Prospect duck migration

Yesterday's impressive Ring necked Duck display was supplanted by today's Wood Duck show of force. Linda Ewing observed the good sighting on the Lake.

A tweet from Linda around 9 am revealed the Woods outnumbering the Ring necks. 20 WOOD DUCKS were seen near the Three Sisters island, besting only 5 RINGNECKED DUCKS for today.

Let those ducks keep coming!

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 8:34 AM on Wed, Feb 21, 2018:
Only 5 ring necked drakes seen so far, but...at least 20 wood ducks Prospect Lake by 3 sisters. #birdbk via @lke313
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/966305077966376961?s=03)

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Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 8:34 AM on Wed, Feb 21, 2018:
Only 5 ring necked drakes seen so far, but...at least 20 wood ducks Prospect Lake by 3 sisters. #birdbk via @lke313
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/966305077966376961?s=03)

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Duck passages

.

RING NECKED DUCKS decorated Prospect Lake after reports from Gus, and the LESSER SCAUP put in an excellent view as well. On top of that, a hen REDHEAD continues at Bush Terminal Park.Not a duck, but a good bird to see, HORNED GREBE mingled near the RingNecks.


I had to see for myself the Prospect Lake scenery. From my West island Rustic shelter viewing spot, I could see a gorgeous view of 13 drake RING NECKED DUCKS tightly together with good light upon them;it's a great duck to enjoy. Very similar to their color and profile, a LESSER SCAUP drake with its peaked head stayed calmly put at the eastern side of Three Sisters Islands in the middle of the Lake's southern side.

A drake WOOD DUCK hid along the south shore of Duck Island.

Tim Graves reported the continuing REDHEAD hen at Bush terminal Park today. Found yesterday by Richard Payne, its likely the first for the park there.

Its duck migration folks, enjoy it.

Update: Ring necked flock increased to 15  birds this late afternoon; Red breasted Merganser drake present as do the three Hooded Mergansers

Tweet from The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds)

The Kingsboider (@BBCKingsbirds) tweeted at 1:23 PM on Tue, Feb 20, 2018:
13 Ringnecked duck drakes now in SW sector prospect lake with horned Grebe. L .Scaup appears to be at 3 sis isls #birdbk
(https://twitter.com/BBCKingsbirds/status/966015462164303873?s=03)

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Ring necked Duck on Prospect Lake

Gus Keri reports 10 RING-NECKED DUCKS on Prospect Lake the past hour. Even better there is a single LESSER SCAUP with them.

more details later

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Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 9:44 AM on Tue, Feb 20, 2018:
The Redhead is still here at Bush terminal pier, at the entrance. Now. #birdbk via @BirdingGus https://t.co/g7hbLFlCFa
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/965960358937743360?s=03)

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Tweet from Richard Payne (@ricardocpayne)

Richard Payne (@ricardocpayne) tweeted at 0:52 PM on Mon, Feb 19, 2018:
Female redhead now at Bush terminal
(https://twitter.com/ricardocpayne/status/965645278995939328?s=03)

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Halftime Snapshot | GBBC

http://gbbc.birdcount.org/news/halftime-snapshot/

Monday last count day

Fwd: Widgeon

American WIGEON showing reddish tint behind eyes. Speculation of hybridization with EURASIAN??

Photo'd by Kathy

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: Kathleen Toomey <kathleentoomey@gmail.com>
To: Prosbird <Prosbird@aol.com>
Sent: Sun, Feb 18, 2018 08:11 PM
Subject: Widgeon
Sent from my iPad

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) weird looking wigeon

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 5:40 PM on Sun, Feb 18, 2018:
The Prospect Lake mystery wigeon #birdbk via @Ibirdsometimes https://t.co/wo25vqMxPx
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/965355415574925314?s=03)

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Fwd: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Feb 18, 2018

A unity of ducks settled into Prospect Lake today, an Olympian theme in a way as the magical ten species was observed.

I got out late,just before 2pm ,to enjoy the brilliance of sunshine and was rewarded for my motivation. I could see in the Lake's center originally 6 RING NECKED DUCKS--all drakes- joined by at the time I counted 5 HOODED MERGANSERS with my bins. Later closer looks bought up the number to 7 &6. That's the Spirit I say!

Along my pursuit,I happened to see the HORNED GREBE;it was diving in West Island cove where also I spotted the AMERICAN WIGEON pair. Later I thought I saw two Horneds,confirmed by Kathy Toomey as those birds were far from my western shore spot.Kathy also reported near the Grebes two BUFFLEHEADS,the tenth duck species on the lake.

As it is late February,spring is starting , when ducks begin to move north , often times staging their numbers.

I bet that sounds good to ears: "spring".

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Feb 18, 2018 3:46 PM
Subject: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Feb 18, 2018
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Prospect Park--Prospect Lake, Kings, New York, US
Feb 18, 2018 1:45 PM - 2:50 PM
Protocol: Traveling
2.0 mile(s)
15 species

Canada Goose  X
Wood Duck  1
Northern Shoveler  52
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  X
American Black Duck  1
Ring-necked Duck  7
Hooded Merganser  6
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  42
Horned Grebe  2
Great Blue Heron  1
American Coot  8
Ring-billed Gull  X
Herring Gull  X

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42942238

This report was generated automatically by the Great Backyard Bird Count (http://gbbc.birdcount.org)

Fwd: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 17, 2018

A very quiet day. Reports from Eni Falci chickadees, Carolina Wren and titmice at the Vale cashmere,none down in southern PP, or feeders . 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Feb 17, 2018 2:56 PM
Subject: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 17, 2018
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Feb 17, 2018 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.5 mile(s)
21 species

Canada Goose  136
Mute Swan  7
Northern Shoveler  31
Mallard  83
American Black Duck  1
Hooded Merganser  3
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  59
Red-tailed Hawk  1
American Coot  11
Ring-billed Gull  71
Herring Gull  5
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  2
Mourning Dove  10
Downy Woodpecker  1
Blue Jay  1
Northern Mockingbird  1
Red-winged Blackbird  15
House Finch  1
American Goldfinch  1
House Sparrow  11

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42888337

This report was generated automatically by the Great Backyard Bird Count (http://gbbc.birdcount.org)

Fwd: European goldfinch in prospect park

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-----Original Message-----
From: The Frumps <frumps@msn.com>
To: prosBird <prosBird@aol.com>
Sent: Sat, Feb 17, 2018 11:49 AM
Subject: European goldfinch in prospect park

Hi. Took these yesterday. 

Neal Frumkin

 

 

Do You Love Birds? Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count! - Farmers' Almanac

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Fwd: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 16, 2018

The low dim light of the rainy afternoon made it a challenge for me after I left work. But my desire to officially help Prospect get its first GBBC checklist was my goal.

The beautiful profile of the Drake Hooded Merganser wading by in the south Lullwater brightens the perspective. Also a continuation of the Red breasted Merganser gets it recorded.

Become a citizen scientist: count wherever you are.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-checklist@cornell.edu>
Date: Feb 16, 2018 5:55 PM
Subject: GBBC eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 16, 2018
To: <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Feb 16, 2018 3:30 PM - 5:20 PM
Protocol: Traveling
1.5 mile(s)
Comments:     Raining
17 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  264
Mute Swan  2
Northern Shoveler  55
Mallard  113
American Black Duck  4
Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)  2
Hooded Merganser  3
Red-breasted Merganser  1
Ruddy Duck  47
American Coot  9
Mourning Dove  1
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1
Downy Woodpecker  1
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
White-throated Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  3
Red-winged Blackbird  11
House Sparrow  9

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42855932

This report was generated automatically by the Great Backyard Bird Count (http://gbbc.birdcount.org)

GBBC | Great Backyard Bird Count

http://gbbc.birdcount.org/

The submit observations list on link

eBird Checklist – Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, US – Fri Feb 16, 2018 – 18 species

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42838239

The first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count

How to Take Part in the Great Backyard Bird Count - GBBC| Audubon. Starts Tomorrow ! ( Friday)

http://www.audubon.org/news/how-take-part-great-backyard-bird-count

Williamsburg ICGU continuing

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) (1)
- Reported Feb 13, 2018 08:38 by Alan V. Bacchiochi
- 1 North 3rd Street, New York, US (40.719, -73.966), Kings, New York
- Map: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=40.7190042,-73.9655755&ll=40.7190042,-73.9655755
- Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42740033
- Comments: "No photo; saw the gull flying north along the coast of the East River. Approximately same size as a herring gull. Steady and graceful wingbeats. Grey wings on top with white trim, white with some faint brown streaking underneath, yellow bill, some grey on top of

Cleanup contest: Local environmental groups to compete for Coney creek dumping fine • Brooklyn Daily

https://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2018/7/bn-coney-island-creek-cleanup-money-2018-02-16-bk.html

A premier winter duck spot for bklyn birders.

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 9:05 AM on Tue, Feb 13, 2018:
Yellow-rumped Warbler, #Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 3 Greenway Terrace. #birdbk via @heatherwolf https://t.co/ezNZLIy661
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/963413931556507648?s=03)

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Gloomy Monday morning mergs

A surprisingly chilly but heavy overcast Monday morning would have dimmed birding hopes. Yet a Merganser observation brightens the moment dissipating the air of moodiness.

As raindrops pelted my unprotected garments,I sought shelter at the West Island gazebo. I was surprised I was the only occupant. From my dry spot,I scanned the lake waters of Prospect. At first I almost passed the drab distant profiles of hen HOODED MERGANSERS; then the drakes appeared. Feeding along the phragmites of western Three Sisters island,all told,six "Hoodies" dove frequently there.

After awhile at my stand,I picked up a pair of American WIGEON,a distant hen BUFFLEHEAD and the usual suspects before picking up and going. ( Later the Hooded flock split into threes,to reside near Duck and Three Sisters Islands)

But there was another merganser. Along the west shore,something dove. And I thought all the ducks here are dabblers. It turns out when "diver" resurfaced, to be the RED BREASTED MERGANSER hen very close. I was wondering what's the deal here: drake one day,hen another,then once in awhile both.

I wound up with eight duck species, not bad for gloomy Monday.When the sun came out mid-afternoon and I wandered back out,I picked up the Drake WOOD DUCK ,trying to wade through the big bodies of Canada Geese ,roadblocks for the little guy.

A short visit to the feeders found minimal activity. Only a White breasted nuthatch was of note. But there's a subtle change though. Two White throated sparrows are sporting bright heads now,a head start for spring romance. So maybe that groundhog was wrong after all, spring is arriving early.

A last good bird before I exited the park turned out to be a hawk. Specifically,an adult COPPERS HAWK ,preening itself as it perched in the Sweetgums Grove between the gazebo and West Island. This is a preferable spot for me to stop for potential winter finches. They weren't there,no thanks to the handsome Coop.

Oh,Happy Birthday Abe.

https://ebird.org/view/checklist/email?subID=S42715853

Prospect lake

6 HOODED MERGANSERS hanging out near 3Sisters islands; hen BUFFLEHEAD by Duck Island

Fwd: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <ebird-alert@cornell.edu>
Date: Feb 11, 2018 1:50 PM
Subject: [eBird Alert] Kings County Rare Bird Alert <hourly>
To:
Cc:

*** Species Summary:

- Lesser Black-backed Gull (2 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2018 11:25 by Gus Keri
- 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/view/checklist/S42675347
- Media: 2 Photos

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) (1)
- Reported Feb 11, 2018 10:48 by Joshua Malbin
- 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/view/checklist/S42675930
- Comments: "Adult at BAT pier. Photos later."

***********

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Native Plants | Audubon

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Tweet from Rob Jett (@thecitybirder)

Rob Jett (@thecitybirder) tweeted at 0:10 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
Prospect Park's Black-headed Gull https://t.co/XlJztYHQJ2
(https://twitter.com/thecitybirder/status/962373215258587136?s=03)

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Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 10, 2018

BBC Presidential walk led by Dennis Hrehowsik

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Dennis Hrehowsik" <deepseagangster@gmail.com>
Date: Feb 10, 2018 7:36 PM
Subject: Fwd: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 10, 2018
To: "Peter Dorosh" <prosbird@gmail.com>
Cc:

Peter,

Ten birders met on a balmy February morning where highlights were continuing black headed Gull spotted today by Kathy Toomey. Confiding wood duck and wigeon near ladder 15. Chickadee and tufted titmouse which have been thin on the ground this winter. Five woodpecker sweep with sap sucker being spotted by Denise just as we were leaving park. 43 species total. 

Best,

Dennis 


Begin forwarded message:

From: ebird-checklist@cornell.edu
Date: February 10, 2018 at 7:28:27 PM EST
To: deepseagangster@gmail.com
Subject: eBird Report - Prospect Park, Feb 10, 2018

Prospect Park, Kings, New York, US
Feb 10, 2018 9:10 AM - 1:10 PM
Protocol: Traveling
3.0 mile(s)
43 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  100
Mute Swan  10
Wood Duck  1
Northern Shoveler  45
American Wigeon  2
Mallard  75
American Black Duck  2
Bufflehead  1
Ruddy Duck  18
Horned Grebe  1
Double-crested Cormorant  2
Cooper's Hawk  1
Sharp-shinned/Cooper's Hawk  1
Red-tailed Hawk  2
American Coot  8
Black-headed Gull  1     Continuing bird. Superficially similar to Bonaparte's. Elegant small Gull red legs and bill. Dark spot behind eye.
Ring-billed Gull  350
Herring Gull  50
Great Black-backed Gull  10
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon)  10
Mourning Dove  7
Red-bellied Woodpecker  2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  1
Downy Woodpecker  2
Hairy Woodpecker  2
Northern Flicker  1
Peregrine Falcon  1
Blue Jay  10
Fish Crow  1
Black-capped Chickadee  2
Tufted Titmouse  2
White-breasted Nuthatch  1
Brown Creeper  1
Golden-crowned Kinglet  2     Along lullwater near ice ladder 23.  Kinglets with yellow head stripe.
American Robin  7
European Starling  100
White-throated Sparrow  12
Song Sparrow  5
Swamp Sparrow  1
Northern Cardinal  8
House Finch  3
European Goldfinch  1
American Goldfinch  4
House Sparrow  15

View this checklist online at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S42658945

This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (http://ebird.org)

Tweet from Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds)

Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds) tweeted at 10:52 AM on Sun, Feb 11, 2018:
Adult LBBG at Brooklyn army terminal #birdbk https://t.co/nuaJvbgtaw
(https://twitter.com/JoshMalbinBirds/status/962715976725917696?s=03)

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Tweet from Michael Yuan (@themeowking) DRAKE CANVASBACKS

Michael Yuan (@themeowking) tweeted at 2:22 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
Espied from upon high, atop the Brooklyn Heights Promenade https://t.co/DS6j7FOM9w
(https://twitter.com/themeowking/status/962406330509266949?s=03)

Get the official Twitter app at https://twitter.com/download?s=13Dra

Tweet from Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds)

Joshua Malbin (@JoshMalbinBirds) tweeted at 1:48 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
Two drake Canvasbacks in BBP between piers 3 and 4. https://t.co/NYhW7ooxb1
(https://twitter.com/JoshMalbinBirds/status/962397912675377152?s=03)

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Prospects presidential birds

I joined Dennis' Prospect walk this morning and for a February date it was a pretty morning. We saw a few Rarities and the usual winter population one expects in mid Winter.

Birding along the Lake south shoreline,the first good bird appeared. Across the lake at the Peninsula shore, a  HORNED GREBE continues. This sighting soon followed by a circling PEREGRINE FALCON overhead,spotted by Dennis.

Getting closer to the sizable gull flock on the ice,Kathy spotted our best bird: BLACK HEADED GULL. It's the continuing immature,seen at the far western section of the lake. As the group got closer,the bird moved closer to Well Drive. Nevertheless the lighting was good and viewers succeeded with great looks through my scope.

When we ran into more birders at the west shore,the Black headed vanished. It wasn't until 1210 that it reappeared much to the satisfaction and relief of several patient birders waiting for its return.

A few notable ducks were  present on Prospect lake. WOOD DUCK drake,AMERICAN WIGEON pair & a hen BUFFLEHEAD hiding among the Ruddy Ducks finished off my productive list.

Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 0:21 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
Black-headed Gull and all its primary glory, Prospect Park West lakeside #birdbk via @themeowking https://t.co/i48HLFggT7
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/962376071697063936?s=03)

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Tweet from Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn)

Brooklyn Bird Alert (@BirdBrklyn) tweeted at 0:10 PM on Sat, Feb 10, 2018:
Black-headed Gull back on Prospect Park Lake #birdbk
(https://twitter.com/BirdBrklyn/status/962373120886738945?s=03)

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