band. After rooftop perching for a while, it took off and circled around while being harassed by a crow, showing the long wings and pointed wing tips. Much thanks to ND and RM for locating today!
"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!"

-- Thomas Wentworth Higginson














   

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

SWAINSON HAWK ** returns to Sims Recycling

Mike Silber reported today the return of the Swainsons Hawk likely in its 4th year gracing the Sims Recycling plant along 1st avenue by 32th?

According to Casey Ferio there,the vagrant hawk is perched on a building,a grayish structure with girders at the northwest corner,seen from 29th St and 2nd avenue.

See reports below

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 13:49 by jules w
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301792871
- Media: 2 Photos
- Comments: "tall but slender guy reported by michael & casey &#x1faf6;&#x1f3fb;  winter rarity returning several years in a row apparently! in a standoff with the RTHA…friends? lovers? foes? perhaps all of the above? been there. or maybe they both just love to recycle. terrible pics but promise hes there :) two neighborhood lifers in one day woohoo!!!"

Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 12:51 by Casey Ferio
- Sims Municipal Recycling (restricted access), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.6624882,-74.0090782&ll=40.6624882,-74.0090782
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S301786032
- Media: 1 Photo
- Comments: "***returning mega, found again by Michael Silber from inside Greenwood Cemetery for the fourth straight winter - accounting for all four Brooklyn records. Michael had recently mentioned that this bird appears on or within a few days of the same date, and that said date was approaching. When I arrived the bird was atop its rightful throne, a gray girdered building at the back of the recycling station, providing a very different impression than that of the red-tailed hawk perched nearby - a large but very slim, falconine Buteo, with very long primaries projecting to or beyond the tail. Slightly smaller than the red-tailed hawk nearby. The recycling center was verrrry busy, so I was careful not to overstay my welcome, but I did put the scope on it to appreciate its plumage, even though it was facing straight away from me - now a full-on adult after showing up as a first winter juvenile, it has a nice rufousy wash on the mantle and a bright white patch at the base of the bill. Returning rarities are a special joy, but considering this species winters in the tropics and beyond, this one is particularly improbable - why is it so intent on returning to the same building? Where is it going during the summer? Ahhh, somebody put a GPS tag on this bird. I love the Brooklyn Swainson’s hawk, but I question all of its life choices. FYI - in prior years employees at the recycling center have been very amicable towards birders, and knew the name of the bird everyone was coming to see. Please be mindful when visiting this location - it’s a very active zone with lots of trucks coming in and out, make sure you aren’t blocking anybody if you park a car and don’t go beyond the Freshdirect crossdock. Photos"




"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 early Eastern Phoebe in BBG

Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 10:10 by Brad Mielke
- 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/S301737443
- Comments: "In bush near ground next to some feeders - very close and easy to ID." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert 10 CommMergs on PPLake

Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) (10)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 07:59 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/S301717646
- Comments: "Flagged as rare, but more or less expected in the park this time of year. Unusually high numbers though: Nine males, one female, all in the small (but growing) patch of open water on the south side of the lake. More photos available." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Nelson's Gull at BTPP

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid) (Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus) (1)
- Reported Feb 16, 2026 13:45 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/S301613240
- Media: 6 Photos
- Comments: "Initially reported as Glaucous Gull, due to partial views that were indiciative of GLGU. (See firsrt three photos.)

Edit: Later views, which I initially thought were of a different bird, strongly indicated this was Nelson's Gull, so now listing as such." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

[eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert Red necked grebe at BATP4

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) (1)
- Reported Feb 17, 2026 07:51 by Corey Finger
- 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/S301691920
- Comments: "Photographed." 

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

                                                                            --Carl Sagan

Monday, February 16, 2026

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

Sunday, February 15, 2026

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.


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














   

Saturday, February 14, 2026

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