And from Humming-Bird to Eagle, the daily existence of every bird is a remote and bewitching mystery.
~Thomas Wentworth Higginson, "The Life of Birds," Out-door Papers, 1868
A newsboard for reporting bird sightings, happenings & announcements,miscellany in north Brooklyn and the 3 main central north Brooklyn green regions : historic Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden & north half of Kings County, & Greenwood Cemetery.A service for Brooklyn birders and visitors. Also note: Conservation issues & miscellany posts.
"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. ”
Camille Pissarro,19th c. artist, father of
Presenter: Tom Stephenson
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION: Brooklyn Heights Branch of Brooklyn Public Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West
Warblers are among the most beautiful birds in the world. In this talk, we’ll explore key identification points for these colorful migrants and walk through what to look for when you encounter a confusing species. You’ll learn a simple, step-by-step process to speed up identification, along with practical strategies that apply not only to warblers but to many other challenging birds. And of course, we’ll enjoy plenty of stunning photos of these remarkable creatures.
Tom Stephenson has been birding since he was a kid and is a leader for Brooklyn Bird Club walks. His articles and photographs are in many publications including Birding, Birdwatcher’s Digest, Handbook of the Birds of the World, Birds of Madagascar and Guide to the Birds of SE Brazil. He is the author of The Warbler Guide book and app. He is currently working on a new Comparison Guide to US Birds and a 3D app of US birds for Princeton University Press.
Dear BBC Member,
I am writing to share important information regarding the proposed construction of a large, poured-concrete skate park in Mount Prospect Park (the park on Eastern Parkway adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden) and to highlight key concerns that have been raised by community members and advocacy groups.
REMOVAL OF CURRENT HABITAT WITH 4 BASKETBALL COURT-SIZES OF CONCRETE
The current proposal would place a regional-scale skate facility directly on existing green parkland, replacing a significant portion of open, shaded space with concrete. This plan has generated widespread concern due to its environmental, social, and planning implications.
First and foremost, Mount Prospect Park serves as a vital green space in a borough that already has the least amount of green space per capita in New York City. Residents rely on this park for a wide range of activities—informal sports, picnics, dog walking, and unstructured play—particularly for families, seniors, and local daycares that lack access to private outdoor space. Preserving this flexible green area is essential for community well-being and accessibility.
INCREASED NOISE POLLUTION FOR BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDEN
INCREASED HEAT DOME FOR THE AREA
INCREASED WATER RUNOFF
Additionally, environmental concerns are central to the opposition. Replacing natural green space with concrete contributes to increased urban heat, worsens flooding and stormwater runoff, and undermines climate resilience efforts. At a time when New York City is already experiencing extreme heat and climate-related challenges, we believe that protecting and expanding green spaces should be a top priority.
Importantly, this issue is not about opposing skateboarding. We are not against the creation of new and improved skate facilities. However, we, along with other community members, advocate for a more balanced solution: investing in underutilized or already-paved areas nearby. Several alternative locations—such as existing skate parks in need of upgrades or large paved spaces within close proximity—have been identified as viable options that would allow for high-quality skate facilities without sacrificing green parkland.
WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU THINK IT IS BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN BROOKLYN
GO!
Go to Community Board 8's full board meeting in-person. Ask board members to vote against the plan!
Thursday April 9
6-8:30 PM
Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue
WRITE!
Email Brooklyn Community Board 8 to oppose the City's plan brooklyncb8@gmail.com
SHARE!
Spread the info on this damaging construction: how it puts the heart of the park behind barriers, harms trees, how it is so bad for the environment that the City has to get a special permit to pave -- and how it's being "spun" as an improvement when the City refuses free basic maintenance, etc. Share the FOMPP flyer!
TELL!
Ask Mayor Zohran Mamdani to oppose the plan! https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/contact-the-mayor
CONTACT!
Tell officials directing more than $11M of our public money to this construction project what you think:
Council Member Crystal Hudson
District35@council.nyc.gov
(718) 260-9191
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso
AskReynoso@brooklynbp.nyc.gov
(718) 802-3700
Council Member Shahana Hanif (continues to support "down payment" by former Council Member Brad Lander for this out-of-district construction project)
district39@council.nyc.gov
(718) 499-1090
Please visit https://www.friendsofmountprospectpark.org/ for more information.
Sincerely,
Dennis Hrehowsik
President, Brooklyn Bird Club
Hi:
I got a message about the community board meeting. I can’t find it and want to send a message of protest . Please send it again
Thanks
Lauree Mitchell
Sent from my iPhone
Meet at the Visitors Center near the entrance to Pier 1 at the corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1gWAWJqpWkPSHTnj6
7:15-9:15 am
No registration necessary.
Note: all walks posted on the Brooklyn Bird Club calendar
Video taken by Gus Keri forwarded to me by Erik.Great to see this despite the box on the ground .( Should be elevated)Note : on Twitter/ X Brooklyn Bird Alert--" Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot,the only home we've ever known"--Carl Sagan